Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty and Platysmaplasty) Surgery in Melbourne
Neck lift surgery in Melbourne with Dr Rodrigo Teixeira (FRACS), Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Also known as cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty, this procedure refines the contour of the neck and jawline by tightening underlying muscles, removing skin excess, and restoring structure lost through ageing, genetics, or changes in weight.
When a Neck Lift May Be Considered?
A neck lift, also known as cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty, may be considered by individuals concerned about loose skin, vertical neck bands, or fullness under the chin that softens the jawline. These changes may develop gradually due to ageing, genetics, or fluctuations in weight, and can affect facial harmony and profile balance.
Some people seek treatment to address hereditary traits or structural imbalances such as a short jawline, underdeveloped chin, or prominent submental fullness, which may exaggerate neck heaviness at a younger age. Others notice that skin laxity, platysma muscle separation, or excess fat have created a “double chin” or blurred the neck–jaw definition.
A neck lift restores support and contour by tightening underlying muscles, redistributing or removing excess tissue, and improving the cervico-mental angle, the transition between the chin and neck.
Learn more about Dr Rodrigo Teixeira and his approach to plastic surgery and patient care.
Neck Lift Surgery Techniques
Neck lift surgery is tailored to each person’s anatomy, degree of laxity, and treatment goals. It aims to refine the contour of the neck and jawline by addressing changes in skin, muscle, and deeper structural layers that develop over time.
Platysmaplasty (Muscle Tightening)
The platysma is a thin, broad muscle extending from the jawline to the collarbone. With ageing, it may loosen or separate in the midline, creating vertical neck bands and loss of definition.
A platysmaplasty repositions or tightens the muscle to restore support and smooth the neck contour. When the separation is significant, a midline corset platysmaplasty is performed through a small incision under the chin.
Submental Contouring (Under-Chin Sculpting)
Excess fat beneath the chin may be managed with liposuction if the skin retains good elasticity, or with direct contouring for deeper fat deposits or muscle laxity. This step helps define the jawline and cervico-mental angle, often improving the appearance of the lower face.
Submandibular Gland and Digastric Muscle Management
Neck fullness is not always due to fat or skin excess — in some patients, prominent submandibular glands or enlarged digastric muscles contribute to the appearance. These structures are assessed during surgical planning and refined when appropriate to achieve a balanced, natural definition.
Skin Redraping and Combined Neck and Face Lift
After deeper structures are corrected, the skin is gently redraped and excess removed with minimal tension. Incisions are placed around the ear and under the chin where possible. In many cases, a neck lift is combined with a facelift to address both lower face and neck laxity, maintaining proportional rejuvenation across all regions.
Dr Teixeira’s Surgical Approach to Neck Lift Surgery
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with experience in neck contouring procedures. His approach to neck lift surgery combines a structural understanding of anatomy with a patient-centred philosophy focused on achieving balance between the neck, jawline, and lower face. Each procedure is individually planned, considering the degree of muscle laxity, skin quality, fat distribution, and skeletal support to create results that look refined yet natural.
A structural approach through submental contouring and platysma management forms the foundation of his technique. When indicated, this is combined with an extended deep plane facelift, allowing the lower face and neck to be rejuvenated together for stronger support and longer-lasting results.
In the deep-plane approach, the platysma muscle is released and repositioned to restore tone and contour without surface tightness. By focusing on deeper support rather than superficial skin tightening, Dr Teixeira aims to achieve a smoother and defined neckline that is durable, and maintains the patient’s individual anatomy and expression.
Neck Lift Surgery Risks and Considerations
Like all surgical procedures, neck lift surgery carries potential risks and side effects. These vary depending on your anatomy, overall health, and the technique used. Understanding possible effects before surgery is an important part of informed decision-making.
Common or temporary effects may include swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, tightness, or temporary numbness around the neck and jawline. These changes are part of the normal healing process and generally improve over the first few weeks as tissues recover.
Less common complications may include infection, delayed wound healing, bleeding (haematoma), raised or thickened scarring, irregular skin contour or asymmetry, and temporary or, rarely, persistent nerve weakness. Infrequently, a salivary gland leak or fluid collection may occur.
All potential risks, benefits, and limitations are discussed in detail during consultation. Written information and follow-up support are provided to support your recovery under the care of Dr Teixeira and his team.
Neck Lift – What to Expect From Initial Consultation to Recovery
Consultation
Your first consultation includes a detailed assessment of your neck anatomy, skin quality, and desired goals. Dr Rodrigo Teixeira will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and outline suitable options for surgical or non-surgical management. A personalised treatment plan is developed based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.
In accordance with AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery, two consultations are required before proceeding, with a mandatory cooling-off period after the second appointment. To learn more about what’s involved, visit our consultation process page.
Day of Surgery
Neck lift surgery is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. The procedure usually takes two hours, depending on the complexity and whether it is combined with a facelift. You will be monitored in recovery before discharge, and written post-operative instructions are provided.
As the anaesthetic wears off, you may feel tightness, fullness, or mild pressure around the neck, which typically settles with prescribed medication and supportive care. A light compression garment is often used to help reduce swelling and maintain contour.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initial recovery takes about two to four weeks, during which swelling, bruising, and mild stiffness are expected. Most patients return to light activities within two weeks, though full recovery and the settling of tissues can take several months. Sleeping with your head elevated, avoiding strenuous movement, and following wound care instructions support optimal healing.
Follow-up appointments with Dr Teixeira and his team are scheduled to review progress and provide ongoing guidance. Written aftercare information and contact details are provided before surgery to ensure comprehensive support during recovery.
Our Melbourne Clinic
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira’s practice is based in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne, within a purpose-designed clinic that provides a calm, private, and professional environment for surgical consultations and follow-up care. The clinic is equipped with facilities that support detailed facial assessment, digital imaging, and ongoing postoperative review, ensuring patient comfort and privacy at every stage.
To learn more or arrange your neck lift in Melbourne, please obtain a referral from your general practitioner and contact our clinic to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Costs vary depending on the surgical approach, anaesthesia, and hospital fees. A detailed, personalised estimate is provided after consultation once your surgical plan has been confirmed.
Less invasive surgical options may include limited-incision techniques or submental liposuction for patients with good skin elasticity. Suitability depends on anatomy, skin tone, and the degree of muscle laxity.
Surgery typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is combined with a facelift or submental contouring.
Most patients return to light activities within two weeks, with swelling and bruising improving over several weeks. Complete recovery and tissue settling may take several months.
A light compression garment may be recommended for two weeks to help control swelling and support the new contour during early healing.
Discomfort is generally mild to moderate and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe a feeling of tightness rather than pain, which gradually improves as tissues settle.
Results are long-lasting, but the ageing process continues naturally. Maintaining a stable weight, healthy skin, and sun protection can help preserve results.
Yes. A neck lift is often combined with a facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Combined planning ensures proportional, natural results.
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