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A Neck Lift – also known as Platysmaplasty – is a surgical procedure that can tighten the skin around the neck. Most commonly, candidates select this procedure to address sagging or excess skin in the neck area. The procedure removes or alters the muscles and excess skin in your neck to give it a leaner appearance. By creating more definition in the angle of the jaw, the appearance of the neck can be improved.
It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.
If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.
The first step in the neck lift process is a detailed consultation with our expert surgeon. In this meeting, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and the anatomy of your neck will be discussed. The surgeon will evaluate your skin quality, the amount of excess fat, and the degree of muscle laxity. This consultation is the ideal time for you to address any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.
When consent can be givenA patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).
Cooling-off PeriodThere must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.
Once you and the surgeon have agreed on the goals of the surgery, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your neck lift. These may include guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and skincare.
The neck lift procedure typically takes between two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery. The surgeon makes small incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, then tightens the neck muscles, removes excess fat, and trims excess skin to create a smoother, firmer, and more defined neck contour.
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. Most patients can go home the same day, but sometimes an overnight hospital stay is required. A bandage might be gently placed around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising.
Swelling and bruising are normal and will begin to improve after the third day. Most patients feel ready to go out in public and return to work or school after a week or two.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. The final result of your neck lift may not be apparent for several months, as it takes time for the neck to fully heal and settle into its new shape.
While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.
Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.
Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.
In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.
For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery
Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.
Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.
To find out more information about our procedures, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons give us a call or complete the form.
