Neck lift (Platysmaplasty)

About platysmaplasty

Dr Law offers different types of neck lift surgery including deep plane neck lifts.

What is a neck lift?

  • Neck lifts in conjunction with facelifts may significantly improve the appearance of ageing.

  • A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline. It can help with loose or sagging skin, fat deposits, and visible neck bands – common signs of ageing or weight loss.

  • During the procedure, excess tissue in the neck are removed or repositioned, and the underlying muscles are tightened to create a smoother, more defined neck and jaw contour.

What is a deep plane neck lift?

  •  A deep plane neck lift involves surgery beneath the surface muscles of the neck (specifically the platysma muscle) to achieve a more sculpted appearance.

  • Dr Law will assess your specific anatomy to determine which procedures are needed. This may include:

    • Removing fat above and below the platysma muscle.

    • Trimming part of the digastric muscles.

    • Trimming part of the submandibular glands.

    • Trimming part of the parotid gland.

    • Restoring the platysma muscle in the neck.

  • These steps can restore a sharp angle between the neck and the underside of the chin, which is what is commonly seen in a younger neck.

What sets a deep plane neck lift apart from a standard neck lift?

  • Unlike a standard neck lift, a deep neck lift focuses on deeper anatomical layers – it does not just tighten the superficial skin structures. By removing or repositioning deeper structures, the neck and jawline can be reshaped with a longer lasting result.

Surgery

  • For a neck lift alone, incisions are usually made around the ears and sometimes under the chin (4-5cm) to access and tighten the underlying neck muscles and to remove excess tissue. Even though scars are hidden in natural creases as much as possible, and they fade over time, and can be camouflaged with make-up, they never completely disappear.

    • First week:

      • Swelling and bruising are common, peaking within the first 24-48 hours.

      • Discomfort and tightness: you may experience some discomfort and tightness around your neck.

    • Subsequent weeks:

      • Swelling and bruising improve.

    • Full recovery:

      • It can take up to 3-6 months for all swelling to completely resolve and the scar to mature.

Risks & complications

    • Drug reactions: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will speak to you before surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.

    • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.

    • Infection: This is a rare complication. You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk. 

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): a bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage.

  • All surgery carries risks. These include:

    • Nerve damage: Because this procedure works close to the nerves, there is a small risk of:

      • Temporary facial weakness: mild muscle weakness may occur but typically resolves within weeks to months.

      • Permanent nerve injury: extremely rare, but there is a possibility of permanent loss of facial muscle function if nerves are damaged.

    • Fluid collections (seroma and sialoma): When working with the submandibular glands, sometimes fluid collections can form if the gland is injured or manipulated during surgery. This may require repeated drainage of the fluid collection (usually done in the office), compression dressings, medications that reduce saliva production, and a special diet (avoiding hard texture, spicy and acidic foods).

    Choosing a specialist plastic surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.

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