Neck lift (Platysmaplasty)

Dr Law offers a variety of neck lift procedures, including advanced techniques like the deep plane neck lift, tailored to suit your individual anatomy and goals.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to improve visible signs of ageing in the neck and jawline. It can smooth out loose or sagging skin, reduce the appearance of neck bands, reposition fat deposits, and improve the heaviness or bulkiness that can develop in the central neck. These changes are often due to ageing or weight loss. A neck lift is frequently performed in combination with a facelift and can help restore a more defined neck contour.

What are the different types of neck lift?

There are several neck lift techniques, each suited to different concerns, anatomy, and recovery preferences. These include:

Traditional neck lift: This surgery tightens loose skin and muscles in the neck and may remove extra fat to create a smoother neck and jawline.
Liposuction: For those with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction can remove the fat to slim the neck without large cuts or skin removal.
Deep plane neck lift: This involves repositioning and reducing the deeper tissues beneath the platysma for more long-lasting results.

What is a deep plane neck lift?

A deep plane neck lift is a specialised procedure that targets the deeper layers of the neck to create a more defined and sculpted look. This involves working beneath a key neck muscle called the platysma.

Dr Law will carefully assess your individual anatomy to decide which steps are needed. These may include:

Removing unwanted fat from above and below the platysma muscle.
Trimming certain deeper muscles in the neck (such as the digastric muscles).
Reducing the size of nearby glands, such as the submandibular and parotid glands, if they are contributing to fullness.
Tightening and restoring the platysma muscle.

Together, these steps can help restore a sharper angle between your chin and neck - something that often becomes less defined with age.

What is the difference between a deep plane neck lift and a standard neck lift?

Unlike a standard neck lift, a deep plane 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.

Dr Law will carefully assess your individual anatomy, concerns and goals and guide you on the most suitable type of neck lift for your needs.

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Surgery

A neck lift is generally performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital.
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.
Scars are carefully placed in natural skin creases where possible, and they tend to fade over time. While they can usually be covered with makeup, it’s important to know that scars will not disappear completely.
Recovery can vary between individuals. In general:
- 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

All surgery carries risks and may include:
- Drug reactions.
- Allergic reactions.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot).
Risks specific to a neck lift will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:
- Bruising and swelling.
- Nerve injury and facial weakness.
- Fluid collections (seroma and sialoma).
- Poor wound healing and scars.
- Asymmetry.
Choosing a specialist surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.