Neck lift cosmetic surgery is a relatively less invasive body contouring procedure. However, similar to any surgical procedure, it also has certain inherent risks.
The surgeon will provide the patient with information on various aspects of the neck lift surgery during the initial consultation, including details on the risks and safety of the procedure. The primary concern of a dedicated surgeon will be to enable the patient to make an enlightened decision.
The patient, on their part, should be committed to following the surgeon’s pre and post-op instructions dedicatedly to attain safe and predictable neck lift outcomes.
Successful board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides neck lift surgery to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding locations.
Common Risks
In general, patients undergo neck lift surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthesia has certain associated risks. But this risk is significantly minimized if a trained anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist administers the anesthesia. To receive general anesthesia and reduce the possibility of a poor reaction, the patient should be in good overall health.
The risk of infection development during or after the surgery is another common risk associated with any surgical procedure. The surgical facility should maintain high standards of cleanliness and provide a sterile environment and cutting-edge surgical equipment to minimize this risk.
During the recovery phase, the patient should ensure that the incision areas do not come in contact with contaminants to minimize the risk of developing an infection.
Neck lift plastic surgery presents the risk of unwanted scarring as the neck is a very conspicuous area of the body. An expert plastic surgeon will place incisions discreetly to minimize this risk. Patients should ideally choose a plastic surgeon specializing in face and neck surgeries.
On their part, the patient should not take tobacco in any form and avoid taking certain medications for some time according to the directions of the surgeon.
Other Possible Complications
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- Hematoma: Excessive bleeding during the neck lift.
- Seroma: Fluid accumulation underneath the skin
- Tightness in the neck region: Excessive neck skin stretching during the procedure
- Change in sensation: Numbness or altered sensation in the incision sites which is usually temporary
- Skin Irregularities: Development of lumpiness or mottling in the neck skin
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Scarring Risks
Neck lift surgery has associated risks of scarring. However, an experienced surgeon will place the incisions in discreet areas to ensure that any future scarring remains inconspicuous.
In the hands of a highly experienced and qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of severe complications in neck lift surgery is quite rare. It is also vital for the patient to have reasonable goals and expectations to reduce the risk of aesthetic dissatisfaction. This will ensure that they have a higher appreciation for their new neck appearance, proportion, and symmetry.
It may take many months or even one year for the complete outcomes of the neck lift procedure to manifest. However, in rare cases, the patient may require a revision surgery later on to rectify the final appearance.
Compassionate cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and other cities and towns in The Land of Lincoln for a neck lift.