I had a tumor removed from the right side of my neck that was the size of a quarter June 2018. The tumor ended being a adenoid cystic carcinoma, so I needed radiation. The surgery left the skin under my neck loose and jiggly but it has improved over time. I have seen 2 surgeons about a neck lift. One said no problem and the other said my skin could die if I have surgery because of the radiation. Both doctors highly recommended by peers and patients. Who is correct?
Answer: Necklift after Radiation Therapy The risk of having surgery in an area of radiation treatment is that the radiation effect damages blood vessels and decreases wound healing capability. Therefore, there is always a risk that having surgery in such an area will lead to significant healing problems and even skin or underlying soft tissue loss. However, I have previously performed breast surgery on women whose breasts had been irradiated for cancer, and they healed OK. I think each person's situation is different, so you need to be evaluated by someone with excellent experience in necklifting, a good knowledge of the relevant anatomy, and a careful evaluation of any apparent radiation effect on your skin.
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Answer: Necklift after Radiation Therapy The risk of having surgery in an area of radiation treatment is that the radiation effect damages blood vessels and decreases wound healing capability. Therefore, there is always a risk that having surgery in such an area will lead to significant healing problems and even skin or underlying soft tissue loss. However, I have previously performed breast surgery on women whose breasts had been irradiated for cancer, and they healed OK. I think each person's situation is different, so you need to be evaluated by someone with excellent experience in necklifting, a good knowledge of the relevant anatomy, and a careful evaluation of any apparent radiation effect on your skin.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: Neck lift after radiation therapy Since you are far enough out from your radiation therapy, it should be safe to perform the procedure at this time as long as the surgeon is mindful of the blood supply to your skin. That being said I would go to a board certified facial plastic surgeon since they are typically more aware of the underlying nerve anatomy that might be more visible and could be injured during the procedure.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: Neck lift after radiation therapy Since you are far enough out from your radiation therapy, it should be safe to perform the procedure at this time as long as the surgeon is mindful of the blood supply to your skin. That being said I would go to a board certified facial plastic surgeon since they are typically more aware of the underlying nerve anatomy that might be more visible and could be injured during the procedure.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: You do need to be careful It is possible to do a lift but complete undermining of the irradiated area into a long flap should be avoided. It is possible to limit risk by working on the central area of the submental neck combined with a short flap in the area around the ear. But success of this is very operator dependent as to the transmission of the lateral pull into the neck and the evening out of the skin, and a personal evaluation of the looseness of the skin and any irradiation changes need to be evaluated. Be there are risks associated with your condition not to be taken lightly.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: You do need to be careful It is possible to do a lift but complete undermining of the irradiated area into a long flap should be avoided. It is possible to limit risk by working on the central area of the submental neck combined with a short flap in the area around the ear. But success of this is very operator dependent as to the transmission of the lateral pull into the neck and the evening out of the skin, and a personal evaluation of the looseness of the skin and any irradiation changes need to be evaluated. Be there are risks associated with your condition not to be taken lightly.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: NeckLift After Radiation Although a definitive answer cannot be given over the internet, I can tell you I have performed at least a dozen necklifts/ facelifts on patients who have had radiation to their neck. Although the healing is slower, the chance of necrosis is not significant, assuming proper technique. However, the real answer lies in the quality of the skin, because radiation does permanently alter the makeup and small blood vessel supply to the area. If a serious radiation burn occurred, you may not be a suitable candidate, but an in-person evaluation is necessary to determine this.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: NeckLift After Radiation Although a definitive answer cannot be given over the internet, I can tell you I have performed at least a dozen necklifts/ facelifts on patients who have had radiation to their neck. Although the healing is slower, the chance of necrosis is not significant, assuming proper technique. However, the real answer lies in the quality of the skin, because radiation does permanently alter the makeup and small blood vessel supply to the area. If a serious radiation burn occurred, you may not be a suitable candidate, but an in-person evaluation is necessary to determine this.
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February 7, 2019
Answer: Can I have a neck lift if I had radiation on the neck? Thank you for your pictures and questions. I am sorry to hear about the carcinoma and hope you are now on the road to recovery. The fact that there has been radiation damage to the area is very significant because even after radiation, that skin stays damaged permanently. This could mean that with a significant undermining of the skin such as with a necklift, there could be compromise of the blood flow to the skin which can lead to skin necrosis, death, and large open wounds. While it is true that this is a risk for all patients undergoing a necklift, significant problems are thankfully very rare, but in your case, that risk is significantly elevated, although no one can tell you a specific number. The bottom line is that the surgeon who told you "no problem" is being much too cavalier in my opinion and you (and your chosen surgeon) need to acknowledge the risk involved and decide whether the benefit outweighs the risk. If you do decide to go ahead with surgery, I would advise that you wait as long as possible after the radiation to proceed, one year minimum. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery
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February 7, 2019
Answer: Can I have a neck lift if I had radiation on the neck? Thank you for your pictures and questions. I am sorry to hear about the carcinoma and hope you are now on the road to recovery. The fact that there has been radiation damage to the area is very significant because even after radiation, that skin stays damaged permanently. This could mean that with a significant undermining of the skin such as with a necklift, there could be compromise of the blood flow to the skin which can lead to skin necrosis, death, and large open wounds. While it is true that this is a risk for all patients undergoing a necklift, significant problems are thankfully very rare, but in your case, that risk is significantly elevated, although no one can tell you a specific number. The bottom line is that the surgeon who told you "no problem" is being much too cavalier in my opinion and you (and your chosen surgeon) need to acknowledge the risk involved and decide whether the benefit outweighs the risk. If you do decide to go ahead with surgery, I would advise that you wait as long as possible after the radiation to proceed, one year minimum. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
