Necklift (Cervicoplasty)

Necklift (Cervicoplasty) in Perth

As we age, our necks tend to develop a looseness, and lines or loose skin can become visible. The bands that form in the neck are usually due to thickening and laxity of the underlying platysma muscle. A necklift, also called cervicoplasty surgery, aims to correct concerns about the lax platysma muscle, which in turn can treat cosmetic problems specific to the patient.

Suitable Candidates for Necklift (cervicoplasty) surgery

Individuals who are considering necklift (cervicoplasty) surgery and want to know if they are suitable candidates for the procedure should schedule a consultation with Dr Quinn. Suitable candidates include individuals who are 40 to 80 years of age, who have concerns about:

  • Fat underneath the chin
  • Wind or sun damaged neck skin
  • Slack, loose neck skin
  • Excess neck skin or neck fat
  • Excess skin or fat underneath the jaw

A suitable necklift (cervicoplasty) candidate is an individual who has a realistic expectation of the results from surgery and whose skin still has some elasticity. The skin elastic should be able to withstand a fair amount of stretching. The individual must also be in overall good physical health.

What does the operation involve?

The necklift (cervicoplasty) is a common procedure in cosmetic medicine. It involves the removal of excess fat and skin deposits from the neck, and the possibility of restructuring underlying muscle. Because of all of the advances made in surgical technology in recent years, necklift (cervicoplasty) surgery can be performed with smaller incisions than previously.

The main component in the performance of a necklift (cervicoplasty) is elevation of the upper back corner of the platysma. This is accessed through an incision around the earlobe, at the angle of the jaw. Sometimes additional surgery may be required to the anterior border of the platysma or the skin at the back of the neck.

Is a hospital stay necessary?

The operation is usually administered as a day case procedure, but an overnight stay in hospital can be arranged.

Recovery

Dressings and stitches will be used immediately following surgery. Dr Quinn will advise that you sleep with your head and shoulders in a raised position for the first seven to ten days following surgery. It is common to experience swelling in the region of the surgery but this usually subsides within a few days, and a return to work is possible after two to three weeks.

Risks

The risks of cervicoplasty surgery should be known to patients prior to surgery. These risks may include anaesthesia reactions, infection, visible scarring, injury to nerves, bleeding, and poor healing. 

There is a possible risk of damaging the nerve that controls movement of the mouth area. However, knowledge of where this nerve runs certainly reduces the chances of this complication. Some individuals may experience temporary numbness around the ear because of the swelling near the sensory nerve in this area. However, permanent numbness is extremely rare. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Find more information here.

FAQ:

How long does necklift (cervicoplasty) surgery take?

A neck lift cervicoplasty can take between one and a half to three hours to complete depending on what approach is used and how much work is required.

How long will I have to wait before going back to work?

Most patients can return to work within a week to ten days after the procedure, in some cases sooner for those who are not bothered by residual swelling.

When can I start exercising following my necklift (cervicoplasty)?

Though the incisions made for the surgery will result in scars, they are generally well-hidden because they are mainly located behind the ear and at times below the chin. However, there is a risk of visible scarring.

Will I have scars from my necklift (cervicoplasty) surgery?

Though the incisions made for the surgery will result in scars, they are generally well-hidden because they are mainly located behind the ear and at times below the chin. However, there is a risk of visible scarring.

Are there risks involved with necklift surgery?

As with all surgery, there are potential risks associated with a necklift. There is a possible risk of damaging the nerve that controls movement of the mouth area. However, knowledge of where this nerve runs certainly reduces the chances of this complication. Some individuals may experience temporary numbness around the ear because of the swelling near the sensory nerve in this area, however, permanent numbness is extremely rare.