The neck is one of the first areas to show the effects of aging and weight loss. Loose and wrinkled neck skin, visible muscle bands and prominent fat deposits are all common complaints of patients, both men, and women who inquire about a neck lift. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can smooth and tighten the skin on the neck, re-contour the profile of the neck, and provide a more toned and youthful appearance. The results of this procedure performed by Dr. Andrew Trussler can offer a drastic improvement to the appearance of the neck.
Dr. Trussler offers multiple types of neck lift procedures and will listen to your goals and evaluate your neck to determine the right neck lift procedure for you.
What Are My Neck Lift Options?
A neck lift is designed to tighten sagging neck skin, define the jawline, and re-contour the neck through the removal of fat and repair of muscles.
Neck Lift
Neck Lift is surgical procedure which tightens skin, removes fat, and repairs muscle through a small incision under the chin and incisions on either side of the face hidden around the ear.
Face And Neck Lift
Face and Neck Lift is a combination procedure which rejuvenates the entire face, neck and cheek area.
Direct Neck Lift
Direct Neck Lift is commonly an in-office procedure offered to men who have significant sagging neck skin in the central neck. It involves a zig zag type incision under the chin and delivers an impressive correction of the neck contour.
Neck Liposuction
Neck Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure which helps remove fat deposits under the chin in patients without excess skin or sagging muscle.
Considerations
Neck lift patients should consider what bothers them about their neck, the areas of focus, and if there are any other areas of the face that they are concerned with. A neck lift can be performed on men and women, through direct neck procedures are typically only offered to men because of the scar placement and ability for facial hair to hide the scar as it heals. While neck liposuction sounds enticing as an option for neck re-contouring, it is only applicable for a minority of patients, though Dr. Trussler does commonly use liposuction in combination with a neck lift to help refine the contour of the jawline. Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with a facelift, forehead lift, and eyelid surgery to harmonize the effects of each individual procedure and minimize the recovery of global facial rejuvenation. Neck lift patients should be healthy, non-smoking and of normal weight.
Expectations To Have For Your Neck Lift
A good candidate for a neck lift procedure does have signs of early aging in the neck area with isolated, sagging neck skin, neck bands and an obtuse neck profile and ill-defined jawline. Realistic expectations are very important in the neck lift patient with defined goals in rejuvenating their neck area. Dr. Trussler will listen to your goals and evaluate your neck in order to determine the neck lift procedure that is right for you.
Surgery
The neck lift procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation in the operating room. Small areas of neck liposuction or direct neck lifts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. A neck lift begins with a small incision under the chin where excess fat is removed and muscle bands are repaired in a procedure called a platysmaplasty. Incisions are then made around and behind the ear to complete the platysmaplasty, define the jaw and neckline, and remove and tighten the skin. All incisions which are placed in natural skin creases are closed with a combination of permanent and dissolvable stitches. Dr. Trussler does commonly place two small drains in the area of the neck lift which is removed the following day.
Neck liposuction can be performed through 2 to 3 small incisions in the chin and ear area. The excess fat is suctioned with a small hollow tube cannula, but ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) may be used to help melt and smooth the neck fat.
Direct neck lift procedures are performed through a larger incision under the chin which is converted to a zig-zag incision after the muscle is repaired (platysmaplasty) and the excess skin is removed. The incisions are closed with permanent sutures that are removed in 5 to 7 days. No drains are used in this straightforward procedure.
Patient Testimonial
“Dr. Trussler is amazing! He is an artist when it comes to what you need for your face. He also listens and takes time to hear your concerns. The other people in the office like Brooke and Mandy also go above and beyond to make your visit go smoothly and you feel cared for by each person They always go above and beyond to meet and exceed your needs. I highly highly recommend this office and this doctor. Very professional and high quality work.”
After Care & Recovery
You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising after the neck lift procedure, which may last up to ten days. Patients are advised to keep their head elevated for the first 48 hours following neck lift surgery to help minimize swelling. Compressive dressings and cold compresses are used to limit swelling and promote healing. Drains are removed after one to two days. Oral pain medication is commonly not even necessary after this operation.
The sutures will usually be removed after about one week. After a neck lift procedure, most people can return to work and other normal daily activities within one week. More strenuous activities should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Scar care is typically encouraged for the direct neck lift patient. Skincare is advised for anyone considering any facial procedure by Dr. Trussler.
*Disclaimer: Results and individual patient experience may vary.
Contact Us
Whether you have a question or would like to set up a neck lift consultation in Austin, Texas, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, or call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule an appointment. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
