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Direct Excision Neck Lift

A Direct Excision Neck Lift improves the contour and look of the neck by tightening the neck muscles and removing the excess fat and skin. It is particularly effective in getting rid of the excess skin that can be present under the chin (commonly known as double chin or turkey neck) that many people are concerned about. 

Technique

Dr Safvat removes skin by cutting it out from the middle section of the neck with a Z-like cut (this allows for better healing and a better positioned scar afterwards). The scar usually fades over time to become hardly noticeable.

Recovery

The direct excision neck lift is usually a day-only procedure, done in a hospital in Sydney or the Southern Highlands. You will have some mild pain and possibly some swelling and bruising after the surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. If you follow scar management advice, the scar will fade over time and usually by the 12 month mark it will not be that obvious.

Complications

While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications and/or specific complications related to the surgery you are having. Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon such as Dr Safvat and having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks as does using an accredited Anaesthesist. Some general surgical potential complications are:

  • Infection that may require antibiotics (Dr Safvat prescribes all patients antibiotics after surgery to minimise this risk).
  • Fluid build up under the skin (seroma).
  • Allergic reaction to dressings and other items used during the procedure.
  • The formation of blood collection (haematoma) which could require additional surgery.
  • Scars heal differently in different people. Some people are genetically prone to develop keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is a complication in the healing process. Whilst not ideal, there is no threat to your health if you develop these.
  • Although rare, heavy bleeding may occur at the operation site and even more rarely a blood transfusion may be required.
  • Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke from a clot. This risk is slightly increased with anaesthetics.

 

Most patients undergoing Direct Excision Neck Lift will not experience complications, however it is important that all patients have enough information to weigh up the benefits and risks of surgery. The following are some possible complications of this particular surgery.

  • Swelling and bruising will almost always be more than you expected. Bruising generally subsides in 1-2 weeks. Most of the swelling subsides in 3 weeks. It will continue to improve for two to three months afterwards.
  • The scars have a tendency to be red and lumpy initially and can last for several months. However, the redness and lumpiness should fade with time if you follow Dr Safvat’s scar management protocol.
  • Tightness or stiffness of the neck is common while the skin, tissues and sensory nerves heal. This will usually settle in weeks to months postoperatively.
  • Nerves in the skin must be cut during surgery. Patches of altered sensation are normal following surgery and usually improve in time. The effects may be permanent in some rare cases.
  • Further surgery may be needed if results are unsatisfactory or to correct complications.

 

Dr Safvat will go through the specific risks associated with direct-excision neck lift surgery with his patients, at their consultation in his Sydney and Bowral rooms.

Direct Excision Neck Lift FAQs

What is the difference between a Direct Excision Neck Lift and a Standard Neck Lift?

A standard neck lift is quite an elaborate surgery. It has incisions around the ears which are camouflaged away. It requires tunneling under the skin and pulling the excess skin behind the ear and removing it. In contrast, the direct excision neck lift removes skin by cutting it out directly from the middle section of the neck. It is also a more straight forward procedure than a standard neck lift and has less potential complications. It is also more effective as it removes the excess skin directly rather than trying to pull it behind the ear. The recovery period is shorter in a direct excision neck lift, as is the theatre time and length of stay in hospital. It does however, leave a visible scar in the centre of the neck. This scar fades over time and, surprisingly, is fairly unnoticeable. Also, a scar in that position is not commonly associated with cosmetic surgery, so it is not picked up on like other more known cosmetic surgery procedure scars.

Who is a good Candidate for a Direct Excision Neck Lift?

The direct excision neck lift works best on older patients with more wrinkles as it is easier to hide the midline scar.  It is not ideal for younger patients with smooth skin. It can be performed on both men and women.

What are the benefits of a Direct Neck Lift?

  • Better definition of the neck
  • Reduction or elimination of the double chin
  • Reduction of neck fullness
  • Reduction of the large fold of excess skin that commonly occurs in the middle of the neck
  • Faster recovery than a standard neck lift
  • Costs less than a standard neck lift

How much does a Direct Excision Neck Lift Cost?

Any type of neck lift is a cosmetic procedure and, as such, is not covered by Medicare or Health Funds. There are a number of factors that determine the final cost of this procedure. Surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees are all taken into account. However, it is less costly than a standard neck lift as it takes less time to perform the surgery and it is a day only procedure – most patients do not need to remain in hospital in Sydney overnight.