Over time, the neck loses its contours as it sags and wrinkles. Neck lift surgery can set back the clock, revealing a taut appearance and reversing the signs of aging. Located in Jupiter, FL, Koger Cosmetic Clinic and Medspa led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Koger, performs neck lift surgery for Palm Beach County residents, including West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and Wellington.
What is a Neck Lift?
As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their necks. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth; the jawline grows slack and jowly, and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.
A neck lift (technically known as rhytidectomy) improves the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin of your neck. A neck lift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping.
Years later you will continue to look better than if you had not had the procedure at all.
The Best Candidates for a Neck Lift
You may be a good candidate for neck lift surgery if your neck has begun to sag but your skin still retains much of its elasticity. Strong and well-defined bone structure is also helpful for neck lift patients. Most patients are between 40 and 60 years of age, but neck lifts can be done successfully on people between 70 and 80 as well.
Planning Your Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation, Dr. Koger will evaluate your neck, including the skin and underlying muscles and discuss your goals for the surgery.
Be sure to tell Dr. Koger if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting. If you decide to have a neck lift, Dr. Koger will explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed and the costs involved. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Koger any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Types of Anesthesia
Neck lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia. However, it is possible in some instances, to use a different form of anesthesia. In either case, your anesthesia options will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Koger.
The Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift usually takes several hours, especially if you’re having more than one procedure done. For extensive procedures, some surgeons may schedule two separate sessions.
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
In general, Dr. Koger separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. Dr. Koger then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back and removes the excess. Absorbable sutures secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. There are no visible sutures on the outside of the skin that need to be removed.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Dr. Koger may also wrap your head in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. The drains and bandages are removed 24 hours after surgery.
How much Does Neck Lift Cost?
Each neck lift procedure is customized to the individual patient. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the type of anesthesia required, the extent of the surgery and if any other procedures are being performed at the same time. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express® and Discover®. We also offer financing options via CareCredit®.
After Your Neck Lift Surgery
Dr. Koger will tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery. Plan on limiting activity immediately after the procedure to help your body focus on healing.
Getting Back to Normal Following Neck Lift Surgery
You should be up and about in a day or two but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your neck and hair.
Dr. Koger will give more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities like strenuous housework and heavy lifting over the next few weeks. Walking and mild stretching are generally fine. Strenuous sports should be avoided for at least four weeks. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.
By the third week after your procedure, you’ll look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work about 10 days to two weeks after surgery. Many men find they have to shave in new places, such as behind the neck and ears where areas of beard-growing skin have been repositioned.
If you live in or around West Palm Beach, Wellington, Vero Beach or anywhere in Palm Beach County, and are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform a neck lift, contact Dr. Koger at Koger Cosmetic Clinic and Medspa in Jupiter, FL, today, to set up a complimentary consultation.