Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty)
A neck lift (cervicoplasty) is an operation for the ageing neck. Depending on what I find at assessment, it can involve tightening or repairing the platysma muscle, working on the deeper structures under the muscle, and removing excess skin. The incisions usually sit behind the ears and, in many cases, in the crease under the chin.
It helps to be clear about what a neck lift (cervicoplasty) does not do. It does not change skin texture or quality, and it does not stop the ageing process. Ageing of the neck is normal, and the neck continues to age after surgery, so results are not permanent in that sense.
If you want more detail on how this operation works, I cover it fully in my article on neck lift (cervicoplasty) and platysmaplasty: the complete guide.
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What a neck lift (cervicoplasty) is suited to
The ageing neck has several components, and they do not all respond to the same operation. The ones I assess for are:
- Laxity of the neck skin, with excess skin in more established cases
- Platysmal banding, where the edges of the platysma muscle become visible as vertical bands
- Submental fullness, which is fat above or below the muscle under the chin
- Blunting of the cervicomental angle, the angle between the chin and the neck
A neck lift (cervicoplasty) works on these structural changes. It is suited to established changes in the muscle, deeper tissue, and skin, rather than early or minor change. Some concerns are better suited to non-surgical measures, and I can discuss those options with you at consultation.
Where the lower face and the neck are both involved, a neck lift (cervicoplasty) is often performed together with a facelift (rhytidectomy) in the one operation. I explain that on my facelift (rhytidectomy) page.
Techniques I use
No single technique suits every neck. What I do in theatre depends on which components are present at assessment, and more than one of these is often combined in the same operation.
Platysmaplasty
Platysmaplasty is tightening or repair of the platysma muscle, usually through a small incision in the crease under the chin. It is most relevant where the muscle edges have separated and formed visible bands. I cover this in detail on my platysmaplasty page.
Deep neck lift (cervicoplasty)
A deep neck lift (cervicoplasty) works on the structures that sit beneath the platysma muscle, including deeper fat, where these are contributing to fullness under the chin. You can read more on my deep neck lift (cervicoplasty) page.
Direct excision of neck skin
Direct excision removes excess neck skin through an incision on the front of the neck. It leaves a visible scar on the anterior neck, and I am upfront about that trade-off. It is reserved for selected patients, usually patients with a significant amount of loose neck skin after massive weight loss, who accept the scar in exchange for a shorter operation. More detail is on my direct excision of neck skin page.
VASER (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) of the neck
VASER (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) removes fat above the platysma muscle. It has a narrow indication: submental fullness in a patient whose skin still has good tone. It does not treat muscle banding or skin excess. More detail is on my VASER neck liposuction page.
If you want to understand how these techniques fit together, my article on neck lift (cervicoplasty) and platysmaplasty: the complete guide goes through it step by step.
My approach
I start with assessment, not with a preferred operation. At consultation I examine the neck skin, the platysma muscle, the deeper tissue under the chin, and the position of the surrounding structures, alongside standardised clinical photography. Which components are present decides what the operation needs to involve, and whether the lower face needs to be part of the plan as well.
Preparation matters as much as technique. Blood pressure is reviewed and optimised before a neck lift (cervicoplasty), because raised blood pressure contributes to the risk of haematoma after surgery. If you smoke, cessation is required for an appropriate period before surgery, because smoking reduces skin blood supply and increases the risk of healing problems and skin loss.
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About Dr Beldholm
I have been performing surgery of the face and neck for more than 15 years. I am a Specialist Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and my practice covers facial surgery alongside post-weight-loss and post-pregnancy body contouring and breast surgery.
Facial surgery is only part of what I offer. I also provide a range of non-surgical options, and where your concern is better suited to a non-surgical measure, I will say so at consultation rather than recommend an operation you do not need.
All of my surgery is performed at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley, with 24-hour doctor cover on site.
Your pathway
GP referral
A referral from your GP is required before any consultation.
Consultation
Your first consultation runs for around an hour. It covers your health and medical history, examination of your neck and lower face, standardised clinical photography, and a frank discussion of risks, recovery, and whether a neck lift (cervicoplasty) is appropriate for you. A second consultation, in person or by telehealth, is encouraged and comes at no cost.
Quote
After consultation you receive my written surgical quote. My patient coordinator also organises separate quotes from the hospital and the anaesthetist, so you can see the full cost before deciding.
Surgery
A neck lift (cervicoplasty) is performed under general anaesthesia at Maitland Private Hospital. A neck support garment is provided by my practice.
Follow-up
The first 2 weeks involve intensive follow-up, with visits 2 to 3 times a week for nurse or doctor review and dressing changes. After that I see you at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. All follow-up is included in the procedure fee at no extra cost.
Recovery in brief
Recovery from a neck lift (cervicoplasty) takes time, and it varies between patients. Expect swelling and bruising of the neck and lower face in the first 1 to 2 weeks, along with tightness and areas of numbness that settle gradually over weeks to months. A neck support garment is worn in the early period, and you will need to keep your head elevated at first. Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work depending on their role, and return to exercise is staged over several weeks.
I go through the full week by week detail in my article on neck lift (cervicoplasty) recovery.
Risks
A neck lift (cervicoplasty) is a significant operation, and I discuss the risks with you frankly at consultation. They include:
- Haematoma, a collection of blood under the skin that may need a return to theatre. Raised blood pressure contributes to this risk, which is why blood pressure is optimised before surgery
- Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve, which can cause temporary or, rarely, permanent weakness of the lower lip
- Skin healing problems and skin loss, a risk that is considerably higher in smokers
- Numbness and altered sensation of the neck and around the ears, which usually settles over months but can persist
- Scarring, including thickened or stretched scars, and a visible scar on the front of the neck where direct excision of neck skin is part of the operation
- Asymmetry, contour irregularity, or recurrence of laxity over time
- Infection, wound healing delay, and anaesthetic risks
- The possibility of revision surgery
Results vary between patients. I cover all of this in more depth in my article on neck lift (cervicoplasty) risks and complications.
Is a neck lift (cervicoplasty) right for you?
That is a question I can only answer after assessment. Ageing of the neck is normal, and surgery is one option among several, suited to established changes in the muscle, deeper tissue, and skin. Whether a neck lift (cervicoplasty) is appropriate for you, and which technique or combination of techniques it should involve, is decided at consultation based on your examination, your health, and your goals.Part of my job is to be honest with you about what surgery can and cannot achieve for your neck.