As we age, our necks tend to develop a looseness, sometimes referred to as a 'turkey neck'. The bands that form in the neck are usually due to thickening and ptosis (drooping) of the platysma muscle. A necklift is aimed at smoothing out the platysma muscle, which in turn restores the neck to a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The main component in the performance of a necklift is elevation of the upper back corner of the platysma. This is accessed through an incision around the earlobe, at the angle of the jaw. Sometimes additional surgery may be required to the anterior border of the platysma or the skin at the back of the neck.
The operation is usually performed as a day case procedure, but an overnight stay in hospital can be arranged.
Dressings and stitches will be used immediately following surgery and patients are advised to sleep with the head and shoulders elevated for the first seven to ten days after the operation.
It is common to experience some swelling in the region of the surgery but this usually subsides within a few days, and a return to work is possible after two to three weeks.
For more detailed information about our non-surgical services and the support we provide to help you make the right decision, or to book an appointment, please contact us on (03) 9885 7177 or Book online.