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Neck Lift

For many people, wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck can be more noticeable than those on the face. If this is the case in your situation, you may want to schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon, Dr. Janet P. Woodyard, who has been performing neck lift surgery in Baltimore, Maryland for many years.

During a neck lift procedure, Dr. Woodyard can also remove excess fat with liposuction at the same time. With careful precision and through small incisions, she can remove the excess skin and fat that contribute to an aged appearance. The outcome is a smoother, more attractive, rejuvenated neckline that you will be proud to show off.

Procedures

Liposuction is a procedure that removes the extra fat from the neck by making minimal incisions under the chin and behind each earlobe crease. Another more advanced procedure is a submental lipectomy and platysmaplasty. This involves an inconspicuous incision under the chin. Fat is then directly removed and the neck muscles are tightened. In some cases, it is necessary to remove loose skin. A full neck lift additionally involves an incision around and behind the earlobes for the purpose of removing excess sagging skin.

Recovery

A full neck lift has a longer recovery time than liposuction. Regardless of the procedure, light bandages are applied around the neck for the first day or two after surgery. A compressive garment is worn for the first week after neck lift surgery. In a full neck lift, a drain may be inserted for the first 24 hours to remove extra fluid.

Light activities are acceptable after two to three days. Driving should be avoided for at least one week after surgery. Patients are usually able to return to work after a week, but bruising and swelling will diminish after two to three weeks.

iGuide ®

In addition to performing classic neck lift produces, Dr. Woodyard also employs a cutting edge new technology called the iGuide ®. This is a minimally invasive new procedure that helps redefine a patient’s neckline without incisions and thereby without scars.

An iGuide neck lift can be used to tighten the muscles of the neck using a patented instrument system, with minimal incisions. The iGuide consists of five tools that allow Dr. Woodyard to place a suture support system through a series of needle punctures in the neck. Instead of cutting and repositioning muscles like in a traditional neck lift procedure, Dr. Woodyard weaves the suture underneath the jaw line with one continuous thread. When tightened, it elevates the skin and muscle to improve the contour of the neck.

For some patients, the iGuide provides a way to improve the neck and jaw line with minimal incisions as compared to traditional neck lift surgery. Also, the iGuide leaves less swelling and bruising, and reduces the possibility of some of the complications that can occur with traditional neck lift procedures. It is usually combined with liposuction of the neck.

Risks

As with every surgery, there are some risks involved. During your consultation, Dr. Woodyard will discuss your specific concerns. She will give you a realistic idea of what you can expect from a traditional neck lift or iGuide procedure. She will be happy to show you neck lift before and after photos, and, if you wish, put you in touch with previous patients who have undergone neck lift surgery.

Additional Procedures

In order to achieve a more youthful appearance, you may wish to combine your neck lift with other facial rejuvenating procedures. The most commonly combined procedures include facelift, brow lift, and eyelid surgery, as well as injectable fillers.

Preparing for a Neck Lift Procedure

During your consultation, Dr. Woodyard will let you know what medications to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications, vitamins, and herbal preparations can increase bleeding because these medications can interfere with normal blood clotting.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery. You should especially plan to wear a button-down blouse. Shirts that have to be pulled over your neck or head should be avoided.

As previously mentioned, you should plan to take at least one week off from work to recover from a traditional neck lift procedure. However, Dr. Woodyard may adjust your time-off schedule based on how well you recover. The recovery time for an iGuide neck lift may be shorter.

Be sure to schedule an appointment with Baltimore plastic surgeon Dr. Woodyard for additional information. You may call (410) 363-9000 or fill out a contact form.

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