Am I Suitable for a Neck Lift?

Centre for Surgery is a recognised leader in the latest neck lift techniques. A neck lift is also known as a cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty. One of the definitive features of the ageing process is the increasing looseness of skin in the neck. While it is an unfortunate reality that with age comes loose and sagging skin in this area, there is a surgical solution called a neck lift (cervicoplasty / platsymaplasty) that can reverse the ageing effects by pulling the skin tightly together and creating a youthful appearance and a slim neck contour.

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For women concerned about looking older because of loose skin around the neck, a necklace at the Centre for Surgery is a very effective surgical solution.  A neck lift is also a minimally invasive technique that can often be performed with local anaesthesia and IV sedation. Occasionally, it may not only be older women but simply women with naturally weak neck muscles who wish to have this surgery to improve the contour of their neck. The neck lift surgeon usually places incisions behind the ears or under the chin, giving access to remove excess tissue without causing scarring. It is vitally important to create the correct angle of pull to tighten the muscles. The incision is placed behind the ear. Many surgeons make the mistake of trying to take shortcuts and place incisions only in front of the ear.

At Centre for Surgery, the neck lift procedure is often performed in combination with brow lifts, cheek augmentation, and facelifts to create a comprehensive transformation of the face for improved facial aesthetics. While neck lifts effectively remove sagging, excess skin, they are not appropriate for removing large amounts of fat around the neck and chin. If you want to remove fat rather than skin, neck and chin liposuction in this area would be a more effective solution. Neck liposuction is often combined with a traditional neck lift for even more dramatic results.

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Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

An ideal candidate for a neck lift can be both men and women over the age of 18, but it is most common among people between the ages of 30 and 70. You must have good overall health and good skin elasticity on the jowls, neck, and face. A good bone structure can also contribute to a better result, so it is preferred but not required.

Our surgeons may refuse you if you are a heavy smoker and you do not wish to quit a few weeks before the surgery, as advised. And most importantly, you must have realistic expectations of what you can achieve after a neck lift surgery.

What can you expect from a neck lift?

A neck lift can effectively remove fat, tighten loose skin that accumulates on the neck with age, and help achieve a defined jawline. Although the procedure does not improve the quality of the skin, the patient will still be able to achieve a youthful appearance overall and an impression of weight loss. The procedure also addresses other problem areas, such as Turkey neck and retrognathia.

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At the Centre for Surgery, neck lifts are simple and safe procedures. Incisions will be made under the chin, behind the ears, or in both areas. These incisions allow the surgeon to remove excess tissue and skin without causing scarring in visible places. The remaining skin is then fixed using absorbable sutures, and the whole procedure should take around 2-3 hours to complete. Patients can go home 1 hour after the procedure is completed.

What is the recovery period like?

In the first 24 hours following your surgery, we recommend you have a family member or friend stay with you as it will be difficult for you to move around. You will need to rest for the first few days, and then you may go back to your normal routine. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for a few weeks to allow your body to heal. Expect some bruising and swelling for the first few days following the surgery, which is normal. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to help you with any discomfort.

The recovery period will be longer if the neck lift is combined with other procedures, such as neck liposuction or a facelift.

Following the neck lift procedure, the surgeon will make incisions behind your ears or under your chin so they are not visible. You will have scars, but they will be hidden in discreet places so that they are hardly noticeable to the public eye.

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Should I get a neck lift or neck liposuction?

A neck lift is a more appropriate solution for patients who are concerned about the ageing effect of loose and sagging skin on the neck. It is preferred for older patients with small amounts of fat in the neck region.

Neck and chin liposuction is a better solution for patients who wish to remove excess fat around the neck and chin and do not have excess loose skin – it generally is better suited to younger patients with good skin elasticity.

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However, if the patient desires the best results, both neck lift and neck liposuction come as a complementary package. The recovery period will be longer compared to having only one procedure.

Interested in a neck lift or neck liposuction? Centre for Surgery offers both procedures. Contact us today to find out more.

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