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The neck of a person is a very important part of one’s anatomy. It can age earlier than the face, it can put on weight and look ungainly, and it can have wrinkles and folds. All these may be due to ageing, or weight gain or loss, heredity or an earlier operation or sickness. The appearance of the neck can be improved by a neck lift. It is also called platysmaplasty and it reduces the loose look of the sagging skin in the neck area and below the jaw. A fleshy neck, jowl or neck banding can cause a ‘turkey waddle’ and a neck lift can cure it. However any surgery has its own share of dangers and side effects.
If a person is not happy with the appearance of his neck for whatever reason, including a cosmetic one, he can go in for neck lift surgery. However one should not be too idealistic and expect a miracle. The neck lift surgery improves the appearance, does not perform miracles. The surgeon selected will give the patient a thorough medical check up. The patient has to be physically and mentally healthy before he goes in for this type of plastic surgery. Once the decision is made, the patient and the surgeon should discuss in detail the procedure, the post operative care, the costs, the medication and other things so that the patient knows exactly what to expect and what to do.
The neck lift procedure may be done under full anesthesia or local anesthesia. It depends on the procedure. Normally, a neck lift may be done along with other procedures like a face lift or a chin lift in which case the time taken may be longer. The operation normally takes about 3 to five hours. Incisions are made below the ear or behind it and the skin cut or lifted by inserting the instrument though this incision. Sometimes liposuction may be used to remove excess fat in the neck area. Sometimes an injection of botox will suffice and the neck lift can be postponed on cancelled. After the procedure the incision will be sutured and bandaged. One can expect some pain, swelling or bruising and one needs to take medicines prescribed for it. Smoking and drinking should be stopped a few days prior to and a few days after the operation.
Once the procedure is done, the patient is expected to be in the hospital for a day or two. His bandages may be removed after a few days. He should keep a check on his temperature, as fever is a symptom of some infection. He may feel a little tightening in the neck, his smile may change but all these are expected ones. The full result of the neck lift will be visible after about three to six months.
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