Neck Lift

Neck Lift

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also called a platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck area, tightening the underlying muscles to create a more defined and youthful appearance along the jawline, often addressing concerns like sagging skin or “turkey wattle” under the chin; it’s usually performed to address visible signs of aging in the neck region.

Types of Neck Tightening Treatment

Neck tightening treatment, also known as a neck lift, can involve removing excess skin or tightening neck muscles. There are several types of neck tightening surgery, including:

  • Cervicoplasty
    Removes excess skin from the neck, usually through incisions behind the ears or under the chin.
  • Platysmaplasty
    Tightens the neck muscles, especially the platysma muscles, to reduce the appearance of neck bands.
  • Mini neck lift
    A less invasive procedure that removes smaller amounts of skin and tightens muscles through shorter incisions.
  • Neck liposuction
    Removes excess fat from the neck using a cannula inserted through an incision.
  • Traditional neck lift
    A more invasive procedure that removes excess skin and tightens muscles through incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin.
  • Corset platysmoplasty
    A more aggressive procedure that ties the platysmal muscle edges together to create a strong lift.
  • Rhytidectomy
    Addresses skin laxity in the lower and mid-face areas.

The type of surgery you choose will depend on your desired results and the concerns you want to address.

What costs are associated with Neck Lifts?

The cost of a neck lift varies depending on the type of procedure, your surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic costs, plus hospital stay and operating theatre costs. After your first appointment, you will receive a detailed quote. Please note that this procedure is cosmetic and not claimable from Medicare or your private health fund.

Complementary treatments for a neck lift

A neck lift can be performed with other procedures to address other areas of the face and neck. These procedures can include: 

  • Facelift: Tightens the facial muscles and removes excess skin to enhance the overall appearance of the face and neck.
  • Brow lift: Corrects sagging or low eyebrows and forehead wrinkles.
  • Fat transfer: Adds volume to the face, especially in the cheeks and lips.
  • Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty): Reduces excess skin above the eyes.
  • Liposuction: Removes excess skin.

FAQ’s

Neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty, is a considered  relatively low-risk procedure, but there are some risks involved. These include: 

  • Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after the procedure.
  • Bruising and swelling: Bruising and swelling are common after the procedure and can last for several weeks.
  • Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site.
  • Pain: You may experience pain and soreness after the procedure.
  • Hair loss: You may experience temporary or permanent hair loss around the incisions.
  • Skin irregularities: You may experience skin irregularities, discolouration, or loss.
  • Nerve injury: In rare cases, the nerves controlling the lower lip muscles can be damaged, causing weakness or paralysis.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): There is a rare risk of DVT, which can lead to cardiac or pulmonary complications.
  • Unfavourable scarring: You may experience visible scars that can be hidden within the lines of the ear.
  • Unsatisfactory results: You may not achieve the results you expected, which may require revisional surgery.
  • Anaesthesia risks: Complications can arise from anaesthesia.

A good candidate for a neck lift is someone who is in good health, a non-smoker, and has noticeable signs of aging in the neck area like excess skin, fat, and sagging, often appearing as “turkey wattle” or neck bands, usually between the ages of 40 and 60 with realistic expectations about the procedure and commitment to post-operative care.

Key factors for a good neck lift candidate:

  • Visible signs of aging in the neck: Loose skin, prominent neck bands, excess fat under the chin.
  • Good overall health: No major medical conditions that could complicate surgery.
  • Non-smoker: Smoking can impair healing.
  • Reasonable expectations: Understanding that a neck lift can improve the appearance of the neck but won’t completely reverse aging.
  • Good skin elasticity: Skin that still has some resilience to hold its shape after surgery.

Neck lift or neck tightening is a common cosmetic procedure, and people often return to daily activities and work within 2 weeks of the surgery. Possible complications of neck lifts include scarring, bleeding, changes to the skin colour, and complications associated with anaesthesia.

Our Neck Lift Surgeons

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Please be aware that all surgical procedures require a consultation with our plastic surgeons to allow a thorough assessment and discussion of your specific needs.

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