Facelift's Journal

A necklift is a surgical procedure which gives a smoother and additional toned look to skin below the chin and neck space that has lost elasticity. The procedure provides dramatic results on its own or when performed in conjunction with other procedures like liposuction. Patients with visible handling on the neck may endure a neck lift to reveal smoother and additional toned skin. To remove fat deposits within the neck space, a neck lift is performed with liposuction.

During the procedure, the skin surrounding the chin and neck is examined and marked to see where the neck contours should lay post-surgery. The removal of excess skin is what primarily offers a lot of redefined neck and jaw line. Incisions are rigorously placed where scars are least visible, sometimes behind the ears. The precise location of incisions is completely discussed with the practicing physician to a large extent.

Minor side effects like swelling and bruising may occur and tends to heal away in a couple of days. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. An elastic garment should be worn around the chin and neck area to support healing process.

Why need a face lift and neck lift?

Facelift and necklift have long been the solution of choice for the correction of irregularities resulting from aging, disease, injury and birth defects. Also, heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity, and sun exposure may contribute to the aging of the face. In recent years, however, a growing number of men and women of all ages are choosing face lift and neck lift to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging. These surgeries are generally performed in tandem because most people who opt for one surgery end up wanting the other as well. Getting them done at the same time may be easier, economical and the down time can be a lot lesser.

Face lift - tightening the facial features

A face lift may tighten the layer of connective tissue between the outer skin layer and the muscles underneath it to improve the tightness of the facial features. Incisions may be made in two places: one close to the hairline and the other one beneath the chin. Depending on the area to be treated, surgeons may make incisions around the ears or nose as well. For example, in an eyelid surgery, surgeons may remove extra fatty tissues and skin from elsewhere in the body and insert into the eyelids to give them a more plump and lifted appearance.

However, before undergoing a face lift, there are two separate issues to consider - skin quality and excess skin quantity. While the quality of the skin can be assisted to some extent with non-invasive treatments such as skin products, laser and botox, excesses of loose skin coupled with gravitational aging conditions such as sagging jowls do require surgery.

Neck lift - enhancing the appearance of the neck

There are a number of procedures available to enhance the appearance of the neck. Neck lift procedures may range from very minimal in-office treatments with no down time, to more invasive procedures requiring anesthesia and time off for recovery. During the surgery a surgeon may make a small incision under one's chin and possibly in front of and/or behind the ears. These incisions allow access to the platysma (neck muscle) and any fat in the neck. The neck muscles may then be tightened and any excess fat removed. Surgeon may also choose to remove the fat using liposuction or by cutting it out. Once the muscle has been tightened and any excess fat removed, the skin is re-draped over the neck. Any excess skin may be removed and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Knowing w hat to expect after face lift and neck lift (Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy)

Having realistic expectations and knowing what to expect after a face lift or a neck lift surgery is very important . Facial cosmetic surgery may refine, enhance and/or rejuvenate existing features. It may not give one a new face or a new life. How much or how little change is realized depends on the individual and the extent of the surgical procedure. Age, health, skin texture, bone structure, healing capacity and personal habits, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, are all factors that may affect the results of a facelift surgery .