Pre Operative Neck Lift Information
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Neck Lift Pre-operative Information
A neck lift procedure aims to rejuvenate the neck and restore a youthful contour. Droopy skin and fat
in the neck is unfortunately a common problem and is one of the earliest signs of aging for many
people. Aging of the face, eyelids and brow often becomes more noticeable some years after the neck.
As we age, the area under our chins can develop excess fat, sagging skin, muscle or a combination of
these. This can give the appearance of weight gain even if you have not actually gained any weight.
Sometimes these changes in the neck are referred to as a “turkey neck”. Changes in the neck are often
a very early sign of aging even before significant changes in the face start to occur. Requests to
rejuvenate the aging neck through a neck lift are common.
Often the redundancy of the neck tissues is also seen in the face. In many patients the excess tissue in
the neck was originally located up in the face and has fallen slowly over many years below the
jawline into the neck. Sun exposure, genetic factors as well as significant changes in weight can
accelerate this process.
The best way to rejuvenate the neck is through a neck lift procedure. In this procedure redundant skin,
muscle and fat is contoured and repositioned back where it should have been in earlier years. Sutures
are used to suspend the tissue back up around the ears. Typically, a small incision is made under the
chin where the hanging edges of the platysma muscle are stitched together. Further small incisions
hidden around the ear and hairline then allow the neck tissues to be lifted and tightened. The end
result is usually a very smooth, tight jawline and neck.
A neck lift can be combined with a facelift to include rejuvenation of the midface and upper face. It
can also be performed without including these upper areas. The incisions (scars) for a neck lift are in a
very similar location to a facelift so these two procedures are very often performed together.
In some patients, there may be other more minimally invasive techniques that can offer some
improvements in neck contour. None of these achieve the same results as a neck lift but are generally
more affordable and have less down time.
Neck Liposuction
Liposuction removes fat cells through a small suction device. 3 tiny “ports” or cuts in the skin are
required to insert the device used to remove the fat. Like Coolsculpting liposuction only removes fat
and does not address significant excess skin or muscle that may be redundant in the neck. Most
surgeons perform liposuction under general anaesthesia in a hospital. Modest improvements in the
appearance of the neck are generally achieved.
Platysmaplasty
This procedure focuses on the platysma muscle that sits just underneath the skin’s surface at the front
of the neck. Over time, this muscle can create significant horizontal bands around the neck, adding to
an aged appearance. Vertical lines can also appear where the muscle ends near the midline.
A platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure that stitches the edges of the muscle together and can create
a smoother neck surface. This is part of a facelift and neck lift.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat, muscle and skin from the neck. The key
element to its success is tissue mobilization, lifting and tightening.
It can create a smoother neck contour and a more youthful look. It is frequently combined with a facelift.
Incisions are hidden around the ear and in the hairline as well as a small incision under the chin.
There are a variety of techniques that may be used for the neck lift, allowing Dr Roth to customize the
procedure to the unique needs of each patient.
Dr Jason Roth is a specialist facial plastic surgeon who is trained to perform neck lift and facelift
procedures safely and effectively. He has trained with Dr Neil Gordon, one of the leading facelift and
neck lift specialists in the United States.
Vertical platysmal bands
• These are best treated through a small incision under the neck which
allows the two edges to be sutured together in the midline. Once the
muscle has been stitched together, it can be lifted by other small
incisions located near the ear to eliminate the bands completely.
Submental fat
• Fat under the chin often needs to be removed through surgery,
liposuction or Coolscupting. A neck lift will remove both the fat as
well as any redundant skin and muscle.
Loose neck skin
• Loose neck skin tends to wrinkle and sag. The platysma muscle (which is
often very prominent in younger patients) tends to thin out. Loose neck
skin is best addressed through a neck lift procedure.
