Neck Lift Cosmetic Surgery (cont.)
Excess Fat
During liposuction, your surgeon will make a small incision below the chin
and remove the excess fat. If you are undergoing multiple procedures during your
neck lift, it is very common for plastic surgeons to begin with liposuction.If
this is the only procedure you'll need, you should plan to spend up to an hour
undergoing the operation.
You will be able to determine this with your doctor during your pre-operative
consultation. Your incisions will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important
to follow your doctor's instructions on properly caring for the stitches and
bandage in the days following surgery.
Too Much Skin?
Just like the platysmaplasty, your surgeon will make similar incisions for a
cervicoplasty, trimming parts of the skin and lifting it into place.
It will be secured with tissue glue or stitches. The cervicoplasty can be
completed in about two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your
procedure. Again, your anesthesia will depend on your own personal comfort
level.
Your surgeon will fit you with a compression bandage that you will have to
wear for at least one week, unless instructed otherwise. It's important to
follow his or her instructions to ensure proper recovery.
How Should I Prepare for a Neck Lift?
During your consultation, your surgeon will instruct you on what medications
to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications and vitamins thin your blood
and can cause increased bleeding.
If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least two weeks before the
surgery and two weeks after. You cannot just plan to cut down. You must not
smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing.
Also, this is no time for a diet: make sure that you eat properly because
this will help your body heal.
Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery. You
should especially plan to wear a button-down blouse or shirt that does not have
to be pulled over your neck or head.
You should plan to take at least one week off from work to recover. However,
your doctor can determine this based on your personal situation.
If you are having platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, or a combination of any of
the procedures we've discussed here, you should plan on having a home recovery
area set up before you undergo surgery.
Your Home Recovery Area Should Include:
- Ice packs
- Gauze and towels
- Thermometer
- Supply of comfortable, loose clothing (preferably button down shirts or blouses that do not have to be pulled over your neck and head)
- Petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment for incision sites
- Telephone within reaching distance of where you'll be lying or sitting most of the time
- Supply of pillows which will allow you to keep your head in a comfortable position
- Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24
hours after surgery
Next: What is the expected recovery from a neck lift? »
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
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