The neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging. For many people, their necks may even appear to be older than their faces, aging them prematurely. Vertical bands of skin and excess fat can sag and hang, causing the awful and often dreaded “turkey neck” effect. Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, leader of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, performs neck lift procedures for both men and women in and around Fernandina Beach, FL, and he will have you appearing rejuvenated and much younger looking in no time.
What Is A Neck Lift?
A platysmaplasty, more commonly known as a neck lift, is a procedure designed to refresh the skin on the neck by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the area’s muscles. Sagging pieces of skin beneath the jawline, commonly known as “jowls”, are reduced in appearance, as are the bands of skin and lax muscles that surround the neck. The procedure will leave you with a smoother and firmer jawline, with a lot more definition.
Neck lifts usually treat the following common issues:
- Bands around the neck
- Folds in the neck’s skin
- Neck fat and fat in the lower face
- Sagging and excess skin
- Turkey neck effect
The Neck Lift Procedure
The neck lift is a safe, outpatient cosmetic procedure that requires twilight or local anesthesia. As a result, you will be able to go home right away following treatment. Small incisions are made behind both ears, under the chin, or both regions. The neck muscles are then realigned and tightened, and excess fat and skin are trimmed off to give a more sleek appearance. The skin that remains is then tightened and lifted accordingly. After the incisions are sewn up with absorbable sutures, the doctor may apply a small dressing.
Neck Lift Recovery
You should not experience any more than mild swelling or bruising following the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to alleviate any discomfort. If you had a dressing applied during surgery, you should wait up to 48 hours before removing it. The sutures are usually removed within a week, and you should be able to resume normal activities at that time.
