PROCEDURES

Tampa Neck Lift

A Neck Lift is a surgical procedure specifically designed to correct the excess skin and laxity of the neck. An individual's neck can serve as a tell tale indicator of their age. Furthermore, a loose and sagging neck can make a person appear older than their age and detract from their face's beauty. Stress, genetics, aging and sun damage all contribute to this aged appearance of the neck.  Unfortunately skin care products and non invasive treatments do little to improve the skin laxity and sag associated with an aged neck.

Neck lift surgery has the ability to restore the definition and contour characteristic of a youthful neck and jaw. Excess skin, fatty tissue, and platysmal muscle bands may be corrected with a combination of techniques. These include liposuction of the neck, direct skin and fat excision as well as plication or resuspension of the neck muscle. Such techniques may be used alone or in combination, depending on the degree of the neck laxity. A neck lift may be performed in conjunction with a facelift or performed alone.

Reasons for Considering a Neck Lift in Tampa:

• Excess laxity and sagging of the skin along the neck line, commonly referred to as turkey gobbler neck
• Prominent skin folds or platysmal muscle bands which can draw attention to the aged neck
• Double chin or overly full appearing neck with absence of a defined and contoured jaw line

The Neck Lift Procedure

The approach to neck lift surgery depends on the underlying abnormality. Excess skin, excess fat, or excess laxity and separation of the platysma muscle can all contribute to an aged appearance of the neck. Often times these features occur together. Surgery is targeted to treat these problems individually. Neck lift surgery is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions for neck lift surgery are usually placed behind the ears and/or below the chin, allowing the scars to be well hidden.

Excess and loose skin is treated with excision and redraping of the skin. Excess fat can  be treated with liposuction, direct excision, or both, depending on the amount and location. Prominent platysmal or muscle banding  is best treated with suturing and resuspension of the muscle, helping recreate a defined and youthful neck. These techniques may be combined to achieve optimum results in select cases.

In certain patients, neck lift surgery may be combined with chin augmentation for an ideal result. Surgery for a neck lift usually lasts two to three hours or longer if performed in conjunction with another procedure. Patients are typically discharged home later the same day after surgery.

Recovery following a Neck Lift

Immediately after surgery, the neck is fitted with bandages in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling. As with all facial surgeries, it is very important to plan for a restful week after your surgery. It is also important to keep your head elevated above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.  This means sleeping on several pillows after surgery.

Sutures placed by Dr. Fakhre will be removed about one week after surgery. Small drains may be placed, one on each side at the time of surgery and these are usually removed the following day. It is very important to read through your postoperative instruction sheet and follow these instructions as they will help minimize the risk of complications.

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for a Neck Lift in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Neck Lift Before and After Photos.