What is a neck lift? with Dr Jack Zoumaras

necklift

A neck lift, also called a Platysmaplasty, usually involves a few procedures to improve the appearance of an ageing neck. It can also change the shape of a less desirable neck shape and improve the patient’s profile and contour. Dr Jack Zoumaras from Artiste Plastic Surgery in Sydney is a highly experienced plastic surgeon specialising in facial and neck procedures and chatted to us about what’s involved in a neck lift.

Getting its name from the platysma muscles that extend along the front of the neck, a platysmaplasty, or neck lift, usually involves a few procedures that take place within the one surgery and these can include:

  • Removal of excess skin – tightening, addresses wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Liposuction to remove any excess fat/sculpting
  • Submandibular gland removal
  • Platysma band removal
  • Muscle suspension and/or trimming

Dr Zoumaras says, “Although we tailor each patient’s surgery to suit their needs, we offer three different neck lifts on our menu. If a patient only needs to address excess fat and some loose skin in the neck region our Artiste Neck Sculpt is able to provide tightening and contouring of the neck. However, we have more involved procedures to address the other aspects to a neck lift that not all patients realise they need to consider. Our Artiste Ultimate Neck Lift is also able to treat muscle suspension and trimming, platysma band removal, gland contouring; as well as the tightening and contouring patients expect with a neck lift procedure.”

Combining a neck lift with non-surgical procedures

There are several non-surgical treatments that can complement a neck lift including:

  • Botox – injectables can help to address any fullness or “bands” that are overly apparent
  • Belkyra or Kybella – these injectables were created specifically to remove excess fat under the chin, and are often used in conjunction with a neck lift. Some patients may find they are able to get great contour from these non-surgical neck lift options, however there is only so much they can do.
  • Some surgeons also recommend laser, IPL, fillers, RF and ultrasound to assist in getting the best results from a neck lift. These can help with skin quality, tightening and appearance to complement a neck lift.

Neck Lifts with Artiste Plastic Surgery from Artiste Plastic Surgery on Vimeo.

The Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the individual patient. Dr Zoumaras says while a neck lift is often done in combination with a facelift it can definitely be performed as a stand-alone procedure. He says, “Patients should expect to have at least 2 weeks off work after a neck lift procedure, more if they perform physical activities as part of their work.”

The neck lift incisions depend on the procedures being performed as part of the neck lift but the incisions are usually placed under the chin and/or behind the ear. Dr Zoumaras says, “If the neck lift is being performed as part of a facelift procedure it can often be done with just an additional small incision under the chin. The neck muscles, glands and fat are repositioned through this access incision to produce a harmonious pleasing neck contour. If it is being performed as a stand-alone procedure, we can also make small incisions behind the ears.”

If you’d like more information or would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Zoumaras click here, or you can visit his website here. You can learn more about Dr Zoumaras and his amazing facial work in the blogs below:

necklift
What’s in a Facelift Menu?
necklift
Rhinoplasty with Dr Jack Zoumaras at Artiste Plastic Surgery

Further Reading Related to Neck Lift