NECKLIFT:

As people grow older, the natural aging process, genetic influences, exposure to the sun and weakening of facial ligaments causes the neck to wrinkle and sag. In the younger individual, the neck is firm and smooth due to fatty tissue & muscle directly beneath the skin and youthful skin elasticity. As an individual ages, the skin and underlying tissues lose elasticity and the muscle starts to form long vertical bands in the neck. Skin folds become more prominent, particularly around the chin, and the jaw line of the neck.

Necklifts, often are combined with face & brow lifts to correct these conditions and give people the youthful appearance they desire. Other specialized treatment recipes for the neck include Botox injections for the banding, liposuction for fat under the chin, and an "isolated neck lift" for men.

BEFORE SURGERY
Prior to surgery, a medical history of the patient is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. Dr. Gordon and patient discuss together how the face and neck should look and what results can realistically be expected. The goal of the surgery is to produce a pleasing natural appearance. Photographs are taken before surgery to be used in the operating room. Dr. Gordon and patient also discuss the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications.

Preoperative instructions will include the elimination of certain drugs containing aspirin for several weeks before surgery in order to minimize the possibility of excessive bleeding. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection. An assortment of homeopathic medication will be provided to reduce bleeding, swelling and bruising.

THE PROCEDURE
The surgery will be performed in the accredited Complete Cosmetic Surgery Center, or at Spring Valley Hospital, depending upon the patient and Dr. Gordon’s preference. It is done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Medication can be administered to relax the patient prior to surgery.

Dr. Gordon works on one side of the neck at a time. Incisions are made beneath the chin, and in front of the ears then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. In some cases, fat deposits are removed from beneath the chin and neck, and the neck muscle is tightened. This may necessitate an additional small incision under the chin. The face skin is re-draped, excess skin removed, and tiny sutures are used to close the incisions. A necklift, if combined with a facelift, may take from four to five hours or more depending on whether other procedures are done at the same time.

AFTER SURGERY
After surgery, loose bandages and drains left in the area are removed within a few days. Patients who are operated on in a hospital are released after an overnight stay. Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Dr. Gordon determines when sutures are removed. This may be done in stages in order to minimize scarring. Scars from the incisions fade significantly with time and are, for the most part, inconspicuous because they are made within natural creases. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a week or two. Keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining can reduce swelling. A tightness or numbness of the treated area may be present for a while, and there may be slight changes in the normal hair pattern around the incision. A limited amount of blood collection under the skin may occur temporarily but does not affect the overall results.

For several weeks after surgery, patients are advised to avoid the sun as much as possible and to wear sunscreen when going out of doors. Healing is gradual and final results may not be apparent for several months. The amount of improvement varies depending on the initial condition of the patient and the extent of surgery. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results while, in some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. Most patients who have had a necklift are delighted with their more attractive, rested appearance.

Each year thousands of necklifts are successfully performed. Complications connected with this surgery are rare; however, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which will be discussed with the patient prior to surgery. Patients can help minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.