Neck Lift Melbourne

Neck Lift Benefits

A neck lift operation can:

• Tighten loose skin, eliminating wrinkles and a “turkey neck” appearance.
• Remove excess fat under the chin, defining the jawline.
• Reduce vertical neck bands caused by platysma muscle laxity.
• Enhance facial harmony, balancing the jawline, neck, and lower face.
• Provide long-lasting results — while ageing continues, a well-performed neck lift can last 10-15 years.
• Be combined with a facelift for a comprehensive anti-ageing solution.
• Most plastic surgeons recommend combining a face and neck lift for balanced and natural-looking rejuvenation, as treating one without the other can create an imbalance in ageing signs.

Ideal Candidates for a Neck Lift

A neck lift may be right for you if you:

• Have loose, sagging skin or a “turkey neck.”
• Struggle with visible vertical neck bands (platysmal banding).
• Have a poorly defined jawline due to skin laxity.
• Are bothered by excess fat under the chin (double chin).
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations.
• Are a non-smoker (or willing to quit before surgery).

It is difficult for patients to know what procedure best suits their needs. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will help determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Is a Neck Lift Worth It?

A neck lift is one of the most effective ways to restore a youthful, contoured neck and jawline. Unlike non-surgical treatments, it removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and eliminates sagging for long-lasting results.

The neck often shows ageing earlier than the face, leading to loose skin, vertical bands, and loss of definition. Many patients try non-surgical treatments first but eventually choose a neck lift for a more permanent and dramatic transformation. Results can last 10-15 years or more, making it a highly effective and worthwhile investment.

Can I Achieve the Results of a Nonsurgical Neck Lift alternative?

Non-surgical options provide temporary, mild improvements but cannot remove excess skin or tighten muscles. While younger patients may benefit, non-surgical treatments require ongoing maintenance.

A neck lift remains the best solution for a lasting, natural, and more defined neck contour. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your needs and candidacy for non-surgical alternatives to neck lift.

How is a Neck Lift Performed?

A neck lift is a customised surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin, tighten muscles, and enhance jawline definition. It is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and patients can usually return home the same day. The goal is to create a natural-looking, youthful neck contour with minimal visible scarring.

Surgical Techniques Used

The technique used depends on the patient’s specific concerns, whether it’s loose skin, excess fat, or prominent neck bands:

• Traditional Neck Lift – Uses incisions behind the ears and under the chin to remove excess skin and tighten the platysma muscle, improving overall neck contour.
• Neck Liposuction – Removes stubborn fat deposits under the chin and along the jawline, ideal for younger patients with good skin elasticity who do not require muscle tightening.
• Platysmaplasty (Muscle Tightening) – Corrects visible vertical neck bands by tightening the platysma muscle, which often weakens with age, creating a smoother and firmer appearance.
• Deep Plane Facelift – Enhances neck lift procedures by repositioning the skin and underlying muscles without excess tension. This technique allows for better elevation and recontouring of neck tissues and can be performed in conjunction with a neck lift to address both facial and neck concerns.

Often, a combination of these techniques is used to achieve the best results.

The Neck Lift Procedure Step-by-Step

• Anesthesia – Administered as general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation for comfort.
• Incisions – Placed behind the ears and possibly under the chin, following natural creases to minimise visible scarring.
• Fat Removal or Muscle Tightening – If needed, excess fat is removed via liposuction, and the platysma muscle is tightened to correct sagging and neck bands.
• Excess Skin Removal – The skin is gently redraped, and any excess is trimmed for a smoother, firmer appearance.
• Incision Closure – Sutures are placed with precision to ensure proper healing and minimal scarring.

The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours, and patients go home the same day with post-operative instructions.

Addressing Excess Skin

Excess skin in the neck area can be a significant concern, especially for individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss or the natural aging process. A neck lift procedure effectively addresses this issue by removing redundant skin and re-draping the remaining skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. This surgical procedure often involves tightening the underlying neck muscles, such as the platysma muscle, to enhance the neck’s overall contour and firmness.

In some cases, a neck lift surgery may be combined with other procedures, such as neck liposuction or a facelift, to achieve a more comprehensive and natural-looking result. A specialist plastic surgeon will evaluate the individual’s neck and face to determine the best course of treatment and recommend the most suitable procedures to address their specific concerns.

It’s important to approach a neck lift surgery with caution, as it is a significant decision. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications, which should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified surgeon. Additionally, a neck lift surgery may not be suitable for everyone. For those who are not ideal candidates for surgery, alternative nonsurgical neck lift options, such as chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing, may be recommended.

Overall, a neck lift surgery can be an effective solution for individuals concerned about the appearance of their neck. By addressing excess skin, excess fat, and weakened neck muscles, a neck lift procedure can help restore a more defined jawline and improve the overall appearance of the neck and lower face, providing a more youthful and contoured look.

Recovery of Neck Lift Surgery

Recovery from a neck lift is a gradual process, with swelling and bruising resolving over several weeks. However the residual swelling fades and the skin fully adapts to its new, firmer position after a few months.

Most patients return to light activities within two weeks, but full recovery varies depending on individual healing, adherence to post-op care, and whether additional procedures (such as a facelift) were performed.

Neck Lift Recovery Timeline

• Week 1
  Swelling and bruising peak, mild discomfort is manageable with pain relief, and a compression garment is worn to reduce swelling.
• Week 2-3
  Swelling subsides, most patients return to light activities, including desk work and social outings.
• Week 4-6
  Swelling continues to improve, and the neck appears firmer and more defined.
• 3-6 Months
  Final results fully settle, with scars fading over time.

Neck Lift Results

A neck lift provides long-term improvements in skin tightness, jawline definition, and overall neck contour, restoring a more youthful and sculpted appearance. While the initial effects of the surgery are noticeable within a few weeks, final results take several months to develop as swelling subsides and tissues settle into place fully.

Most patients experience:

• A smoother, firmer neck with reduced sagging and wrinkles.
• Elimination of vertical neck bands, creating a more youthful and natural look.
• Enhanced jawline definition, reducing the appearance of jowls and a heavy lower face.
• Balanced facial harmony, particularly when combined with a facelift.

When Do Final Results Occur?

Patients typically see significant improvement within 4-6 weeks, but final results take 3-6 months as the body heals and residual swelling fades. Over time, the skin fully adapts to its new position, revealing a naturally contoured and rejuvenated neck.

Once healing is complete, results last 10-15 years, though factors like natural ageing, genetics, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle habits can influence longevity. Maintaining a stable weight, a healthy skincare routine, and sun protection helps preserve the outcome for as long as possible.

Scarring After a Neck Lift

A neck lift is designed to minimise visible scarring, with incisions carefully placed in natural creases behind the ears and under the chin. These areas allow scars to heal discreetly, making them barely noticeable over time.

Scars typically fade significantly within 3-6 months and continue improving for up to a year, blending seamlessly with the surrounding skin. Most patients find that scars are virtually undetectable once fully healed.

What is the Difference Between a Facelift and a Neck Lift?

A facelift and a neck lift are both surgical procedures designed to reverse signs of ageing, but they target different areas of the face and neck.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) primarily focuses on the lower and mid-face, addressing:

• Sagging cheeks and lost volume.
• Deep nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the mouth).
• Jowls along the jawline that create heaviness in the lower face.

By lifting and repositioning facial tissues, a facelift restores a more youthful appearance to the lower face.

In contrast, a neck lift (platysmaplasty) is designed to enhance the jawline and neck, specifically targeting:

• Loose, sagging neck skin (often called a “turkey neck”).
• Excess fat under the chin, reducing the appearance of a double chin.
• Vertical neck bands caused by muscle laxity in the platysma muscle.

While a facelift also improves the lower face, a neck lift refines the contours of the neck and jaw, ensuring a smoother, more defined, and youthful profile.

Combining a Neck Lift with a Facelift

For many patients, a facelift and neck lift are performed together to create a balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation. This is common practice because:

• Ageing affects both the face and neck simultaneously – Treating only one area can lead to an imbalance, where the face looks youthful but the neck still appears aged.
• A facelift does not significantly improve the neck, while a neck lift does not lift the lower face – Combining both procedures allows for full facial harmony.
• It reduces downtime – Instead of undergoing two separate recoveries, a combined procedure means one healing period and less time off work.
• It provides the most dramatic yet natural results – Patients look refreshed, not overdone, as both the jawline and lower face are treated together.

For patients seeking comprehensive anti-ageing solutions, combining a facelift with a neck lift is often the best choice for long-lasting and natural results. Discuss this option with the specialist plastic surgeons at the Me Clinic.

Neck Lift Costs

The cost of a neck lift varies from patient-to-patient. Factors that affect the price include a plastic surgeon’s expertise, the extent of the procedure, and whether there are other combined procedures, such as a facelift. Generally, the starting price of a neck lift is $13,000. When a neck lift is combined with a facelift, the starting price is from $20,000.

For more general information on Me Clinic procedure pricing.

Why Choose Me Clinic for your Neck Lift surgery?

At Me Clinic, we combine surgical expertise with a patient-first approach to deliver outstanding results for face lift surgery. Here’s why patients choose us:

• Our specialist plastic surgeons have extensive experience in neck lifts.
• We offer a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.
• Our clinic prioritises safety, comfort, and natural-looking results.
• We provide comprehensive post-surgery support to ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting outcomes.

Book a Consultation with a Me Clinic Specialist Plastic Surgeon

There is a lot to consider with a neck lift. Me Clinic take the confusion out of surgery. Booking a consultation at Me Clinic gives you access to experienced plastic surgeons who understand the importance of precision and patient care.

During your consultation, you can learn more about the procedure, talk about your specific concerns, and get a tailored approach that fits your needs and recovery timeline.

Get in contact with Me Clinic today to book a consultation and assessment via our contact form.
Or alternatively, you can contact Me Clinic in the following ways:

• Phone Me Clinic at 1300 852 050
• Get an online consultation assessment

Further reading of neck lift surgery

• Visit the Facelift surgery page.
• Visit the Double Chin Reduction page.
• Visit the SMAS Facelift page.
• Visit the Deep Plane Facelift page.
• Visit the Brow Lift page.
• Visit the Facelift Before and After gallery.
• Visit the Fat Transfer to Face procedure page.
• For non-surgical alternatives, visit the Volume Treatment or Thread Lift pages to see if you are a suitable candidate.

Medical references for neck lift surgery

• Cambiaso-Daniel, J., Giordano, S., Agnelli, B., Bella, L., & Gualdi, A. (2024). Neck Lift to Treat Platysma Bands and Defining Cervical Angle: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Facial plastic surgery : FPS, 10.1055/s-0044-1791690. Advance online publication.
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• Kerth1972PlasticAR, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Face and Neck: Vol I and II, Jack D. Kerth, Archives of Otolaryngology-head \& Neck Surgery}, 1972, 96
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• Mayo Clinic: Neck Lift

Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Read more on the Risks of Surgery