Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
Personalised neck lift surgery designed to address loose skin, neck banding and reduced definition beneath the chin and jawline.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the neck and the area beneath the jawline.
Ageing, genetics and weight changes can contribute to loose skin, fullness beneath the chin, visible vertical neck bands and reduced definition between the face and neck. These concerns may result from several structures, including the skin, fat, platysma muscles and deeper tissues of the neck.
Depending on your anatomy, neck lift surgery may involve removing or repositioning excess fat, tightening or repairing the platysma muscles and carefully redraping loose skin.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess the neck in relation to the chin, jawline and lower face before recommending an approach tailored to your anatomy and treatment goals.
What may be contributing to your neck contour?
Loose skin
Skin can gradually lose elasticity with ageing, sun exposure or weight change, creating folds or laxity beneath the jawline and through the neck.
Neck muscle banding
The platysma muscles may separate or become more visible over time, creating vertical bands through the front of the neck. These muscles may need to be tightened or repositioned during surgery.
Fullness beneath the chin
Fat beneath the chin can soften the angle between the neck and jaw. The amount and location of fat help determine whether liposuction alone may be suitable or whether broader neck lift techniques are required.
Chin and jaw support
An under-projected chin or differences in jaw structure can also affect the appearance of the neck. In selected patients, chin surgery may be discussed as part of creating a more balanced profile.
Your neck lift journey
Every neck lift is planned according to the structures contributing to the changes beneath the chin and through the neck. Understanding the consultation, procedure and recovery process can help you feel more prepared and establish realistic expectations for your result.
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Your consultation begins with a discussion about the changes you have noticed and what you would like surgery to achieve.
Dr Webster will assess your skin quality, the amount and position of fat beneath the chin, visible neck bands, muscle separation, jawline, chin projection and the relationship between the neck and lower face.
Your medical history, medications, smoking status, previous facial or neck procedures and factors that may affect healing will also be reviewed.
Dr Webster will explain which structures are contributing to your concerns and whether treatment may involve skin tightening, liposuction, platysma muscle repair or a combination of techniques. She will also discuss whether the lower face or chin should be considered as part of the treatment plan.
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Neck lift surgery is generally performed under anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting.
The surgical approach depends on the structures being treated. Incisions may be positioned beneath the chin and around or behind the ears.
Fat beneath the chin may be removed or repositioned, and the platysma muscles may be tightened or repaired where separation or banding is present. Loose skin can then be carefully redraped to improve the contour of the neck and jawline.
In some patients, neck lift surgery may be combined with facelift techniques, chin surgery or another procedure. The length of surgery and whether an overnight hospital stay is recommended will depend on the treatment plan.
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Swelling, bruising, tightness and firmness are expected during the early recovery period. The neck may initially feel stiff or appear uneven while swelling settles.
A supportive garment or dressing may be used, and temporary drains may sometimes be required.
Many patients plan approximately two weeks away from work and social activities, although recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.
Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and activities that place strain on the neck will need to be avoided during the early recovery period.
The neck contour will gradually soften and refine over the following weeks and months. Scars are permanent but are positioned as discreetly as possible and generally become less noticeable as they mature.
Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides detailed assessment and individualised planning for neck lift surgery.
She will assess the skin, fat, muscles and deeper structures of the neck, as well as the relationship between the neck, chin, jawline and lower face.
Dr Webster will explain the surgical options available, the expected scars and recovery, and the benefits, risks and limitations of the proposed procedure so you can make an informed decision.
Her focus is on evidence-based care, clear communication and developing a treatment plan appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Considering a neck lift?
A consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster can help identify what is contributing to the changes beneath your chin and through your neck, and whether neck lift surgery is the most appropriate treatment.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers neck lift consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.
Common questions about neck lift surgery
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A neck lift primarily addresses concerns beneath the chin and through the neck, such as loose skin, neck banding and reduced definition of the jawline.
A facelift focuses more on tissue descent and laxity through the lower face and jowls. It may also incorporate neck lift techniques where the face and neck have changed together.
Some patients are suitable for a neck lift alone, particularly when the lower face remains relatively well defined. Others may benefit from a combined face and neck lift to create a more balanced transition between the two areas.
Dr Webster will assess the face and neck together before recommending the most appropriate approach.
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Yes. Some patients may be suitable for a neck lift alone where the main concerns are limited to the neck and the lower face remains relatively well defined.
Where there is also significant jowling or descent through the lower face, treating the neck alone may create an imbalance or fail to address the full concern. In these cases, a combined face and neck lift may be discussed.
The recommendation depends on the relationship between the face, jawline and neck rather than applying the same procedure to every patient.
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A neck lift may improve jawline definition where loose skin, fat beneath the chin or neck muscle banding is obscuring the transition between the face and neck.
However, the appearance of the jawline is also influenced by the underlying chin and jaw structure, as well as tissue descent through the lower face.
Where chin projection or lower-face laxity is contributing significantly, Dr Webster may discuss whether another procedure should be considered alongside or instead of a neck lift.
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Visible vertical bands are often caused by separation or increased visibility of the platysma muscles.
During neck lift surgery, these muscles may be tightened, repaired or repositioned to improve the contour of the front of the neck.
The appropriate technique depends on the degree and location of the banding. Complete removal of every line or contour variation cannot be guaranteed.
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Neck lift incisions may be positioned beneath the chin and around or behind the ears, depending on the surgical technique required.
Where neck lift surgery is combined with a facelift, the scar pattern may extend around the natural contours of the ear and into the hairline.
Scars are permanent, although they generally soften and fade over time. Their final appearance depends on individual healing, genetics, skin quality and scar care.
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Many patients plan approximately two weeks away from work and social commitments, although this varies depending on the extent of surgery and the nature of their work.
Bruising and swelling are generally most noticeable during the first one to two weeks. Tightness, firmness and residual swelling may continue after you feel comfortable resuming normal daily activities.
Dr Webster will provide more specific guidance based on your procedure and recovery progress.
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Potential risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, visible or widened scars, asymmetry, contour irregularities and persistent skin laxity or neck banding.
Other risks may include changes in sensation, temporary or permanent nerve injury, skin loss, fluid collection, hair loss around the incisions, prolonged swelling and the need for further surgery.
Smoking and some medical conditions can increase the risk of healing complications. Dr Webster will discuss the risks relevant to your anatomy, health and proposed procedure during the consultation and consent process.
Explore related facial procedures
Facelift
For jowling and tissue descent affecting the lower face as well as the neck.
Blepharoplasty
For patients considering treatment of upper or lower eyelid changes as part of broader facial rejuvenation.
Liposuction
For selected patients whose main concern is localised fat beneath the chin and who have sufficient skin elasticity. Katie’s liposuction service specifically includes treatment of the neck.