Neck Lift / Platysmaplasty
IN SYDNEY
Neck Lift / Platysmaplasty (Deep Cervical Contouring)
Measured refinement of the cervico‑mental angle and jawline with meticulous soft‑tissue handling and, when indicated, deep cervical techniques.
My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Planning assesses platysma position and tone, subcutaneous and subplatysmal fat, digastric bulk, submandibular gland prominence, hyoid position, skin quality, and chin projection. Most patients benefit from layered, conservative techniques; in selected cases, deeper cervical manoeuvres are offered with clear indications and counselling.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift addresses banding of the platysma, submental fullness, and neck skin laxity to improve the definition of the jawline and the cervico‑mental angle. Access may be lateral (through short incisions around the ear, often as part of a lower facelift), anterior via a small submental incision for midline work, or a combination, depending on anatomy.
What Are the Different Types of Neck Lift?
Neck lift surgery encompasses a range of techniques, each tailored to the degree and pattern of ageing. The choice of technique depends on anatomical findings, the desired outcome, and your tolerance for downtime and scarring. Below are four commonly performed approaches - each with its own advantages.
Lateral Neck Lift (often with Lower Facelift)
Access: Short incisions around the ear/hairline.
Vector/Depth: Lateral‑superior vector to redrape platysma and skin; addresses jowling and lateral neck laxity.
Best for: Skin laxity and contour softening along the jawline and lateral neck.
Pairs well with: Deep plane lower facelift for comprehensive lower‑face support.
Anterior Platysmaplasty (Midline ‘Corset’)
Access: Small incision in the submental crease.
Goal: Treats midline platysmal banding and sharpens the cervico‑mental angle with calibrated plication.
Often combined with: Lateral tightening for 360° support.
Submental Liposculpture (Isolated Fullness)
Access: Micro‑cannula via tiny submental port.
Best for: Younger patients with good skin elasticity and strong platysma without significant laxity or banding.
Deep Cervical Contouring (Selected Cases)
Subplatysmal fat reduction: For fullness beneath the platysma when present.
Digastric debulking (anterior belly): To reduce central bulk when hypertrophic.
Submandibular gland (SMG) contouring: Partial reduction or repositioning when true gland prominence blunts the angle; prioritises salivary function.
Hyoid release/repositioning: To modify deep neck dynamics where a high hyoid contributes to convexity.
Laryngeal framework softening (‘laryngeal setback’): Highly selected to reduce submental convexity related to prominent laryngeal contours.
Note: These advanced steps are considered only with clear anatomical indications, after thorough counselling about risks and recovery.
COMBINE YOUR NECK LIFT
Rejuvenation & Lift
Deep plane lower facelift: For jowls and lower‑face descent alongside neck contouring.
Chin augmentation/reduction: Harmonises projection and improves the cervico‑mental angle.
Facial fat grafting (micro/nanofat): For perioral/marionette hollows where volume balance helps the jawline read cleaner.
Skin quality: Laser or chemical peel (commonly staged) for texture and fine lines.
Same‑session vs staged is chosen to streamline recovery and scar care; resurfacing is commonly staged ~6–12 weeks.
WHY CONSIDER A NECK LIFT?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Platysmal banding or a blunted cervico‑mental angle.
Submental fullness (subcutaneous or subplatysmal) with adequate skin health.
Laxity along the jawline/lateral neck.
Stable weight, good general health, and realistic goals.
When another approach may be better:
Isolated submental fat with excellent skin and no banding — consider liposculpture alone.
Predominant skin texture change - consider resurfacing/skin therapies first.
Complex airway/voice history - deep cervical manoeuvres may not be appropriate.
Unstable weight or smoking - optimisation recommended prior to surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery - Neck Lift Surgery
Undergoing neck lift surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing.
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Your Initial Consultation
Neck exam: platysma tone/bands, subcutaneous vs subplatysmal fat, digastric/SMG prominence, hyoid position, skin quality, and chin projection.
Differential planning: Lateral lift vs anterior corset vs deep cervical options.
Photography and proportion analysis; costs, risks, and recovery outline.
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Preoperative Planning
Medication/supplement review, smoking cessation, and garment/scar‑care plan.
Imaging/labs only if indicated; detailed counselling for any deep cervical steps.
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Surgery Day
Setting: Accredited day surgery or private hospital.
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia for most neck lifts and all deep cervical work; local with sedation for limited liposculpture only.
Duration: Typically 1.5–4 hours depending on complexity and combinations.
Technique: Incisions around the ear (and a small submental crease incision if needed); lateral redraping and midline platysmaplasty; deep cervical manoeuvres only when indicated; layered closure; light dressing; a soft support garment or strap as advised.
Drains: Sometimes used and typically removed within 24–48 hours when placed.
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Week 1 Post-Op
Head elevation; short walks from day 1; cold compress as advised.
Bruising/swelling peak 48–72 h and settle over 7–10 days.
Sutures typically removed day 5–7; garment/strap use as instructed.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Back to desk work/social settings ~10–14 days (camouflage as needed).
Avoid heavy lifting/straining and extreme neck rotation until reviewed.
Begin scar care (silicone) once closed; gentle neck range‑of‑motion as advised.
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Gradual return to full exercise by ~4–6 weeks as cleared.
Sensation changes (numbness/tingling) improve over weeks–months.
Ongoing refinement as deeper tissues settle.
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Wound care: Keep incisions clean/dry; ointment as directed.
Support: Wear the soft chin/neck support as advised in the first days.
Activity: Walk daily; avoid nicotine exposure; protect incisions from sun.
Scar care: Start silicone therapy once closed; sun protection is essential.
Follow‑up: Early review (and drain removal if used), suture removal at ~1 week, then 4–6 weeks and as advised..
SURGICAL RISKS
Risks of Neck Lift (Including Deep Cervical Work)
Bleeding/haematoma, infection, or seroma.
Skin edge compromise or delayed healing (higher risk with smoking).
Nerve effects: temporary numbness (great auricular), temporary weakness of the marginal mandibular branch (rare persistent change).
Salivary issues after SMG work (swelling, salivary leak, dry mouth); contour irregularity.
Swallowing or voice change after deep manoeuvres (usually temporary; persistent change is uncommon but discussed).
Asymmetry, recurrence of banding, or contour irregularity.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and general anaesthetic risks.
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your Neck Lift?
1. Expertise & Experience
Multiple facial aesthetic fellowships across Europe and Australia with focused training in lower‑face and neck surgery.
2. Deep Plane Techniques
Expertise in deep plane lower facelift and deep cervical techniques when they are clearly indicated.
3. Anatomy‑first Planning
Tailored to platysma, fat compartments, SMG prominence, and hyoid position; careful case selection and counselling.
4. Continuity of Care
Continuity of care in accredited facilities with structured follow‑up and measured, guideline‑compliant counselling.
Neck Lift FAQS
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Typically hidden around the ear and within the hairline; a small incision in the submental crease may be used for midline work.
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Only if specific anatomy (e.g., subplatysmal fat, digastric bulk, true SMG prominence, high hyoid) limits improvement with standard techniques. These are carefully selected and discussed.
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Most patients feel comfortable in low‑key settings by ~10–14 days; refinement continues over weeks to months.
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In patients with reduced chin projection, a small implant can enhance the cervico‑mental angle when combined with neck lift techniques.
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Not always. When used, they are typically removed within 24–48 hours.
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Cosmetic neck lift is generally not eligible; reconstructive indications are assessed individually and discussed in advance.
Request a Consultation
We’ll examine platysma, fat compartments, gland and hyoid position, and chin projection to confirm whether a lateral neck lift, anterior platysmaplasty, deep cervical contouring, or a combined plan best suits you.