Neck Lift

MELOPLASTY OR RHYTIDECTOMY

What is a Neck Lift?

Excess skin and fatty tissue around your jawline can be difficult to live with, especially if it’s disproportionate to the rest of your body.

This is a common sign of ageing and overall weight gain. You may find certain clothing (such as collars and ties) uncomfortable to wear, if not impractical.

A neck lift is a popular surgical solution to achieve a more youthful, defined aesthetic. This may be performed individually or alongside a face lift.
 
Neck lift surgery is just one of the treatments we provide at Ethicos Institute. Dr. Gillett has years of experience performing neck lifts for patients of different ages and lifestyles, catering to diverse body types.

This surgery is available at Ethicos Institute, performed by the experienced Dr Gillett.

Do you have a question about Neck Lift?

Who is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

How do we determine if you’re a good candidate for neck lift surgery?

If you’re a good candidate, a neck lift could transform your upper body and help you achieve a more streamlined look.

At Ethicos Institute, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your neck during an in-depth consultation, to determine your candidacy.

Neck Lift - Ethicos Institute

What Happens During a Neck Lift Procedure?

A neck lift procedure can be performed in multiple ways:

Cervicoplasty
A small incision is made under the chin, enabling your surgeon to tighten the neck muscles. Excess fat and skin may be removed. This technique is typically best for overweight patients.

Liposuction
Your surgeon creates minor incisions behind both ears and beneath the chin, before sucking fat from the area. Liposuction is most suitable for patients with resilient, more youthful skin.

Submentoplasty
A small incision is made at the neck’s curve, giving access to tighten the muscles. Liposuction may be used too. This procedure could be best if you are of a healthy weight.

Dr. Gillett will identify the best technique for you during your consultation, and ensure you understand what it entails.

Anaesthesia

A neck lift is typically performed under a local anaesthetic, though a general one may be used too.

It’s essential that you inform Dr. Gillett if you have a history of allergic reactions to anaesthesia, no matter how minor it may seem.


Post-surgery Care

After your neck lift procedure, a dressing will be applied to your neck. A special garment may be required for between three and four weeks, to compress your neck and reduce swelling.

However, the length of time varies depending on the technique used. Dr. Gillett will give you an accurate time-frame during consultation.

You may be able to return to work and resume everyday duties between two and four weeks after your surgery.


POTENTIAL RISKS

As with any form of cosmetic surgery, a neck lift poses multiple potential risks, including:

After the surgery

Cleaning the face
Once the drains have been removed, one to two days after the operation, you can gently wash the face with clean water and shampoo the hair gently with baby shampoo.

Sleeping
To help with swelling, we recommend you sleep with your head elevated. Raise the head of the bed or sleep on three pillows.

Support Garment
A facial support garment will be given to you while in hospital. We recommend you wear this continuously for the first two weeks. You must remove it for showering.

Pain Management
Your anaesthetist will discuss pain management with you and provide you with a prescription for any medications that you will need.

Appointments
First Post Operative Appointment
We will see you in the rooms 4 – 7 days post op. At this stage, we will check your progress, remove some sutures and answer any concerns you may have.

Second Post Operative Appointment
Your next postoperative visit will then be scheduled for removal of remaining sutures or staples in the hair. Expect bruising, swelling and numbness of the face. The amount of pain and numbness will vary from patient to patient. This will settle, in most cases, over the next six weeks although some numbness in front of/or on the ear can persist for more extended periods.

When can I resume activities?
Rest is critical after your operation. We recommend no strenuous exercise for six weeks. You will need to take approximately 2-3 weeks off work. Regular pain relief is recommended if you require it.
 
Psychological factors
Frequently after cosmetic surgery patients will feel somewhat depressed for 2-3 days after the operation. This may be because at this point your swelling is generally at its maximum level and you will be feeling a degree of pain/discomfort. Most people find that once the pain and swelling start to settle and they can see the improvement in appearance, the general mood improves. Significant events (holidays, weddings etc.) should be scheduled for at least 6 – 12 weeks after your operation.

Report the following postoperative concerns:

If you have any of these postoperative concerns or queries, please ring our consulting rooms on (08) 9284 4966.

Dr Gillett

Your Neck Lift Consultation with Dr Gillett

You will have a chance to discuss your neck lift surgery during your consultation with Dr. Gillett. Any questions or concerns will be addressed, for your total peace of mind.

Dr. Gillett will give you a comprehensive overview of the entire neck lift procedure, from preparation to follow-up care. The Ethicos Institute team is committed to transparent service tailored to your personal requirements. We treat each case as unique.
 
You may want to bring a friend or relative along to help you decide.

FAQS About Neck Lift

After surgery, you will wake with a small suction drain and a dresing under your chin. Both will be removed the morning after your treatment and before you are discharged. Bruising and swelling may occur (the extent of which varies), but will settle over the following few weeks. You will usually go home the day after your procedure. 

The wound needs to be kept dry for the first 24 hours.

To help with swelling we recommend you sleep with your head elevated. Raise the head of your bed or sleep on 2 – 3 pillows.

We recommend you avoid taking medication containing aspirin for two weeks before your surgery, and one week after. Regular pain relief is recommended. Discuss your requirements with the anaesthetist.

First Post Operative Appointment

We will make an appointment to see you four or five days after your procedure, to remove the sutures beneath your chin and assess your progress. Bruising and swelling can occur, but should last no longer than a few weeks.

Rest is very important after your operation. We recommend you undertake no lifting, strenuous exercise or driving. You will need to take time off work and avoid strenuous activities for six weeks too.

  • Fever (with a temperature of more than 38 C) or chills.
  • Heavy oozing or bleeding from a wound.
  • Increased swelling around a wound site.
  • Increased pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Difficulty in passing urine.
  • Spreading redness around the wound.
  • A foul odour from a wound