The following is information regarding platysmaplasty (neck lift) which is important to review, understand, and discuss with your family or friends before choosing to proceed with surgery.
GOALS OF SURGERY
The goal of the neck lift surgery is to partially reverse the signs of aging which are due to skin laxity, fat accumulation, and sagging neck muscles. The jaw line and neck should appear tighter. In any given patient, these goals may only be partially met.
LIMITATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE
The procedure cannot create younger skin, nor can it alter developmental asymmetries or prevent continued aging. It is important to realize that this process cannot give you a “sharp” jaw line if you never had one when you were young. The effects of the neck lift may be present for up to 5-10 years, but eventually the aging process will cause a recurrence of the original condition.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROCEDURE
Neck lift surgery is an elective procedure. Without the surgery, the neck will continue to age normally. In some selected patients, liposuction alone may be enough to tighten the neck.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE/ANESTHESIA/RECOVERY
Neck lift surgery is performed through incisions under the chin and behind the ears. Through these incisions, obvious fat pockets overlying the jaw line and underneath the chin are removed and the neck muscles tightened in the midline to sharpen the chin and jaw angle. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in certain instances can be performed under local anesthesia with heavy intravenous sedation. The procedure can be combined with upper face procedures such as facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid surgery. The procedure may be performed in the hospital or surgery center. In most instances, the procedure is done as an outpatient. The sutures are usually removed around one week after surgery. There is considerable swelling and bruising of the neck resulting in black and blue marks. The swelling will greatly subside within 10 days to 2 weeks, although there may be residual swelling for several months following the surgery. A compression dressing (Velcro) is work after surgery for 7 days to several weeks.
RISKS/COMPLICATIONS
Surgical complications accompanying this procedure include bleeding or fluid collection underneath the skin which may necessitate a return to the operating room for removal. Bruising and discoloration of the neck along with swelling as far down as the clavicles or upper chest is not unusual following this procedure and is not considered a complication. However, occasionally small pockets of fluid accumulation occur for several days to several weeks following surgery which require needle drainage in the office. Occasionally, the scars under the chin are reddened or thickened and may require secondary procedures. Skin dimpling, wrinkling, or permanent creases may occur.
There is usually numbness of the skin for a period of 2 weeks to months following surgery which improves with time. As the nerves return, it is common to experience a tingly or irritating sensation in the facial skin. In some instances, the nerve branches which innervate the muscles around the mouth may be traumatized during surgery resulting in weakness of the muscles. This is generally a temporary condition and usually corrects itself within 3 – 6 months. In very rare instances, permanent nerve damage may occur with alterations of facial expression. Some patients experience a period of psychological depression following surgery in that their expectations for an improved facial appearance are not immediately evident due to the expected and normal postoperative swelling and bruising. This temporary psychological alteration improves as the facial appearance improves. There may be areas of lumpiness or irregularity in the skin for several weeks to months following surgery which again generally resolves as healing progresses. Return to work can be anticipated within 1 week of surgery and full normal activities within 4-6 weeks of surgery. Even though the risks and complications cited above occur infrequently, they are the ones that are peculiar to the operation or the greatest concern – other complications and risks can occur, but are even more uncommon. Any and all of the risks and complications can result in:
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Additional surgery
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Hospitalization
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Time off work
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Expense to you
NO GUARANTEE -- The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science, although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee nor warranty expressed or implied by anyone as to the results that may be obtained. Many factors beyond the control of the surgeon affect both long and short term outcome, including but not limited to each patient’s individual tendencies toward scarring, skin quality, genetic makeup, and other health factors. On occasion secondary surgeries may be indicated or desired to obtain the optimal result. If such procedures are performed, there may be additional charges incurred by you.
COMMENTS
If a smoker -- must be off cigarettes for two (2) weeks before surgery and for two (2) weeks after surgery. Much greater risk for scarring, poor healing, hair loss and skin loss in smokers.
Must be off all aspirin containing products for two (2) weeks before surgery and for two (2) weeks after surgery. (Check all medications with us. Some medications such as Motrin and Advil may also affect clotting.) You must stop all herbal medications two (2) weeks prior to surgery.
If there is any item on this consult sheet that you do not understand, mark it and call the office. An explanation or additional information will be provided. Share the information we provide to you with interested family members or friends. Our aesthetic coordinator, Connie Chudoff, is available for any questions at 856-325-6768.