Surgical correction for turkey neck: Details on procedure, pre-op steps, and post-op healing
In the realm of cosmetic procedures, one that has gained significant attention is the Turkey Neck Surgery, also known as a neck lift or platysmaplasty. This surgical procedure is designed to address the aesthetic concern known as "turkey neck," where the skin on the neck appears loose and wrinkled, much like a turkey's wattle.
The process of a neck lift involves several steps, starting with anesthesia. Depending on the case, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used. Incisions are then made around the ears, possibly under the chin, and, in some cases, a small incision may be made directly under the chin. These incisions are designed to be as discreet as possible.
The next step involves tissue adjustment, which primarily consists of cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty. Cervicoplasty removes excess sagging skin, while platysmaplasty tightens or removes loose neck muscles that cause visible neck bands. In advanced procedures, a deep-plane neck lift technique may be used, addressing deeper structural layers beneath the platysma muscle for longer-lasting and natural results.
Liposuction may also be employed to remove excess fat under the chin and sculpt the neck contour. Once the tissue adjustments are complete, incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue, and bandages are applied.
Recovery from a neck lift can take several weeks to months, during which time swelling subsides and incision wounds heal. Immediately after the surgery, the neck might be wrapped in bandages to reduce swelling and bruising, and small tubes may be in place to drain excess blood or fluid.
It's important to protect incision wounds from excessive force, rubbing, or movement during recovery. Post-surgery garments may be provided to aid in this process. Additionally, avoiding clothes that go over the head is advised during recovery.
The cost of a neck lift surgery varies, with an average cost of $6,267. However, this figure may not include all associated fees, such as anesthesia fees, facility costs, medical tests, post-surgery garments, medication prescriptions, and other costs. It's worth noting that health insurance plans do not typically cover neck lift surgery.
While Turkey Neck Surgery can provide dramatic results, it's not without risks. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists potential complications, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications, poor wound healing, persistent swelling and pain, fluid accumulation, skin numbness, skin discoloration or irregularities, skin loss, facial asymmetry, nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis, hair loss at the incision site, problems with stitches, poorly concealed scarring, unsatisfactory results requiring corrective surgery, and the need for further surgery to achieve desired results.
For those seeking alternatives to surgery, there are several nonsurgical methods to alter the appearance of sagging skin on the neck, such as neck exercises, topical treatments, radiofrequency treatments, Botox injections, fillers, microneedling, thread lifts, and more.
In conclusion, Turkey Neck Surgery offers a way to create a more youthful, defined neckline by removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and improving fat distribution. The procedure is tailored to each patient’s needs, with techniques and incisions designed for optimal results and minimal scarring. As with any surgical procedure, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and discuss the process thoroughly with a qualified surgeon.
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2021). Platysmaplasty (Neck Lift). Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/platysmaplasty
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Neck lift. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/neck-lift/about/pac-20394764
[3] WebMD. (2021). Neck Lift Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/neck-lift-surgery
[4] Healthline. (2021). Neck lift. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/neck-lift
[5] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Neck Lift Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/neck-lift-surgery
