Neck Lift in Jacksonville, Florida

Also Known As Platysmaplasty

About Neck Lifts

Most people who are considering a neck lift in Jacksonville Florida know that the purpose of this procedure is to improve the appearance of the neck and the area under or behind the chin. But most are unaware that each patient’s anatomy must be carefully considered and that there are a number of different techniques that Dr. Csikai may recommend based on the current physical condition of your neck and your goals.

During your consultation and before making any recommendations, some of the main physical aspects of your neck that Dr. Csikai will consider are the condition and degree of laxity, (looseness) of your neck’s skin, the amount of unwanted fat and where it is located, the muscles under your chin, and the banding of your “platysma muscles”. These muscles are the two thin vertical muscles that become more visible as we age.

After learning your goals and a thorough examination of the condition of your neck, Dr. Csikai will be able to recommend the most effective techniques to rejuvenate your neck by removing excess fat and tightening muscles only. In order to tighten and smooth loose skin your neck lift will need to accompany a facelift.

The following information offers details about preparing for your neck lift, anesthesia, what to expect on the day of your procedure and the recovery period. Most patients have additional questions that Dr. Csikai is always happy to answer during your initial consultation.

Preparing For Your Neck Lift

Properly preparing for your neck lift or face and neck lift procedure is important. You will be provided with a list of pre-op medical and lab tests that will be necessary prior to your procedure. for example, standard screening for anesthesia required an EKG for men who are 45 or older and women who are 55 or older. Depending on your age and health, Dr. Csikai will perform a physical exam but you might also like to have a complete thorough medical exam from your family doctor. And women of child bearing age who could be pregnant should undergo a pregnancy test to assure that they are not pregnant.

You will also be provided with specific instructions on how to personally prepare for surgery. All patient preparing for surgery are given guidelines on eating and drinking alcohol, avoid taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and herbal supplements at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure. And it is highly important to stop smoking nicotine, (cigarettes, cigars and vape products) 2 to 3 weeks before and after your procedure. Nicotine inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with and delay the healing of your incision areas. Carefully following the instructions and guideline that you are given will help your surgery go smoothly.

Also, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your neck lift procedure and to help you out for a few days after your surgery. It is important for you to rest for a few days immediately following surgery.

Types Of Anesthesia

Most neck lift procedures require general anesthesia which is performed by a physician anesthesiologist. Patients remain completely asleep during the entire procedure. Anesthesia today is extremely safe with extensive monitoring. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, breathing and circulation levels are all monitored. The physician anesthesiologist also uses an EKG to monitor the heart, a blood pressure cuff to monitor blood pressure, a pulse oximetry is used to measure the oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, a carbon dioxide monitor measures the carbon dioxide a patient exhales and a ventilation monitor is used to monitor the patient’s own breathing and respiration. This level of monitoring takes place throughout the entire procedure.

Other minor neck lift procedures can be performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative to help the patient relax.

The Neck Lift Procedure

Most neck lift procedures can be performed in one to two hours. During the procedure, Dr. Csikai removes fat and tightens muscles in the neck and under the chin to sculpt the neck and jawline. While no skin is removed in the neck lift procedure, the removal of excess fat and tightening of the neck muscles can greatly enhance the neck and return a more youthful appearance.

The incisions used in the neck lift procedure are minimal. A small incision under or behind the chin allows Dr. Csikai to perform the procedure. Two drainage tubes drain excess fluids for a few days after the neck lift procedure through a small incision behind each ear. Because the incisions are small, scaring is also minimal and will heal with proper care and continue to fade over time.

Recovering After Your Neck Lift

Patients comfortably wake in our recovery area after their neck lift. And there are no compression garments or dressings needed. Dr. Csikai will monitor your recovery and after assuring that you can be safely released, you will be able to head home with your family member or friend within a few ours after your surgery.

There isn’t usually significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Csikai. Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your neck should be reported to Dr. Csikai immediately. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal but will gradually fade over a few weeks or months.

Most patients will need to keep their head elevated  for a few days after surgery to help avoid swelling and discomfort. For women, drainage tubes are typically removed after a couple of days. For men, drainage tubes are needed for a couple of extra days. Any sutures that are not dissolving sutures are typically removed after five or six days. Patients should expect some tenderness and minor bruising but it should subside within in seven to ten days after surgery.

During your recovery period and to assure optimal results, it is important to follow the recovery guidelines. It is ok to wear makeup after your sutures are removed. Other recovery guidelines will likely include lots of quite time and rest for the first day or so; until you feel comfortable getting up and around. You should avoid applying any pressure to your neck or restrictive clothing. Avoid strenuous activity for two weeks to give your neck time to heal. Full recovery and final visible results usually take two to three months.

Scheduling a Consultation

If you would like to discuss how a neck lift could wipe away the signs of aging and give you a more youthful appearance, schedule a consultation and meet personally with Dr. Csikai. He will be happy to answer all of your questions. Call us at (904) 730-5052 or use our contact form and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.