Neck Lift in Cyprus

An ageing neckline is a common concern for both men and women. Gravity, weight fluctuation, sun exposure and age cause the jowls and the structures of the neck to lose their tightness and shape.

What a neck lift is

The neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, restores the contour of the lower face and neck. The surgeon modifies the underlying muscles — the platysma — redrapes the skin and removes any excess fat and skin.

It differs from a full facelift in that it treats the lower third of the face and the whole of the neck. It does not address the cheeks. Deep creases below the cheeks, deep nasolabial folds and cheeks that need elevation are addressed by a deep plane facelift instead.

Who it suits

Good candidates are healthy, in good physical shape and at a stable body weight, with realistic expectations. Typically:

• Those whose jowls and neck have developed crepe-like skin and lost their definition, producing what is often called a turkey neck.
• Those who have accumulated excess fat under the chin. This can be genetic — a family history of skin with little elasticity or of double chins makes it more likely.
• Those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin that has lost its elasticity.
• Those who are self-conscious about a bulging neckline, or who limit their choice of clothing or jewellery because of it.

Techniques

There are several ways to achieve a defined neckline, determined by the individual’s anatomy and preferences.

Platysmaplasty

The platysma is a thin sheet of muscle on either side of the neck, separated into two halves along the midline — hence platysmaplasty. Its function is to draw the lower lip and the corner of the mouth sideways and downwards.

With age, the connective tissue linking the platysma to the skin loosens and the gap in the midline widens. The fibres joining muscle to skin weaken, the muscle sags downwards, and the neck takes on a sagging appearance.

A platysmaplasty tightens the platysma and lifts it upwards. A small, discreet incision of about a centimetre is made under the chin to reach the point where the two muscle bands have separated. They are then sutured together in the midline — a midline platysma plication. Joining the muscles in the midline creates a single muscular sheet that resists the formation of neck bands and sharpens the definition of the jawline and neck.

The goal is a taut, smooth muscle layer and a sharp transition between neck and jaw, which translates into an improved neck angle.

An isolated platysmaplasty is not recommended for patients with more significant ageing and a heavier drooping neck; in those cases it must be combined with a cervicoplasty to remove excess skin.

Cervicoplasty

Following the midline platysma plication, the platysma is lifted near the ears to tighten it further and address sagging skin and jowling. Small incisions are placed under the chin and behind the ears so that excess skin can be removed. The neck skin is redraped without tension and the excess trimmed.

Neck liposuction

Neck liposuction removes the excess fatty tissue that develops under the chin and along the neck, adding contour and definition with minimal downtime. It can be performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Two to three incisions are made under the chin or behind the ears, just large enough to introduce the liposuction cannula. The area is then sculpted by suctioning away the excess fatty tissue until the intended contour is reached.

The skin needs to retain healthy elasticity, or the remaining tissue may look deflated and slack afterwards. Patients with moderate to severe skin laxity are usually better served by a neck lift, which removes the excess tissue as well.

Pain and discomfort are minimal and are controlled with prescription medication or over-the-counter analgesia. Most patients are well enough to return to work within two days. Results are visible immediately and continue to improve as swelling and discolouration resolve over two to three weeks. Most bruising and swelling subsides within three weeks. Where weight stays consistent, the effect is permanent.

What it improves

• Refined lines and wrinkles in the neck area
• Tightened underlying neck muscles
• Lifting and smoothing of the jowls
• Reduction of excess, sagging skin
• Contouring of a double chin
• Minimal scarring
• A short healing period

Recovery

Recovery depends on which of the neck lift procedures were used, and on whether other facial surgery was performed at the same time.

Expect some swelling and bruising immediately after surgery, and a feeling of tightness under the neck. This is normal and settles after about two weeks along with the puffiness and discolouration.

During those two weeks Dr. Stavrou recommends keeping the head elevated on a few pillows when sleeping, to speed the resolution of swelling and bruising.

A latex-free, hypoallergenic neck bandage is worn for one week. The compressive bandage holds the operated neck to its new contour.

To prevent any collection of blood or fluid, a very small drain is placed under the skin during the operation. It is removed painlessly after one to two days in the office.

Patients typically return to daily activities, including work, within two weeks of surgery. More vigorous exercise should wait until four to six weeks post-operatively.

Sun protection is necessary during recovery, to prevent permanent hyperpigmentation and sunburn of the incisions and treated area. Make-up is permitted from one week after surgery. Contact the clinic immediately if anything appears to be going wrong.

Where the surgery takes place

Dr. Stavrou performs neck lift surgery in accredited medical centres in Cyprus, Greece and Malta. After the procedure the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and monitored by the medical staff.