A heavy neck is common in many men as they age. In some cases there is a family history of excessive fat deposits in the neck, with loss of shape to the jawline, or what is known as an “oblique neck”.
Other men find that as they age, there upper face still looks good, but there lower face jowls and they lose their jawline, the face seems to blend with the neck.
In either case, if the upper face is not jowling or adversely affected by gravity, then necklift is a very effective way of addressing the problem.
The best candidate for a neck lift is a man whose neck has begun to sag, with a marked loss of muscle tone, causing “banding” and loose excess skin.
Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but neck lifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties, as long as you are fit and healthy.
A neck lift can make your neck look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. But it can’t give you a totally different look, or restore the health and vitality of your youth, nor give the results that a full facelift would give.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
When a neck lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.
You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr McGovern’s advice both before and after surgery.
Neck lifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation Dr McGovern will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and your pattern of facial aging, and discuss your goals for the surgery. He will determine if you need skin excision only, or liposuction, or a combination of the two.
He will check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars.
Be sure to tell him if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
Dr McGovern will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.
If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least three weeks before and after surgery. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.
Neck lift procedures take between one and two hours depending on what is required. Many people choose to have other procedures in conjunction with necklift, and it is common to perform Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) at the same time.
Necklift surgry is performed under general anaesthetic and is done as a day procedure at either the Sunshine Coast Day Surgery or Sunshine Coast Private Hospital
Incisions are hidden in the hair wherever possible. They usually start in the crease in front of the earlobe, extending back behind the ear and into the hairline.
If the neck needs considerable work, a small incision will also be made under the chin. Dr McGovern then separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat is commonly trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour.
Dr McGovern will then tighten the underlying muscle and SMAS membrane, pull the skin back, and remove any excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions, metal clips may be used in incisions hidden in the hair.
Recovery time is typically one week following surgery of the neck. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.
Plastic surgeons today are well versed in the concerns of men seeking cosmetic surgery. They recognise that men demand strict confidentiality and inconspicuous results.
Dr McGovern is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
For more information please call our helpful staff on 18000 80001. We offer free consultations with our nurses to help you to understand necklift in more detail.
