Have you ever looked at your neck and saw a turkey wattle? Excess fat? Too much skin? You are not alone.

The appearance of your neck can either be not on your radar or an embarrassing hit to your self esteem. For someone who has hidden in a turtle neck during the heat of summer, the appearance of their neck is first and foremost on their mind.

How the skin on your neck ages can be a combination of genetics and experience. For example, if you have lost a lot of weight, your neck can still house unsightly fat and or stretched skin. For other people, how the skin on their neck ages is written in their genes.

What can you do about it?

Cosmetic surgery has made it possible to turn back the clock. A neck lift can tighten sagging neck skin, remove excess fat and reduce the appearance of “bands”.

Neck lifts have changed people’s lives, about how they feel about themselves and their own confidence level. A neck lift can also make you look like you have lost weight!

How does a Neck Lift Work?

A neck lift is actually a combination of surgical procedures that are utilized to improve the appearance of the neck. Using procedures that remove excess skin, alter neck muscles and liposuction, your cosmetic surgeon will meet with you to design the appropriate combination of procedures for your neck.

Make sure to discuss your specific concerns with your cosmetic surgeon, as different concerns require different neck lift surgeries. Does your neck have too much fat? Then you need liposuction, which will entail a small incision below the chin. Do you have a turkey wattle or neck bands? Then you need platysmaplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon alters your neck muscles, and will make an incision under your chin and behind your ears.

How do I Prepare for the Surgery?

Your cosmetic surgeon will tell you what medications to avoid. Do not diet: eat properly as good nutrition will aid your post-surgical healing.

What can I Expect During the Procedure?

Where the neck lifting procedure will take place generally depends on the level of anesthesia and if other procedures (such as a face lift or brow lift) are taking place. Certain procedures require general anesthesia, others can make do with a local anesthetic. Discuss this with your surgeon.

What to expect during a neck lift depends on the surgery being done. Talk with your surgeon about specifically what to expect. You will most likely be groggy post-op, so arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home.

What can I Expect During Recovery?

A minimum of one week recovery period is recommended; you should plan to wait at least one week before returning to work. You will be sore and swollen, this is normal for any surgery.

Be sure to have ice packs available to reduce swelling and oral pain medication. A supply of pillows is a must to keep your head in a comfortable position.