Face and Neck Lift Surgery in San Jose & Los Gatos
Sometimes, plastic surgery procedures can be combined into a single operation, cutting your surgery and recovery time in half. Combining a facelift with a neck lift is one of those situations.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the common age-related problems that affect this part of the body. These include horizontal bands, excess loose skin (turkey-wattle), and the loss of contours along the jaw line. Neck lifts work by accessing sub-dermal tissue through small incisions and draping them in a tighter, more youthful position.
What is a facelift?
The goal of a facelift is to address sagging and drooping skin on the face and jaw line. Facelifts also remove wrinkles, fine lines, and deep creases caused by aging, stress, and other factors. The repositioning of superficial tissue and muscle during a facelift can restore contours to the cheeks, further enhancing the angular nature of the jaw line.
Who is the best candidate for a facelift/neck lift?
Men and women who have lost the definition that once existed between the neck and the lower face are good candidates for this dual procedure. Ideal candidates for this and any cosmetic procedure are in good general health and have a healthy sense of self. Facelift and neck lift surgery does not create beauty, it restores it. Recognizing your inherent beauty prior to surgery sets the stage for satisfying results.
Neck Lift Before & After
Click here to view more before and after pictures!
Are there scars that result from the surgeries?
Incisions for the facelift / neck lift procedure are placed in discreet areas, such as beneath the chin and around the ears. For facelift procedures, incisions at the ear or temple are made behind the hair line. This way, any scarring that occurs is hidden while healing occurs.
What is the recovery like after a facelift/neck lift?
In the first several days after a face and neck lift, tissue may feel and appear tight. Swelling and bruising will be noticeable, as well. Patients are advised to follow post-op instructions very carefully, and to contact our office if any questions arise. Physical activity may be resumed gradually, with a return to work planned after about 10 days. It is important to know that tissue healing continues for months, with mild swelling decreasing over time.
Is the facelift/neck lift a painful procedure?
Cosmetic facial and neck lift surgery is an outpatient procedure. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation in conjunction with local anesthetic such as lidocaine. Following treatment, patients can expect soreness, swelling, and bruising. Comfort is maintained with prescription pain medication, taken at regular intervals. Do not wait for discomfort to develop; take your medication as directed for the first few days after your procedure.
What are the risks or complications associated with facelift/neck lift surgery?
General surgical risks include adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, and poor scarring. Facelift surgery risks include asymmetry and long-term disruption of sensation. Risks and after-care are discussed at length during the planning phase of surgery.
Are the results of a facelift/neck lift permanent?
When facial and neck tissues are repositioned in a surgical lift procedure, they will remain in a more youthful state forever. The aging process will affect the appearance of the face and neck over time, but to a lesser extent than if a surgical lift were not performed.
When will I be able to return to work after undergoing a facelift/neck lift?
Most patients are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days after their face and neck lift. By this time, a bit of laxity has occurred so tissue does not appear overly tight. Sutures have also either been absorbed or removed, and incision scars are healing discreetly.
When is a facelift and neck lift done together?
A facelift can correct facial folds and creases, yet is not able to address loose, saggy skin in the neck area. Because of this, Dr. Rosenthal may recommend combining a facelift with a neck lift to remove the extra skin and neck muscle, and give the overall face a slimmer, more youthful look.
There are several surgeries that can be performed to address the unwanted signs of aging on the face. During your initial consultation with Dr. Rosenthal, she will determine your eligibility for the various surgical options and make recommendations that will help you achieve the results you desire.
How can I prepare for a face and neck lift surgery?
You will be advised to avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin, as they may promote bleeding during surgery. Patients who smoke will also be asked to quit for four weeks prior to surgery, as smoking inhibits blood circulation to the skin and can affect the outcome of your surgery. Contact us at 408-559-4700.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Rosenthal!
If you have questions about face and neck lift surgery, or if you wish to learn whether you are a candidate for the procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Regina Rosenthal today! Call 408-559-4700 or click here to send us an email contact form. Our practice looks forward to serving you.
