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Neck lift is a procedure Dr Sharp performs in Brisbane hospitals, to alter the appearance of the neck, specifically the area under the jawline, by reducing skin and tightening the tissues underneath. Also called cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty, it involves a range of techniques and approaches whose ultimate procedure objective is firming and tightening the neck region.
The procedure usually takes two to three hours, but the time may differ accordingly if other surgeries such as liposuction, facelift (meloplasty or rhytidectomy) or blepharoplasty are performed at the same time.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. There are a number of methods for this procedure, but the most common involves a small incision, made under the patient’s chin, and in front or behind the ear to access the platysma (neck muscle) and tighten as required. Excess skin is then also removed.
Yes, Dr Sharp sometimes combines the procedure with liposuction on the neck to remove small amounts of fat.
A drain is placed in the neck to drain fluid and decrease the swelling, usually for 24-48 hours after procedure. Please keep in mind that this procedure will remove small deposits of fat, is not a weight reduction tool, and is most suitable for people with a BMI under 30.
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Following the procedure, you will wear a compression garment to help decrease the swelling. Most patients are able to return to work or normal activities after 7-14 days, depending on their work. Complications associated with neck lift include infection, swelling, bruising, sensation loss or damage. As with all procedure, especially those that involve general anaesthetic, extreme complications can involve permanent injury or even death. Risks will be discussed during multiple communication points with your surgeon prior to committing to procedure, ensuring you have the information required to make a confident, well informed decision.
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One of the most common facial procedure questions we receive is “how do I know whether I need a neck lift – or a facelift?” Online forums and procedure websites provide conflicting information and terminology for these procedures; what they entail, and what they address – causing greater confusion. What is colloquially known as a ‘neck lift’ may not technically refer to the procedure that this title traditionally entailed.
The face and neck age together, and for the most part, a neck lift should include elevation of the lower face. Conversely a facelift should include tightening of loose neck skin. In modern times where facelift and neck lift procedure aims to be less invasive, the operation is sometimes discussed as one of the same.
If you are having a neck lift on its own, the mid face and jawline are not altered; however you will usually have an incision across your neck under your chin so the platysmaplasty can be performed to tighten the mid line neck.
If you have a facelift (for mid, lower and jawline areas), generally the upper neck will also be tightened and in most cases, the incision across the neck isn’t required as Dr Sharp accesses the upper neck via the pre exisiting incision he has made behind the ear, and down towards the nape of the neck/hairline.
A limited-incision neck lift may involve incisions only around the ear. While the incisions are shorter and scars less visible, the results of this approach can be more limited.
Dr Sharp always tailors this procedure to a number of considerations including the patient’s pre existing anatomy, skin condition and their procedure objective or concerns.
A neck lift will not change your overall appearance – and will not halt the ageing process.
It will not make your lower face look slimmer; fat dissolving injections or liposuction is usually required if you wish to remove excess fat in the submental or upper neck region
Neck lift procedure will not improve the condition of the skin on your neck or décolletage; non procedure skin treatments, including laser, micro needling and specialist skincare will address the pigmentation and deterioration of the skin health in these areas.
A neck lift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results in lifting and tightening the skin, but may help delay the time at which a neck lift becomes appropriate.
Often, people feel they need a neck lift to address their jowls and sagging skin in their lower face, however the cause of their concerns actually begin with the loss (and migration) of their underlying facial support structures, such as fat – causing skin and tissue to hang around the lower face. In this case, a facelift – and subtle use of dermal fillers to replace lost bone structure and fat in the upper mid face – may alter these aspects, and a neck lift might not be required quite as early.
The aim of all facial cosmetic and plastic procedure should be to create as much balance and harmony as possible, while retaining a healthy and realistic appearance. In some cases a neck lift may be performed on its own, in cases where the neck has experienced premature ageing before the face.
Usually, the face and neck appear to age together, meaning a facelift and neck lift are often integrated into a single procedure, to harmonise the facial features and balance the results. A facelift might restore your facial appearance back to that of a 45 year old, but if your neck still looks like it’s 60 with protruding vertical platysmal bands and horizontal lining, the face and neck may look at odds beside each other, which is what we sometimes see in the notorious Hollywood plastic procedure tabloid media, that’s dead giveaway for facelift procedure – without consideration of the adjacent ageing neck.
Most neck lift procedure performed by Dr Sharp is coupled with a facelift that particularly focuses on the lower face, to ensure seamless aesthetic and functional results.
Facelift procedure is often performed on its own in patients who are in their 40s and 50s, but if a patient is having their first facelift in their 60s, Dr Sharp may recommend a neck lift as well.
By reducing loose facial skin and repositioning underlying support structures, facelift procedure can create a ‘lifted’ effect that significantly reduces the visible signs of ageing, in a way that no alternative treatment or non procedure can. When combined with neck lift, a facelift can incorporate the upper neck as well – including skin, loss of definition in the undercroft of the chin, neck wrinkles and thick bands (platysma bands).
Procedures that may be performed in conjunction with a neck lift include fat transfer, liposuction, genioplasty (chin implant procedure to create chin projection), lip and cheek enhancement with dermal fillers or eyelid procedure (blepharoplasty), to reduce excess skin above the eyes. The benefits of a single procedure can include a single anaesthetic and hospital admission, as well as consolidating overall downtime, however this must be weighed against increased risks associated with a longer anaesthetic and increased healing demand on the body. These are all factors that are discussed in detail with Dr Sharp during your thorough preoperative consultation process.
No. Strategically placed muscle relaxing injections can help soften the downward ‘pull’ of the neck muscles that create prominent Iines and bands, and over time this can reduced the dynamic activity that leads to static lines on the neck. The effect last 3-5 months and treatments need to be maintained to see results. The outcome does not replace neck lift procedure but is a more conservative therapy that may be worth considering if you aren’t ready for procedure yet – or want to stave it off! We perform these injections in our Brisbane and Ipswich clinics.
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Every procedure comes with the risk of complications, and specific risks may accompany certain procedures. The general risks of procedure may include:
When the body goes through a healing phase after a procedure incision, scarring is a common outcome. The way scars appear and their level of severity depends on various factors, including the type of skin, genetic factors, as well as the size and location of the cut. Certain individuals might notice their scars becoming raised or enlarged, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. In cases where a patient does not like the visual outcome of their scars, treatment options are available, but these should only be considered following advice from a surgeon.
Any procedure, plastic procedure included, carries the risk of infection. This occurs when harmful microbes invade the procedure site, leading to symptoms such as swelling, heightened pain, formation of pus, and wounds that don’t seem to heal. Surgeons follow rigorous cleanliness procedures to minimise this risk, but it is crucial for patients to follow all post-surgical care directions meticulously. Quick recognition of symptoms and immediate intervention with antibiotics are key in addressing and eliminating infections.
It is normal to experience pain following procedure procedures, with the intensity and length of pain differing based on the procedure method and the individual’s tolerance to pain. A certain level of discomfort is to be expected, but if the pain becomes severe or lasts for an extended period, it may be indicative of a complication and should be looked into without delay. Pain management strategies, including prescribed medications and guidelines for rest and recovery, will be provided by the surgeon.
Surgical procedures can sometimes result in bleeding, which can be external at the site of procedure or internal, leading to a condition known as hematoma. Signs of internal bleeding may include pain, pressure, and swelling in the area affected. It is critical to seek immediate medical help if you notice unusual bleeding or swelling after procedure.
A seroma is an accumulation of clear lymph fluid under the skin, which can happen after procedure. This is due to the procedure disruption of lymph vessels, causing fluid to build up. Symptoms to look out for include pain, a sensation of pressure, and a noticeable swelling or clear fluid drainage at the procedure site. Generally, seromas are minor complications, but they may necessitate drainage or further treatment to ensure proper healing.
Although anesthesia is crucial for managing pain during procedure, it does come with its own set of risks. These risks include allergic reactions, damage during intubation, malignant hyperthermia, as well as blood pressure or respiratory problems. Continuous monitoring during the procedure allows the procedure team to detect and deal with these complications quickly.
Despite the use of tried-and-tested medical procedures and the experience of a qualified surgeon, there’s always a risk of not achieving the desired aesthetic result after plastic procedure. This could manifest as unevenness, skin puckering, or outcomes that don’t align with the patient’s expectations. It’s imperative to maintain realistic expectations and to discuss potential results during consultation sessions thoroughly. While revision procedure may be an option, it doesn’t guarantee correction of the issue.
Although it’s a rare occurrence, nerve damage is a possible complication of plastic procedure, potentially resulting from the manipulation of tissues or accidental nerve injury during the operation. Signs of nerve damage can include numbness, a tingling sensation, or a loss of feeling in the affected area. While nerve function typically restores over a period of weeks to months, there are instances where changes could be permanent. Prompt reporting of any unusual sensations after procedure is crucial.
Bruising and swelling are typical responses of the body to procedure intervention. While these are normal parts of the healing process, excessive or extended periods of bruising and swelling require attention. Adhering to post-surgical care instructions, such as keeping the affected area elevated, applying cold packs, and refraining from intense activities, is essential. However, should you notice prolonged swelling or deep, extensive bruising, it’s vital to get in touch for a thorough evaluation.
Death is an extremely rare but real risk in any procedure. Causes could range from severe complications, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or pre-existing health conditions. Patient safety is paramount for surgeons and their teams, ensuring thorough pre-surgical screening and adherence to the latest procedure procedures and safety protocols. Being completely open about your medical history during consultations and following all given pre- and post-surgical instructions closely is of utmost importance.
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Dr David Sharp FRACS Plast is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). AHPRA registration number MED0000962857 | * All treatments carry benefits, risks and a recovery period. To learn more, visit the procedure page on our website. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. Book a consultation to determine whether a procedure or treatment is suitable for you and seek at least two opinions before proceeding.
