Neck Lifts
The appearance of the neck is one of the major signs of ageing in humans. Vertical banding, creases, fat accumulation in the jowls, and the infamous turkey-wattle are the most dreaded signs of ageing at the neck. These can also arise as a result of severe weight loss or due to hereditary factors. In any case, the appearance of the neck can be improved with neck lifts. Neck lift surgery can be performed using a variety of procedures including liposuction, cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty.
The Procedures
Liposuction is used to remove excess fat at your chosen clinic. This involves making an incision below the chin. A cannula is inserted and used to break up the fatty deposits which are then removed by a suction pump through the incision. Bandages will be applied to diminish swelling. Cervicoplasty removes excess skin from the neck. Incisions are made beneath the chin and behind the ears. The skin is then cut back and lifted. Permanent sutures will be applied to keep the skin in place. Platysmaplasty aims to reduce the banded appearance of the neck. This is done either by removal or realigning of a specific portion of neck muscles. Incisions are made in front of the ear lobe, looping under and behind the ear heading towards the back of the neck. Small incisions are also made below the chin if the platysma muscle needs to be adjusted. The skin is lifted and the platysma muscle is tightened by sewing them together at the centre. Some of this muscle may be removed. Excess skin is removed and placed back over the tissues. Incisions are closed and bandaged.
The Risks and Complications
Typically, normal side effects would include:
i. Swelling and bruising for several days
ii. Different types of odd sensations can be felt including tingling, burning or pulling
iii. Numbness (for first few weeks)
As with any surgery, there is the risk of infection so that the patient needs to monitor his body temperature for some time. The doctor should be contacted immediately if there are signs of fever or pus coming out of the surgery site. Negative reactions to medications/anesthesia are also possible.
Alternatives to Neck Surgery
Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) injections can be used to partly paralyze the platysma muscle of the neck therefore reducing the appearance of bands. This is a widely used procedure, even though recently it has been linked with numerous side effects resulting from the spreading of the toxin from its site of injection to the rest of the body. Pneumonia, muscle weakness, difficulties to swallow, speech disorders and breathing problems have all been linked to the cosmetic or medical use of botox. Moreover, the effect of botox is temporary.
Where the sagging of the neck is not pronounced, weekly massages together with moisturizing cream may improve the appearance. However, as you may well suspect, this does not have any lasting effect nor does it prevent the neck from sagging in the long term. There is essentially no non-surgical method to preventing “turtle wattle” necks.