3800 Reservoir Rd, 1st Floor Gorman
Washington, DC 20007
6862 Elm St, Suite 800B
McLean, VA 22101
Neck Lift
Neck Lift
Neck Lift Procedure At A Glance
Background
Necklift surgery is done to lift and tighten the soft tissues of the neck and to remove the excess skin created by aging.
Evaluation For Neck Lift Procedure
Clinical evaluation begins with the assessment of your specific facial anatomy and your desires for improvement. Dr Reilly will then work with you to create a plan that aligns your goals with potential surgical treatments based on your anatomy.
Neck Lift Pre-op Considerations
Generally, this type of surgery is done to lift the sagging neck in order to promote a more youthful look.
Surgery
The technique for neck lift involves incisions hidden in the natural creases around the earlobes and behind the ears. The skin is lifted off the underlying soft tissues, which are then suspending back to a more youthful position. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are then closed very precisely with small sutures or metal surgical clips.
Neck Lift Post-op Care
Most patients take one week off work, followed by another week of reduced activity. There will be bruising and swelling for 7-10 days. Sutures are typically removed 5-7 days after surgery. After 2 weeks, you may resume full activity.
Before and After Neck Lift Procedure
Detailed Information On Neck Lift Procedure
Evaluation
Dr. Reilly will perform an in-depth analysis of your neck from frontal and profile views. He will discuss how surgical intervention can affect the appearance from each of these perspectives.
Pre-operative Considerations
In the vast majority of patients, the desired aesthetic result is readily achieved. However, the possible complications of neck lift surgery include but are not limited to the following:
Infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, numbness, skin discoloration, asymmetry, fluid collection, delayed wound healing, displeasure with the cosmetic outcome, and allergic or other negative reactions to one or more of the medications or substances used in the operation.
Surgical technique:
Neck Lift is done by making a small incision near the bottom of the front of the ear. The incision will continue under the earlobe, behind the ear, blending into the hairline. Based on the pre-operative goals that have been discussed with Dr. Reilly, he may remove some of the fatty tissue in your neck as well as excess skin. The skin will be gently elevated off the underlying soft tissue, which is then repositioned into a more youthful location. Excess skin is then trimmed and Dr. Reilly will close the incision line with fine sutures and/or metal surgical clips. Dr. Reilly’s surgical precision eliminates the need to shave the hair around the face. Typically, the procedure time is dependent upon the extent of the surgery; the process averages two hours. Since the procedure is completed under general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the entirety of the procedure. It is necessary have reliable transportation home, and to have a family member or friend with you for the immediate recovery process. For your comfort, Dr. Reilly’s office can also coordinate an overnight stay in the hospital after your procedure. A dressing will be applied to cover the incision site. You should anticipate having swelling and bruising after the procedure, which will diminish within the first week or two.
Post Operative Care
Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Go to bed and rest, lying on your back, with your head elevated with 2-3 pillows. You should be lying at a 45 degree angle.
You may be up and around and able to go to the bathroom. You will be able to eat a light meal with assistance.
Take medication only as directed.
Some swelling, bruising and tightness of the bandages are a normal occurrence.
Place ice packs on the sides of the face and under the chin continuously for the first 48 hours (on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes).
Avoid turning the head from side to side as this can cause tension on suture line and bleeding under the skin. Turn head and shoulders together for the first 10 days.
Keep the incisions moist with petroleum-based ointment. Cover any draining area with bandages. If they loosen, secure them with more tape. You can expect to have 1-2 drains in place overnight which will be removed the next day at your first post-operative visit.
You may be up and around as tolerated but expect to tire more quickly than usual.
Keep activity and meals light, avoiding meals that require significant chewing.
On the 3rd day, you can remove all bandages and gently shampoo your hair in the shower with baby shampoo. It is advised to let your hair air-dry, but you may use a cool setting if you need to use a hair dryer.
You will come into the office for a post-operative check-up and suture removal.
No alcohol for the first 7 days after surgery, which can increase bruising and swelling.
Your swelling and bruising will gradually fade over this time period, but it may persist for up to 3 weeks. You will come in for another post-operative check-up 4-6 weeks after surgery.
You may apply makeup to conceal bruising, but be sure to avoid anywhere near the incision lines for at least 10 days after surgery.
1. Rest and good nutrition are important healing factors, especially during the first 6 weeks.
2. Numbness, tingling, hardness, tightness, and bumpiness of the neck tissues are common occurrences. If any of these things do occur, they will gradually subside over several months.
2024 Dr. Michael Reilly Washington DC Rhinoplasty, McLean VA. Rhinoplasty and Plastic Surgeon. All rights reserved.