Neck Lift on a 60-year-old Male. Bethesda, MD

The swelling and bumpiness under my chin are almost gone. However, there is still some numbness, most noticeable when I shave.

Overall, I am pleased with the results and glad that I had it done.

I decided not to post before and after photos because I do not want them posted on the office bulletin board.

I noticed a turkey neck after losing 40 lbs. More importantly, others mentioned it after the weight loss. I did extensive research on a corrective measure and found that surgery was the only option. I also read about the recovery period and the potential complications before I consulted with three surgeons. The price for the procedure was similar among all three and I was not going to try and nickle and dime it when dealing with an important surgery. I chose Dr. Oldham because it was clear that he was the most experienced. He also adequately answered all of my questions. I was interested in doing it under local anesthesia and he stated that he only does this surgery with general anesthesia. Another surgeon would have done it by local, but I still chose Dr. Oldham.

The recovery was not as severe as I has thought. The pain was significant for about three days but I was given codeine/acetaminophen. There was some bruising, but it was under my neck and not really obvious so I was back in my office in 10 days. Other than a few second looks, no one said anything other than some rumors around the office that I had been sick. Other than Dr. Oldham's office, the surgery staff, and one friend, no one knows that I have had the procedure, but some have mentioned that I look good or look young. They may suspect something but don't mention it.

The bruising was gone in a week.

I was worried about scaring, but the 1 inch under chin scar is not visible and is fading by use of the scar cream. The back of the ear scars are not noticeable except by my barber. However, they took about one month to totally heal and the puss/drainage to go away and the scabs gone

Now for the unexpected part, which I read about and was clearly told about by the doctor, but unprepared for. Numbness under the chin. It is like there is a plate under your jaw. There is also some bumpyness under the jaw, but again, it is not real apparent. The numbness and bumps are beginning to go away, but they say it could take many months or even a year before your neck feels normal again; for a man it is really an issue when shaving. It feels strange.

I had three followup visits and Dr. Oldham said that everything lookss great. I will have another appointment in 6 months.

In conclusion, I was very satisfied with the surgery and it largely met with my expectation. I would recommend Dr. Oldham without any reservation. He has done this many times.