Neck Lift Scottsdale, Arizona

In younger patients, limited aging changes either above or below the jaw line can be addressed with mid-face lifts and neck lifts, respectively. These procedures are commonly combined with full face lifts or injectable treatments to enhance results. To learn more about a mid-face or neck lift,
contact Dr. Pamela Henderson in Scottsdale, Arizona, where her practice proudly treats patients from throughout the greater Phoenix area.

What Are Neck and Mid-face Lifts?

A neck lift involves changing the contour of the neck by tightening the muscles that create the bands on the anterior neck with or without liposuction under the chin and jowls and re-draping of the skin.

A mid-face lift is appropriate in the patient with deepening of the folds between the nose and mouth who has adequate volume in the cheek for suspension. In patients with inadequate volume, fillers/augmentation materials, fat transfer, or cheek implants may be more appropriate for rejuvenation.

The Consultation

During the consultation for a neck lift or mid-face lift, Dr. Henderson will examine the areas being treated for skin laxity, soft tissue volume, skin elasticity, neck banding, jowling, bone structure, facial symmetry, and overall skin health. The patient is counseled about the effects of loss of skin elasticity, skin thickness, and sun damage on the results that can be achieved and realistic expectations are reviewed. The placements of the incisions are reviewed. Ancillary procedures including fillers/augmentation materials, fat transfer, and facial implants are discussed if indicated.

Preparing for Neck Lift and Mid-face Lift Surgeries

Once the decision is made to proceed with surgery, patients are scheduled for a preoperative appointment approximately two weeks prior to the surgical date. During that appointment, patients are given preoperative instructions and consent forms are reviewed. These instructions generally include avoiding medications that increase the risk of bleeding including herbs, vitamin E, aspirin, and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, as well as taking supplements to reduce swelling and bruising. Patients who smoke are advised to discontinue smoking at least two weeks prior to and two weeks after surgery.

Anesthesia

To allow for spontaneous breathing and avoid using an endotracheal tube, Dr. Henderson prefers using IV sedation, often referred to as “twilight anesthesia,” on patients receiving a mid-face or neck lift. Dr. Henderson’s Scottsdale, Arizona practice is home to an accredited in-office surgical suite, where the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia is also injected during the procedure to decrease bleeding and improve patient comfort. Depending on the individual’s preference, a neck lift can also be performed under local anesthesia combined with oral or intramuscular medications for relaxation.

The Procedure

The neck lift is accomplished through a small incision hidden under the chin in a patient with good skin elasticity, or with additional incisions behind the ears if skin removal is necessary due to mild skin laxity. Liposuction of excess fat under the chin and in the jowls is followed by suture tightening of the muscles’ bands. Small incisions may be made behind the earlobes to allow for adequate contouring of the jaw line and lateral neck even if excess skin is not removed.

For the mid-face lift, Dr. Henderson may use the temporal, infraorbital, or transoral surgical approaches. Dr. Henderson prefers a combination of temporal and transoral approaches which allows for adequate mobilization of the soft tissues. Suspension to the temple regions is achieved with looped sutures.

Depending on your particular case, your mid-face or neck lift may be combined with an injectable treatment (such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse®, JUVÉDERM®) to improve results.

After Surgery

After neck lift surgery, a light pressure dressing is applied that is removed in the office the next day. Depending on the degree of swelling, an elastic wrap may be used for the next 48 hours. For the mid-face lift, no dressing is required. Patients are instructed to apply cold packs for 24 to 48 hours following either procedure and to elevate their head. Sutures are removed at one week. Discomfort is generally mild. Bruising and swelling diminish over approximately two weeks. Although patients may resume most normal activities and light exercise in two weeks, strenuous activities and exercise are to be avoided for three weeks.

Risks

Although uncommon in association with a mid-face or neck lift, complications can occur with any surgery. These include but are not limited to bleeding, hematoma, infection, asymmetry, skin loss, numbness, nerve paralysis, hair loss, and abnormal scarring.

Learn More about a Mid-face or Neck Lift

Reverse the signs of aging with a mid-face or neck lift surgery at Dr. Henderson’s Scottsdale, Arizona practice. Contact our office to learn more, or to schedule a personal consultation.