Generally about the treatment
A neck lift can correct various cosmetic problems in the neck area, and help to provide a younger appearance. For some, the problem is excess or sagging skin on the neck, whereas others simply feel that they have too much fat in the neck area.
Loose skin is often caused by a weakened musculature in the neck area. This can be corrected with a neck lift. Excess fat is usually removed in combination with a tightening of the musculature of the neck area, as this will give the best result.
Suitability
Fit and healthy persons over the age of 18.
The procedure
When tightening the skin, the surgeon will make an incision underneath the chin, after which the midline of the muscle under the chin, and, if necessary, the skin also, is tightened. It's usually unnecessary to remove excess skin.
If the patient wishes to have a reduction of the fat in the neck area, the surgeon will remove the excess fat through liposuction, before stitching everything together.
These procedures can be done individually, but are often combined.
Anaesthesia
The operation can be done under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Risk of complications
There's a risk of causing damage to the nerves that control the musculature of the face.
There's a risk of causing numbness to the face.
There is a risk of side effects from the anaesthetic used, along with bleeding, poor wound healing, a poor cosmetic result, and blood accumulation.
No form of surgery is risk free, although severe complications are very rare.
Healing and recovery
Most people can return to work after a few weeks. Strenuous activities can be taken up again after 3-4 weeks.
Duration of the result
A neck lift is not permanent, but it will have an effect for many years to come.
It is important to be aware that no form of surgery can set a stop to the changes that occur naturally with ageing.