Neck Lift Surgeon in Mission Viejo
If you’re not happy about excess fat around your neck area or jawline, you may benefit from a consultation with a neck lift surgeon in Mission Viejo. As long as you are mindful of your diet and exercise habits, results from a neck lift procedure could be long-lasting. While surgery of this nature can be a standalone cosmetic enhancement, it’s fairly common for neck lifts to be combined with facelift procedures. But today, we’re going to focus on what you can expect from a neck lift.
Is a Neck Lift Right for You?
A neck lift surgeon in Mission Viejo will first perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for a neck procedure. After reviewing your medical history, your neck area will be examined. You’ll also likely be asked about what medications you are currently taking and what your expectations are with surgery. Generally, neck lift surgery is intended to treat the following neck-related issues:
- Lower face skin with excess fat/relaxation that contributes to jowls
- Fatty deposits primarily located under the chin
- Neck skin that’s loose
- Abnormal neck contours related to muscle banding
A neck lift is also worth considering if your upper face appearance doesn’t match your lower face/neck appearance. Another reason to consider a neck lift is if you are not yet ready for a full facelift and you want to see what results you’ll get by focusing on your lower face. Preferred candidates for this procedure should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations.
How Do You Get Ready for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift surgeon in Mission Viejo typically advises patients to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery, especially ones that thin blood or increase bleeding risks. It’s also best to stop smoking a few weeks prior to surgery if you are a smoker.
What Can You Expect During Surgery?
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the complexity of your procedure, although it’s common for IV sedation and general anesthesia to be used. A neck lift surgeon in Mission Viejo performs a traditional procedure with an incision that begins in the hairline and extends to the area around the ear and posterior hairline by the neck.
The process may also involve removing fat or redistributing it from the jowls to other areas. Underlying neck skin is also repositioned and tightened. If liposuction will be part of the procedure, a separate incision is made under the chin. Another option with a neck lift is to only make incisions around the ears with shorter incisions. This is known as a limited neck lift.
After having surgery, you’ll continue to visit a neck lift surgeon in Mission Viejo for follow-up appointments to determine if everything is healing as expected. Typically, post-procedure swelling and bruising fully goes away after several weeks, and it could take about six months or so for scar lines to fully fade. In the meantime, you’ll likely be advised to avoid clothing that needs to be pulled over your head and minimize direct sun exposure as much as possible.