At the Great Neck office of Brian D. Cohen, MD, we offer a full range of plastic surgery procedures and spa treatments customized to meet your unique needs. Because the neck is one of the first places the skin shows aging, Dr. Cohen frequently performs neck lift procedures. His excellent results are evidence of his talent as a plastic surgeon. His grateful patients in Nassau County and throughout Long Island attest to the fact that he is more than a gifted professional; he is a caring, supportive person as well.
Why People Want Neck Lifts
Wrinkles and sagging are sometimes visible on the front of the neck even before they are noticeable on the face. For this reason, many patients seek neck lifts at a relatively young age to forestall the telltale signs that they may be older than their vibrancy indicates. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that decreases wrinkles and sagging skin in the jawline and neck, providing a more youthful, toned appearance.
After a neck lift, you will be amazed to see in your reflection a taut, smooth neck in place of the loose muscles and drooping skin that made you look older and less attractive. Whether your neck has sagged simply due to aging (perhaps affected by your genetic makeup), or has been made worse by weight loss or years of smoking and/or sun exposure, Dr. Cohen can help to turn back the clock.
The Importance of Your Initial Consultation
Any surgical procedure requires a frank discussion with your surgeon. Dr. Cohen will discuss any pertinent parts of your medical history, particularly those relating to your general health and skin conditions. It is important for him to know, for example, about any health problems that might interfere with clotting or healing, or whether you have a tendency to scar.
He will examine you carefully and take pictures, not only as “before” shots but to evaluate the general contours of your face and neck. He may discuss other options that may be helpful to you, such as a chin implant, brow lift, eyelid surgery, skin resurfacing, or dermal fillers, or he may ask you to consider a facelift to accompany your neck lift — a choice frequently made.
Most important, Dr. Cohen will discuss your reasons for the neck lift and make certain that your expectations are realistic. You should both be on the same page about what needs to be done and how dramatic the results are likely to be. He will also explain how you should prepare in the weeks and days prior to the procedure.
Preparing for Your Neck Lift
It is necessary to get a medical evaluation and routine lab tests before any surgical procedure, and best to stop smoking 4 to 6 weeks before the operation for more rapid healing and to keep new wrinkles at bay.
You may have to alter your medication regimen temporarily (usually in regard to blood thinners) and if so, make sure that you get your primary care physician’s approval to do so. You will have to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure. You will also have to arrange for someone responsible to escort you to and from the surgical center.
The Neck Lift Procedure
Neck lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Cohen will determine which method is preferable in your case. The operation will take 2 to 3 hours and will be performed outpatient either at our surgical center in Great Neck or the one in Manhattan.
During the neck lift, Dr. Cohen will perform both a cervicoplasty to remove excess skin and a platysmaplasty to remove or alter muscles in the neck. Liposuction will be used to remove excess fat, resulting in more definition in the appearance of your neck. The necessary small incisions will be made behind your ears and under your chin. Once the essential surgical tasks are performed, Dr. Cohen will close the incisions with sutures and apply a pressure dressing around your head and under your chin.
After Your Neck Lift
It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising shortly after the procedure, as well as a feeling of tightness in your neck. These after-effects will typically last for up to 10 days but can be mitigated by wearing a compression garment.
You will be advised to keep your head elevated above your heart, and to keep it straight as much as possible, with only minimal twisting or bending. You should also avoid the sun (sun exposure may increase skin irritation and interfere with healing), and any activities likely to strain your neck or pull at your stitches, such as pulling a shirt over your head.
After 5 to 10 days, the doctor will remove your stitches and after 2 weeks you will most likely be able to return to work and your daily routine. More strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
Admiring the Results of Your Neck Lift
Once the swelling and bruising disappears and your incision lines fade, you will see the remarkable results of your neck lift. Even those who do not know that you’ve had any work done are likely to remark that you look younger, refreshed, more attractive. The small amount of downtime required for your neck lift will seem a small price to pay for your sense of rejuvenation and general well-being.
Contact Brian D. Cohen, MD Today and Hold Your Head Up High
Our goal is to make you more self-confident as you become more pleasing to your own eyes and to the eyes of those around you. Being more comfortable in your own skin is a worthwhile goal and a rewarding investment. Why not call us and take a step in the right direction?