For those who take great care with their skin and appearance, it can come as quite a shock to discover that their neck has been largely ignorant of your efforts and, like your hands, shows the signs of aging more than other areas. Platysmaplasty, or a necklift, is cosmetic surgery designed to reverse the signs of aging on the neck and jowl area. Sagging necks can be corrected with several different procedures, and they can be combined with a face lift, lower face lift, jawline lift or jowl lift (or other surgery) to drastically improve one’s appearance.

A ‘necklift’ is usually undertaken by making a small incision just in front and behind both ears (sometimes a small cut is made under the chin; the entire operation may even be possible using just this incision and no others). The muscle, or platysma, is then tightened and held in place with a few small internal stitches. Tightening can be obtained by the removal of a small part of the muscle, or the realignment of the muscle. This kind of procedure corrects (what’s referred to in some circles as) ‘turkey neck’. The procedure is called platysmaplasty. The muscle is elevated to a position more in line with that in youth. The excess redundant skin is then removed without tension along the incisions (therefore scars are imperceptible).

Liposuction is the removal of excess fat, and can be done on almost any part of the body. Excess fat, when accumulated, gives a weighed-down appearance. When located around the face and jawline, it is difficult to hide and can result in lowered self esteem. Removal involves a small incision just under the chin. Sometimes this is all that is needed to rejuvenate a neck. If indicated, it is combined with platysmaplasty.

The main goal of a necklift is to give a well-defined neck and jawline, hence restoring a youthful, healthy appearance.