What is a neck lift procedure?
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the neck region. It helps to firm the skin and tighten the shape of the neck and jawline.
The natural aging process, along with stress and environmental factors can result in excess skin on the neck and neck muscles which may require repair. This loose skin can form jowls and furthermore, cause excess facial weight, neck movement functionality issues and stress to the neck.
The overall result from a neck lift can improve the functionality of the neck movement.”
– Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle
Dr Doyle is a firm believer in biological results when it comes to facial procedures. He also may recommend that a face lift be performed at the same time to achieve results in line with the patient’s surgical expectations. This is due to if you treat the neck and not the face, the excess skin on the face can become more noticeable.
Neck Lift Surgery, at a glance
Target area: Loose skin and fatty neck tissue on neck
Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks
Total recovery: 6 weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full time wear, 6 weeks total
Scar position: Behind the ears, under the chin
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
Having excess and loose neck skin can significantly cause comfortability issues. Excess skin doesn’t usually go away with lifestyle changes and can often be your genetics. Undergoing a neck lift procedure can reduce the excess neck skin and achieve results that dietary changes and exercise cannot.
Following a neck lift procedure, you may notice the following:
- Tighter neck skin
- Fewer fine lines
- Neck muscle repair
- Less excess skin
- A more defined jawline
The neck lift or lower rhytidectomy has various benefits ranging from cosmetic to medical benefits which may make this procedure a suitable option for you if you are affected by the effects of loose skin on your neck.
Am I a Suitable Candidate For A Neck Lift Procedure?
A neck lift procedure may be a suitable option for those with loose neck skin. You may be a suitable candidate for the neck lift procedure if:
- You’re bothered by the loose skin on the neck.
- You have facial jowls due to the excess neck skin.
- You’re physically and mentally healthy.
- You do not suffer from any medical condition that may complicate the healing and recovery phase of your neck lift journey.
- You are a non-smoker, a requirement for almost all cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.
- You’ve got realistic expectations and surgery goals for the procedure.
A neck lift procedure may be suitable for you if you meet the criteria mentioned above. The first step is to book your initial consultation on the Gold Coast with our specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Doyle.
Before and After Neck Lift Surgery
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
To find out more information such as the cost of a neck lift, or to book your consultation, please call us today on 07 5598 0988.
The Neck Lift Procedure
The neck lift procedure is a surgical procedure that can take anywhere between one to three hours. The duration of the surgery depends on the amount of excess skin and whether muscle repair is required during the surgery or not. The procedure is always performed using general anaesthesia at John Flynn Private Hospital.
For this procedure, Dr Doyle does not use drains but does use a solution containing pain medication which is inserted under the facial skin and can help to minimise pain and prevent bleeding. This can help to make your recovery better, with minimal bruising and swelling. A head bandage is also applied to minimise post-operative swelling. (This generally stays on overnight and after it is removed the following day you can wash your hair.)
Download the Neck Lift Guide
Combination Procedures
A neck lift procedure may be performed with a fat transfer to lips and cheeks to volumise them and reduce fine lines.
The natural shape of the neck can be further reduced with liposuction on the area below the chin if recommended. It may also be recommended to have a neck lift performed in combination with a lower facelift.
Recovery from Neck Lift Procedure
Recovery from neck lift surgery can be weeks to months, with an average recovery period being six weeks. Although the recovery period is long, you generally only need to be off work for 1 – 2 weeks, during which time you are recommended to have a friend or family member staying with you to assist you. Dr Doyle will let you know the exact time frame for this based on the extent of your surgery.
The recovery period is marked by some swelling and bruising. This can hide the results of your neck lift procedure until the swelling subsides. The bruising, in most cases, disappears within the first week of the recovery period and you may have some numbness that may persist for weeks, if not months.
After the head bandage is removed the following day, you will need to wear a neck support garment. This should be worn constantly for the first five days and only be removed for showers. This should be worn for approximately 2 weeks following the surgery depending on your degree of swelling. Along with the swelling and tightness, you may also experience mild pain and discomfort which may be relieved by pain management medications prescribed by Dr Doyle.
Neck Lift Aftercare Instructions
To further minimise swelling, you should keep your head elevated and straight. This can minimise swelling and also facilitate the wound-healing process. During this period, you should refrain from doing any strenuous exercise that may put pressure on the incisions and complicate wound healing. You should also abstain from smoking as it may result in an infection and affect the results of your procedure. You should avoid any consumption of alcohol during the recovery phase, especially while taking the pain management medications to ensure the best possible surgery recovery.
An important thing to keep in mind during the recovery phase is that you should, under no circumstances, ever ice your neck. Although swelling is reduced by icing the area, it may compromise the blood flow to the skin of your neck, which can lead to poor skin healing and affect the final results of your surgery.
Why Dr Doyle?
Dr Mark Doyle is an experienced specialist plastic surgeon located on the Gold Coast in Queensland. He has 30 years of experience performing neck lift surgery he is trained in facial surgical techniques and skills. A neck lift is a plastic surgical procedure that removes extra skin and tightens the neck area. The purpose of a neck lift is to shape and define the jawline and raise loose skin.
Dr Doyle is based on the Gold Coast and specialises in facial surgery. He operates out of John Flynn Private Hospital, just a 5 minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport. He works with a set surgical operating team (Theatre Nurse & Anaesthetist) who are all experienced in their field.
Dr Doyle firmly believes in patient-centred care and will listen to your needs before recommending any treatment plan.
Your Neck Lift Procedure Journey
Consultation
Your neck lift procedure journey begins with your initial consultation visit with Dr Doyle. It is the most important step of your journey as it includes the assessment of whether surgery is suitable for you. Dr Doyle will evaluate your physical health and assess the neck region to determine what type of surgery, if any is recommended.
This phase of your journey is also important because of the fact that it is during this phase that you tell Dr Doyle of your surgery expectations from the procedure. It is crucial for you to be candid about your surgery goals so that Dr Doyle can recommend the best way of achieving them. Dr Doyle may recommend other associated procedures, if required, to ensure that your preferred results are achieved.
lowing your consultation, if deemed suitable for surgery, you will be ready for the next phase of your surgery journey which is the operation or the procedure itself.
Operation
The neck lift procedure can take between one hour to three hours and is performed using general anesthesia at John Flynn Hospital on the Gold Coast. Depending on your health condition, you may be discharged the same day or kept in the hospital for overnight observation.
In the traditional neck lift surgery, excess skin is removed and excess tissue is repositioned to firm the neck. Liposuction may also be done along the chin area to help define the jawline.
Recovery
The recovery phase is the longest phase of your neck lift journey. During this phase, you should keep your head elevated and straight to prevent swelling. There may still be slight swelling despite that which will generally reduce on its own post surgery. There may also be discomfort, bruising, and pain during this phase. Dr Doyle will prescribe you pain medication, if required to assist with pain management It is absolutely necessary that you do not ice your neck during the recovery phase, as it can reduce the blood flow to the neck skin and result in dead neck skin. This also applies to smoking.
Why Choose Dr Mark Doyle?
Dr Mark Doyle is a skilled, specialist plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He has received extensive training and has dedicated his life to achieving results for his patients. He approaches each procedure with innovative surgical techniques and a passion for patient care. Book a consultation now to start your neck lift journey with Dr Doyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scarring after a neck lift procedure?
The neck lift procedure is done with incisions behind the ears and if necessary, under the chin which means that the incisions and the subsequent scars will generally be hidden by the ear and hair.
What are the risks?
Like any surgical procedure, a neck lift surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. By following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and closely monitoring your recovery, you can minimise your risk of complications.
These risks may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Blood clots
- Delayed wound healing
- Anaesthesia risks
How do I book?
The first step towards having a neck lift is to book a consultation with Dr Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery today.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
