NECK LIFT
SURGERY
IN TURKEY
Neck lift surgery is a surgical procedure in which the entire neck skin including the jowl area under the chin and subcutaneous fat and muscle tissues are stretched and excess tissues are removed in order to correct wrinkles, sagging and loosening in the neck area.
Neck lift surgery can be performed alone or combined with face lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat injection, botox and filler applications if needed. In this way, it is possible to achieve more successful results.
WHAT IS NECK LIFT
SURGERY?
Neck lift is the whole of the procedures performed to tighten and lift the loosened skin of the neck by losing its elasticity. There are different application methods, including surgical and non-surgical. With age, the face changes and the skin loses its former elasticity, the subcutaneous tissue and muscles relax and may sag downwards. When the face and skin lose its tension, the facial features also lose their clarity.
In today's modern aesthetic practices, there are various methods that can be used to successfully eliminate the signs of aging. Neck lift applications give the person a clear, dynamic facial line. Thus, it provides a younger and fresher appearance. Thanks to the latest neck stretching techniques, facial and mimic expressions are naturally preserved and sagging and wrinkles are eliminated.
The causes of sagging and wrinkling of the neck region are as follows;
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Genetic factors; As with many of our physical characteristics, our neck region type may also tend to sag due to genetic factors.
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overweight; The density of the adipose tissue can cause the skin structure on the neck to loosen with gravity. Or, the gap formed between the neck skin and the bone tissue after losing excess weight can create the appearance of sagging and wrinkles.
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Posture and lying position disorder; The habit of standing in a hunched posture or constantly looking down due to orthopedic problems triggers jowl sagging.
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Enlarging and sagging salivary glands can create a downward sagging appearance in the neck area.
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The small jawbone structure can cause the jowl to appear drooping without weight or sagging of the skin.
WHO ARE ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR NECK LIFT?
The best candidates for face and neck lift surgery are those whose face shows signs of aging but whose skin retains its elasticity. They are usually found in the 40 to 70 age range. For face and neck lift surgery, the person must be healthy and have realistic goals for the procedure. The surgeon will thoroughly examine the medical history by performing a physical examination before making a recommendation based on the person's expectations and general health. In some cases, a smaller procedure may be sufficient to achieve the goals the person wants.
Face and neck lift procedure, like all other surgical procedures, carries the risk of various side effects and complications. Swelling and bruising may occur in the area after the procedure. Complications that can be seen after face and neck lift are also infection, numbness, pain, hair loss in the incision areas, facial nerve damage or fluid accumulation. However, the incidence of these complications is very low. For many patients, the final results, such as a long-lasting youthful appearance after the procedure, motivate them to decide on face and neck lift.
HOW IS NECK LIFT SURGERY PERFORMED?
First of all, it is necessary to determine the reasons that create the need for neck lift by examination. The skin, muscles, adipose tissue and even salivary glands, which are the cause of the signs of aging in the neck area, should be evaluated separately and added to the treatment plan if necessary. Surgical methods used for the neck area can be listed as neck skin stretching, repair of the platysma muscle in the midline, separation of the bands that cause wrinkles, removal of sub-chin fat tissue by liposuction or direct excision methods, and treatment of sagging salivary glands. In neck lift surgery, it is usually started with an incision placed behind the ear (also in front of the ear if combined with a lower face lift). Since this incision scar is just under the scalp and is in a very good area in terms of skin quality, it gives good results in most of the patients. The same is true for incision marks when the ear is removed. An important point here is the presence of patient-dependent factors in the form and amount of scar development. On the other hand, while very good scars can be obtained in almost all patients, the amount of scarring will be different, as everyone's wound healing is different. Factors affecting this include a person's genetics, dietary habits, regularly used drugs, and even smoking. Since we do not have the chance to change the genetics of the person, various precautions are taken before the surgery regarding other factors. For example, he gives some nutritional advice to patients before and after the surgery, and smokers may be asked to completely stop smoking at least 1 month before the surgery.
After the incision made behind the ear, the neck skin is lifted from both sides until the midline. During this procedure, there is no visible scar on the neck, except for the incisions behind (and sometimes in front) of the ear. However, in some cases, if there is excess fat accumulation and muscle laxity under the chin, 4 cm transversely under the chin is applied for the repair of the jowl area. A long incision may be required. During the procedure, first of all, fat in the midline, deep plane that causes jowl formation, is removed in suitable patients. If a muscle repair will not be performed in this area, these fats can be removed with liposuction instead of making a transverse incision here. Simultaneously, the salivary glands that cause protrusion under the chin can be partially removed or suspended in the chin. Along with the muscle repair under the chin, the separation of the bands that cause transverse wrinkles in the neck area can also be done through the same incisions. Following all these procedures, the excess skin is collected behind the ear and removed from this area.
BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY
As before any surgery, a detailed physical examination by the physician is essential in neck lift surgery. The surgical technique will be explained to the person in detail by the physician. In addition, patients should inform their doctor about the disease they have, the previous surgery, and the medications they use.
People who use blood thinners and similar drugs before the surgery should take a break from these drugs for a certain period of time under the doctor's control in order to encounter problems such as bleeding during and after the surgery.
As in any operation that requires anesthesia, feeding should be interrupted at least 6 hours before the operation. The doctor will tell the person how long this period will be before and after the surgery.
In neck and face lift surgeries, the upper age limit is determined by the person's suitability for surgery. Anyone who does not have any health problems that prevent surgery can have this surgery.
Since smoking before and after surgery will impair blood flow, it negatively affects the quality of recovery. For this reason, not drinking before and after the procedure is very important in terms of healing quality.
4-6 hours after the operation, the patient begins to feed and walk. Drains placed during surgery are usually removed 1-2 days later. The bandages made after the surgery stay for an estimated one week. After the surgery, there may be mild pain that can be managed with painkillers.
The healing process of bruises and swellings after surgery is very related to the skin structure of the person. It generally lasts for 1 week, then gradually decreases and disappears. In order for the swelling to go down more quickly, ice should be applied for the time recommended by the doctor.
Since the scars will be hidden in front and behind the ear after the surgery, they are not very obvious. It becomes almost invisible in a period of 6-12 months.
Medications to be used after the procedure, etc. It is very important to follow the doctor's recommendations regarding
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which Type of Anesthesia is Used?
Neck lift surgery can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia depending on the patient's preference. In local anesthesia, the patient will not feel any pain as he is kept in a semi-sleeping state.
The surgery usually takes 3-5 hours depending on the amount of stretching and other procedures to be performed.
Are Incision Scars Obvious in Neck Lift Aesthetics?
Neck lift should be considered as a whole with the face. For this reason, many incisions can be made on the neck, face, under the ears or on the scalp. Along with the loosened skin in the neck area, the neck muscles under the skin also relax. When the neck muscles stop as they should, they form bands that extend upwards from the midline to the neck. If these muscles are relaxed, the muscles are also stretched during the surgery to provide tension under the chin. In some cases, a separate incision is made under the chin and looseness in the midline is removed. After these procedures, the excess neck skin is stretched behind the ear and removed to the level of the hairline. All incisions made for neck lift heal very well. As the hair grows on the incisions in the scalp, the stitch marks become invisible. If an incision is made under the chin, there is no scar because the aesthetic suture method is applied, and the incision site is not seen when viewed from the opposite side, even during the healing process. The comments before and after neck lift surgery show the success in person satisfaction.
What are the Risks of Neck Lift Surgery?
In neck lift surgery, as in any surgical operation, there are risks arising from anesthesia and surgery. Preoperative analysis, examination and anesthesia examinations are very important in order to prevent possible risks.
The risk of bleeding after surgery is not something to be expected. However, small drains are placed behind the ears during the surgery in order to prevent the risk of hematoma.
In addition, there are rare risks such as infection, hair loss, numbness of the scalp. However, over time, the hair will grow back and the loss of sensation will disappear.
Is the Effect of Neck Lift Surgery Permanent?
The results of facelift and neck lift are permanent, but there are external factors that can change the final result. It should not be forgotten that gravity and natural aging will also have an effect on your appearance after the healing process. In order to ensure that the results will last for years, it is recommended that people who have the application avoid harmful UV rays and take care of their skin by establishing a regular skin care routine.
What is the Recovery Period after Face and Neck Lift?
Recovery time for face and neck lift is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Dressings are removed the day after surgery and replaced with a soft elastic bandage to reduce swelling and protect the neckline. This bandage should be used for about two weeks.
There is some bruising and swelling after the face and neck lift procedure, but in most cases it is not noticeable after the first week. After the face and neck lift, the person should avoid strenuous exercises and weight lifting for two weeks.
Is Neck Lift a Painful Procedure?
No matter what method the neck lift is performed, no pain or pain is felt during the procedure since local or general anesthesia is applied. It is a normal and spontaneous process to feel tension in the area for the first few days after neck lift surgery.
Which Operations Can Be Combined with Neck Lift Surgery?
Since the neck area usually sags due to age, some sagging may be seen in the jowl and face area with age. For this reason, neck lift surgery can be performed alone, or it can usually be combined with other face and body lift operations.