Surgery » Neck Rejuvination

Many people, from young to old are concerned with the appearance of their neck. There are a range of procedures which can be done to improve the appearance of the neck, and it is important to analyse the problem before deciding on surgery. In some cases a combination procedure is required to achieve maximum benefits.

Double Chin - Sub mental Liposculpture

This is often a problem in younger patients who, despite diet and exercise, have some excess rounding in the area under the chin - often hereditary. Having a relatively small amount of fat removed via Liposuction can make all the difference. The procedure is often done with local anaesthetic (Tumescent Liposculpture) and twilight sedation. Tiny incisions, either just under the chin or also behind the ears are used to insert the slim suction probes. It is a day procedure, and requires wearing a support dressing for up to a week. There will be some swelling and possible bruising, pain is not significant. In one to two weeks a significant change will be evident.

Neck banding - Platysma tightening [Plication]

Under the skin of the neck is a thin sheet of muscle called the Platysma. As we age the left and right sides tend to separate in the middle under the chin and lose tone. This is more noticeable in thinner patients. The correction needed here is to stitch the free edges of the muscle together and tighten them so that the banding is reduced or eliminated. The incision is about three centimetres long, hidden under the chin. Again this procedure may be done under twilight sedation, as a day case. Recovery is similar to sub-mental Liposculpture. Some patients with excess skin need to combine this with an 'S-Lift' or Face Lift.

Heavy sagging neck - Neck Lift

For some patients with a combination of excess neck fat, Platysma banding and sagging skin, a neck lift (the lower part of a facelift) is a treatment option. It involves a minimal incision in front of the earlobe in the natural crease, and behind the ear into the hair in the same fashion as a facelift. It is a more dramatic procedure, which takes longer, and more patients elect to have general anaesthetic and maybe stay over night in hospital.

There may be small drains to be removed the next day and a dressing is applied. The compression dressing needs to be worn for 1-2 week.

Small Chin - Chin Implant

For some patients who complain of excess tissue under their chin, the problem may be that the chin is too small. Removing tissue does not give the facial harmony and proportion that is desired. A chin implant as a day case will address this and help tighten the skin under the chin. Some skin coloured tape is left on the chin for about ten days to help control swelling.

Obviously it is important to discuss with Dr. Oates what you would like to improve and be assessed for the procedure that would best suit you.