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 tighten the skin and enhance the contours of the neck and jawline.
The aging process, along with stress and environmental factors can result in loose skin on the neck. This loose skin can give the appearance of jowls or ‘turkey neck’ and can ruin the radiant appearance of the neck.
The overall result [from a neck lift] is one of having had a great holiday, looking relaxed and refreshed.
Dr Doyle
Dr Doyle is a firm believer in natural results when it comes to all facial renewal procedures. He also always recommends that a lower face lift be performed at the same time to achieve the best results. This is because if you treat the neck and not the face, the face tends to look really old. This is a dead giveaway that you’ve had a surgical neck lift.
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 Procedure
Having loose and saggy neck skin can significantly alter your appearance and make you look older than you are. This loose skin doesn’t go away with lifestyle changes and often runs in the family. Unfortunately, this can have a negative effect on your social and personal relationships. Undergoing a neck lift procedure can reverse the sagginess of the skin and achieve results that dietary changes and exercise can’t.
Once you have a neck lift procedure done, you might notice the following benefits:
- tighter, more renewed neck skin
- fewer fine lines and wrinkles
- less excess skin or ‘turkey neck’
- a more defined jawline
The neck lift or lower rhytidectomy has various benefits ranging from cosmetic to mental benefits which make this procedure a suitable option for you if you are bothered by the effects of aging and stress on your neck skin.
Am I a good candidate for a neck lift procedure?
A neck lift procedure is a good option for those with a double chin or loose neck skin due to aging or gravity.
You may be an ideal candidate for the neck lift procedure if:
- You’re bothered by the appearance of your neck.
- You have a ‘turkey gobbler’ or ‘jowls’ due to the sagging of the 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 goals from the procedure.
A neck lift procedure may be exactly what you need if you meet the criteria mentioned above. The first step is to book your initial consultation with our specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Doyle.
Before and After Neck Lift Surgery
To find out more information such as the cost of neck lift, or to book your consultation, please call us on 5598 0988.
The Neck Lift Procedure
The neck lift procedure is a restorative surgical procedure that can take anywhere between one hour to three hours. The duration of the surgery depends on the amount of excess skin and whether muscle repair is done during the surgery or not. The procedure is always performed using general anaesthesia at John Flynn Private Hospital.
Dr Doyle does not use drains but does use a solution containing several drugs which is injected under the facial skin and which helps minimise pain and prevents bleeding. This helps to make your recovery as pain-free as possible with minimal bruising and swelling. A head bandage is applied to minimise post-operative swelling. (This 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 fill them out and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The natural contours of the neck can be further enhanced by liposuction of the region below the chin if required. It is also very common to have the neck lift performed in combination with a lower facelift.
Recovery from Neck Lift Procedure
Recovery from a neck lift procedure may take weeks to months, with an average recovery time period being six weeks. Although the recovery period is long, you only need to be off work for a week or so, during which time you need to have a friend or family member staying over to help you. Dr Doyle will let you know the exact time frame for this based on the extent of your procedure.
The recovery period is marked by some swelling and bruising. This may hide the results of your neck lift procedure till 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 not only works wonders for the swelling but also facilitates the wound healing process. During this period, you should absolutely refrain from doing any strenuous exercise that may put pressure on the incisions and complicate the wound healing. You should also abstain from smoking as it may result in an infection and ruin 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 results are achieved.
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 one of the best plastic surgeons in Queensland. He has 30 years of experience performing neck lift surgery with meticulous technique and skill. 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 enhance the definition of the jawline and raise drooping skin.
Dr Doyle is based on the Gold Coast and specialises in facial renewal surgery. He operates out of John Flynn Private Hospital, just a 5-minute drive from Coolangatta airport. He works with a set surgical operating team (Nurse Assistant & Anaesthetist) who are all highly esteemed 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 will give you the results you are looking for. Dr Doyle will evaluate your physical health and check the neck region to determine what type of surgery you need.
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 expectations from the procedure. It is crucial for you to be candid about your goals so that Dr Doyle can recommend the best way of achieving them. Dr Doyle may recommend other associated procedures, if needed, to ensure that you achieve the results you desire.
After all of this has been discussed, you will be ready for the next phase of your journey which is the operation or the procedure itself.
Operation
The neck lift procedure may 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, excess skin will be removed and fat may be repositioned to exaggerate the natural, sculpted contours of the neck. Liposuction may 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 disappear on its own in a few weeks. There may also be discomfort, bruising, and pain during this phase. Dr Doyle will prescribe you pain medication to help with that. It is absolutely necessary that you never 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 highly-skilled, specialist plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience under his belt. He has received extensive training and is dedicated to achieving the best results for his patients. He approaches each procedure with innovative techniques and a passion for patient satisfaction. Book a consultation now to start your neck lift journey with Dr Doyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scarring after the 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 be well hidden naturally.
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 and enjoy a successful neck lift surgery outcome.
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 (Plast) – 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 Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
