A neck lift or chin liposuction is performed to remove excess fat beneath the chin and tighten loose skin in the neck. A less invasive alternative to a facelift, the procedure can produce dramatic results in the patient whose chin and/or neck has sagged with age or after weight loss.
A neck lift procedure includes both a cervicoplasty to remove excess skin and a platysmaplasty to remove or alter muscles in the neck.
Liposuction can also be used to remove excess fat during a neck lift. This takes two to three hours and may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the preference of the patient. Most procedures are performed within an outpatient basis.
Swelling and bruising may occur shortly after the procedure and last up to ten days. Most people can return to work and other regular activities within two weeks after a neck lift procedure.
There are certain risks involved in a neck lift, as there is with any surgical procedure, including problems with anesthesia or infection. There is also a risk of facial nerve damage that may occur during surgery and can result in muscle paralysis. Although these complications are rare, they emphasize the importance of choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon for your cosmetic procedures.