Neck Lift
Although usually the face and neck start showing signs of ageing simultaneously, for some people the neck is the primary problem. In these circumstances a neck lift isolated from a lower face lift is a very beneficial procedure.
Before and after photographs
The New Zealand Medical Council has banned New Zealand doctors from using "Before and After" photographs in any form of public communication, including websites. The only permissible use of such photographs under the New Zealand Medical Council rules is during a medical consultation.
Dr Masters will show you examples of previous patient's "Before and After" photographs during your consultation.
The Procedure
The aim of neck lifting is to smooth and tighten the neck skin and underlying structures to redefine the angle between the under surface of the chin and the neck (the cervicomental angle) whilst keeping the surgical scars concealed behind the ears and under the chin.
Indications
The best indication for a neck lift without an associated lower face lift is patients who have lax neck skin, early skin and platysma muscle banding at the front of the neck and a poorly defined angle between the neck and the under surface of the chin without the associated signs of facial ageing. Frequently there is also associated excess of fatty tissue beneath the skin that needs to be addressed as well.
Relevant Anatomy
The platysma is a large, thin sheet like muscle running obliquely from the clavicles (collar bones) up to the under surface of the chin on each side of the neck. The midline edge of each of these muscles can become prominent with time, causing the vertical banding apparent in some peoples necks. Surgically reinforcing and tightening the muscles assists in the definition of the neck to chin angle and removes the associated vertical bands. Frequently there is excessive fatty tissue between the surface of this muscle, and the over lying skin. This fatty tissue is liposuctioned as part of a neck lift when required.
Pre-operative Preparation
Mr Masters will provide you with precise instructions well in advance of your surgery to allow you a smooth and stress-free preparation for the procedure. Take the time to read your consent form thoroughly, along with any other written information Mr Masters has provided for you with regard to your surgery. This will allow you to have all of your questions answered prior to the procedure, and ensure there are no unexpected surprises during the post-operative period.
If you are the main domestic executive in your home, or you live alone, you should plan ahead with regard to housework and meal preparation. Do your grocery shopping, cleaning, etc the day before your surgery and plan to have meals that require minimal preparation and/or cooking time.
If you are a smoker, stop smoking at least one month pre-operatively (see the "Policies" page). Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products for at least one week prior to the surgery. If you are on any other medications, ensure that Mr Masters is aware of the medications (including homoeopathic remedies) so that any other medications that require cessation during the pre-operative period can be discontinued.
Anaesthesia
This operation is performed under general anaesthetic (you are asleep) administered by a registered Specialist Anaesthetist, as a day case (you go home the same day) in a full operating suite.
The Surgery
Following the induction of general anaesthesia and the application of all appropriate safety equipment, Mr Masters infiltrates the operative site with local anaesthetic. This facilitates the operation and also increases the patients comfort during the emergence from the anaesthetic. Short incisions are made behind each ear and also under the chin. Through these incisions the surface of the platysma muscle is identified and the free edges of the muscle are sutured together in the midline. The back edge of the muscle is then tightened and sutured to the deep structures behind the ears. Any liposuction that is required is performed. The skin incisions are then enclosed removing any excess skin behind the ears.
Post Operative Period and Recovery
Most patients do not find that this procedure causes very much post-operative discomfort. Mr Masters will request that you wear a compression garment on your neck for the first three weeks whenever possible. This helps supports the structures and encourages them to heal to each other in their new and correct positions. Your sutures will be removed between seven and 10 days. Most patients are able to return to work and social activities at one week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four weeks.
Complications (general)
Before deciding to proceed with surgery, every patient needs to thoroughly consider the risks, as well as the benefits, of the proposed procedure. During your pre-operative consultation(s), Mr Masters will openly discuss the risks with you so that you can consider them. A full listing of all the potential complications and risks of this procedure is beyond the scope of this website.
There are two broad groupings of surgical risks: those that pertain to surgery in general; and those specific to the procedure being performed.
Generalised surgical risks include:
- Bleeding - usually occurs within the first 24-48 hours of the procedure and may require a return to the operating room. A quiet, restful post-operative period will help to avoid this problem.
- Bruising - whenever possible, Mr Masters uses medications and techniques that help to avoid post-operative bruising. The appropriate use of Arnica may help to speed the resolution of bruising.
- Infection - surgical incisions, even though created in ideal circumstances, can become infected. When appropriate, antibiotics will be prescribed to lower this risk.
- Unfavourable scarring - every surgical incision results in a scar. It is Mr Masters' role to maximise the quality of your scars and, whenever possible, to hide them in natural skin creases.
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