What is Neck Lift Surgery?
Neck lift surgery, also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, involves the surgical modification of the deep tissues and skin of the neck. Over time, natural ageing, gravity, and genetics can lead to tissue descent, the accumulation of submental fat, and changes to the platysma muscle, which can present as vertical bands or loose skin.
This procedure is designed to alter the anatomical positioning of these structures, remove excess skin, and modify the soft tissues to change the contour of the jawline and neck area.
What makes a suitable candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
A suitable candidate for neck lift surgery is typically an adult experiencing structural changes such as excess skin in the neck, prominent vertical neck bands, or submental fat that alters the definition of the jawline.
Candidates must be in good general physical health, non-smokers, and possess realistic expectations regarding the surgical modifications.
During a comprehensive consultation at Collins St Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mirkazemi carefully evaluates the patient’s individual neck anatomy, skin laxity, and underlying bone structure to determine if this surgical intervention aligns with their anatomical presentation.
What are the Neck Lift Surgery options?
When considering modifications to the neck area, patients may explore various surgical and non-surgical options depending on their anatomical needs.
A neck lift is often performed concurrently with a face lift for comprehensive lower facial contouring, but it can also be performed as a standalone procedure if the mid-face does not require modification. For those seeking non-surgical alternatives, options such as fat-dissolving injections or dermal fillers can temporarily address submental fat or alter jawline volume; however, these non-surgical treatments cannot address or remove excess, sagging skin or alter deep muscle laxity.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients.
They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Neck Lift surgical techniques
- Submental Neck Lift: This technique involves Dr. Mirkazemi making a small incision concealed in the natural crease under the chin. It is primarily utilized to modify the platysma muscle (tying or altering the muscle bands) and to remove excessive fatty tissues deep within the neck structure, addressing vertical folds and submental fullness.
- Lateral Neck Lift: This approach involves incisions placed in concealed locations behind each ear and extending into the hairline. It is designed to remove excess neck skin and modify tissue tension, helping to alter the contour and definition of the area extending from the jawline down the sides of the neck.
- Liposculpture/Liposuction: Often used in conjunction with excision techniques, this involves the targeted suction removal of localized fat deposits beneath the chin or along the jawline to further modify the soft tissue contours.
Recovery after Neck Lift Surgery
Recovery following neck lift surgery involves a gradual healing process requiring strict adherence to post-operative protocols provided by Dr. Mirkazemi.
During week one, patients typically experience localized swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the neck, and they may be required to wear a supportive chin strap garment to minimize swelling and support the modified tissues.
By month one, the acute swelling and bruising generally subside, allowing patients to resume most normal daily activities, although residual swelling remains present and strenuous exercise is typically still restricted.
By month three, the deeper tissues continue to heal and settle into their new anatomical positions, allowing the final structural modifications of the neck and jawline to become more apparent as the internal recovery process progresses.
How much does Neck Lift Surgery cost?
The cost of neck lift surgery varies significantly on a case-by-case basis and cannot be provided as a single set price.
The total fee is influenced by several factors, including the specific surgical techniques utilized (e.g., whether a lateral, submental, or combined approach is required), hospital or facility costs, and the anaesthetist’s fees.
Following a detailed consultation and anatomical assessment, Dr. Mirkazemi’s team at Collins St Plastic Surgery will provide a comprehensive, transparent, and individualized quote outlining all associated costs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Neck Lift Surgery
Specific Risks and Complications For Neck Lift Surgery
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to modify the contours of the neck and jawline by addressing skin laxity and underlying muscle bands. While this procedure is performed to change the anatomical appearance of the neck, it is a significant surgery that involves risks. Understanding these potential complications is a critical step in the informed consent process.
The following list outlines possible clinical risks. These are not exhaustive, and the likelihood of complications can vary based on individual healing capacity, smoking status, and medical history.
Procedure-Specific Risks
- Nerve Injury: There is a risk of injury to the nerves that control facial expressions or sensation. While often temporary, nerve damage can result in weakness in the lower lip or numbness in the neck and ear area. In some cases, this may be permanent.
- Skin Loss (Necrosis): The blood supply to the skin flaps can be compromised during surgery, particularly in patients who smoke. This can lead to tissue death (necrosis), which may result in delayed healing and significant scarring.
- Scarring: Incisions are required to perform a neck lift. While positioned to be as discreet as possible, scarring is permanent. Some individuals may develop thickened (hypertrophic) or keloid scars depending on their genetic predisposition.
- Asymmetry: The healing process is individual to each side of the body. There is a risk that the final contour of the neck or jawline may appear asymmetrical.
- Skin Contour Irregularities: Patients may experience puckering, bunching, or irregularities in the skin surface as it settles over the modified underlying structures.
Long-Term Considerations
- Changes in Sensation: Numbness or a “tight” sensation in the neck area is common post-operatively. While this usually resolves over several months, some degree of altered sensation may persist.
- Unsatisfactory Anatomical Outcome: The surgical result may not align with the patient’s anatomical goals. Results are also subject to the natural effects of ageing and gravity over time.
- Need for Secondary Surgery: Revision procedures may be required to address complications, manage scar tissue, or further alter the neck contour.
- Delayed Healing: Factors such as poor circulation or underlying health conditions can result in incisions taking longer than expected to close.
General Surgical Risks
All surgical procedures, including plastic and cosmetic surgery, carry inherent risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, scarring, nerve changes, anaesthetic risks, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Individual factors such as smoking, elevated BMI, underlying medical conditions, and certain medications can further influence your safety profile and recovery.
A thorough consultation and strict adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions are essential to minimise risks.
