Where a patient’s neck lift scar is located depends on several factors. Most importantly, we’re looking at your anatomy and exactly how much skin and muscle tightening or tissue adjustment is needed to achieve your final goal. We’re also looking at whether or not you want a facelift. The incisions needed for an isolated neck lift are different than those that would be used if you’re getting a combination neck lift and facelift surgery.
In the following article, we will take a look at neck lift scars in general and where they are typically located for a few different types of neck lift surgery. We will also go over the procedure steps and talk a bit about neck lift recovery.
Neck Lift Scars and Incision Placement
As stated above, where your neck lift incisions are located will depend on whether you’re getting a facelift and a neck lift or only a neck lift and how much work needs to be done to achieve your ultimate goal for surgery.
Neck Lift Only
If you plan on only getting an isolated neck lift without a facelift, we can often accomplish this with a short scar neck lift. This would mean just one short incision made directly beneath the chin.
A neck lift scar under chin is very discreet and will hardly be noticeable once it’s healed. You can look at direct neck lift scar photos for examples of this type of neck lift surgery.
Face and Neck Lift
If, on the other hand, you would like to get a neck lift along with a facelift, most of these incisions are going to be made around the ear. We can also hide some of the incisions right in front of the ear within the hairline. Sometimes, incisions can actually be made inside the front of the ear.
And finally, often a patient will have facelift and neck lift incisions made behind the ear within the crease where the ear meets the head. All of these incisions are typically hidden to obscurity once they are healed.
Neck Lift Procedure Steps
The first step of any plastic surgery procedure is anesthesia. For a neck lift or a neck lift with a facelift, we’ll use general anesthesia. So, the first portion of the surgery will be the administration of anesthesia, followed by the initial incisions.
When these incisions have been made, your plastic surgeon will manipulate the tissue, muscles, fat, and skin to achieve the desired goal. Typically, excess fat and skin are removed, and the underlying neck muscles that are loose and causing bands will be tightened for a smooth result.
If a facelift is also being performed alongside neck lift surgery, the appropriate facelift procedure steps will be taken at this point. The final step in this surgery is carefully closing each incision and applying bandages to keep the incisions and new contours in place, especially during the initial period of recovery.
Neck Lift Recovery
Whether you decide to undergo neck lift surgery alone or neck lift surgery along with a facelift, recovery is typically not too difficult. If you work, you will definitely need to stay home from for at least one week and sometimes longer. Many patients feel self-conscious about undergoing this procedure, so they may not want to be seen with noticeably healing scars or bandages.
At home, be sure not to lift anything heavy or perform any vigorous exercise for at least one month following surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to your normal activities.
Get plenty of rest. When you do sleep, keep your upper body elevated, and make sure you don’t roll to the side or onto your stomach while you’re sleeping, as this may compromise your incisions and change your results.
Drink plenty of water while you are healing, and eat a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on protein for faster healing. While you cannot exercise during your active recovery, you should get up and walk around frequently during the day to improve blood circulation and help avoid blood clots.
To help reduce scar visibility as you heal, try silicone-based scar creams and massage (if okayed by your surgeon). Follow all of your surgeon’s directives and advice during the healing process.
FAQ: Neck Lift Surgery
What if I develop hypertrophic scars after neck lift surgery?
Hypertrophic scars are a type of rare severe scarring. They are abnormal and rarely occur. If you develop this type of neck lift scarring, the scar tissue will typically be raised, thick, and red.
Although a rare type of scar formation, these visible scars can cause problems and embarrass patients Therefore, a scar revision surgery is usually called for.
During scar healing, if you notice any signs of hypertrophic scars on your neck skin, contact your surgeon right away.
Will a neck lift get rid of neck fat?
While a neck lift surgery can certainly tighten excess skin (loose skin) and remove some excess fat, a neck lift is not primarily for the reduction of excess fat on the neck. If this is your primary concern and you do not have excess skin on your neck, you may be a better candidate for chin and neck liposuction
As a rule, neck lift procedures cause more visible scarring than chin liposuction.
Request a Consultation Today
If you’re interested in a neck lift, Las Vegas patients trust board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason with their facial plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Mason specializes in neck lift and face lift procedures and can help you achieve your goals. Call today to book your appointment.