Neck Lift and Submentoplasty

Here is a detailed discussion of what happens before, during, and after a neck lift and submentoplasty:

Before the neck lift

Consultation:

• Initial Assessment – Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will assess your neck anatomy and determine if you are a suitable candidate.
• Medical Evaluation – To ensure good health, Undergo a thorough medical evaluation. It may include blood tests and other diagnostic procedures.
• Pre-Operative Instructions – Receive detailed instructions from your surgeon regarding medications to avoid smoking cessation and any other necessary lifestyle adjustments. You may need to stop taking certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
• Preparation – Plan for your recovery period. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you during the initial recovery phase.

During the neck lift

Anesthesia:

• General or Local Anesthesia – The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with sedation may sometimes be used. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

Surgical Procedure:

• Procedure Duration – The surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on its complexity and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.
• Incision Placement – The surgeon makes small incisions strategically, such as behind the ears and under the chin, to minimize visible scarring.
• Muscle Tightening – The platysma muscle is accessed and tightened to address muscle laxity and eliminate neck bands.
• Fat Removal – Excess fat deposits may be removed through liposuction techniques to sculpt the neck contour.
• Skin Redraping – The skin is redraped, and any excess skin is trimmed to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.
• Closure – The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, and dressings or bandages may be applied to support the healing process.

After the neck lift

Immediate Postoperative Care:

• Recovery Room – After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room, where medical staff will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off.
• Discharge Instructions – You will receive specific postoperative care instructions, including instructions on caring for your incisions, medications for pain management, and signs of potential complications to watch for.

First Few Days:

• Rest and Elevation – Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activities and keep your head still to promote healing.
• Follow-Up Appointment – Attend your follow-up appointment with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

First Few Weeks:

• Swelling and Bruising – Expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over the next few weeks.
• Activity Restrictions – Continue to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Gentle walks are encouraged to promote circulation.
• Stitches Removal – Your surgeon may remove any non-dissolvable stitches during a follow-up visit, typically within a week or two.

Long-Term Recovery:

• Gradual Return to Normal Activities – Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks, but following your surgeon’s guidelines is essential.
• Scar Management – Your surgeon will advise minimizing scarring, such as using silicone gel or sheets and protecting the area from sun exposure.
• Final Results – It can take several months for swelling to subside entirely and for the final results of your neck lift to become apparent. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prolong the benefits of your surgery.

Before Submentoplasty

• Consultation – You will meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations from the surgery.
• Pre-operative preparation – Your surgeon may ask you to undergo specific tests and evaluations to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You may also receive instructions on what to eat, drink, and avoid in the days leading up to surgery.
• Discussion of risks and benefits – Your surgeon will explain the potential risks associated with the surgery and discuss the expected outcomes.

During Submentoplasty

• Anesthesia – Submentoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and your surgeon’s recommendation.
• Incision – Your surgeon will make a small incision under the chin or inside the mouth to access the underlying fat and muscles.
• Fat removal and muscle tightening – Excess fat is removed through liposuction, and loose muscles may be tightened to improve the contour of the neck.
• Skin tightening – If necessary, excess skin may be trimmed and the remaining skin repositioned for a smoother appearance.
• Closure – The incisions are closed with sutures, and bandages or compression garments may be applied to support the healing process.

After Submentoplasty

• Recovery – You will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain and cold compresses.
• Postoperative care – Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and medication. Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
• Healing process – Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the following weeks, and you will begin to see the final results of the surgery.
• Results – Once the initial swelling resolves, you should notice a more defined jawline and a smoother neck contour. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, during which time you will continue to see improvements in the appearance of your neck. 

First Few Days:

• Immediate postoperative care – You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the surgical site. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication and advise you to apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Rest and elevation – It is crucial to rest with your head elevated. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s recommendations for activity restrictions.
• Diet – Stick to a soft diet to avoid straining the surgical area. Stay hydrated and avoid foods that may irritate the surgical site.
• Wound care – Follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the incision site. You may need to avoid getting the incision wet until it has healed sufficiently.
• Monitoring for complications – Keep an eye out for signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications, and contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.

First Few Weeks:

• Gradual improvement – Swelling and bruising will gradually decrease, and you will begin to see initial improvements in the appearance of your neck.
• Follow-up appointments – Attend appointments with your surgeon to monitor and assess your progress. Your surgeon may remove sutures and provide further instructions for recovery.
• Return to normal activities – Depending on your comfort level and the surgeon’s guidance, you may gradually resume light activities and return to work. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that could strain the surgical area.
• Continued healing – The skin and tissues will continue to heal and settle into their new contours over the coming weeks. Be patient and follow your surgeon’s advice for optimal recovery.
• Scar management – Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for scar care to minimize their visibility and promote optimal healing.

Long-term Recovery:

• Final results – The full results of submentoplasty may take several months to become apparent as the swelling resolves completely and the tissues settle.
• Maintenance – Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise with a balanced diet and regular exercise to support the long-term results of the surgery.
• Sun protection – Protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation and minimize the visibility of scars.
• Follow-up care – Continue to attend periodic follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure the long-term success of your submentoplasty and address any concerns that may arise.

If you are considering neck lift and submentoplasty, SKETCH Plastic Surgery offers expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your goals. With a team of specialist plastic surgeons and commitment to patient satisfaction, SKETCH never disappoints!