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Sydney, NSW Neck Lift (PLATYSMAPLASTY)

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Neck Lift (PLATYSMAPLASTY) with dr turner

A neck lift or platysmaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and descending skin in the neck and jawline. The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening muscles (including the neck muscle or platysma), repositioning deeper tissues, and liposuction.

Suitable Candidates for a Neck Lift

Suitable candidates for the procedure are looking to address:

  • Wrinkles and excess skin on the neck and lower face
  • Visible neck bands
  • Excess fat under the chin

In addition, suitable candidates must be in good overall health, are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure, and have realistic expectations.

Neck Lift Surgery

There are two types of neck lift incisions depending on the amount of surgery needed: a traditional neck lift incision and a limited incision neck lift.

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Traditional Neck Lift

In a traditional neck lift, the incision will be made at the hairline along the front upper ear, which will continue down and around the ear and finally end in the hair behind the ear.

Excess fat present may be shaped or redistributed from the jowls and neck. The tissue present on the neck skin is repositioned and the platysma muscle is tightened. Once the underlying tissues are tightened and repositioned, excess skin is trimmed away. A separate incision under the chin is often necessary for liposuction of this area and repair of the muscle. Sutures or skin adhesives are used to close the incisions.

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Mini Neck lift or Limited Incision Necklift

A limited incision neck lift or mini neck lift may involve smaller incisions only around the ear. While the incisions are shorter, the results may be more limited.

Incision sites are usually closed with the help of sutures and sometimes using skin adhesives. If non-dissolving sutures are used, they will be removed after a few days. The incision marks are usually made within the hairline alongside the natural contours of the ear.

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Specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Scott J turner

Dr Turner FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic Surgery) is a Sydney Plastic Surgeon with clinics in the Eastern Suburbs at Bondi Junction and Northern Beaches at Manly.

Dr Scott J Turner has over a decade of experience in private practice solely focused on performing cosmetic surgery.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Recovery after Neck Lift Surgery

Dr Turner will place drains under the skin to collect any fluid that may build up. Bandages will be lightly applied to your face and neck to reduce swelling and bruising. You’ll be provided with post-operative care instructions which you should follow.

You should keep your head in an elevated position as it helps reduce swelling. You should also avoid any unnecessary twisting and bending of the neck. Take two to three weeks off from work post-surgery as you should rest and recuperate as much as possible. Avoid any exercises and stressful activities during this period. Do not apply an ice pack directly to the neck as it can affect blood flow.

You’ll be able to see the results as the swelling and bruising gradually decrease. As the scars mature and the swelling completely subsides, you will see the final outcome of the procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications of Neck Lift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with neck lift surgery. These include the following:

  • Anaesthesia risks: You may be allergic to the anaesthesia or any of its components.
  • Bleeding: This can occur when the blood vessels are damaged due to surgical techniques used during the procedure.
  • Haematoma (collection of blood that can occur under the skin): This can occur due to surgical trauma to the blood vessels during the surgery.
  • Infection: Microorganisms can enter the surgical incisions which can result in infection.
  • Nerve injury: The surgical techniques used during the procedure can damage the nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness.
  • Poor or delayed wound healing: Factors such as smoking, certain medical conditions, and poor adherence to wound care instructions can lead to this.
  • Scarring: The extent of scarring can vary depending on the surgical techniques used, how you care for your incisions, and your healing ability.
  • Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin): Injury to the lymphatic vessels during surgery can impair the drainage of fluids, resulting in seroma.
  • Skin irregularities: This can occur due to uneven skin removal.
  • Unsatisfactory results: Factors such as the surgical techniques used, adherence to post-operative instructions, and how your incisions heal can affect the results.

Reasons for Having a Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of ageing in the neck area, such as descending skin, wrinkles, and muscle banding. This procedure is considered by individuals with these skin conditions. By tightening the skin and the underlying muscles and changing the contour of the jawline, the neck lift reduces the visibility of signs of ageing. For individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, excess skin can often remain around the neck. A neck lift addresses this issue by removing the excess skin. Some patients also seek a neck lift for aesthetic reasons, such as changing the shape of their neckline.

In addition to these reasons, patients with excess skin and fat under the neck that do not respond to diet or exercise may also consider a neck lift. The procedure can address this issue by surgically removing the excess skin and fat and, in some instances, tightening the underlying muscles. Our approach at FacePlus Aesthetics is to provide detailed information during consultations to ensure patients are fully informed about what the procedure involves and the typical outcomes they might expect based on their individual conditions.

Dr Scott Turner provides a detailed evaluation during the consultation process to determine the suitability of each patient for the procedure, discussing the specific anatomical considerations and the potential changes that can be realistically achieved through surgery.

Our Philosophy on Neck Lift

At FacePlus Aesthetics, our approach to neck lift surgery focuses on tailoring the results to complement each patient’s individual physical characteristics. The primary aim is to adjust the neck’s contour to a state that feels more in line with the rest of the patient’s facial structure without altering their inherent appearance.

Our philosophy also deeply values patient interaction. We emphasise thorough consultations and clear communication to fully grasp each patient’s expectations and preferences. This personalised approach ensures that the surgical outcomes align with the patient’s physical requirements and mental outlook, aiming to support their overall well-being.

Moreover, we maintain rigorous standards of safety and adhere to strict ethical guidelines in all our operations. Dr Turner’s experience and attention to surgical detail help provide a secure and professionally managed environment for our procedures. We take patient confidentiality seriously and ensure that every aspect of patient care, from initial consultation to postoperative follow-ups, is conducted with the utmost discretion and respect for privacy. This commitment extends to educating our patients about the realistic outcomes of their surgery based on their unique anatomical conditions and personal aesthetic goals, thereby fostering an atmosphere of trust and informed decision-making.

How the Procedure is Performed

A neck lift procedure at FacePlus Aesthetics is carried out under general anaesthesia and involves a series of precise surgical steps. Dr Scott Turner starts by making small, strategically placed incisions behind the ears and, if needed, under the chin. These incisions allow access to underlying tissues where excess skin and fat are removed, and the muscles of the neck are tightened. In cases where additional contouring is required, liposuction might be utilised to remove excess fat deposits, helping to change the neck’s overall shape.

The specific techniques employed during a neck lift are carefully selected based on the individual’s unique anatomical structure and their desired goals, which are thoroughly discussed during pre-operative consultations. This personalised approach helps address various aspects of neck appearance, including correcting skin laxity and reducing the appearance of muscular banding. The duration of the surgery generally ranges between two to three hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the procedure involved.

After making the necessary modifications, Dr Turner closes the incisions using sutures, which are usually removed within one to two weeks post-surgery. The placement of these sutures is meticulously planned to follow natural skin creases and hairlines, which helps minimise scar visibility. Dr Turner’s surgical methods focus on promoting healing and recovery. Patients are given specific postoperative care instructions to support healing and are scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure the incisions are healing properly.

Recovery Period

After a neck lift procedure, patients can expect some swelling and bruising around the treated areas, which generally subsides within two weeks. It is important for patients to rest with their heads elevated during the initial recovery phase to reduce swelling. Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within two to three weeks post-surgery, although this can vary based on individual healing processes.

Dr Turner and the FacePlus Aesthetics team provide detailed postoperative care instructions and support each patient throughout their recovery journey. We advise avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least four to six weeks to prevent putting tension or pressure on the incision sites.

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the recovery process, and any concerns or complications are addressed promptly. These follow-ups also provide an opportunity to ensure that healing is progressing as expected and that patients are satisfied with their results. In addition, this opportunity also allows Dr Turner to adjust the patient’s treatment plan as needed.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries potential risks and complications that patients must consider. Common immediate postoperative effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are generally manageable with prescribed medications and careful postoperative care. There is also a risk of infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia, although these are rare.

Less common complications may include prolonged swelling, changes in skin sensation, irregularities in contour, and, very rarely, nerve damage that could affect muscle movement. Dr Turner ensures that all patients are aware of these risks and provides detailed information on how to minimise them.

At FacePlus Aesthetics, we take every precaution to prevent complications through meticulous surgical techniques and rigorous postoperative care. Dr Turner’s experience and the careful monitoring provided by our staff help prevent and address adverse events that may arise. Understanding and managing these risks is an essential part of the consultation process, helping patients make informed decisions about their surgery.