BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS - NECKLIFT

Set back the clock by improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying structures, and redraping the skin of the neck.

For some individuals, the neck begins to show age faster than the whole face and many times patients only need a necklift, rather than a full face lift. However, when a face lift is chosen and a necklift is included - these two together can complete the rejuvenation package. Sometimes, it isn't age that determines the need for a necklift, but rather having lost considerable weight or it may even be hereditary feature you'd like to remedy. In fact, many younger people undergo platysmaplasty. Many men and women who have undergone necklift are often thought to have "lost a lot of weight" or "toned up" rather than having had surgery

Jowls can form from fatty deposits at the jaw line and laxity in the muscles, the neck muscles may begin to separate and hang, creating "bands" and the skin may hang more that we'd like creating the "turkey waddle" look. If this is the case perhaps you'd like to further research the platysmaplasty procedure.

A Necklift, or platysmaplasty and even submental platysmaplasty, is a surgery designed to reduce the loose look of sagging skin in the neck area and under the jaw line. Some patients who complain of having a fleshy neck, "jowls", plastysma or neck "banding", or a "turkey waddle" can benefit from this procedure.

Many times patients choose to have a necklift with their face lift procedure. You must realize that the necklift or face lift procedure is not designed to rejuvenate the area above the brow or around the eyes. If this is what you seek a brow (forehead) lift or blepharoplasty may benefit you. These four procedures can be performed in conjunction with one another for a complete transformation. You may even wish to have laser resurfacing, if you are a candidate, for increased wrinkle ablation and facial rejuvenation.

You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo a cosmetic procedure. This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period. There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure. It the above describes you and you have the desire to rid yourself of loose sagging skin around the neck, you may be a good candidate for platysmaplasty (necklift).
                                  
Planning for your surgery: During your consultation, you will meet with Dr.Benchetrit and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. - this is very important. You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing.. 

You will discuss your complaints and concerns and discuss the various looks one can achieve, the amount that can be removed and tightened, etc. Dr.Benchetrit will explain the technique (Corset platysmaplasty, Hammock platysmaplasty, mini-platysmaplasty, etc.) and incision placements that may be most appropriate for you. You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. You will also discuss your pre-operative instructions and speak about the recovery period instructions and what to expect in the months ahead.

All operations have some risk. During your consultation, Dr.Benchetrit will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.

The surgery
A necklift procedure normally takes 2 to 3 hours to perform. However, if you will be having other procedures performed with your necklift - this time will be increased and you will more than likely have General Anesthesia.

The skin only lift can be done with two incisions under or behind the ear, the platysmaplasty with the additional skin lift can be accomplished with a small incision under the chin and the behind or under the ear. With the skin only procedure sections of skin are trimmed and lifted into place and sutured or fixed with tissue glue. With the platysmaplasty, a section of fat muscle is removed if need be and the ends are sutured to bring them together at the mid-anterior (front) section of the neck. The skin can be brought together under or behind the ear to further firm up appearance of the the neck.

Sometimes sutures, mesh or even AlloDerm suspension may be used as a sort of "hammock" to keep the neck tight and "waddle-free". Whatever the case, this will be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Benchetrit will  then close your incision and you will have a pressure dressing placed around your head. Your neck may feel tight and quite tender as the anesthesia wears off.

Your recovery
You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for about 14 days. A recliner is the best for this. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD & NECK STILL. Do NOT turn your head from side to side. MOVE YOUR WHOLE BODY, if you must move. When you wake up you will notice that your lower face and neck will look even more swollen in the first 3 days. You won't be swollen until late that night or the next day and then the third is by far usually the worst. But, as the days go on the swelling will dissipate. There may be a lot of bruising, but this will go away as well. So make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into a depression. Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most surgeries. Don't worry, it is all a part of the natural healing process. You shouldn't really look at yourself in the mirror, but rather have your partner or nurse care for you instead (even take photos if you wish it).

Although any discomfort should be alleviated by your prescribed pain medication. You will more than likely go to your first post-operative visit in the next few days . Your bandages may then be changed or may wait until the end of the week - depending upon the seepage or the extent of work. Your sutures won't be removed until day 7-10 and your staples in your scalp (if applicable) not until around day 10. Your scalp takes longer to heal.

Your skin will be numb - don't be afraid or worried, this is quiet normal, remember your nerves and all have been partially separated from their "source". Please take it easy and try not to do too much, too soon. You should be up and about in the first few days but don't feel guilty if you don't. Listen to your body.

Even though you may feel better, you must take it easy for the first 3 weeks. Be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects. And be careful not to raise your neckblood pressure for at least 3 weeks as this could cause internal bleeding at your treatment area. Your blood vessels dilate to allow increased blood flow when you raise your heart rate. This may cause problems at internal wound sites.

Do not participate in contact sports for at least 6-8 weeks . Usually, you are instructed not to go into any steam rooms or use steam devices, saunas, face and neck masks or products containing Niacin, Niacinamide or Niacinamate (these products cause flushing and make your face and neck red); NO products of any kind to promote major flushing of the skin.

Please continue to avoid alcohol and aspirin containing products for a few days to weeks  as this has anti-platelet properties and could cause bleeding. Also you are going to be bruised and swollen for quite some time. If you quit smoking before the procedure you REALLY should not start back up. Smoking greatly increases lack of vascularity promoting necrosis (death) of skin, improper healing and excessive scarring. Quit beforehand and stay such.

You may notice a change in your smile, odd sensations of "tightness", tingling, the sporadic sharp pain, or "pulling", burning, and cold sensations. These usually subside within the first few weeks. Your swelling will subside, revealing a more defined, youthful version of your former self. Although this may take some time so please prepare yourself emotionally. Some patients experience a "lull" or down period where they become depressed or feel unattractive. This is very normal.