If you are bothered by a loose or jowly appearance around your neck, you might wish to consider a surgical solution that can restore the youthful contours of your neckline. Dr. Pedro M. Soler of Tampa, FL has had great success performing countless neck lifts on men and women who now look years younger thanks to this amazing procedure. Read on to learn more about what to expect during and after a surgical neck procedure.
What Happens When the Neck Is Recontoured
Unlike fillers, lasers, and thread lifts, which can be effective but only offer a temporary anti-aging solution, a surgical neck lift delivers results that can last for many years. During this procedure, fat is removed from under the chin, the muscles around the jawline are tightened, and the skin is lifted. In some cases, a small amount of skin might be removed. The end result is a defined and youthful neckline that makes patients appear many years younger.
Dr. Soler performs this surgery under general anesthesia, so there is absolutely no discomfort while the procedure is taking place. When you wake up, your neck and chin will be wrapped in an elastic sling or dressing, but any discomfort should be minimal. You may be prescribed a mild pain reliever to take during the days following surgery.
When You Begin To See Results
Patients can expect to see immediate results as soon as their dressing comes off, however it might take anywhere from two to four weeks to see the final outcome of the surgery. This is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. You will have several follow-up visits so that we can monitor your healing progress and assure you that your recovery is going according to schedule.
Once the area has healed completely, we may take “after” photos so that you can see the dramatic improvement compared to your “before” photos which were taken during your consultation.
What To Expect Post-Op
When your procedure is over, you will be asked to rest, avoid alcohol and certain medications, and care for your incision sites as per any directions that we provide. If you carefully follow your post-operative instructions, you should be feeling quite well within days. Of course, patients who undergo several procedures at once, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, and/or eyelid surgery, can expect a slightly longer recovery time.
How Long Do the Results of a Neck Lift Last?
A procedure like this that surgically tightens, tones, and lifts your neck will offer semi-permanent results. We say “semi-permanent” because there is no way to halt the aging process. What we can guarantee is that the results will last much longer than those achieved with non-invasive treatments.
Engaging in positive lifestyle habits can go a long way towards preserving your results. A combination of healthy diet, high-quality topical products, and occasional medical spa treatments can keep your neckline looking youthful for many years to come.
Knowing When It’s Time for Surgical Intervention
Perhaps you’ve already tried several non-invasive treatments on your neck, and while you were happy with the results, you now feel that it’s time to seek a more permanent solution. The reality is, if you have significant wrinkling, laxity, or fatty deposits in this part of the body, surgery is usually the only answer that will deliver dramatic results.
At What Age Should a Surgical Lift be Considered?
While most neck surgery candidates are over age 50, there are cases when this procedure is warranted at a younger age. For example, patients who have experienced significant weight loss can be left with loose skin around their neckline that can only be addressed with surgery.
For mature patients, there eventually comes a time when the body no longer produces enough collagen and elastin to maintain skin firmness. When this happens is largely determined by genetics, and no amount of healthy living can reverse the effects. Unfortunately, the neck is one of the first places on the body to show signs of aging, so the effects of collagen and elastin loss will likely first be seen here.
When the Main Concern Is Excess Fat
You might find that your neck is not necessarily sagging, but there are extra fatty deposits in this area that are bothering you. You may still be a good candidate for a surgical lift if you are not able to remedy this situation through diet, exercise, or non-invasive treatments.
Excess neck fat tends to be particularly stubborn and difficult to reduce through standard weight-loss methods. That’s because fat in this region tends to accumulate due to genetic predisposition as opposed to anything you might be doing wrong. For this reason, we often combine a neck lift with some light liposuction to trim up and smooth out this area.
Extending Your Results
You’ve decided that a neck lift is right for you, but you also want to know how you can make your results last as long as possible. As mentioned previously, the results of a surgical lift are “semi-permanent,” but there is certainly much that can be done to maintain the beautiful appearance of your new neckline for many years to come.
Using Topical Products
While topical products cannot do much to fix advanced signs of aging, once your neck has healed, they can be helpful in maintaining long-term results. Investing in thoroughly tested, high-quality products to moisturize and tone the skin will help to maintain the appearance of your neck after surgery. If you are unsure what products to use, our medical spa team can offer you some advice.
Maintaining Good Posture
Many people don’t think about the effect their posture has on their neck. If you are constantly stooped forward or spend considerable time looking down at a laptop or iPhone, this frequent bending of the neck can eventually cause permanent creasing. Being conscious of your movements can be very helpful in maintaining a smooth neckline.
Focusing on a Healthy Lifestyle
Do not underestimate the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle on your appearance. Excess sugar, sodium, and alcohol intake can all contribute to poor skin quality. Likewise, smoking can also be very damaging to the skin. Quitting smoking and focusing on a healthy diet that includes more water and less alcohol is highly recommended if you wish to maximize your skin’s health.
The Importance of Sunscreen
We all know that sun exposure is a primary cause of skin aging, so it makes sense to religiously apply sunscreen to the face and neck whenever you plan to be outside. Keep a small container of sunscreen in your purse or bag for those days when you end up being outdoors longer than planned.
Choosing the Right Medical Spa Treatments
Years after your neck lift, you might start to notice some signs of aging creeping back in. While you will not likely need another neck lift, you may wish to look at our menu of laser treatments and dermal fillers. There are many non-invasive options that can’t match surgical results but can still provide a noticeable boost to your appearance.
Can You Combine Neck Surgery with Other Procedures?
Combining neck contouring with facial procedures is commonly recommended for patients who have several aging or aesthetic concerns they wish to address. This is a safe, effective, and efficient way to get the overall results you are looking for in short order. Procedures that are commonly combined with neck surgery include a mid-facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or rhinoplasty.
Your options for combining various procedures can be discussed during your consultation. You will be advised that scheduling several procedures at once will increase the amount of time spent under general anesthesia, and will increase recovery time, however many patients feel that this is a small price to pay to get the exact results they are looking for while only having to prepare for one surgery.
Don’t Wait To Feel Young Again
If you feel ready to make a long-term investment in your appearance, contact us today at the office of Dr. Pedro M. Soler of Tampa, FL to schedule a consultation. We can answer any questions you have about neck or facial surgery, and help you decide if you wish to have this procedure done alone or in combination with other procedures. Dr. Soler is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been performing neck and facial surgeries for 22 years. He can help you achieve the results you are looking for.