A neck lift is a procedure that addresses sagging and laxity in the neck skin and the underlying muscle tissue.
It is performed on individuals who experience wrinkles, sagging, and looseness in the neck area due to aging and the effects of gravity.
It is generally performed on men and women over the age of 40.
What Should Be Done Before Surgery?
A health check-up should be undergone at a reliable center, and it must be determined that there are no existing health problems for this surgery.
Aspirin and aspirin-based medications should be stopped 10 days prior to the surgery. All alternative medicine medications and herbal teas (except black tea and green tea) should be discontinued. Similarly, the use of all these should be stopped for approximately 3 weeks after the surgery.
To ensure quick and proper healing and to avoid compromising blood circulation and vascularization, smoking should be ceased 2 weeks before the surgery and not resumed for at least 4 weeks after the surgery.
As with all operations requiring anesthesia, all food and drink consumption must be stopped at least 8 hours before the surgery.
Where Should the Surgery Be Performed?
It should be performed in a fully equipped outpatient treatment center or hospital.
Is an Overnight Hospital Stay Required?
This is an operation that does not require an overnight hospital stay. The patient can comfortably get up and go home within a few hours after the surgery.
Is Local or General Anesthesia Used?
In neck lift surgery, both types of anesthesia can be used depending on the patient's preference. Even with local anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain as they are kept in a semi-conscious state with sedoanalgesia.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
It generally takes about 2–3 hours.
What is the Surgical Technique?
An incision is made starting from the front of the ear, curving under the earlobe to behind the ear, and then extending into the hairline. The muscle tissue under the skin is tightened, the skin is stretched, excess skin is removed, and it is reshaped. If there is fat accumulation in the jowl area, liposuction is performed.
What is the Post-Operative Care?
Dressing protocols vary among doctors, but generally, patients emerge from neck lift surgery with bandages and drains. On the first night after surgery, you will experience very mild pain that can be controlled with medication. You will be asked to apply ice for 48 hours to help reduce swelling more quickly. In our clinic, a special 20-minute light therapy session daily for one week after surgery helps swelling subside much faster. The bandages are replaced with an elastic bandage that can be worn and removed within one or two days, and it is typically requested to be used for approximately 2-3 weeks. Stitches in front of the ear will be removed before 1 week, and stitches behind the ear will be removed after 1 week. 3. After [number of] days, you can shower, but Biokadine should be applied to the stitch areas twice a day to prevent infection.
How Long Does It Take to Recover and Return to Normal Life?
You can return to work after 1 week – 10 days. However, you should avoid sudden neck movements. If bruising occurs, it will disappear by the 2nd week. During this period, if you are exposed to the sun, you will need to use high-SPF sunscreens and concealers to prevent discoloration. Your swelling will largely subside by the end of the 3rd week. For 1 month, you will need to sleep at a 45-degree angle without turning left or right. Long walks can be started after 2 weeks, and strenuous sports after 3 weeks. Sports that strain the neck should not be performed for 4 weeks. Makeup can be used after the stitches are removed. Shampooing can be done after 3 weeks, and hair dyeing after 6 weeks.
Will There Be Scars After Neck Lift Surgery?
In neck lift surgery, stitches are generally hidden in the hairline and behind the ear. Visible stitches are only present in front of the ear. While wound healing varies from person to person, stitch marks in front of the ear usually fade significantly over time. In some individuals, scars may be more prominent depending on skin type. However, with advancing technology, laser treatments can also be beneficial for surgical scars.
What Are the Possible Complications?
- The possibility of serious bleeding after a facelift is almost non-existent. However, it is important to use a “drain” after surgery to prevent hematoma.
- Infection is rarely seen after this surgery. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- Numbness and hair loss in the scalp can also occur rarely. However, hair and sensation will return. Temporary loss of sensation may also occur in the surgical area.
- Necrosis is possible in cases of smoking.
What Should I Pay Attention To?
- If the patient smokes, it is beneficial to quit at least 1 month before the surgery and not to smoke for some time after the surgery. Skin loss can be a serious problem, especially in smoking patients. If there is insufficient blood circulation in the skin, the skin turns a purple-black color, starting from the area closest to the ear. Such a problem causes healing issues in this region. At the same time, the rate of scarring will also increase here.
- You should have no unanswered questions before the surgery and have shared all your concerns and wishes with your doctor.
- You should ensure that the surgery is performed in a hygienic and well-equipped hospital or a fully equipped outpatient treatment center by a physician who inspires confidence in you and holds a specialist diploma in plastic surgery.
- Considering that a significant part of the surgery’s success depends on post-operative care, you must strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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