As we age, our bodies often show signs of age like wrinkles or droopy skin. These same signs can come from other things as well. For instance, maybe you recently lost a large amount of weight and now you need a solution for that extra skin around your neck.
A neck lift is a common plastic surgery option, typically used to remove excess skin and fat from the neck area. The causes of this excess skin could vary but the end result is the same across the board. You can expect a neck lift to provide you with a slim and smooth profile, specifically in the neck area.
The thing with neck lifts, and many other plastic surgery procedures, is that they don’t last indefinitely. If you are considering a neck lift you should also consider questions such as how long does a neck lift last? Then, plan accordingly for that time in the future.
How Does a Neck Lift Work?
A neck lift falls into the realm of a facelift. Doctors who perform these procedures are typically highly trained and specialized in this area. They use the latest techniques and technology to help you reduce extra skin or sagging skin and rejuvenate your facial features.
The process is meant to be graceful. When done properly, and by the right expert, scarring should be minimal and nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Mini Neck Lift
In addition to a traditional neck lift, there is also a procedure known as a mini neck lift. This procedure is used to refine the neck. This procedure also lifts the skin and tightens the surrounding muscled in a contour-type process.
The mini neck lift is used for small amounts of skin or fat and is primarily purposes for redefining the natural angles from the chin to neck. This procedure is less invasive than that of a traditional neck lift.
How Long a Neck Lift Lasts Explained
In most cases, a neck lift will last for 10-15 years. This timeline and the extent of your neck lift could vary depending on how you care for your skin and the treatment options that you follow. Some of these include things like using moisturizer and appropriate sun protection.
When you get a neck lift, your doctor should cover the proper treatment of your neck area in order to ensure that you get as much time as possible out of the procedure. Be sure to follow the provided instructions from your surgeon.
In addition to your own care, it is important that you keep in mind that you will continue to age after the procedure. Your body’s natural aging process could affect how long the neck lift lasts. While the anticipated lifetime of a neck lift is somewhere around 10-15 years, understand it’s not a true science because every person ages differently.
What to Expect from a Neck Lift Procedure
There are two primary types of neck lift procedures.
- Skim (SMAS) Platysma Lift
- Platysmaplasty
Which procedure you receive may depend on your personal situation as well as the surgeon that you use.
Typically, recovery from a neck lift takes about 2-4 weeks. This is again something that may vary depending on your body as well as how invasive your procedure was. During the recovery process, your neck will most likely be covered by a carefully placed bandage.
You should expect to experience some bruising and swelling during recovery. You will need to follow your surgeon’s instructions for caring for the incision site after surgery as well.
For the most part, you shouldn’t have to worry about any scars that are visible. Most scars are near your hairline and shouldn’t be noticeable.