Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

What is neck lift surgery?
With aging, there is a loss of tone in the skin and muscles of the neck area. Neck lift surgery is a surgical method performed to correct the signs of aging caused by loss of tone in the neck.

What is the purpose of neck lift surgery?
The purpose of neck lift surgery is to obtain a smoother neck appearance by tightening and lifting the neck skin.

Are there alternatives to neck lift surgery?
Depending on the looseness of the skin, skin wrinkles and the condition of excess fat tissue, surgical or non-surgical methods such as chemical peeling and liposuction may be alternatives to neck lift surgery.

Is neck lift surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
It is not a very difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1.5 hours.

How is neck lift surgery performed?
In this surgery, incisions are made in front of the ear, around the earlobe and extending behind the ear, as well as along the crease under the chin. Afterwards, the neck skin is released from the underlying tissues to a certain extent depending on the surgical technique, tightened, and the excess skin is removed. The skin is then sutured back appropriately to the areas in front of and behind the ear along the incision line using hidden sutures, and covered with dressings.

What are the possible risks and complications of neck lift surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry and scarring after neck lift surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of neck lift surgery?
Neck lift surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after neck lift surgery?
Since neck lift surgery is performed through incisions in front of and behind the ears and under the chin, scars will initially form in these areas. However, the scars fade over time and become much less noticeable. Unless examined very closely, they are difficult to notice, and in the long term they become barely visible.

How long do the effects of neck lift surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
In most cases, the effects of neck lift surgery last approximately 10 years. However, since aesthetic surgery does not stop the aging process, another neck lift surgery may rarely be needed as aging continues.

What should be done before neck lift surgery?
Before neck lift surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before neck lift surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after neck lift surgery?
In order to prevent swelling in the neck area from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows.

How is dressing performed after neck lift surgery?
As long as the tapes applied during surgery are not removed, no additional dressing is required. There may be minimal leakage in the dressing area. Your doctor will check the wounds through the tapes at certain intervals, and the tapes are removed after 7 days. After that, no dressing is required. Your doctor may recommend creams for the wound line.

When can I return to work after neck lift surgery?
After neck lift surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after neck lift surgery?
For the first 3 days after neck lift surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

Will I need to wear a neck compression garment after neck lift surgery?
After neck lift surgery, a neck compression garment and bandages will be applied over the dressing to provide pressure to the area. Due to this dressing, some itching and discomfort may occur in the dressing area. You should wear the neck-chin compression garment continuously for as long as your doctor recommends. Generally, it is no longer needed after 7-10 days.

Will drains be used in neck lift surgery?
After neck lift surgery, your doctor may use drains to prevent blood from accumulating in the area. This closed vacuum system removes blood and fluid accumulated under the tissues. The drain is generally removed easily on the third day, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after neck lift surgery?
Since the sutures used in neck lift surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is neck lift surgery very painful?
Most patients state that they do not experience any pain after neck lift surgery. However, mild tightness and pain may still be expected in the surgical area. Regular use of the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers is generally sufficient.

When can I take a shower after neck lift surgery?
During the first days after surgery, the wound areas should not be wet. However, since the appropriate time for showering varies according to the condition of the wound, you may take a shower when your doctor gives approval. Generally, face washing and showering are allowed after 7 days. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after neck lift surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after neck lift surgery?
After neck lift surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 4 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after neck lift surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases, which may cause unwanted bleeding after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

When can I wear makeup and dye my hair after neck lift surgery?
You can wear makeup 7 days after neck lift surgery. Hair dyeing can be done after 6 weeks.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after neck lift surgery?
After neck lift surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does neck lift surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of neck lift surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.