Dr. Frankel defines a neck lift as an operation that is done to tighten the skin and muscles of the neck without the need for extending incisions in front of the ears. A neck lift is less invasive than a facelift but also more limited in what it seeks to improve.
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THE PROCEDURE
In some neck lifts a platysmaplasty is also performed to address the area immediately below the chin. A small incision is created under the chin and the skin is widely undermined and freed up from the underlying tissues. Once the muscles are tightened the skin is redistributed to allow for it to settle smoothly over the new neck contour. If the neck skin is excessive it will be tightened by moving it laterally and excising the excess via incisions behind the ear.
Alternatives to surgery
Technological advances have been made and there are several machines designed to tighten the skin non surgically. Dr. Frankel offers these treatments at the Lasky Aesthetic and Laser Center and will discuss these options with you at your consultation. While they can render good outcomes and are a valuable part of a graduated approach to the neck, these non surgical treatments work best on relatively mild problems. No nonsurgical approach can tighten loose muscles though, and rarely will they produce the dramatic results that surgery can create.
DR. FRANKEL’S NOTES
“My goal at your consultation is to determine the exact cause of what’s bothering you and how this can be overcome to achieve the desired results.
After reviewing your anatomy, skin elasticity and discussing your goals, it will be possible to tell you whether a neck lift is an appropriate treatment for your situation. In some cases, patients may have too much soft tissue to fully treat without facelift-type incisions. In other cases, I might be able to suggest a non surgical procedure. It may seem paradoxical, but sometimes more surgery is required to render a more natural result. My goal is always for a satisfied patient who has a long standing beautiful outcome. ”
– Andrew Frankel, M.D.
Before and after
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
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Preparation & Expectations
Preparation
Our office will provide a comprehensive plan for how to prepare for surgery and a list of and vitamins, herbs or medications to avoid in the days and weeks before the procedure.
You will also need to stop smoking before and after surgery as it inhibits healing.
Length of surgery
Dr. Frankel will provide more information during your consultation.
Recovery time
Following a neck lift, expect bruising and swelling. These symptoms are normal and recede after a few weeks.
What isn’t normal is fever or strange discharge, such as pus, from the incision site. If that happens, contact your doctor.
After care
Every patient heals differently, but most patients return to work in 10 to 14 days. A compressive dressing is worn for several days to aid in this process.
Avoid strenuous workouts and activities for at least three weeks or as long as your doctor recommends.