Neck Lift operation concerns men and women who are either to undergo a face lift operation that includes the neck or to have only a neck rectification.
Neck is an integral part of the face as well as its natural continuation.
Aesthetical deformities on the neck can include a wide range of aesthetic defects such as sagging of the neck skin, the formation of vertical folds on the neck - mainly due to the platysma muscle of the neck- and excess fat around the neck.
All of these deformities result in the contour of the neck to give a false image of a face aged and tired.
Am I the appropriate candidate for a Neck Lift operation?
Candidates for Neck Lift operation are patients who:
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Are to undergo a Face Lift operation
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Men - women after massive weight loss
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Men - Women with sagging skin on the neck
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Men - Women with vertical folds on the neck area
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Men - Women with excess fat on the neck area
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Men - women who had already undergone a surgery but are not happy with the outcome
The visit to the plastic surgeon
During your visit to Dr Kretsis he will assess the extend of the problem and the reasons that led to it. At the same time, Dr Kretsis will explain in detail if you are a candidate for this surgery as well as whether the surgery can be combined with other face surgical operations.
In addition, Dr Kretsis will be fully informed about your medical history and any medications that you receive. Dr Kretsis through photographic material will explain to you exactly where the problem lies and what actions should be taken for its rectification.
Leaving Dr Kretsis office you will be 100% aware of the problem and the type of surgery he will choose in order for you to have a natural long-lasting effect.
How is the operation performed?
The operation is either the continuation of a Face Lift operation or is performed individually.
On Women - Men with low to medium loosening on the neck the operation is performed endoscopically.
Through a small incision in the hair line of the cervical area and under the guidance of the endoscope, platysma muscle of the neck gets sutured - stretched and then the loose excess skin of the area is being removed. In a patient with severe neck looseness problem, formation of folds, excess fat, more operations are required for creating a youthful neck with the angle at the bottom of the neck being 90 degrees.
In this case an incision behind the ear is made which continues to the hair line of the cervical area. In some cases a small incision under the chin might be needed. Excess fat is being removed, vertical folds of the neck are being corrected and then the excessed skin is being removed. Suturing the incision made behind the ear, a slight line is being formed, which disappears after time.
Before the operation
Smoking cessation is recommended as well as cessation of any drug that may affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and any dietary supplement.
Also women who dye their hair are advised to do so before the operation because afterwards they will have to wait for a month due to small trauma in the hair line.
The surgery
The surgery can be performed either with neuroleptic anesthesia or general anesthesia. The surgery lasts about 2-3 hours depending on the extend of the problem.
In cases of excessive looseness the patient might have a small tube in each side of the neck which are being removed the next day.
After the end of the operation the patient remains in the hospital for a few hours and then he leaves with specific instructions to follow.
The recovery
We would say that the recovery after a Neck Lift operation is rather quick. The patient is able to bathe and fully return to every day activities from the very next day. A special elastic bandage is applied in the neck area for 3-5 days in order to reduce edema as quickly as possible.
The swelling and the few bruises subside within 3-5 days and the patient can return to work after 5-7 days. The sutures fall out and the patient returns to full activity (gym, swimming) 20 to 25 days after surgery.
In general the recovery after a Neck Lift operation is very fast.
How long do the results of the operation last?
In order for the results to last in time, it is of great importance to provide to the patient certain technical manipulations during the operation. It is known to Plastic Surgeons that the neck area is one of the most difficult parts of the human body in the achievement of a natural and long-term outcome.
The ability of the Plastic Surgeon to provide correct diagnosis and perform the right techniques to restore the problem in the area, is the key point to a Neck Lift operation.
Dr Kretsis specialized in cosmetic face plastic surgery and studied alongside Dr Bruce Connel - the man who founded and developed Neck Lift - can guarantee a natural and long-lasting effect for the next 12-15 years.
Complications
Neck Lift complications are:
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failure to achieve a satisfactory contour of the neck.
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hematoma.
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contamination.
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temporary numbness in the skin of the neck.
Neck Lift surgery performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, provides natural, long lasting results, fast recovery process and a quite low complication rate.