As people age the firmness and elasticity of the skin naturally changes. This often results in more noticeable sagging, wrinkling and drooping. It is particularly evident on the neck where the skin may seem to hang and be older looking than the skin on the face or the shoulders. To combat this unwelcome change, cosmetic surgeons can perform what is known as a neck lift.
A neck lift doesn’t just address sagging or excess skin in the neck area. It can also include liposuction to reduce pockets of neck fat that can be very resistant and stubborn to remove without this type of procedure. It is also possible to minimize or alter the long neck muscles that can appear to protrude or be asymmetrical in their appearance.
What to Expect
The first step in determining if you are a good candidate for a neck lift procedure starts with meeting your cosmetic surgeon. He or she will complete a medical history and will also need a complete listing of all prescription or non-prescription medications you may be taking.
Then, the surgeon will talk to you about your expectations for the neck lift surgery. Once approved as a candidate, the doctor will then discuss the procedure and provide information about the details of the process as well as healing and recovery times. Depending on the procedure, you may require general anesthesia or just local anesthesia and this can be a question to ask the cosmetic surgeon.
Liposuction involves very tiny incisions that are made around the areas of the fatty tissue. A small tube is inserted into the incision to allow the fatty tissue to be removed from the body. New laser technology may also be used to liquefy the fat cells resulting in even less healing and recovery time.
New types of neck lift surgery include much smaller incisions that have a shorter healing and recovery time. The small incisions are often hidden behind the ears or under the chin where they are very difficult to see.
Non-Surgical Options
To correct issues with banding or areas of wrinkles on the surface of the neck you may not need neck lift surgical procedures. Botox can be used to relax the underlying muscle, the platysma, which will eliminate the look of bands or rings around the neck.
Discuss with your doctor the goals and the look you want to achieve with your neck lift procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to determine which procedure will best meet your needs.
At Chicago Cosmetic Institute we can provide you with the latest in options for neck lift procedures. To learn more about our procedures visit us at chicagocosmeticinstitute.com. You can also find us on Facebook.