A neck lift is surgery that improves the contour of the neck by removing excess skin (cervicoplasty) and, where needed, tightening the platysma muscle at the front of the neck (platysmaplasty). Dr Jassim Daood performs neck lift surgery at the Bankstown clinic. Whether a neck lift is appropriate, and which techniques may be involved, depends on your individual circumstances and is assessed at a consultation.
A neck lift addresses the neck itself. Sagging of the cheeks, deepening folds and loss of jawline definition are addressed by a facelift, and the two procedures are often combined in a single operation. Read about Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Recovery
Recovery varies between patients. Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are expected and settle over several weeks, and a supportive chin strap may be worn initially. Many people take around one to two weeks away from work, though this depends on the individual and the extent of surgery.
In depth
More about this procedure
Detailed information about this procedure. Select a section to read more.
A neck lift may be considered by people troubled by loose or sagging skin of the neck, vertical bands caused by the platysma muscle, or persistent fullness under the chin, changes that can follow ageing, weight change or simply heredity. It is generally suited to people in good general health with realistic expectations.
Non-surgical treatments are different procedures and are not equivalent, and surgery is not suitable for everyone. Suitability, and which combination of techniques may be appropriate, is assessed individually at your consultation.
A neck lift is a general term covering two surgical techniques that are often combined. Cervicoplasty removes excess, loose skin from the neck so the remaining skin can be re-draped more smoothly. Platysmaplasty tightens or repairs the platysma, the thin sheet of muscle at the front of the neck whose loosened edges can show as vertical bands.
Depending on the individual, liposuction of the area under the chin may also form part of the plan where fullness is due to localised fat. Which elements are appropriate for you depends on your anatomy and is determined at your consultation.
Incisions are generally placed behind the ears and, where the platysma muscle is being tightened, in the natural crease under the chin, where they can be concealed. Through these incisions the muscle is tightened, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is re-draped.
The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic or, in some cases, local anaesthetic with sedation. It can be performed on its own or combined with a facelift in a single operation. The approach and expected time are discussed at your consultation and planned around your anatomy and goals.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness in the neck are expected at first and settle over several weeks. A supportive chin strap or dressing may be worn initially, and specific aftercare instructions are provided.
Many people take around one to two weeks away from work or social activities, though this depends on the individual and the extent of surgery; strenuous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for longer.
A neck lift can produce a smoother neck contour and a better-defined angle between the chin and neck.
Ageing continues naturally over time, so results are not permanent, and their longevity depends on factors including genetics, skin quality and weight stability. Realistic expectations are discussed at your consultation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
A neck lift is surgery that improves the contour of the neck. It covers cervicoplasty (removal of excess skin) and platysmaplasty (tightening of the platysma muscle), which are often combined. Whether it is appropriate for you is assessed at your consultation.
Cervicoplasty removes excess, loose skin from the neck. Platysmaplasty tightens or repairs the platysma muscle, whose loosened edges can show as vertical bands. Many neck lifts involve both, and the right combination depends on your anatomy.
Yes. Where changes affect both the face and the neck, a neck lift is often performed together with a facelift in a single operation. Whether a combined approach is appropriate for you is assessed at your consultation.
Fullness under the chin can be due to localised fat, loose skin, muscle laxity or a combination. Depending on the cause, liposuction may form part of the plan alongside skin or muscle tightening. What is appropriate for you is determined at your consultation.
Suitability is assessed individually, taking into account your skin, anatomy, health and goals. Some people are not suitable candidates, which is part of what the consultation determines.
A neck lift starts from $12,000 + GST as an indicative price. The final cost depends on your individual procedure and is provided in writing after your consultation, reflecting the total cost, including the surgeon, anaesthesia, facility fees and aftercare.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are expected and settle over several weeks. Many people take around one to two weeks away from work, depending on the individual and the extent of surgery.
Incisions are generally placed behind the ears and in the natural crease under the chin, where they can be concealed. Scarring varies between individuals and is discussed as part of the risks at your consultation.
A GP referral is required before a cosmetic surgery consultation, and the referring practitioner must not perform cosmetic procedures themselves.
