Neck Lift

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure performed by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Perth that aims to address certain aesthetic concerns related to the neck area, typically with signs commonly associated with the natural ageing process and weight loss. A neck lift is generally combined with a face lift or lower face lift.

What factors may influence the consideration of neck lift surgery?

You may be interested in exploring neck lift surgery to these address common signs of ageing:

• Age: As individuals progress in age, natural changes occur in their skin, such as reduced elasticity and collagen production. These changes can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, a double chin and jowls.
• Sun exposure: Excessive exposure to the sun can cause damage to the skin and accelerate the ageing process.
• Genetics: Certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing wrinkles and sagging skin.

The decision to undergo neck lift surgery ultimately rests with the individual’s personal choice. Some individuals may believe that the benefits of neck lift surgery outweigh the associated risks, while others may prefer to embrace the natural ageing process.

Is a neck lift right for me?

When considering neck lift surgery, it is crucial to schedule a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. This initial step ensures open communication about your appearance goals and expectations. Your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive examination and attentively listen to and address your concerns. They will then discuss the most appropriate options for your individual circumstances. Surgical face lift or other facial surgery may be advised instead of, or in addition to, a neck lift procedure.

How is a neck lift performed?

The surgical technique will depend on your physical features and your surgeon’s method based on factors such as muscle tone, skin elasticity, and body fat in your neck area. Depending on your desired outcome, you may undergo one or more specific neck lift procedures as part of a single operation. Incisions are usually made behind the ears and under the chin, and are strategically placed to minimise visible scarring. The surgeon accesses the underlying neck muscles and tissues through the incisions. They may tighten or reposition the neck muscles, remove excess fat deposits, and redistribute or remove excess skin as needed. If there is excess fat in the neck area, the surgeon may also perform liposuction techniques to remove it.

In most cases, a face lift or lower face lift will also be performed as recommended by your surgeon based on your individual needs and goals.

The surgery is performed in Perth in a fully-accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgery can be performed as a day procedure or alternatively with a short hospital stay, depending on your general health and the extent of the procedure. A procedure may take between one and three hours, depending on the amount of surgery required.

Are there any risks and complications of neck lift surgery?

All plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures come with risks and potential complications. To ensure successful surgery, it is crucial to understand and minimise these risks. Whilst all measures are taken to mitigate risks, some risks are unavoidable.

All information on this page is general in nature – your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss the specific risks and complications pertinent to your individual surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.

Specific risks related to neck lift surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Temporary or Permanent Hair Loss: There is a possibility of experiencing temporary hair loss around the scars. While this is typically temporary, in rare cases, it may become permanent.
• Skin Loss and Skin Grafting: Impaired blood supply can lead to skin loss, which might require a skin grafting procedure.
• Bruising and Swelling: Following the surgery, it is common to experience bruising and swelling. These effects are typically temporary and will subside over time.
• Temporary Numbness: Numbness around the operated sites is a common occurrence. Fortunately, in most cases, this is temporary and will gradually improve over several months.
• Facial Nerve Damage: Rare nerve injury that could cause weakness of the lower lip: In rare cases, neck lift surgery can damage nerves in the face. This can lead to weakness or paralysis of the lower lip. While this damage is usually temporary, in rare cases, it may be permanent.
• Differences in Facial Appearance: It is possible to observe a slight difference in appearance between the right and left sides of the face after the surgery.
• Revisional Surgery: In some instances, complications may arise that require revisional surgery to correct.

Will neck lift surgery leave any scars?

Although your surgeon will make every effort to keep them as inconspicuous as possible, scars are the inevitable result of any surgery. The scars from a neck lift are typically within the skin’s natural folds. Some patients have a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars and you should advise your surgeon if you are aware of this tendency in yourself.

What results can I expect from a neck lift?

The primary goal of a neck lift procedure is to minimise the visible effects of ageing and help achieve a smoother look for the neck and skin. Additionally, it is possible to combine a neck lift with other surgical interventions, such as a face lift or eyelid surgery.

Alongside neck lift surgery, non-surgical cosmetic treatments like chemical skin peels, dermabrasion, or skin resurfacing may be performed.

When can I resume normal activities following a neck lift?

Depending on the extent of your procedure, it may be necessary to take a few weeks off work to rest. It is advisable to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and strenuous sports for up to six weeks after the procedure or until advised by your surgeon.

After 7-10 days, you may apply normal makeup, but it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun. Please ensure to follow appropriate sun protection measures to safeguard your skin’s health.

Some bruising and swelling is normal, and it may take up to a few weeks to disappear. Sleeping with your head elevated will help to reduce the swelling. It is normal to experience a sensation of tightness and numbness in the face and neck area, which may last for several months. Your surgeon may advise you to wear post-surgical compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.

It is important to emphasise that every patient’s recovery process requires sufficient time, support, and appropriate postoperative care. Healing abilities and pain tolerance may vary among individuals, leading to differences in the duration of recovery and the ability to participate in various activities.

How much does this procedure cost?

Please contact us online or call us on (08) 9380 0333 and one of our medical secretaries can provide you with more information. Please note that pricing does vary from case to case.

Where can I find more information?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a helpful and reliable source of information online. Their website is an excellent place to research a range of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, and view video animations.