Neck Lift
Sagging caused by aging occurs in the neck region as in every part of the body. The angle between the neck and the jaw begins to disappear with sagging in the neck area. In the cases of frequent weight loss and gain and the area under the jaw being small and behind, sagging of the skin may occur at an early age.
In neck lift surgery, an incision extending from the front of the ear to the ear lobe and going towards the back of the ear is opened. In this way, the skin on the face and neck is released. The soft tissue on the face is hung upwards with the help of stitches. The excess of the skin is removed and sutured to the incisions in the front and back of the ear. Liposuction can be used if there is fat accumulation under the chin. The bands which are perpendicular in the neck region are released by horizontal incisions that are 3-4 cm long made under the chin and sewn together to form an inner corset. In cases where the lower jaw is small and behind , with the help of the prosthesis to be placed in the jaw the chin can be accentuated during the neck lifting surgery. Neck lifting surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This operation can be in the range of 5 to 7 hours since other areas besides the neck are intervened as well.
Special stitches and dressings used in the surgery will minimize stitch marks. In the case of complications such as infection, skin loss which are usually seen in smokers, scars requiring treatment and bleeding may occur because wound healing will be delayed. Since the incisions will be made at the level of natural folds, they are hardly noticeable.
Things to Pay Attention to Before the Operation
- The use of blood thinners such as aspirin should be discontinued as it will increase the risk of bleeding before the neck lift operation as before every surgery.
- Smoking should be discontinued 3 weeks before the operation and should not be used for a while after the operation.
- Hair can not be dyed for 1 month after the operation. Therefore, hair dyeing can be performed 1 week before the operation.
- Long hair can be beneficial in terms of concealing the post-operative dressings.
Things to Pay Attention to After the Operation
- Drains used are taken 1 day after the operation to prevent fluid collection behind the ear.
- Postoperative cold compress application positively affects the healing process.
- The patient can be discharged on the second day of surgery. The sutures on the face and eyelids are removed within a week.
- On the 10th day, metal stitches in the scalp are removed. The numbness in the face area is considered to be normal. This should fade away in a few weeks.
- You can take a bath 2 days after the operation.
- You should be very careful when combing your hair. You should also be careful while applying makeup.
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. In addition to this, heavy exercise should be avoided for a while.
- You should avoid sauna, steam bath and alcohol for several months. (As this process will vary from person to person, it should be determined with the doctor’s recommendation.)
- Sunscreen should be applied regularly for 6 months.