Neck Lift Surgery: Cost, Candidates, Procedure, Results and Risks

Neck lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excessive skin and fat deposits from the neck. Sagging of skin, folds, and wrinkles under the neck makes a person look older and unattractive. Age, genetics or fluctuations in the weight can cause sagging of the neck. Neck lift surgery corrects the sagging of the neck by repositioning the neck muscles, thereby, restoring the elasticity of skin. A Neck lift surgery is also known as Lower Rhytidectomy. There are several international celebrities that have undergone neck lift surgery to look more attractive and appealing. Forrest Gump fame Sally Field, famous Hollywood anchor Ellen DeGeneres, 50 first dates leading actress Drew Barrymore and many other Hollywood actors have also undergone neck lift surgery. 

Neck lift surgery cost 

On an average, a patient may have to spend Rs. 70000-1,60000 on a neck lift treatment in India. However, the cost of neck lift treatment varies as per the size of the area being treated. The cost of neck lift procedure generally includes anaesthesia fees, cosmetic surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, medical tests, and prescription for medicine. The cost is subject to increase if neck lift surgery is performed in combination with a blepharoplasty, face lift or other form of cosmetic surgery.

Neck lift candidates 

Ideal candidates for a neck lift surgery are: 

Between 40 to 80 years of age

With loose or sagged neck skin

Excess fat around neck

Neck skin damaged due to sun or wind

Nonsmokers, as smoking slows down the healing process

Healthy individuals with realistic expectations

Preparing for Neck lift surgery 

Patients undergoing a neck lift surgery are asked to:

Get a lab test done

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Avoid taking aspirin and other inflammatory drugs

Only take prescribed medicines

Neck lift Procedure

A neck lift procedure generally lasts for 2 to 3 hours. As per the cosmetic surgeon’s preference, a patient is given general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to subside the pain during the surgery. The type of incisions to be made by a cosmetic surgeon depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals. There are generally two types of incision techniques used in a neck lift procedure: A limited incision neck lift or traditional incision neck lift. 

The limited incision technique is used to remove a small amount of excessive skin and traditional incision technique is used when larger area of the neck is to be covered. Underlying tissues of the neck are repositioned and platysma muscle is tightened. Liposuction technique may be used to extract excessive skin. The incisions are then closed using sutures or surgical tape. 

Neck lift Results 

The results of a neck lift surgery are visible immediately after the procedure. The potential results are visible after the swelling subsides and incision line fades. As long as there is no fluctuation in weight, a patient can expect the results to last many years. The smoother, tighter contours are visible immediately after the procedure. For better results carefully follow the cosmetic surgeon’s instructions. A patient should avoid physical activities subjected to excessive force, swelling, or pain during the time of healing. However, in some cases more than one surgery has to be performed to get desired results.

Neck lift risks 

The potential complications from neck lift surgery are very rare. However, all surgical procedures have some sort of risks. Some risks associated with neck lift surgery are: 

Accumulation of fluid

Infection

Clotting of blood

Anaesthesia risks

Scarring

Persistent pain

Numbness

Unsatisfactory results

Skin discoloration

Facial asymmetry

Body Lift Surgery: Cost, Candidates, Procedure, Results and Risks

Body lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the shape and tone of the underlying tissue which supports the fat and skin. Several factors such as pregnancy, sun damage, age, frequent fluctuations in weight, and genetic factors can result in poor elasticity of skin tissues. A body lift procedure involves the removal of excessive fat and skin. The body areas covered by this cosmetic surgery procedure are:

• Abdominal area
• Inner thigh
• Outer thigh
• Buttocks

Body lift cost 

The average cost of a body lift surgery in India is Rs. 9 lakhs. Body lift surgery cost includes surgeon’s fee, medical tests, anaesthesia, prescriptions for medications, and hospital facilities charge. However, above-mentioned cost may vary based on the type of hospital, the cosmetic surgeon’s experience and type of procedure. Most medical insurance companies do not cover body lift surgery, but many cosmetic surgeons offer patient-financing plans. 

Body lift candidates

Suitable candidates for a body lift surgery are: 

• People with realistic goals and expectations
• People with soft tissue looseness
• Nonsmokers
• Healthy individuals without any serious medical condition
• People with stable weight

Preparing for body lift surgery

A patient undergoing body lift surgery is asked to: 

• Take medicines prescribed by the doctor
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and other inflammatory drugs
• Get a lab test
• Avoid eating anything just before the procedure

Body lift procedure

Body lift surgery is a complex procedure and often requires extensive incisions. The length and pattern of the incisions depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed. A patient is given general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to perform the procedure effectively. During a body lift procedure, the cosmetic surgeon often uses the bikini pattern to make incisions. Several incisions are made around the waist, groin, buttock, waist and thigh. After making incisions, the cosmetic surgeon uses a liposuction technique to remove the excess skin and fat from the muscles. After the removal of excessive fats, the body tissues are tightened and repositioned. The new formation of tissue improves the body contours. Incisions area closed with sutures, surgical tape, or clips. 

Body lift results 

The outcome of a body lift surgery is visible almost instantly. However, it may take two years or more for the final results of the body lift procedure to surface. Once the swelling is reduced and scars fade a patient can experience positive results. A patient may have to maintain a stable weight, general fitness, and follow doctor’s instructions to achieve long-lasting results. Though cosmetic surgeons don’t guarantee good results in some cases more than one surgery has to be performed to achieve desired results. 

Body lift risks 

Before undergoing body lift surgery your cosmetic surgeon will tell you about the possible risks and complications associated with it. It is important that a patient address all queries with the plastic surgeon. Some risks associated with body lift surgery are: 

• Skin discoloration
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Scarring
• Accumulation of fluid
• Skin loss
• Change in sensation
• Swelling
• Unsatisfactory results