As age of a person progresses, aging effects are not only seen on the skin of the various parts of the face but also the neck. As care for aging skin is important with respect to the face, it is also important to address the neck. The skin on your neck is in very close proximity of the face for which you have been taking special care, please note that the neck skin is also very sensitive and also shows signs of aging caused due to unhealthy lifestyle, sun damage and environmental factors. To correct the loose skin over the neck and to achieve a neck lift, one of the various surgical and non-surgical treatments can be opted out off. Each of these neck plastic surgery procedures have their own pros and cons with regards to the extent of neck lift that they can achieve.
Non-Surgical Neck Lift:
Botox:
Prominent changes in the neck include prominent neck bands as well as the wrinkled skin. These vertical bands are caused by the appearance of prominent platysma muscle edges which are unsupported. Botulinum toxin type A injections can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and thus the chances of neck plastic surgery. Advantage of this procedure is that the botulinum toxin injection is non-surgical and less costly, however, the major drawback is that the neck lift achieved is temporary and needs a repeat procedure every 3-4 months.
Neck Lift By Laser Therapy:
Erbium or carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have proved to selectively injure and damage the first two layers of the skin causing significant skin contraction, new collagen growth and textural improvement. Skin laxity and jowl correction is better corrected with fractional CO2 lasers. Neck rejuvenation similar to the results achieved by a neck lift surgery is an effective treatment option with long-term efficacy.
Injectable Dermal Fillers:
Injectable dermal fillers reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore lost volume to the skin on the neck which helps in achieving a tight facial and neck skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers when injected in the neck add volume and reduce the loose neck skin.
Radiofrequency Based Devices For Neck Lift:
Radiofrequency with micro-needling is a non-invasive procedure that treats wrinkles and loose skin of the face and neck. This combination therapy helps in naturally reproducing the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Mico-needling helps in resurfacing the superficial layer of the skin while tightening of the skin is done by radiofrequency by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Result appears gradually and keeps improving for a few months. Multiple sessions of these treatments are usually required for an adequate neck lift.
Ultrasoud Therapy:
Ultrasound therapy works on the principle of penetration of the ultrasound waves into the skin to reach the subcutaneous layer of the neck. This improves wrinkles and laxity of the skin. The Ultrasound therapy for the neck lift bypasses the skin surface as the ultrasound energy is not absorbed by the superficial layers of the skin and is rather focussed on the subcutaneous tissue. Ultrasound therapy neck rejuvenation procedure is a conservative approach and takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Flushing of skin and redness may appear which may subside in few hours. Results may be seen in few weeks to months. Ultrasound therapy neck lift can last up to a year.
Surgical Face And Neck Lift:
Surgical face and neck lifts help in reducing the bands on the neck and also helps in removal of excess skin. Surgical procedures improve skin tone and texture, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and neck folds, and provides a youthful appearance.
Advantages Of Surgical Procedures:
- Long term results
- Addresses the primary problem
- Loose skin can be trimmed at the same time
Neck Lift Surgery:
A neck lift is a surgical procedure where the loose and abnormally oriented muscles are tightened, drooping glands are re-suspended and the extra skin and fat is tightened.
This is the only definitive procedure which can provide an anatomical improvement and truly reposition the tissues to the right level. Very few surgeons in India are comfortable with this procedure and Dr. Mohan Thomas and Dr. James Dsilva are those chosen few.
Steps In Neck Lift Surgery:
STEP 1: Anaesthesia
After a pre-anaesthesia check-up and an anaesthetic fitness, the patient is taken to the operatory room and anaesthetised. It can be undertaken as a full general anaesthesia or also under local anesthesia and sedation.
STEP 2: Incision making
- Traditional Neck Lift Surgery Incision
Traditional neck lift surgery incision begins in the hairline at the level of the sideburn, continuing downward and around the ear and ends in the posterior hair line. The subcutaneous fat is sculpted. The tissue under the neck skin is repositioned and commonly the platysma muscle is tightened. Skin is re-draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away so as to achieve an adequate neck lift.
- Limited Incision Neck Plastic Surgery
A limited incision neck lift may involve incisions only around the ear. While the incisions are shorter, the results may be more limited. Aesthetically it is superior to traditional neck lift.
- Midline Incision Neck Plastic Surgery
This type of incision is used in people who have medical issues and need a very limited neck procedure to address the loose neck skin and neck bands. The incision of this neck lift leaves a vertical scar in the midline of the neck which fades over time.
STEP 3: Suturing
After the required results are achieved, the incision lines are sutured with sutures or adhesive glues. The scar is hidden within the hairline and is aesthetically pleasing.
STEP 4: Post-operative course
Includes sleeping in a head elevated position, medications for a week and suture removals after 7-10 days. It is important that the surgical site is not exposed to the sunlight so as to prevent pigment formation specially in Indians.
Advantages Of Neck Lift Surgery:
- Thinner look
- Smooth skin – to eliminate wrinkles and redundant skin.
- Balanced, youthful appearance
- Hidden scar.
- Increases one’s self-esteem.
What Is The Neck Lift Surgery Cost In India?
The Neck lift surgery cost in India depends on the extent of surgery, duration of the procedure, any associated treatments such as eyelid surgery, chin implant etc and the experience of the Surgeon. A limited incision can cost approximately 1 to 1.5 lakhs Indian Rupee while traditional neck lift costs around 2.5 lakhs Indian Rupee or more. The cost depends on the complexity of the procedure and the hospital where it is undertaken.