Have you lost a lot of weight or reached an age where gravity has started changing the smooth neckline you once enjoyed when you looked in the mirror? If so, there is a simple procedure that can tighten and smooth the skin so you can look and feel your best again.
A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, reduces the visible signs of aging and can change the appearance of loose skin that often accompanies dramatic or quick weight loss. Excess skin and fat that create “jowls,” along with banding that can cause unsightly contours, are corrected by an outpatient surgical procedure in which small incisions behind the ears, and sometimes below the chin, are made. The surgeon will tighten the muscles beneath the skin, while removing the excess skin, restoring firmness and allowing the return of your youthful contour and profile. Sometimes this procedure will be performed with the assistance of liposuction of the neck, when there is fat that needs to be removed with the skin for better results.
The downtime from a neck lift will depend on how much skin was removed but on average, patients will be able to return to work and perform typical daily activities within 7-10 days post-surgery. Your neck will feel tight for quite a while following the procedure, while there will be some degree of swelling and bruising in the neck area. This is to be expected after almost any surgical operation. The bruising begins to subside after about a week, yet the tight feeling will persist for upwards of six months afterward. The procedure is highly effective at getting rid of the appearance of “turkey neck,” as it’s often referred to, while the banding that many people find unattractive will also be smoothed out. Your results will be long-lasting but it is important to remember that you will continue to age naturally, so using proper skin care and protection is important.
This procedure can also be combined with other surgical procedures for more intense needs, as well, including a face-lift, rhinoplasty of the nose, eye surgery, and/or other options. If you want more dramatic results, consult with your surgeon for the best choice for your needs. Dr. Meger is here to help his patients in Arizona look and feel their best!
