Neck

Cumulative exposure to the sun, genetics as well as the natural aging process can all cause the skin to wrinkle and sag and the healthy fat in the face to thin. Children and young adults have smooth, round faces due to fatty tissue that is evenly distributed throughout the contours of the face. As you age, the skin sags and fits more loosely. These folds become prominent, especially around the chin, the jawline and along the neck.

To help with some of these signs associated with an aging face, Dr. DeFatta performs face and/or neck lifts to enhance your appearance and correct these conditions. A facelift involves tightening of the facial and neck muscles as well as the removal of any excess skin. A neck lift can eliminate sagging jowls, loose skin and accumulated fat. These procedures can be performed in conjunction with additional cosmetic surgeries such as:

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Forehead lift
• Chin augmentation
• Liposuction
• Rhinoplasty (nasal surgery)

They can also be performed anytime after signs of aging appear in order to slow down the appearance of aging, and in many cases, restore a more youthful appearance.

Before Surgery

Dr. DeFatta will discuss with you the changes you would like to see related to your jowls and neck, and also discuss the way they can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Dr. DeFatta to evaluate and consult with you regarding the appropriate procedure to achieve your desired results. His objective is to create a natural appearance that is pleasing to you.

Method of Surgery

These procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made running around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. The loose skin is separated and excess skin is removed using the technique determined to be most appropriate for your particular needs as determined in your pre-surgical consultation. Sagging muscles and connective tissues are tightened and fat is often removed to give a more angled and youthful angle beneath the jaw. Small sutures are used to close the incisions.

What to Expect

Bandages are applied to the area of surgery and are removed within one to three days. Pain is moderate and controlled with oral medications prescribed by Dr. DeFatta. Your sutures are removed within about a week. In order to minimize scarring, you may be recommended a scar cream to use during healing after the sutures are removed. When present, swelling and discoloration will fade over the following weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks, and slight changes in your hair pattern may occur around the incision and are often temporary. It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure for several weeks after surgery, so elective timing of the procedure is important. Healing is gradual so you will not notice final results for up to six months after the procedure; Dr. DeFatta will closely follow up on your progress. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results and most patients who have had face and neck lifts are pleased with their new, more youthful appearance.

If you’re considering facial plastic surgery, consider an experienced and modern facial plastic surgeon. Contact Dr. Robert DeFatta at 715-828-2368 for a cosmetic consultation.