Neck Lift

One of the first places that will show signs of ageing is the neck. The skin begins to lose elasticity, causing the jowls to droop. This can also occur as a result of massive weight loss. This can often cause people to appear older than they actually are, and begin to dislike their appearance. Fortunately, a neck lift can help to restore your youthful appearance.

Factors such as massive weight loss or simply naturally ageing can cause the neck and jaw to change appearance and lose skin elasticity. This can cause you to have excess skin on the neck, or feel as if your neck is too thick or heavy.

A neck lift aims to reshape your neck and jaw, removing any drooping, sagging skin and making you appear younger.

If you are wishing to have a full facial rejuvenation, you may also wish to undertake other surgeries at the same time as a neck lift, including FaceTite, facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty or cheek augmentation.

You will be a suitable candidate for a neck lift if you:

• Have excess or saggy skin on the neck or jawline which you are wanting to remove
• Dislike the appearance of your neck and are wishing to improve it
• Have reasonable expectations about what the neck lift can achieve

If you have excess fat in the neck that you wish to remove, you may be a better candidate for neck liposuction. This is generally a better option for younger patients who have good skin elasticity. A neck lift will be able to remove the excess skin but will not remove excess fat. If necessary, a neck lift can be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat and excess skin.

Prior to undergoing a neck lift, you will attend a consultation with one of our surgeons, who will determine your eligibility for a neck lift, or whether you are better suited for neck liposuction.

The procedure will be performed under a local anaesthetic, so you will be awake throughout the procedure.

There are numerous methods for performing a neck lift. There is the traditional method, as well as a method known as Necktite.

Traditional neck lift

A neck lift will involve the surgeon making numerous incisions below the chin and behind the ears. The muscles on the neck will then be tightened. Excess skin will be removed and if elected, liposuction will occur to remove any excess fat. This will leave you with a tighter, more contoured neck and jawline.

Necktite

Necktite involves the use of radiofrequency technology which works to tighten the skin of the target area; in this case, the neck.

Small incisions will be made on the centre of the jaw and either side of the jaw. This allows for the handpiece to be inserted under the chin. Heat energy is then emitted, causing the skin to tighten.

The contraction of the skin will be visible immediately after surgery, however, this will gradually continue to improve over the next 18 months.

This procedure will take around 1.5 hours to complete.

You will be able to return home on the same day as the procedure was completed.

You will experience some minor pain, discomfort, bruising and swelling, which should settle within a few days. You will be given medication which will help to alleviate any symptoms. You may also wish to apply an ice pack to the neck to help reduce swelling. During this period you may wish to ensure you have another responsible adult to keep you company, as you may experience difficulty moving around.

You will need to wear a compression garment, which will help to reduce swelling and keep the neck in shape. This will need to be worn day and night for one week.

You may need to take up to two weeks off work.

You will have to avoid any physical activity for four to six weeks.

The recovery period will be longer if you have combined a neck lift with liposuction or other facial procedures.