
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure that targets sagging skin, excess fat and muscle separation around the jawline and neck, restoring a youthful, defined contour. Occasionally it involves manipulation of deeper neck structures including submandibular glands and deeper muscles for a considered and tailored result.
Patients can expect a more youthful neck outline and this can be perceived very early on. Bruising and welling are expected and settle exponentially in the first few weeks after surgery. There is then a slower recovery of the swelling that can take a period of some months to resolve fully.
BOOK CONSULTATIONPricing provided following initial consultation
5-6 hours when combined with a deep-plane facelift and/or other procedures
Mild to moderate, well managed with prescribed medication; most discomfort settles within the first few days
Performed with an overnight stay. Minimum 3-4 weeks before returning to face-face work and social activities; 6 weeks before returning to strenuous exercise
Lower face, jawline, midface, and neck (when combined with neck lift)
A one-time procedure; results typically last 10–15 years. Can be repeated in the future
Dr Williams specialises in deep plane face and neck lift techniques, which involve dissection of the face and neck in a layer deep to the SMAS/platysma. Strategic incisions are placed behind the ear and into the hairline with a further incision on jut set back form the undersurface of the chin.
The skin, underlying fat and the platysma are dissected (separated) lifted together as one unit, from the underlying structures. The tissue is then redraped and secured in a more youthful, often more vertical, direction. The excess skin is excised and closed without tension. This produces results that look natural rather than “pulled” or “tight.” Where mid or lower facial laxity is also present, a deep plane face lift is performed simultaneously with an extension of the incisions around the ear.
Risks include haematoma formation (a collection of blood that may require drainage), infection, nerve damage (usually temporary), abnormal scarring, seroma (fluid collection), sialoma (saliva collection after salivary gland surgery), and temporary numbness or tightness. All risks will be discussed in detail during your consultation.