Neck Lifts
The neck is one of the first areas that show signs of ageing. As we get older, the effects of sun damage, as well as the natural ageing, process leads to the skin of the face losing its elasticity and tightness. As a result, the appearance of the neck region may sometimes look like a turkey-waddle or a double-chin. A neck lift is an operation designed to correct the effects of aging to the neck and lower face. A neck lift will help to improve your sagging skin, extra fat or loose muscles underneath the chin that connects to your neck area.
Patients may decide to combine a full face lift and necklift in the one operation to achieve a rejuvenating and fresher look or a combined lower facelift and neck lift in order to refine the jaw line and the neck region.
Am I a suitable candidate for a Neck Lift?
You may consider necklift surgery if you have:
- A saggy or loose-sac type appearance at the front of your neck (known as a turkey-waddle neck)
- Extra skin with a sagging look around the neck
- Excess fat around the jaw line that connects to the neck area creating a double chin and round jaw effect
Not everyone is suitable for a Necklift. Whether or not you are a suitable candidate is for our surgeon Mr Rahdon and you to discuss. We undertake a complete analysis of your medical history as well as a thorough clinical consultation. You typically need to be in a healthy weight range and in good health to be considered for surgery.
You must not be smoking to be a candidate for necklift surgery.
Necklift Surgery
Necklift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes between 1 – 1.5 hours. If combined with a lower or full facelift the procedure can take longer than this. It usually requires a one to two day stay in hospital.
The operation consists of removing excess skin and fatty tissue and tightening excess loose skin as well as the underlying tissue layers of specific facial and neck muscles. This will smooth facial contours, remove sagging and provide a much more youthful appearance.
The operation is typically not very painful and you will be given strong painkillers during your stay in hospital to minimise any discomfort. We will also give you tablets to take home with you to keep you comfortable.
What is the Recovery Time following Surgery?
Your sutures will be removed in 7-10 days and you can usually return to work for light duties 2 weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising may last for 1-2 weeks, however, usually by the second week this will have settled and there will only be a little redness around the scars. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. You can expect to return to full activities, including sport, by 6 weeks.
What are the Potential Risks and Complications?
Any operation carries with it the risk of complications. Major complications, however, are uncommon following a necklift. During your initial consultation Dr Richard Rahdon will cover with you in detail the risks and complications associated with the surgery. Should you choose to proceed with surgery, we will again explain any risks as part of the consenting process.
We ensure that risks are kept to a complete minimum with the help of selecting suitable patients as well as the selection of the appropriate procedure for your specific requirements. You should also understand that our highly qualified and experienced surgeon, Mr Rahdon, will not perform any cosmetic procedure unless he believes that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks for you.
To further discuss a neck lift surgery and costs, please give us a call on (03) 5215 1070 or book an appointment online with Dr Rahdon to discuss any questions you may have.
