Neck lift
The neck is generally one of the first places that show signs of ageing. A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, involves the restructuring and tightening of the neck muscle. It is an ideal treatment for:
- Combatting skin deterioration caused by sun damage and weight loss
- Aged, sagging and loose skin on the neck
- Removing any extra fat or skin from the neck
- Eliminate banding (thick lines around the neck)
- Reducing double chin or an undefined jawline
- Improving jowls (fatty, drooping bits of skin that appear around your jawline)
- Contouring the shape of the neck and defining the jawline
- Tightening the skin and removing wrinkles
- Extending the appearance of the neck
- Restructuring and tightening of the neck muscles
- Re-draping of the skin to create a better defined, smoother neck.
A neck lift can be combined with liposuction to remove any excess fatty deposits to create better contour and definition. It can also be combined with a face lift to get the best results, or non-surgical procedures such as fillers and anti-wrinkle injections to create a well-defined contour.
Scars from a neck lift can be hidden around the ears or under the chin; Dr Bill Lyon is extremely skilled in minimising scarring.
Neck lifts are extremely popular in the 40 – 60 age group, however those with a genetic tendency for a double chin, or those who have had massive weight loss, may require a neck lift sooner or even later in life.
Some possible complications and risks associated with neck lift surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Temporary or permanent hair loss along the incisions, especially for any incisions made near the hairline
- Facial asymmetry (unevenness)
- Nerve injury that could cause weakness of the lower lip (rare)
- Fluid accumulation (hematoma)
- Infection or slow wound healing
- Unfavourable scarring along the incision lines or where liposuction was used
- Prolonged swelling of the treated area
- Skin irregularities and/or skin discolouration including pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation risks
- Skin loss or skin healing delays
- Sutures that might spontaneously surface through the skin, becoming visible or producing irritation and requiring removal
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain or discomfort or sporadic nerve sensations
- Poor wound healing especially if you smoke or have other health conditions
Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis with cardiac or pulmonary sequelae.
How long is the recovery after a neck lift procedure?
Many patients can return to work or school approximately 2 weeks after their surgery. You may still experience swelling and tightness as late as 4 weeks from your actual surgery. Most patients return to normal activities completely after 1 month.
Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?
Deciding whether to have plastic surgery of any kind is an immensely personal decision. Usually, good candidates for a face/neck lift procedure are nonsmokers who are generally healthy and have realistic expectations for the outcomes of their operation.
What are the benefits of neck lift surgery?
Face/neck lift surgery can help raise loose or sagging skin in certain areas of the face and neck. For many people, this can result in them having a more youthful appearance and stronger facial contours than before.
What happens during a neck lift surgery?
During a neck lift procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions near your ears and under your chin, removing the fat from around your jawline and under your chin. This operation can be performed using local or general anesthesia in a hospital.
Important note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
