Overview
The first thing that is noticed in a person is definitely his or her face. Naturally, the eyes immediately move to the face to identify the person and to assess their appearance. And while this is the case, the neck plays a critical part in the person’s appearance as well. This is because the neck, just like the face, is a good indicator of the person’s age, health, and well-being.
Many times, people fix up their face with make-up, or some plastic surgery, to try and reduce the effects of aging. But when their necks show sagging and loose skin, it immediately gives away the true range of the person’s age. This is why it is also important to ensure that the neck looks just as rejuvenated and young as the face, and this can be done through a process called cervicoplasty.
What is Cervicoplasty?
Cervicoplasty, also known as neck recontouring, or necklift, is a procedure that “lifts” the neck by tightening loose, sagging, and excess skin. This is done because loose and sagging skin can give an impression of poor health, age, even stress. By removing and tightening loose skin, the neck appears to be revitalized and more youthful, improving the overall appearance of the person.
Neck Recontouring Procedure
The procedure begins with an initial consultation with the surgeon. The patient and doctor exchange information, including what the patient wants from the procedure, what the surgeon can project as a result, any health related problems and issues that might hinder the procedure, and an explanation of how the procedure will go.
Once the patient is well informed and agreeable to the procedure, the surgeon begins taking measurements and notes of the areas that need to be treated. Once everything is in place, the patient is given anesthesia. Choices depend on the preference of the patient, but usually, a light anesthesia that makes the patient fall asleep is what is administered.
Tiny incisions are made, below the chin, and under each ear. These incisions are usually made in the natural crease of these two areas in order to reduce the visibility of any scarring. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon inserts an endoscope and is guided to the target areas, where the surgeon begins restructuring platysma muscle, reinforcing it and contouring it to give definition to the neck.
Next, the surgeon, using the endoscope, creates a tunnel from the back of one ear all the way to the back of the other, and places a device that acts like a corset, which helps in tightening the skin of the neck, smoothing the area where the chin meets the upper neck. The incisions are then closed, and the procedure is complete.
The whole process can take between 1-2 hours, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
Possible risks, complications, and recovery time
Possible risks include infection, which can happen at the areas where the incisions are made. It is important that patients take the prescribed medication regularly, and follow the surgeon’s instructions. Bruising and swelling can occur, which can be treated with ice packs. Recovery time can take anywhere between 3-4 weeks.