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  Return to the Neck Lift Section

1. What is a Neck Lift?

A Neck Lift, or platysmaplasty and even submental platysmaplasty, is a surgery designed to reduce the loose look of sagging skin in the neck area and under the jaw line.   Some patients who complain of having a fleshy neck, jowls, plastysma or neck banding, or a turkey waddle can benefit from this procedure.  Many times patients choose to have a neck lift with their face lift procedure.  You must realize that the neck lift or face lift procedure is not designed to rejuvenate the area above the brow or around the eyes.  If this is what you seek a brow (forehead) lift or blepharoplasty may benefit you.  These four procedures can be performed in conjunction with one another for a complete transformation.  You may even with to have laser resurfacing, if you are a candidate, for increased wrinkle ablation and facial rejuvenation.

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2. When can a Neck Lift be performed?

A Neck lift can be performed when ever the need arises (however, above 18 years of age).  Although platysmaplasty is usually sought out between the 30's and the 70's. 

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3. What does a typical Neck Lift consultation entail?

After checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. -- this is very important.  You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing. Visit the Medication & Supplements List for more information. 

You will discuss your complaints and concerns and discuss the various looks one can achieve, the amount that can be removed and tightened, etc. Your surgeon will explain the technique (Corset platysmaplasty, Hammock platysmaplasty, mini-platysmaplasty, etc.)  and incision placements that may be most appropriate for you.  He or she should discuss the risks associated with neck lift with you, as well. 

You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most neck lift procedures are performed under General Anesthesia, Light Sleep Sedation, Twilight, Regional or even an oral sedative (valium) and local anesthetic for less extensive plastysma work.  Either way, discuss this beforehand as many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified.  Please read the All About Anesthesia Page -- the risks regarding anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed choice. 

If you would like more information on Consultations or a list of questions to ask your surgeon please visit the Consultation Help Page.  If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery date you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also schedule a pre-operative appointment.

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4. How is Neck Lift performed?

For a Neck Lift Only: The skin only lift can be done with two incisions under or behind the ear, the platysmaplasty with the additional skin lift can be accomplished with a small incision under the chin and the behind or under the ear.  With the skin only procedure sections of skin are trimmed and lifted into place and sutured or fixed with tissue glue.  With the platysmaplasty, a section fat muscle is removed if need be and the ends are sutured to bring them together at the mid-anterior (front) section of the neck.  The skin can be brought together under or behind the ear to further firm up appearance of the the neck.

Some surgeons may use suture, mesh or even AlloDerm suspension as a sort of  hammock to keep the neck tight and waddle-free.  Whatever the case, please know that surgeons may have different techniques so please discuss this at your consultation.

The surgical team then performs a sponge and instrument count and your surgeon then closes your incision with, more than likely, a non-dissolvable type suture or tissue glue.  You will have a pressure dressing placed around your head. If you are not familiar with this look it involves wrapping a dressing around the top of your head to underneath your chin, and covering your ears.  Of course there may be differences in surgical technique depending upon the preference of your surgeon.

Please see our Platysmaplasty Section for a more detailed account of the entire operation and recovery.

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5. What should I expect post-operatively?

You may get sick on the ride home from the surgical center or hospital so have a bucket or can with a lid as well as water and some Ritz or Goldfish crackers.  Bring pillows and a blanket if need be.  If you hurt take your pain relievers.  There is simply no reason to suffer.  Besides studies have shown that patients with increased pain heal slower than patients who are not in pain.

You may be groggy from the anesthetic and or oral medications and probably won't remember much of the first day or two.  You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for about 14 days - or however long your surgeon suggests.  A recliner is the best for this. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD & NECK STILL.  Do NOT turn your head from side to side.  MOVE YOUR WHOLE BODY, if you must move.  When you wake up you will notice that your lower face and neck will look even more swollen in the first 3 days.  You won't usually be extremely swollen until late that night or the next day and then the third is by far usually the worst.  But, as the days go on the swelling will dissipate.  There may be a lot of bruising, but this will go away, as well.  So make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into a depression.  Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most surgeries.  Don't worry, it is all a part of the natural healing process.  You shouldn't really look at yourself in the mirror, but rather have your partner or nurse care for you instead (even take photos if you wish it). 

Please see our Platysmaplasty Section for a more detailed account of the recovery experience.

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6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?

The sutures - depending upon the procedure technique, may be removed in 7 to 10 days or even more.  You may have tissue glue so please speak to your surgeon before your surgery regarding these details.

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7. When will I be able to see the results?

You will be swollen for several weeks however within a week you should start to see basically what you will look like once healed.  The only differences will be more definition.

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8. What are the risks of Neck Lift?

Unfortunately, all surgery has risks and complications. With platysmaplasty, these include an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used and infection.  For risks related to anesthesia -- please see our Introduction To Anesthesia section.  There could be asymmetry, general dissatisfaction, hematoma or seroma, lumpiness, and/or mottling of the skin.  Cording, laxity relapse of the platysma and skin of the neck. 

Numbness is possible, it usually subsides within the first few weeks but it may become a permanent issue.  Puckering of the skin may occur and deeper than desired depressions may result.  Excess scar tissue and lumps are possible as well.  Please go over all risks with your surgeon at your consultation and your pre-operative appointment.

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9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae 
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland. 
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed. 

habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling. 

ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.

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 10. Are the results permanent?

Surgery cannot stop aging so in all likelihood it will not last forever, you will begin to see a little laxity in several years - but you shouldn't see advanced cases of platysma banding if permanent sutures were used.   Also this may be technique dependent so speak to your surgeon regarding how long your particular result may last.  Also significant weight gain can affect the results and cause neck fullness and sagging.

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This page was last updated: 03/31/2006