A neck lift is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure aimed at rejuvenating or improving the appearance of the neck.
As we all age, the neck is one of the areas that undergoes several changes. These include the loss of supporting structures, sagging of the neck skin, increased fat accumulation and banding of the neck muscles. Everyone is affected differently too. There are several factors that can worsen these changes, including smoking, weight gain or loss, genetics and excess sun exposure.
These age-related changes can affect the appearance of one’s face to such an extent that you may feel young on the inside but look much older on the outside.
In addition, younger patients may have excess fat or loose neck muscles due to genetics. This can create a lack of facial symmetry and harmony.
In either case, these changes cause a loss of definition between the jawline and the neck. This can cause jowls to form.
Dr Safvat’s philosophy is to restore a natural, youthful and aesthetic contour to the neck, all the while avoiding a tight appearance that could allude to the fact that surgery occurred.
A neck lift is performed under general anaesthetic in fully accredited hospitals in Sydney. Dr Safvat only works with highly trained anaesthetists accredited with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The operation time varies and depends on what needs to be achieved during surgery.
The choice of incision technique generally depends on what is needed to enhance the neck. If excess fat is the only problem, then liposuction might be all that’s required. If there are also bands of muscle affecting the appearance of the neck, then tightening the bands (platysmoplasty) is needed. If there is a problem with sagging neck skin, then a formal neck lift has to be done. Often a combination of all the above is the best option for the patient. All neck lift incisions made by Dr Safvat are inconspicuous and are placed either just behind the ear or under the chin.
Another option is a Direct Excision Neck Lift. This form of neck lift is becoming more popular as the recovery period is shorter than a formal neck lift, as is the theatre time and length of stay in hospital. Read more about Direct Excision Neck Lift here.
The most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures is individually determined by Dr Safvat after careful examination and assessment in his Bowral, Concord, or Miranda rooms. All details of the procedure will be discussed with you during your initial consultation. Dr Safvat will also help you develop realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
A neck lift is sometimes done as a day procedure. However, some patients are required to stay in a hospital in Sydney overnight – depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients need to take about 1-2 weeks off work after a neck lift to rest and recover at home. There will be swelling and bruising to various degrees for a few weeks after the procedure. By wearing the necessary compression garment, swelling can be greatly reduced. Sleeping with your head elevated and using cold packs can also help minimise bruising and swelling. Walking is actively encouraged but physical exertion needs to be avoided for 3 weeks. Prior to the procedure, Dr Safvat will give you instructions to follow in order to enhance your recovery from neck lifts.
It usually takes few months before the final result of your neck lift surgery is visible.
A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure and as such, it is not covered by Medicare or Health Funds. There are a number of factors that determine the final cost of neck lift surgery. Surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees are all taken into account. You will be provided with a thorough estimate of fees once your consultation is complete.
While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat and his Sydney team to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications such as risks associated with general anaesthetics, collection of blood (haematoma) or other fluids (seroma), and mild to severe infection.
Having your procedure done in an accredited Sydney hospital minimises risks. Dr Safvat prescribes antibiotics upon discharge to minimise infection risks. A surgical garment is also worn up to a month to minimise swelling and bruising.
Dr Safvat will go through the specific risks associated with neck surgery with his patients, at their consultation in his private Sydney rooms.
Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after any type of surgery, including neck lift surgery. Patients will need to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before their surgery and continue to do so to at least one-week post-surgery. It’s important to make sure someone is available to drive you home after your surgery.
Scarring is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of neck lift surgery. However, it will seem more severe than it really is during the first month. With the right care, scarring will naturally subside over the course of several months. Patients see the most significant difference after about a year. What’s more, the incisions are made in the natural creases of the skin and the hairlines. This makes any scarring almost invisible. Plus, makeup can always be used to cover up any scarring that seems to be more visible.
The results of your neck lift will be long-lasting but they won’t last indefinitely. Unfortunately, surgery cannot stop the ageing process, which will ultimately alter the appearance of your neck again. If you happen to gain or lose a significant amount of weight, this can also affect the results of your surgery. If a second neck lift is required, it will be many years later, if at all.
On-site parking is available for all patients
There is 1 hour street parking on “Majors Bay Road”, or on Trafalgar Parade at the adjacent Street.
There is limited 1 hour street parking on “ Kingsway”. Alternatively, parking can be obtained in Westfield Miranda (no charge for the first 3 hours) which is across the road from our building. The best parking entrance to use is the “Jackson Avenue” entrance which is a short 3-5 minutes walk from our building. For your convenience, there is a drop off area outside our building where patients with limited mobility are able to be dropped off.
