Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Neck Lift

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Neck Lift

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging. Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi performs both surgical and non-surgical neck lift procedures. These neck lift procedures are used to reduce the signs of aging on the lower face and neck.

Why Patients Choose to Have a Neck lift

Patients choose to have a neck lift to address issues related to aging on their neck and the lower portion of their face.

These issues may include:

• Excess wrinkling in the skin on their neck
• A double chin
• A turkey wattle
• Jowls
• Abnormal contours due to muscle banding in the neck

The Surgical Neck Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

Medications are used to keep patients comfortable during the neck lift surgery. The tightening that is done with a typical neck lift procedure can be uncomfortable for some patients if done awake. In most cases, general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia is the preferred approach. Limited procedures addressing the “turkey wattle” through a “direct neck lift” can be performed awake under local anesthesia.

Dr. Tansavatdi Makes the Incisions

The incisions for a neck lift are made behind the ears (into the hairline) and may extend in front of the ears if the lower face or jowls are also being addressed. A separate incision is also commonly made underneath the chin in a natural crease to address the platysma bands in the neck and to gain access to the middle of the neck for liposculpting.

Redistributing or Sculpting

Dr. Tansavatdi may choose to redistribute or sculpt the fat from the neck and jowls. In some patients with a thin neck liposculpting is not performed to leave enough fat beneath the skin allowing for a natural unoperated look to the neck.

Tightening the Muscle

The platysma muscle is a thin muscle that extends from the chest to the jaw. During the aging process, this muscle separates in the middle of the neck creating rope-like bands. These bands combined with sagging of the overlying neck skin results in visible lax skin in the neck. A large amount of lax skin results in a characteristic commonly referred to as a turkey neck or wattle. During a neck lift procedure, Dr. Tansavatdi tightens the platysma muscle; thus, addressing this issue. The separated ends of the platysma muscles on either side are brought back to the center through the chin crease and sutured together in a fashion similar to a corset while the layer of the muscle beneath the ear in the neck are tightened up and back to lift the neck tissues.

Redraping and Removing Excess Skin

After tightening the muscle, she redrapes the skin over the uplifted muscle layer. Then, excess skin is trimmed leaving enough skin to close the incision without tension. Dr. Tansavatdi closes the incisions using staples in the hairline and sutures around the ears and under the chin.

Surgical Dressings

Surgical dressings are applied to the incision. These dressings assist with the healing process by preventing the collection of blood underneath the skin that can lead to bruising and swelling.

Results

It can take from several weeks to a couple of months for the swelling to completely disappear; additionally, the incision lines could take up to one year to mature. Once healing is complete, most patients notice they have a more youthful and restful appearance. Many patients also enjoy an increase in self-confidence.

 

 

Non-Surgical Neck Lift Procedures

There are many non-surgical neck lift procedures available given the explosion of the non-invasive technology market. Two options include Botox injections and the non-surgical Laser Neck LIift.

Each muscle in the face performs different functions. Some muscles lift up while others pull down. Eventually, the platysma bands in the lower portion of the face may pull the skin downward. This causes exaggeration of the jowls.

A Non-Surgical Neck Lift Using Botox®

Dr. Tansavatdi can use Botox® to relax some of these platysma bands. The muscles being relaxed during this procedure are located in very sensitive areas. These areas surround the muscles that control the patient’s ability to speak and to swallow. For this reason, only highly skilled professionals should perform non-surgical neck lifts.

A Botox® Non-Surgical Neck Lift Procedure can be Done in About 15 Minutes

Botox® non-surgical neck lift procedures only take about 15 minutes.

What to Expect from Botox

With Botox®, there is virtually no downtime and patients usually see their full results within seven days of the procedure.

Results from Botox

The results of a Botox® non-surgical neck lift will last from three to six months.

Non-Surgical Laser Neck Lift

A Laser Neck Lift is another non-surgical option that Dr. Tansavatdi offers her patients. During this procedure, Dr. Tansavatdi uses the Cynosure PrecisionTx™ to improve the contour and shape of the neck. Many patients feel better because they look younger once the loose, sagging skin on their neck is addressed. This procedure is performed in the office and only takes an hour.

The Laser Neck Lift Procedure

• Dr. Tansavatdi numbs the treatment area.
• She makes several small incisions beneath the jawline. These incisions are used as the passageway for the laser fiber. This laser fiber is extremely small, comparable to the size of the tip of a pen. The laser fiber is aimed towards the undersurface of the skin. Collagen production is stimulated by the thermally controlled laser energy that Dr. Tansavatdi uses during this procedure.
• Dr. Tansavatdi also focuses the energy of the laser on the fat in the neck. The laser breaks up the fat cells, effectively liquidizing the fat. This allows for easy aspiration.
• Dr. Tansavatdi tightens the skin and removes the now liquidized fat.
• No sutures are required at the end of the procedure. The incisions are so small that they heal without any scarring. . Because the three small incisions are made beneath the jawline, they are virtually imperceptible.

What to Expect

from a Non-surgical Laser Neck Lift

Patients usually return to normal activities in just three days.

Most patients see results directly after their procedure. The majority of patients will notice even more improvement over the three to four months following their Laser Neck Lift procedure. The increase in collagen production allows for this continued improvement.

Results

of a Non-surgical Laser Neck Lift

The benefits obtained from a Laser Neck Lift can last from 7 to 10 years. The length of time results last depends on a patient’s lifestyle and stress levels. To ensure the best results possible, patients need to follow their postoperative instructions.

If you are interested in a surgical or non-surgical neck lift, contact Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi today. The Tansavatdi Facial Plastic Surgery is located near Thousand Oaks, in Westlake Village, California. Dr. Tansavatdi proudly serves the residents of Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Santa Barbara and Calabasas.