Chances are the last thing you want your appearance compared to is a turkey — but, unfortunately, aging can result in developing a “turkey neck.” As you age, the skin around your face loses its elasticity and gravity begins to pull it downward. At the same time, your neck muscles will become lax. The result is often dangling skin around the chin that can give the appearance of a turkey neck. Many people find the appearance of the turkey neck to be devastating as it makes them feel old, and they feel it detracts from their appearance. Luckily, cosmetic surgery that provides a solution: the neck lift.
The goal of the neck lift procedure is two-fold. During the surgery, the doctor will remove excess fat and excess skin from the neck, and also alter the neck muscles in order to provide the patient with long-lasting results. Patients who opt to have a neck lift performed are thrilled with the results as they are dramatic and make a big difference in their appearance. The neck lift continues to rise in popularity.
This surgery can be completed by using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia on the patient, depending on what the patient prefers and the extent of the surgery. The surgery often begins with a liposuction procedure, where excess fat is removed. This eliminates the bands that have formed over time on the neck. After the fat has been removed from the neck through liposuction, your surgeon will begin to remove excess skin and reposition it on the neck. At this point, the surgeon will also alter the neck muscles if necessary in order to complete the procedure and provide patients with the best possible results.
It is necessary to understand that every patient is different, therefore, every neck lift procedure is different. Some patients simply have liposuction performed in the area and only need to have a little bit of their skin repositioned. Other patients have to have more extensive work done in order to achieve the results that they want. The recovery time for this surgery will vary based on the patient, the extent of the surgery and the patient’s medical background and personal history. Most patients can expect there to be some swelling and bruising following the procedure. For many patients, the swelling subsides within 10 days, but it can last longer if the surgery was more extensive.
Most Surgeons recommend that patients wear an elastic protective covering over the surgery site. This will help speed up the recovery process and minimize pain as well as swelling and bruising. Patients should keep their heads elevated at all times for at least 10 days following the operation.
