November 06, 2013 | Neck Lift
A wattle is a fleshy outgrowth that hangs from the throat of a turkey, which appears very similar to wrinkled, sagging skin in the neck of a person, hence the term so many despise: “turkey neck.” Loose, hanging neck skin is a common problem among both men and women. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, causing it to become stretched out, wrinkled, and droopy, and this is especially apparent in the thin skin of the neck. Aging can also cause fat deposits to accumulate in the neck area, and the neck muscle (platysma) may become stretched and appear as vertical “bands.” Those who have gained and then lost a significant amount of weight are even more likely to have excess skin from fat accumulating in the neck area and causing the skin to stretch further before their weight was reduced.
If you have sagging skin and fat in the neck area, you’re just in time to get rid of it before the holidays and avoid being compared to the animal you’re cooking for dinner.
Neck Lift Surgery
Dr. Agullo can correct a “turkey neck” with neck lift surgery (also called “platysmaplasty”). A variety of neck lift techniques are available to correct this condition. Excess skin may be removed, the platysma muscle may be tightened, and/or excess fat may be removed through liposuction, depending on the needs of the patient. If incisions are necessary to remove excess skin or muscle, they will be hidden inconspicuously behind or below the ears, and occasionally a tiny incision is necessary below the chin. Loose skin, hanging fat accumulations, and sagging jowls can be eliminated to produce a youthful, more attractive neck.
Dr. Agullo offers a variety of anesthesia modalities for his patients when doing a neck lift. The neck lift procedure can be done “AWAKE” with mild sedation and local anesthesia, with “twilight anesthesia” which consists of deeper sedation, or with the traditional deep general anesthesia.
If you have a turkey wattle neck or double chin that you would like to exchange for a more youthful, revitalized appearance, Dr. Agullo is double board certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery and can help you gain the confidence you deserve with neck lift surgery. Please contact Southwest Plastic Surgery today for more information or to schedule a consultation by calling (915) 590-7900 or filling out our online contact form.
