Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty) by Dr. Tal Roudner

A neck lift, known medically as cervicoplasty, is used to tighten the skin of the neck, which is one of the first areas on the body to succumb to the effects of aging. When the skin on the neck loses its elasticity, it tends to hang and droop and creates a jowly look or the appearance of a double chin in people who otherwise appear to have a healthy weight.

One of the benefits of a neck lift, in addition to allowing you look years younger, is that you can look like you’ve instantly lost several pounds. When you choose an experienced doctor to perform your neck lift, your results will speak for themselves. Most people will never realize that you have had surgery; they will only notice how great you look. In the Miami area, the doctor to trust with your neck lift surgery is Dr. Tal Roudner.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in their cosmetic national data bank statistic reports of 2014, a Neck Lift was performed in 55,173 patients that year. That is a 0% change from 2013.

Neck Lift Overview

A lower Rhytidectomy (neck lift) is a surgical procedure that Dr. Tal Roudner performs at his Miami office to address the visible signs of aging that affect the neck and jaw line. A variety of factors contribute to the loss of the youthful appearance of the neck and face.

These factors include:

• Stress
• Gravity
• Genetics
• Environmental conditions
• Weight loss/ Weight gain

Depending on the results you desire, your surgery may include multiple procedures:

• Platysmaplasty – alters the platysma muscle to improve the look of fullness in the neck, neck bands
• Cervicoplasty – this procedure removes excess skin

What a Neck Lift Can Improve

Many times, individuals who do not necessarily need a full facelift choose to have a neck lift. They may choose to have this procedure to eliminate excess wrinkling of the skin in the neck, which is commonly referred to as a turkey wattle. Other issues that can be improved with a this surgery include jowl lines and a double chin.

The results obtained during a neck lift cannot be accomplished using non-surgical rejuvenation treatments.

During your surgery at Dr. Roudner’s office in Miami, he can:

• Remove fatty deposits beneath the chin and address loose neck skin
• Remove excess fat and relaxed skin in the lower face (responsible for creating jowls)
• Address any abnormal contours that have formed due to muscle banding

During your neck lift surgery consultation, Dr. Roudner will help you decide which procedures will best accomplish the results you desire.

The Neck Lift Procedure

Your procedure may be scheduled at our Miami clinic or at one of our many fine local hospitals. Follow Dr. Roudner’s instructions for medications to take or avoid immediately prior to your procedure. You may opt to have additional work done at the same time as your neck lift, and the duration of your procedure will reflect that. Typically, most neck lifts take at least an hour.

You will be sedated using either a local anesthetic and IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Roudner will discuss both of these sedation options with you beforehand and will recommend the type of sedation that best fits your needs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding sedation or anesthesia, please discuss these with Dr. Roudner as soon as possible.

In some cases, liposuction will be performed prior to a neck lift in order to remove excess fat. Following the liposuction, Dr. Roudner will begin your neck lift with incisions just under your chin and behind the ears. The excess neck skin will be lifted, cut back and then redraped to create the smooth look that you desire. Your incisions and skin will be secured with either sutures or surgical adhesive.

Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery

Prior to your neck lift, you will meet with Dr. Roudner. During this consultation, you will discuss the procedure, your goals and your expectations. Dr. Roudner will go over any medications you are currently taking and discuss your overall health. Bring a copy of your medication list with you. This list should also include any over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.

1. There are certain medications, vitamins and supplements that thin your blood and cause excessive bleeding. Dr. Roudner will inform you of any medications you need to avoid prior to your surgery.
2. If you smoke, you need to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after your neck lift procedure with Dr. Roudner in Miami. This is very important because smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal itself. You also need to avoid second hand smoke before and after your neck lift procedure.
3. Eat healthy foods to help your body heal itself.
4. After your surgery, you will need time to recover; prepare to take at least a week off work.
5. Make a recovery area to use after your surgery.

Create a Home Recovery Area

You should have everything you need readily available in your home recovery area for use after your surgery.

Your recovery area should include:

• Remote controls
• Telephone
• Blankets/throws
• Kleenex
• A garbage can
• Petroleum jelly/antibacterial ointment (for incisions)
• Your medications and drinks
• A thermometer
• Gauze
• Towels
• Cooler with drinks and ice packs
• Extra pillows
• Healthy snacks

You need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery (possibly longer).

On the Day of Your Neck Lift Surgery

1. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the Miami clinic.
2. Be sure to wear a button down shirt. A button down shirt does not require you to pull it over your head.
3. Remember to bring a driver with you.
4. Leave any unnecessary valuables at home (jewelry, money, etc.).

The Neck Lift Procedure

The neck lift procedure itself lasts at least an hour. If you want Dr. Roudner to perform additional procedures during your surgery, your procedure will take longer.

To ensure you are comfortable during your surgery, you will be sedated. You and Dr. Roudner will discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive at your pre-surgical consultation. You can receive general anesthesia or local anesthetic and IV sedation. If you would like to sleep during your neck lift procedure, you will need to receive general anesthesia.

Dr. Roudner will give you a compression bandage after your neck lift procedure. Unless instructed otherwise, you will need to wear this compression bandage for at least a week following your surgery.

Dr. Roudner will stitch and bandage any incisions made during your surgery. To recover properly, it is essential that you follow Dr. Roudner’s instructions about caring for your stitches and wearing your bandage.

After Your Neck Lift

Like any surgical procedure, you can expect bruising and swelling in the days following your neck lift. Dr. Roudner will prescribe medications for you that will keep your swelling and discomfort at a minimum. Typically, these symptoms last for approximately one to two weeks.

Follow Dr. Roudner’s advice about returning to work and normal activity. Sleeping with your head elevated will help your body heal better and reduce your swelling. Once your swelling has gone down and you begin to see the results from your neck lift, you will be thrilled with the way your new neck looks.

If you reside in or near Miami and you are interested in a neck lift procedure or any other cosmetic procedure, contact Dr. Roudner’s office to set up your initial consultation.