Five steps to restoring your vibrant, youthful appearance with neck lift surgery

In young, elastic, firm skin, the jawline and chin area are well-defined and attractively balanced with the mid-face and upper face. However, structural changes accompanying aging and the effects of gravity and sun exposure can make your formerly strong or defined jawline look heavy. It may blend in with the neck. Your lower face can make you appear older than your chronological years, and you may no longer look as vigorous, healthy, and youthful as you feel! Fortunately, Kirwan Plastic Surgery of Norwalk, Connecticut, is pleased to provide five steps to restoring your vibrant and youthful appearance with neck lift surgery.

No. 1: The consultation 

No procedure at our office would be complete without a consultation. During this initial visit, be prepared to share your motivations, goals, and expectations for surgery with Dr. Kirwan. He will also review your medical history and any illnesses, conditions, medications, vitamins, and supplements that could impact the surgery and healing afterward. It’s important to share any vitamins and supplements you’re taking with our team, even if they seem harmless. These substances can interfere with a smooth and healthy recovery and may increase the risk of unwanted side effects from the procedure, such as excessive bleeding. Good candidates for a neck lift are typically healthy, do not smoke or use nicotine- and tobacco-containing products, have a realistic outlook about what surgery can do for them, and are at or near their ideal, healthy weight. 

No. 2: Preparation

Preparing for this procedure can vary considerably from person to person. As relevant, we may ask you to stop taking certain drugs, such as NSAIDs, that can increase your risk of bleeding and other complications. You may also be asked to change or adjust how you take certain medications. If you haven’t stopped smoking yet, you will need to set aside some time to do so, as we appreciate that a cessation program is not something that can be done overnight. Additional lab work may be ordered, and we will also go over what to expect at every step in surgery, from the hours and minutes leading up to the actual procedure to the hours, days, and weeks following your operation. 

No. 3: The surgery 

Here again, your treatment journey is unique. But generally, Dr. Kirwan employs varied methods tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals. He may perform a neck lift with liposuction. This is best for those patients with “resilient” skin. So, assessing the quality and condition of your skin is also an important aspect of any evaluation before treatment. He largely makes openings behind the ears and underneath the chin. The excess fatty tissue is then suctioned out of these areas to banish that double chin once and for all and to restore that chiseled or defined jawline. For those with excess fat in the neck, a cervicoplasty may be most appropriate. This technique involves making an incision below the chin and under the ears. The neck muscles are tightened through this opening, and lax skin and fat may be removed as needed. 

Before & After Photos

57 year old, Facelift, Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelids), Endoscopic Browlift

Photo gallery

No. 4: Complementary procedures 

Dr. Kirwan applies his considerable expertise to support optimal results by combining liposuction with FaceTite. This minimally invasive, energy-based procedure involves using RF (radiofrequency) to contour and tighten tissues. It is characterized as an alternative to conventional facelifts. The neck lift itself may also be combined with a facelift. And, for those who desire stronger chin projection, we can even discuss chin implants. The implant is introduced through an incision made underneath the chin, and it may be a suitable complement to both liposuction and cervicoplasty. 

No. 5: After-care

Specific measures and healing expectations vary based on the procedures and techniques used. Still, many of our patients at Kirwan Plastic Surgery have safely returned to work and resumed their “normal” and strenuous activities (like sports and exercise) in two weeks and four weeks, respectively. Swelling and bruising are normal and can be managed with a compression bandage as appropriate. As the swelling goes down, you will see your neck lift’s full and final results. Our team is standing by so you can take the first step toward a renewed look, supporting your confidence and overall health. Call our Norwalk, CT office at (475) 250-1581 to book a consultation today. 

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