Neck Lift in Birmingham AL

Neck Lift Candidates

In general, good candidates for a neck lift include:

• Healthy people who do not have medical conditions that impair healing.
• Non-smokers.
• People with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.

Other procedures that can be performed in conjunction with a neck lift include a brow lift and eyelid surgery.

The appearance of an aging neck can be treated with nonsurgical procedures such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser treatments and a new chin fat injectable that diminishes the double chin look. However, these nonsurgical options cannot achieve the same results as a neck lift.

Neck liposuction is a less invasive procedure useful for people with excess neck fat and good skin elasticity. These patients may require removal of neck fat only, without the need to trim away any excess skin.

Your Neck Lift Consultation

During your neck lift consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals.
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments.
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
• Previous surgeries.

Your neck lift surgeon will:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
• Discuss your rejuvenation options.
• Examine and measure your face.
• Take photographs for your medical records.
• Recommend a course of treatment.
• Discuss likely outcomes of a neck lift and any risks or potential complications.
• Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.
• Answer any questions you have about neck lifts.

Neck Lift Risks and Safety

Each patient must decide if the benefits of a neck lift will achieve their goals, and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks of a neck lift include:

• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding.
• Facial asymmetry.
• Fluid accumulation (hematoma).
• Infection.
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
• Persistent pain.
• Poor wound healing.
• Prolonged swelling.
• Rare nerve injury that could cause weakness of the lower lip.
• Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis with cardiac or pulmonary sequelae.
• Skin irregularities and discoloration.
• Skin loss.
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation and require removal.
• Temporary or permanent hair loss along the incisions.
• Unfavorable scarring.
• Unsatisfactory results which may require revisional surgery.

Neck lift risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all of your concerns about risks with your plastic surgeon. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Preparing for a Neck Lift

In preparing for neck lift surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the night before and morning of surgery.
• The use of anesthesia during your neck lift.
• Postoperative care and follow-up.

Neck lift procedures are performed at our accredited Outpatient Surgery Facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

Neck Lift Procedure

Neck lift surgery is performed using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.

Neck Lift Recovery

When your procedure is completed, a bandage may be gently placed around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be used to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. Following these instructions is essential to the success of your neck lift. The instructions may include:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains.
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection.
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
• When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

It's important to keep your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling and to keep your head straight with no excessive twisting or bending of the neck. Do not apply ice to the neck as this can compromise blood flow and result in skin death.

The surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the healing process. Also avoid wearing any clothing that must go over your head.

Neck Lift Results

The visible improvements of your neck lift will appear as swelling and bruising subside. It may take several weeks to months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature. The incision lines are usually well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the ear.

Your final neck lift results should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself. Life-long sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.