Mini Neck Lift With Z Plasty

About the Procedure

Vancouver neck lift surgery is primarily designed to enhance and tighten the neck, eliminating excess tissue, fat or “banding” that often forms as we age. Sometimes, the appearance of a “chubby” neck, “double chin” or “wobbly” neck with a poor angle can be the result of three things: a lax plastisma muscle, excess fat and the presence of a large fold of excess skin (sometimes called a “turkey wabble”). Patients with these features may be candidates for a Mini neck lift with z plasty. “Z plasty” refers to a vertical, z shaped incision that Dr. Buonassisi makes along the neck in order to remove the large fold of skin.

Types of Neck Lifts

There are different types of necklift surgeries, each with their own unique benefits and risks. The type of facial rejuvenation surgery that is best for you depends on your objectives, the specific features of your face and skin, and the degree of sagginess of the neck skin. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi is an expert neck lift surgeon and uses a wide variety of techniques to achieve your facial rejuvenation objectives. In you surgical consultation, Dr. Buonassisi will evaluate your facial features and recommend which type of necklift is best for you. Find out more about:

• Mini Necklift
• Neck liposuction

How the Mini Neck Lift With Z Plasty Is Performed

An incision is placed just underneath the chin where it is easily hidden.  The skin of the neck is elevated to expose the underlying fat.  The fat is removed either directly or with liposuction.  Once this is completed the lax underlying platisma muscle is tightly bound with sutures.  This allows for significant structural support for the neck and a defined neck angle.  The large fold of excess skin is completely removed using a special plastic surgery technique called a vertical z incision. When pulled together, the edges of the skin flaps form a near straight incision that fades over time. A compression garment must then be worn diligently for several weeks after the surgery.

Benefits of the Mini Neck Lift With Z Plasty Surgery

The physical benefits of a mini neck lift are:

• Definition of the neck angle
• Reduction of double chin
• Reduced neck fullness
• Reduction of a large fold of excess skin (turkey wobble)

Are You a Good Candidate

Mini neck lift with Z plasty surgery is appropriate for patients who have sagging or “chubby” neck, characterized by a large fold of loose skin. These features occur either as a result of the aging process, or as a result of inherited family features. Mini neck lift is not appropriate for patients who are looking for an improvement in the jowls, jaw line and cheek area. These patients may be candidates for facelift surgery.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for a Mini Neck Lift if you have any of the following physical features:

• Sagging neck
• Thick neck
• Double chin
• Poor neck angle

General Health

You may be a candidate for this surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Mini Neck Lift With Z Plasty Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from mini neck lift surgery to be quite easy. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides one to two weeks following surgery. Some patients experience no bruising at all. Everyone heals differently. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup
• At the one week mark, the incision is still quite red and raised and can be somewhat camouflaged with makeup or by wearing a high-necked shirt
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – one week after surgery, however your incisions will still be red and raised at this time

Complete Recovery

• While you will be looking and feeling great at the two week mark, your neck isstill healing and the complete healing process can take up to three months
• The z shaped incision fades over time and often becomes imperceptible – the incision is more noticeable in women, and in taller people

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of a mini necklift , while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Vancouver neck lift surgery is often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. Some people choose to have their puffy eyelids treated at the same time, with upper or lower eyelid surgery.

What Face or Neck Lift Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.