Cervicoplasty

Neck Lift

"The geometry of our neck is the basis and starting point of a harmonious facial contour.

General Overview

Cervicoplasty or cervical lifting is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed with the objective of removing excess fat and skin that has accumulated under the jaw and affects the aesthetics of the neck.

The neck must have a well-defined jaw to look slim and young. Over time these characteristics deteriorate, accumulating fat in the submandibular region, developing what is known as the double chin. This is usually accompanied by a descent of the neck muscles. These changes generate an aged and tired appearance.

The Cervicoplasty can be performed in isolation or combined with the ritidoplasty, aesthetic intervention for facial rejuvenation, or with the aesthetic surgery of cheeks (Bichectomy). The decision depends on the patient's needs.

The main objectives of the cervical lifting or neck lift are the elimination of fat deposits located below the jaw, through jowl surgery, removal or replacement of excess skin at the neck level and attenuate or soften the muscle bands that usually form around the neck.

Indications for a Cervical Lift

Cervicoplasty should be performed on a preferably healthy person with no history of any chronic disease, who wishes to improve the appearance of the neck, jowls and muscle bands that form in the neck.

It is generally requested by patients over 40 years of age or by those who have lost a lot of weight and present flaccidity of the neck as a result.

Risks

Risks involved in neck lift surgery may include the following:

Another possible risk of neck lift surgery is that you may not be satisfied with the results. In this situation, another surgery may be an option.

How to prepare Yourself

Food and medicine

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medicines several days before surgery. These include warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), heparin, aspirin, and other over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.).

Other precautions

Because tobacco smoking promotes the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and slows recovery and healing, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before performing a neck lift.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and for someone to stay with you the first night after the procedure.

What to expect

Before the procedure

Before you have a neck lift, your doctor will talk with you to assess your health and discuss your goals and expectations. The doctor will then decide on the surgical method that best suits your case. He or she may suggest additional procedures, such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or facial rejuvenation, that can help you get the results you want.

He or she will examine and measure your face, and may also take photographs so you can compare your appearance before and after surgery.

During the procedure

A neck lift may be performed with sedation and local anesthesia, where only one part of the body is anesthetized, or with general anesthesia. The doctor will explain what type of surgery best suits your case. Options include:

After the procedure

After a double chin lift, a compressive bandage is usually applied, which must be removed the next day. People can develop their usual activities between 3 and 5 days later. The results are immediate.

In the case of Cervicoplasty as a more complex and integral procedure, a soft bandage should be placed around the head in order to protect the wounds.

This bandage should be removed the next day and replaced by a smaller, more comfortable one. The surgical stitches are removed on the 8th day and generally after 5 days the patient can return to his normal activities. Intense physical exercise should be avoided, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun. It is generally recommended a semi-static rest that should last around 72 hours.

Results

It may take a few weeks for the swelling and bruising to disappear completely, and it may take up to six months for the incision lines to fade. In the meantime, take care to protect the skin from the sun and against abrasion or excessive movement.

CERVICOPLASTY

Neck Lift

General Overview

Cervicoplasty or cervical lifting is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed with the objective of removing excess fat and skin that has accumulated under the jaw and affects the aesthetics of the neck.

​

​

The Cervicoplasty can be performed in isolation or combined with the ritidoplasty, aesthetic intervention for facial rejuvenation, or with the aesthetic surgery of cheeks (Bichectomy). The decision depends on the patient's needs.

The main objectives of the cervical lifting or neck lift are the elimination of fat deposits located below the jaw, through jowl surgery, removal or replacement of excess skin at the neck level and attenuate or soften the muscle bands that usually form around the neck.

Indications for a Cervical Lift

Cervicoplasty should be performed on a preferably healthy person with no history of any chronic disease, who wishes to improve the appearance of the neck, jowls and muscle bands that form in the neck.

It is generally requested by patients over 40 years of age or by those who have lost a lot of weight and present flaccidity of the neck as a result.

Risks

Risks involved in neck lift surgery may include the following:

Bleeding under the skin (hematoma)

Coarse scarring

Blood clots

Infection

Nerve injuries

Loss of skin

Open wounds

Another possible risk of neck lift surgery is that you may not be satisfied with the results. In this situation, another surgery may be an option.

How to prepare Yourself

Food and medicine

​

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medicines several days before surgery. These include warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), heparin, aspirin, and other over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.).

​

Other precautions

​

Because tobacco smoking promotes the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and slows recovery and healing, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before performing a neck lift.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and for someone to stay with you the first night after the procedure.

What to expect

Before the procedure

​

He or she will examine and measure your face, and may also take photographs so you can compare your appearance before and after surgery.

​

​

During the procedure

​

A neck lift may be performed with sedation and local anesthesia, where only one part of the body is anesthetized, or with general anesthesia. The doctor will explain what type of surgery best suits your case. Options include:

Liposuction. The surgeon makes a small incision behind each ear and under the chin. Specialized equipment sucks the fat from the jaw line and under the chin. The procedure takes one to two hours. The result, if the skin is resilient, is a more defined neck area.

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Cervicoplasty. The surgeon makes a small incision under the chin (and sometimes around the ears) and tightens the neck muscles underneath. You can also remove excess skin and fat. The procedure takes two to three hours. Cervicoplasty is recommended for overweight people.

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After the procedure

​

After a double chin lift, a compressive bandage is usually applied, which must be removed the next day. People can develop their usual activities between 3 and 5 days later. The results are immediate.

In the case of Cervicoplasty as a more complex and integral procedure, a soft bandage should be placed around the head in order to protect the wounds.

​

​

Results

​

It may take a few weeks for the swelling and bruising to disappear completely, and it may take up to six months for the incision lines to fade. In the meantime, take care to protect the skin from the sun and against abrasion or excessive movement.