Neck Lift in South Africa

A neck lift is usually a set of procedures to improve the lower part of your face and is typically done as a part of a facelift. Furthermore, this type of treatment procedure can also treat:

• Jowls - excess fat in the lower face
• Double chin or Turkey wattle - excess fat under the chin
• Loose skin on the neck
• Muscle banding in the neck - creates abnormal lower facial contours

The first step before undergoing the procedure is to consult with your surgeon. It is important that you discuss everything with your surgeon and fully understand the procedure and the result. You should also explore all of your options and alternatives. Keep in mind that a neck lift will not change your fundamental appearance nor will it stop your aging process.

While everyone has the possibility to undergo this type of treatment procedure, the perfect candidates for a neck lift are:

• Nonsmokers
• Individuals who do not have medical conditions that could possibly impair healing
• People with realistic expectations and a positive outlook

During your consultation, your surgeon will also:

• Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during the surgery
• Evaluate your general health, as well as any pre-existing health conditions
• Discuss other optional alternatives for the procedure
• Examine and measure your face
• Discuss possible outcomes of the procedure as well as potential risks and complications

In preparation for a neck lift treatment procedure, you may be advised to do the following:

• Avoid certain medications and supplements before your surgery and doing so may reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the surgery.
• If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking four weeks before and four weeks after your surgery as it is necessary to aid the healing process.
• Eat a healthy diet

On the day of your scheduled surgery, it is advisable that you wear loose and comfortable clothing. Wear a type of clothing that you will not need to pull over your head and neck. In terms of anaesthetics, you may opt for sedation and local anaesthesia or go under general anaesthesia.

During your surgery, if minimal contouring is needed, it can be done with liposuction alone. As for a full neck lift procedure, incisions may be done either under your chin or behind your ears. These incisions will be closed with sutures and drains may also be placed before your wounds are bandaged.

A neck lift is an outpatient surgical procedure, however, you also have the option to stay overnight in the hospital. You should remain in the South Africa for at least 4-5 days after the surgery as there will be scheduled follow-up check-ups with your surgeon to monitor your healing. The sutures will need to be removed after a few days.

Typically, most people are able to return back to work in ten to fourteen days. In terms of having a physically active lifestyle like playing sports or exercise, you will need to wait at least three weeks or when your doctor gives you the all-clear.

Note that it will most likely take several weeks to a couple of months for the swelling to fully disappear. You will be given specific instructions as to how to take care of your surgical site and drains, as well as medications to apply or take orally to help with your healing and to reduce the risk of infections. It is very important that you give yourself ample time to heal to get the most benefit from your treatment procedure.  

Results for neck lift surgery are normally long-lasting. In general, patients who have gone through a neck lift surgery have been very satisfied with the results.

Although possible risks and complications with this type of procedure are rare and if you experience any of the following symptoms, you will need to consult with your doctor immediately.

• Infection and bleeding
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Allergic reaction
• Changes in sensation
• Hematoma or seroma
• Numbness and tightness in the neck area

For those who are not a fan of surgery, there are non-surgical alternatives that are now available to help you enhance your facial appearance:

• Botox neck lifts - a non-surgical lift that tightens your neck muscles. Botox will be injected into the platysmal bands of your neck. Result typically lasts for three to four months and a touch-up treatment will be required.
• Thermage - also a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment procedure that smoothens and tightens the contours of your neck area, giving you a younger-looking appearance. This procedure can also be used to tighten your sagging stomach, knees, legs, butt, and arm skin.
• Ultherapy - by using ultrasound technology, this type of non-surgical treatment procedure can lift and tighten your loose skin, the result is usually visible in just one treatment.