Neck Lift in Sydney

Neck Lift in Sydney

Neck Lift Surgery With Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy

As a thin and delicate area of skin, the neck is highly vulnerable to the effects of age, sun exposure and gravity. In fact, it is often one of the first areas of the body to manifest signs of ageing, including loose skin and loss of shape around the chin and jawline.

A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to address these signs of ageing. Dr Ellis Choy works with men and women of various ages who are interested in neck rejuvenation. Request a consultation with Dr Choy today.

NECK LIFT SURGERY GOALS

To fully appreciate the applications of a neck lift, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of the neck and how it changes over time. The neck is a complex structure composed of skin, muscles, fat and connective tissue, all of which have a role to play in its appearance and function.

Key Structures of the Neck

  • Skin — the outermost layer, which becomes thinner and less elastic with age
  • Subcutaneous fat — a layer of fat beneath the skin that can accumulate or diminish over time
  • Platysma muscle — a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the chest and shoulders to the jaw
  • Superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) — a layer of fibrous tissue that connects the platysma to deeper structures
  • Submandibular glands — salivary glands located beneath the jaw that can become more prominent with age

How Ageing Affects the Neck

Over the years, many changes occur in these structures and others:

  • Skin changes — the skin loses collagen and elastin, which contributes to wrinkles and loss of elasticity
  • Sun exposure — UV damage can accelerate this process, causing discolouration and further loss of elasticity
  • Fat redistribution — fat may accumulate in some areas while diminishing in others, leading to a loss of definition around the chin and jawline
  • Muscle laxity — the platysma muscle can weaken and separate, creating visible bands along the neck
  • Volume loss — decrease in underlying volume can make the neck appear more gaunt and less supported
  • Bone resorption — gradual loss of bone density can affect the skin’s support structure
  • Gravity effects — constant downward pull contributes to the descent of skin and soft tissues
  • ‘Tech neck’ — with our modern habit of looking down at our phones and computers constantly, we are now seeing neck creases develop earlier

Neck lift surgery rejuvenates the neck region by tightening the skin, lifting the muscles and creating smoother or more defined contours. 

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF NECK LIFT SURGERY

There are many potential benefits associated with a neck lift, not all of which focus on minimising signs of age. People who diligently diet and exercise and lose a significant amount of weight can be left with pockets of fat and excess skin around their neck and jaw that refuse to budge.

The goals of neck lift surgery typically include one or more of the following:

  • Tighten loose neck skin
  • Eliminate excess skin tissue
  • Reduce fat deposits
  • Restore the underlying muscle structure
  • Smooth vertical neck bands
  • Minimise deep creases
  • Define the chin and jawline
  • Correct a loose ‘turkey neck’

Neck lift surgery encompasses various surgical techniques. Dr Choy will carefully assess your anatomy and goals to determine a suitable approach to address your specific needs.

SYDNEY NECK LIFT CANDIDATES

Many patients who consult Dr Choy about undergoing a neck lift are in their 40s-60s and unhappy with the appearance of a loose, creased neck. Younger patients may also benefit from a neck lift if they are genetically predisposed to early ageing or have lost a great deal of weight.

Generally speaking, a surgical candidate should:

  • Be in good physical condition
  • Be in good emotional and mental health
  • Have no medical conditions or allergies that may cause complications
  • Be a nonsmoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery

NECK LIFT TECHNIQUES

Dr Choy employs various techniques to address the needs of each patient. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the degree of ageing, skin quality and the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Traditional Neck Lift

This comprehensive approach is ideal for patients with significant signs of ageing in the neck area. Incisions typically begin in front of the ear, extend behind the ear and may include a small incision under the chin. This gives Dr Choy extensive access to the underlying neck structures for more dramatic improvements. 

Limited Incision Neck Lift

The limited incision approach is suitable for patients with less severe signs of ageing or those who prefer a less invasive approach. The surgery involves shorter incisions that are usually contained to the area around the ear, offering more subtle improvements with a potentially quicker recovery.

Platysmaplasty

Platysmaplasty targets the platysma muscle to reduce visible banding and improve neck contour. The procedure involves making a small incision under the chin, then tightening and repositioning the muscle, often by suturing the edges together in the midline.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A NECK LIFT?

Your neck lift experience will begin with an in-depth consultation at Dr Choy’s state-of-the-art facility in Sydney, NSW. In this warm and welcoming space, he will invite you to discuss your reasons for treatment and your expectations of what you hope to achieve with surgery. 

With your goals in mind, he will carefully assess the quality of your skin and current condition to determine a suitable approach to surgery. He will analyse your skin habits and how age has affected your neck to design an individualised treatment plan tailored to your concerns, needs and aesthetic preferences. Based on his assessment, Dr Choy will inform you of the most realistic outcome and prepare you for the process ahead.

The neck lift procedure will vary for each patient, depending on the severity of their condition and unique needs. This surgery usually involves manipulating the underlying layers of tissue to tighten the muscle, trim excess skin and reshape the neck structure. Through incisions, Dr Choy can remove and reposition tissue to elongate the submental plane and produce a sharper jawline.

For many patients, this procedure also involves tightening the platysma muscles to correct the ‘turkey neck’ that typically develops with age. By removing loose skin around the neck and redefining the jawline, Dr Choy can create a smoother and firmer neck contour. 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING NECK LIFT RECOVERY?

The downtime and recovery period will depend on whether you have undergone a stand-alone or combination treatment. The aftercare process for an isolated neck lift is similar to facelift surgery, with swelling, bruising and tightness at the core of your discomfort. 

However, since the neck is easier to hide than the face, recovery may be slightly less involved. The neck takes approximately one to two weeks to heal and six to eight weeks for results to fully mature. The general timeline below can help you understand what to expect and prepare for a smooth recovery.

Average Neck Lift Recovery Timeline

First 24-48 Hours

  • You’ll likely experience some discomfort, swelling and tightness in your neck
  • Bruising is common and may extend to your chest area
  • You’ll have dressings or bandages around your neck and possibly drains to remove excess fluid
  • Have a trusted friend or family member stay with you during this time

First Week

  • Swelling typically peaks around day three or four, and then begins to subside
  • You may experience numbness or tingling sensations as nerves regenerate
  • Most patients can return to light activities by the end of the first week
  • Stitches may be removed towards the end of this week

Weeks 2-4

  • Bruising should largely resolve by the end of the second week
  • Swelling continues to decrease, but some residual swelling may persist
  • You may gradually return to more normal activities, but should still avoid strenuous exercise
  • Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities with some camouflage makeup

Weeks 4-8

  • Most visible signs of surgery should be resolved by this point
  • You may resume more vigorous activities and exercise, as approved by Dr Choy
  • Protect your incisions and neck area from direct sunlight to reduce the risk of scarring and pigmentation issues
  • While your improvements will be noticeable, your results will continue to refine over the coming months

Beyond 8 Weeks

  • Your results will continue to mature and settle
  • Most patients see their final results around six months post-surgery, though subtle changes may continue for up to a year
  • Once incisions have healed, Dr Choy may recommend scar treatments to improve their appearance

No matter your choice of procedure, Dr Choy takes every measure to ensure you are adequately prepared and informed of what to expect throughout recovery. He will walk you through how to manage any pain and care for the surgical sites to lower the risk of complications and promote aesthetic results.

SURGICAL VS NONSURGICAL NECK LIFT OPTIONS

Dr Choy offers a range of treatments to address neck concerns, allowing patients to choose the approach that suits their needs and preferences. MyEllevate is a less-invasive and lower-downtime alternative to traditional neck lift surgery that can lift and smooth the tissues of the neck.

Key Features & Benefits of MyEllevate

  • Uses a light-guided suture system to elevate and support neck tissues
  • Minimal incisions and no skin removal
  • Can be performed under local anaesthesia
  • Shorter recovery time compared to surgical neck lift
  • Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and minimal excess skin
  • Can address mild to moderate neck laxity and muscle banding

In comparison, neck lift surgery:

  • Involves incisions and removal of excess skin
  • Tightens underlying muscles (platysmaplasty)
  • Can remove or redistribute fat
  • May provide more significant and enduring results
  • Requires general anaesthesia and more extensive recovery time
  • Is suitable for patients with significant skin laxity and muscle banding

Choosing Between a Neck Lift and MyEllevate

Your choice between neck lift surgery and MyEllevate should be made in consultation with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Choy. You will discuss factors such as:

  • Progression of ageing signs — more pronounced laxity and banding may require a surgical neck lift
  • Skin quality — MyEllevate is most effective in patients with good skin elasticity
  • Downtime — MyEllevate may offer a quicker recovery for those who cannot commit to an extended downtime period
  • Longevity of results — though both procedures may offer lasting improvements, a traditional neck lift may provide more enduring results in cases of significant ageing
  • Patient preferences — some patients may prefer the less invasive nature of MyEllevate, while others may opt for the more comprehensive approach of a full neck lift

Whether you choose a traditional neck lift or the MyEllevate procedure, Dr Choy’s expertise ensures you’ll receive high-quality care tailored to your needs.

NECK LIFT RESULTS

Dr Choy aims to achieve a smoother, more refined appearance that does not create an overly taut, ‘pulled’ appearance. The results of this procedure can last years for those who lead a healthy lifestyle and use the right products and treatments to maintain their skin.

However, even with all appropriate measures taken, skin is bound to continue ageing, and the benefits of a neck lift may lessen over time. To help prolong the benefits of your neck lift:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to your neck and face daily, even on cloudy days
  • Keep your neck skin hydrated with a quality moisturiser
  • When applying skincare products to your face, don’t forget to include your neck and décolletage area
  • Stay hydrated, maintain a stable weight and avoid smoking
  • Consult with Dr Choy if you’re interested in procedures that can help maintain your results

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NECK LIFT SURGERY

What is the ideal age for a neck lift?

There isn’t a single “ideal” age for a neck lift, as each person’s anatomy and ageing process are unique. Some patients may benefit from a neck lift in their 40s, while others might not consider the procedure until their 60s or later. The best candidates for a neck lift are those who:

  • Have noticeable sagging or excess skin in the neck area
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcomes
  • Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle

During your consultation, Dr Choy will assess your needs and discuss whether a neck lift is appropriate for you at this time. 

Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?

Dr Choy takes great care to minimise scarring during neck lift surgery. While some scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, the incisions for a neck lift are strategically placed within the natural contours of your face and neck to be as inconspicuous as possible. Scars generally fade and become less noticeable over time. 

Will a neck lift help with my double chin?

A neck lift may help address a double chin, but the extent of improvement depends on its underlying causes. If your double chin is primarily caused by excess fat deposits, Dr Choy might recommend liposuction or another treatment for fat reduction as a complement or alternative to neck lift surgery.

REQUEST YOUR SYDNEY NECK LIFT CONSULTATION WITH DR ELLIS CHOY

Dr Ellis Choy is one of Sydney’s plastic and cosmetic surgeons. He is dedicated to the patient experience and approaches every procedure with care, service and proficiency. If you would like to learn more or find out if you are a candidate for neck lift surgery, call Ellis Choy Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Northbridge, NSW, on 02 8015 6218 to schedule your consultation today.

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For neck lift surgery, these include: 

  • Noticeable scarring
  • Overly tightened or pulled appearance
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
  • Weakness of the lower lip due to nerve injury
  • Hair loss at the incision sites

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.