Neck Lift Risks and Benefits

The different procedures involved in a neck lift mean different risks for the patient; overall, however, neck lift complications are extremely rare. Nevertheless, patients should consider these risks carefully before making a decision about whether to proceed with surgery. No surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, is completely risk-free. Still, a neck lift can provide many benefits, most notably a better self-image for the patient. For most people, these benefits outweigh the risks.

Neck Lift Benefits

The neck lift procedure can subtly improve a person’s appearance, making him or her appear to be thinner and younger. A neck lift has other benefits, as well, with many patients reporting a boost in self-confidence and an improved social life. The results last for years, and the overall recovery time is relatively fast. Plus, the procedure is very safe and has little chance of any complications.

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Photo credit: El Paso Cosmetic Surgery

Neck Lift Risks

There are risks with any kind of surgery, and cosmetic procedures are no exception. In choosing to undergo a neck lift, the patient risks infection and possible allergic reaction to the anesthesia; the patient may also experience excessive scarring from the neck lift and other complications, such as:

• Hematoma: The collection of blood beneath the skin
• Seroma: The collection of fluid under the skin
• Neck tightness: This can occur if the skin is stretched too much during surgery
• Numbness: Patients often experience numbness at the incision site after surgery
• Skin irregularities: These can include lumpiness or mottling
• Patient dissatisfaction with neck lift results: Asymmetry and other problems can lead to the need for revision surgery
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

The occurrence of these complications is very rare, however, and can be reduced further with the choice of an experienced doctor. The patient should be sure to tell his or her doctor about any existing medical condition or medication being taken to reduce the risk of serious problems after surgery.

Neck Lift Side Effects

Patients do experience certain side effects during neck lift surgery recovery. The most common side effects associated with neck lift surgery include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Discomfort
• Scarring

The swelling, bruising, and discomfort that occurs after surgery is at its worst the first two or three days after surgery. Over the course of the next week, these side effects should begin to fade. Two weeks after surgery, the majority of the pain, bruising, and swelling is gone, and patients will begin to notice the results of surgery. The remaining swelling could take up to three months to go down.

Scarring is a downside of neck lift surgery. However, surgeons will make every attempt to limit the size of the incision, and placement of the incision will be as discreet as possible, so the resulting scars won’t be obvious.

Talk to a Surgeon for More Information

To learn more about neck lift surgery and its risks, side effects, and benefits, use DocShop.com to find a qualified doctor near you.