Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift The Woodlands

Face Lift | Facial Implants | Eyelid Surgery | Brow Lift | Rhinoplasty | Otoplasty | Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Peel | Other Treatments of the Face and Neck

For patients wanting a more youthful appearance, a popular choice is neck liposuction/neck lift.

Your neck may sometimes age before your face due to weight loss or simply as a matter of genetics.Whatever the reason, people both young and old frequently undergo this procedure. Dr. Rivela, one of the Greater Houston area’s most sought-after plastic surgeons, has performed many neck liposuction/neck lift procedures.

Often performed in conjunction with face lifts or other procedures, neck liposuction, can be performed by itself within the office under general anesthesia or in conjunction with liposuction below the chin. Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift is actually two procedures including:

• Neck lift, which removes excess skin
• Platysmaplasty which removes or alters neck muscles

Your Consultation with Dr. Rivela

With your personal consultation providing an opportunity to interact with Dr. Rivela, this is the time to ask and answer questions. During this time you will be thoroughly evaluated and assessed, providing Dr. Rivela the opportunity to develop a surgical procedure plan tailor-made for you.

Be ready to discuss:

• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Expectations and desired outcome
• All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs that you are currently taking or using
• Previous surgical history

Dr. Rivela may also:

• Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
• Examine your face
• Take photographs for your medical records
• Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
• Discuss likely outcome, risks and potential complications associated with your surgery

Please contact Rivela Plastic Surgery for further information on neck lifts, other cosmetic enhancements or to schedule your in-depth consultation.

Your Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift Procedure

Your neck lift procedure may take 2-3 hours, depending on other procedures performed at the time. If you have neck “bands,” Dr. Rivela may suggest the platysmaplasty procedure. This procedure involves Dr. Rivela making incisions under the chin and/or behind the ears to access the neck muscles to tighten, creating a more youthful neck.

Good candidates for neck liposuction/neck lift are non-smoking adults in good physical health, with a positive outlook, specific surgical goals and realistic expectations about outcome. Many find that the change in appearance brings with it a renewed outlook on life and enhances day-to-day living.

Anesthesia: General

Location of operation: Hospital or surgery center in The Woodlands/North Houston area

Length of surgery: 2-3 hours

Length of stay: Outpatient or can stay overnight if necessary

Your Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift Recovery Notes

Discomfort after a Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift: May range from moderate to severe. The tighter Dr. Rivela makes your fascia, the greater your discomfort will be. Anticipate 3-14 days of prescription pain medication.

Swelling and Bruising: Any swelling you experience will peak in three days. Most swelling will improve within 2-4 weeks but may take six months to improve completely. Your neck will feel tight for the first few weeks due to swelling; you may expect numbness for several weeks as well.

Bandages: Dressings are applied and will be changed in 1-2 days. Sutures will be removed in 7-14 days. You will need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and provide support for up to two weeks.

Work: With appearance being the limiting factor you may feel capable of returning to work after 5 days. However, strenuous activity must be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Exercise: May be resumed in six weeks.

Driving: Driving may be resumed after you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Final result: You will see that 80% of the swelling will be down in 6-8 weeks, and to start seeing accurate results will be in about 4-6 months.

Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift FAQs

Who is a good candidate for Neck Liposuction/Neck Lift?

Adults who are in good physical health, are non-smokers and have realistic expectations about outcome are good candidates.

What factors should be considered when selecting a face lift surgeon?

Medical training, experience, natural ability and accreditation. Dr. Rivela has trained under some of the country’s leading plastic surgeons and has membership in numerous medical societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgery. With many years of experience in the art of plastic surgery, he is accredited with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Combining his natural artistic abilities with his superior technical skills, Dr. Rivela enjoys an extremely satisfied patient-base. By popular vote, he was named “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online every year since 2010.

Are there different types of neck liposuction/neck lift surgery?

There are two kinds of neck liposuction/neck lift surgeries: cervicoplasty which removes excess skin, and platysmaplasty, which removes or alters neck muscles.

What is the neck liposuction/neck lift surgery recovery period like?

Depending on the procedure used, the immediate post-operative experience may differ significantly. The cervicoplasty procedure is less invasive, removing only excess skin. The platysmaplasty procedure will have a longer recovery period since it involves altering and/or removing neck muscles.

What are the risks with having neck liposuction/neck lift surgery?

Beyond the normal risks of surgery, neck liposuction/neck lift surgery is considered safe and doesn’t carry additional risks. Closely following instructions on pre-operative and post-operative care creates the best environment for a problem-free surgical experience and recovery. All risks will be discussed at your consultation, and you will be given a form to sign stating the risks and allowing Dr. Rivela to perform neck liposuction/neck lift surgery.

How should I prepare for neck liposuction/neck lift surgery?

Good lifestyle habits such as exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep are especially important in the weeks leading up to surgery. If you are a smoker, it’s important that you quit two weeks before surgery and do not begin again until two weeks after. Some medications may need to be either decreased in dosage or discontinued two weeks prior to surgery. It is important to follow all of Dr. Rivela’s instructions leading up surgery to ensure best outcome.