Currently, there are so many ways you can use to improve your appearance. To maintain a healthy body and mind, nutritionists advise eating nutrient-dense foods, exercising, and keeping hydrated. But sometimes, even with the best of efforts, you may find that your appearance doesn’t look as it once did. Factors such as excess weight and advancement in age play a big role in how our skin looks. Saggy skin and excess fat, especially around the neck, can be a point of concern for many. There is hope for a better appearance if you decide to get a neck lift.
The Neck Lift
This cosmetic surgery aims to restore a youthful and smooth appearance to your neck. The plastic surgeon gets rid of excess fat and skin on your neck, throat, and even jawline, and this procedure tightens neck muscles and skin. A neck lift is a great option if you are looking for a longer-lasting solution to aging around the neck. This surgery also gives more natural results than alternative cosmetic solutions such as laser treatment, fillers, and Botox. The surgeon will make two incisions from one ear to the other through the chin. He will then suction any excess fat, trims the excess skin, and stitches up the rest.
Considerations Before Getting a Neck Lift
After weighing the options at your disposal, you may decide that a neck lift is the best solution for you. So what do you need to consider before getting a neck lift? Below we will go indepth about all you need to know.
- Your Eligibility
Even though you may want to get a neck lift, some instances can disqualify you as a potential candidate. This cosmetic procedure is ideal for people with a healthy body and mind who don’t smoke and have a realistic outlook on the results. During the initial consultation, the platysmaplasty surgeon will do a thorough check-up to determine your readiness to have the procedure done. If the surgery is done to remove excess skin and fat, you will need to have attained your desired weight. Subsequent weight loss may cause more saggy skin and ruin the outcome of the neck lift. Aspirin and anti-inflammation medication may lead to excessive bleeding when you get a neck lift. If you cannot do without these two medications, you are considered ineligible for the surgery.
- The Problem Areas
Most of the procedures done during a neck lift take about two hours and are done under local or general anesthesia. A neck lift will fix loose skin and muscle and excess fat. These three issues can be fixed either by cervicoplasty, platysmaplasty, or liposuction. Liposuction is a type of fat-removal procedure, learn more about how liposuction differs from similar procedures, and direct visualization will get rid of fat in the upper and lower platysma muscles. A platysmaplasty is aimed at fixing the separation between the neck muscles. The separation causes the softening of the jawline that results in a saggy outlook. Cervicoplasty solves saggy skin.
- The Cost
Most insurance covers do not cater to cosmetic surgeries. This means that you will have to be financially ready to do a neck lift surgery. You need to plan for both the surgery and any post-operation care you may require. There is also the medication you will need to recover that you will need to purchase. You should thoroughly consider all of these financial implications before you embark on the neck lift train. If you qualify, you may want to consider getting a mini neck lift instead of the full one as it is much cheaper. Be sure to ask what costs are covered in the fee you pay for the surgery and what additional costs you may incur.
- The Expectations
As with any surgery, it is important to acquaint yourself with what will happen before, during, and after the neck lift. The first meeting with your surgeon will outline the procedures to be done. You also learn how the procedure is done and the medication you will be on. Lastly, the doctor will explain the recovery process to you and any warning signs to look out for. Being familiar with what to expect will help you make a more informed decision on the best way to proceed. Expect to take some time off work and make changes in your diet.
- The Recovery
The estimated recovery time is usually close to two weeks. However, depending on your doctor’s advice and the procedures that were done, you may need more time. You also need to know what you need to do to hasten your recovery. The post-surgery bandages will normally be removed after three days. It is advisable to refrain from lifting heavy objects, bending over, and sleeping without head elevation.
- The Results
After all the work has been done, you need to ask about the expected results. The results of a good neck lift job should be able to reverse any signs of aging for a younger, fresher, looking neck. You must have realistic expectations for the neck lift surgery. Advancement in technology comes in handy to show realistic before and after results. Even though a neck lift doesn’t stop the aging process, your neck will look tight and firm for ten to fifteen years.
- Risks
As with all surgeries, certain complications come with getting a neck lift. The most common risks are swelling, itching, blood clots, and unexpected bleeding. There is also the risk of having unfavorable results and scarring. Be sure to ask your surgeon which signs should be addressed immediately, such as shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat, and which side effects you can handle at home.
The bottom line is that a neck lift can be life-changing. Always do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the surgery. It would be best if you also found a surgeon with good reviews.
