Neck Lift
In Sydney, New South Wales
Featured In
Sydney Neck Lift Surgery
With age, the skin under the chin and neck can lose elasticity and become loose, and bands can form in the neck muscles.
Losing weight quickly can also leave loose skin on the neck.
Dr Joseph Rizk is a specialist Sydney plastic surgeon who performs neck lift surgery. Contact Dr Rizk and his team to discuss the possible benefits, risks and limitations of neck surgery.
What is a Neck Lift?
Also known as a "cervicoplasty," "platysmaplasty," or "lower rhytidectomy", a neck lift is a procedure that removes excess skin or fat from the neck to reduce the appearance of sagging skin that can appear around the neck as you age. A neck lift is performed by removing excess fat and tissue from the neck and cutting away excess skin.
The procedure usually takes two to three hours, but the time may differ accordingly if other surgeries such as liposuction, facelift, brow lift are performed along with neck lift. Dr Rizk performs neck lift procedures usually as a day procedure in an accredited facility.
Benefits of a Neck Lift surgery
The goal of a neck lift surgery is a natural-looking neck contour that suits your face. For our patients in Sydney neck lift surgery tightens loose skin and removes excess fat under the chin and in the neck. A neck lift can address age-related changes in the neck such as:
- •Jowls
- •Loose or sagging skin
- •Changes in neck contour
- •Excess fat under the chin
- •Muscle or fat banding in the neck
Exercise cannot remove loose neck skin, so where skin laxity is the main concern, surgery may be an option to discuss with Dr Rizk. Results vary between individuals.
Am I a candidate for Neck Lift surgery?
Good candidates for a neck lift are men and women from all walks of life. In general, they are in good health and a good state of mind.
They are non-smokers and don't have any major health issues that can interfere with recovery, like heart disease or diabetes. They are also free of infections. Good candidates understand well the potential benefits and possible limitations of a neck lift and have realistic expectations for the procedure. In other words, they know they'll still need to watch their weight and care for their skin if they want to maintain their results.
As with any cosmetic treatment, Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Neck lift surgery procedure
During your procedure, you will be put under anesthesia so you will not be conscious during the operation. This does mean that you may be disoriented or groggy after waking up, so you'll want to arrange for a friend or family member who can care for you and take you home on the day of your operation.
The scope of your procedure will determine the size of the incision Dr Rizk makes, with the largest incision being used for a traditional, full neck lift. The incision for a limited lift will be smaller, but the improvements will not be as extensive either.
In the typical full neck lift surgery, the incision will usually begin at your hairline near your sideburns and continue around your ear to the hair on the back of your head. Dr Rizk will then begin removing or repositioning the fat and tissues under the skin of your neck.
In some cases, he may even tighten up your platysma muscle (the muscle in your neck). Your skin is then redraped over the reshaped tissues and any excess skin is cut away. Finally, the incision is closed using stitches or skin glue.
At Rizk Plastic Surgery, all our cosmetic procedures are entirely customised to the needs of the patient, so the steps of your specific surgery may vary. All of this will be discussed between you and Dr Rizk in your consultations leading up to your treatment.
Double Bay, Sydney
Book a consultation with Dr Rizk
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals. Consultations are available in person at Double Bay or virtually. Cosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
Your recovery from neck lift surgery
When your surgery is over, Dr Rizk will have applied balm and bandages around your neck to properly protect the surgery sites. Sometimes he will also insert a small tube to allow fluid to drain as your body heals. Dr Rizk will also provide you with any prescriptions for pain and antibiotic medication you may need.
Your neck will be swollen for several days following your procedure, and you can also expect there to be significant tenderness and bruising. Because of this, it is important to keep your head elevated and relatively immobilised. You will want to avoid twisting or bending your neck as much as possible at least until the swelling goes down. Some patients find that wearing a neck brace is helpful for this, but you will want to make sure you do not have it too tight as that can restrict blood flow to the healing skin.
Many people take around one to two weeks off work, and avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks; Dr Rizk will advise you based on your recovery.
Dr Rizk will schedule any follow-up appointments with you as needed. During these visits, he will remove stitches or tubes if necessary, as well as check on your overall progress and how you are feeling.
Risks and possible complications
All surgery carries risks. Dr Rizk will discuss the risks that apply to you at your consultation.
Possible risks of neck lift surgery include:
- •Bleeding and haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may need to be drained
- •Infection
- •Wound-healing problems, including skin loss, which is more likely in smokers
- •Visible or thickened scarring
- •Injury to the nerves of the face and neck, including the nerve that moves the lower lip, usually temporary
- •Numbness or other changes in sensation of the neck skin
- •Contour irregularities and asymmetry
- •Remaining loose skin or neck bands
- •Risks of anaesthesia and blood clots (DVT/PE)
- •Need for revision surgery
Results vary between individuals and further surgery may sometimes be needed.
Your neck lift surgery results
After a few weeks, once the swelling and bruising have subsided, the result becomes clearer. The aim is tighter skin and a smoother contour under the jaw and in the neck. Results vary between individuals.
Remember that you'll need to diligently care for your neck to maintain your results long-term. Keeping your skin moisturised and protected from the sun is key, as is keeping up with your overall health through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Just like your body, the results you experience will be unique to you, so you may not see the same results as someone else. It is critical to follow Dr Rizk's aftercare instructions closely and do your part to help maintain your result. The neck will continue to age over time.
Request a consultation
Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) aims to make sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His approach is to give you the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment, including its risks and recovery.
Double Bay
Suite 301, Level 3
451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028
Choose your own consultation time online.
Book a Consultation OnlineCosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
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