Neck Lift

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift or platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address loose skin, soft tissue descent, and contour changes in the neck and jawline. It may be considered by patients who are concerned by neck laxity, fullness beneath the chin, loss of jawline definition, or visible vertical neck bands.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers neck lift consultations in Melbourne for patients seeking a careful assessment of the lower face and neck. The aim is to improve contour and definition while preserving a natural appearance that remains in balance with the rest of the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Patients may consider a neck lift if they are concerned by:

    • loose or sagging skin in the neck

    • loss of jawline definition

    • fullness under the chin

    • vertical neck bands

    • an aged or heavy appearance in the lower face and neck

    • mismatch between facial appearance and neck contour

    A consultation is important because not all neck concerns are treated in the same way. Some patients may be more suited to a neck lift alone, while others may require a broader assessment of the lower face, jawline, or skin quality.

  • A neck lift consultation involves assessment of your neck anatomy including bony support, submental fat, submandibular glands, muscular separation or banding, skin quality, soft tissue descent, and the relationship between the neck and lower face.

    Important aspects of consultation may include:

    • your goals and concerns

    • previous facial or neck procedures

    • assessment of cervicomental angle

    • skin quality and elasticity

    • the degree of neck laxity or banding

    • facial balance and profile

    • general medical history

    • medications and smoking status

    • factors that may affect healing and recovery

    Some patients asking about the neck are also showing age-related changes in the lower face. For this reason, treatment planning should be individualised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

  • A neck lift may be used to:

    • tighten neck skin

    • improve a poorly defined cervicomental angle

    • address neck banding

    • reduce fullness in the upper neck

    • improve contour irregularity beneath the jawline

    The goal is usually a more defined and refreshed neck contour, not an over-pulled or unnatural result.

  • In many patients, improving the neck contour can also improve the definition of the jawline. This depends on anatomy and the changes being treated. In come cases if the chin is under projected a genioplasty may also be considered.

  • Recovery varies from patient to patient, but swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected in the early postoperative period. The neck often feels firm or swollen before it gradually settles.

    Most patients should expect:

    • swelling and bruising in the first one to two weeks

    • temporary tightness or stiffness

    • gradual improvement over the following weeks

    • ongoing softening and settling over time

    • scar maturation over a longer period

    The neck continues to refine after the early healing phase, and final contour takes time to declare itself.

  • As with any operation, neck lift surgery has risks and limitations. These depend on the exact procedure performed, the patient’s anatomy, and healing factors.

    Risks and considerations discussed during consultation may include:

    • bruising and swelling

    • scarring

    • asymmetry

    • contour irregularity

    • under-correction or persistent laxity

    • temporary or prolonged tightness

    • healing issues

    • need for further treatment in selected cases

    • nerve injury

    • bleeding

    • infection

    A neck lift is a major procedure with considerable risks. It is imperative to choose a FRACS qualified surgeon with extensive experience in the area to perform the procedure safely and obtain the best aesthetic result. A detailed consultation is important to determine whether surgery is appropriate and what outcome can realistically be expected.

  • The neck should always be assessed in the context of the whole face. A natural result depends on harmony between the lower face and neck.

    For some patients, the best result comes from addressing the neck alone. In others, a combined facial assessment is necessary to determine the most appropriate plan.

  • Not always. Some patients may be assessed for a neck lift alone, while others may benefit from a broader facial assessment.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers neck lift consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

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