Neck Lift

What is a Neck Lift (Platikli)?

Neck lift surgery is an aesthetic operation performed to remove sagging and wrinkles that occur in the neck area as a result of aging, gravity and loss of skin elasticity.
Since the neck is one of the areas where signs of aging are most common, neck lift is an important procedure that supports the youthful appearance of the face.
Thanks to this surgery, the neck skin gets a more taut, firm and youthful appearance.

Neck lift is usually performed in conjunction with facelift surgery, but it can also be performed alone.
The main purpose of the surgery is to remove excess skin and fat in the neck area and tighten the muscles.

Who is Neck Lift Surgery Suitable for?

Neck lift surgery is suitable for people with sagging, wrinkles and laxity problems in the neck area.
Especially with the aging process, the neck skin loses its elasticity and sags downward with the effect of gravity.
This can be aesthetically disturbing.
The following conditions define suitable candidates for neck lift surgery:

• Sagging and laxity of the skin: The skin in the neck area loses its elasticity with age and sagging occurs.
• Fat accumulation under the chin: Fat accumulation under the chin, popularly known as “double chin”, can disrupt neck aesthetics.
  With neck lift surgery, these fats are removed and the neck is made more prominent.
• Wrinkles Wrinkles that form over time in the neck area are removed by tightening the skin.
• Face and neck disproportion: Neck lift surgery can be applied to support the youthful appearance of the face.

Suitable candidates for neck lift surgery are people in good general health, non-smokers and people with realistic expectations.
Although the surgery is more common in people aged 40 and over, it can also be preferred in people who genetically have sagging problems at an early age.

How is Neck Lift Surgery Performed?

Neck lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 3 hours.
During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the neck area and tightens the muscles under the skin.
This procedure is customized according to the needs of the person and the degree of sagging.
Neck lift surgery is performed in the following steps:

1. Making the incisions: In neck lift surgery, an incision is usually made starting in front of the ear and extending behind the ear and up to the hairline.
   Through this incision, the neck skin is freed and the surgeon can intervene.
   In some cases, a small incision can also be made under the chin.

2. Tightening of the skin and muscles: During surgery, the skin and muscles in the neck are tightened.
   Excess skin is removed and the skin is repositioned.
   Fat accumulation under the chin can be removed by liposuction.

3. Removal of excess skin: Excess skin on the neck is cut away.
   This makes the neck skin look tighter and helps to remove wrinkles.

4. Closure of incisions: After the surgery is completed, the incisions are closed with aesthetic sutures.
   The suture marks are usually hidden behind the ear or in the hairline, thus making them invisible.

Preparation Before Neck Lift Surgery

It is important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon before neck lift surgery.
During this meeting, your surgeon will explain your expectations, how the surgery will be performed, possible risks and the recovery process.
Some important points to be considered before the surgery are as follows:

• Smoking: If you smoke, you will need to quit at least two weeks before surgery.
  Smoking negatively affects the healing process and delays wound healing.
• Blood thinners: Aspirin and similar blood thinners should be stopped before surgery.
  Such drugs may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• General health status: Your surgeon will assess your general health and determine whether you are suitable for surgery.
  Necessary tests may need to be performed before surgery.

Recovery Process After Neck Lift Surgery

The recovery process after neck lift surgery may vary from person to person, but in general, you can return to daily life within 2 to 3 weeks.
It is important to pay attention to your surgeon’s recommendations during the healing process.
The main points to be considered after surgery are as follows:

• Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising may occur in the neck area after surgery.
  This is normal and usually subsides within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Removal of stitches: Postoperative sutures are removed in 7 to 10 days.
  It is important to keep the area clean and dry during this time.
• Pain and discomfort: There may be mild pain after surgery, but your surgeon will give you pain medication to alleviate this.
• Use of a drain: In some cases, it may be necessary to use a drain for a while after surgery.
  These drains allow the fluid accumulated in the operation area to be drained out.
• Pay attention to neck movements: During the healing process, you should avoid movements that will put pressure on the neck area.
  Especially in the first weeks, you should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities.

Risks of Neck Lift Surgery

As with any surgical operation, neck lift surgery also has some risks.
Although these risks are rare, they can be minimized by following your surgeon’s recommendations and being careful in the postoperative period.
Possible risks are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Scar tissue (scarring) formation
• Nerve damage and loss of sensation
• Asymmetry

Your surgeon will inform you about these risks and closely monitor your postoperative recovery.