Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

If you have isolated neck concerns (fat, bands) without significant jowling or midface sagging, standalone neck lift may suffice. However, most patients with neck aging also have lower face aging—combined procedures provide better, more harmonious results. Standalone neck lift is optimal for patients aged 40-60 with isolated neck concerns. Your surgeon will recommend based on your specific anatomy.

Platysmal bands are the vertical cords visible in the neck when straining or at rest. They're caused by the edges of the platysma muscle becoming prominent with age. Treatment involves tightening the muscle edges together using corset platysmaplasty technique, and sometimes partially cutting the muscle (platysmal myotomy). Results for band correction are typically excellent.

Results typically last 5-10 years, though this varies based on skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. Aging continues after surgery, but you'll always look better than if you hadn't had the procedure. Weight stability, sun protection, and not smoking help preserve results. Neck correction shows approximately 69% partial relapse at 5.5 years and often requires ongoing maintenance.

Yes, neck lift often includes liposuction of submental fat to address double chin. However, if your primary concern is submental fat without loose skin, you might be a candidate for liposuction alone or non-surgical options (such as Kybella). Consultation will determine the best approach based on your anatomy.

Discomfort is moderate and well-managed with oral pain medication. Most patients describe tightness and discomfort rather than severe pain. Wearing the compression garment can feel restrictive but helps with comfort and results. Pain typically peaks at day 2-3 and improves significantly by week 1.

Botox can temporarily soften platysmal bands (3-4 months duration), and some fillers can improve jawline contour. However, these non-surgical options cannot address loose skin, significant fat deposits, or major muscle laxity. They're maintenance tools, not replacements for surgical neck lift.

The great auricular nerve is the most commonly injured nerve during neck lift procedures, with incidence as high as 7%. This typically presents as numbness of the earlobe and surrounding area. Sensation often returns partially or fully over time. The marginal mandibular nerve (motor nerve affecting smile) has lower injury rate at 0.5-2.6%.

Approximate price ranges include $5,000-$8,000 at Bumrungrad, approximately ฿282,000 (~$8,000) for face and neck lift at Bangkok Hospital, ฿136,000 (~$4,000) for standalone neck lift or ฿165,000 (~$4,800) for mid-facelift at Yanhee, and $4,500-$6,500 at Kamol Hospital. These are estimates only and vary based on individual clinical assessment, technique, and combined procedures. Contact hospitals directly for personalized quotes.

Absolute contraindications include active smoking (must quit 4+ weeks before), uncontrolled hypertension, bleeding disorders, active infection, and unrealistic expectations. Relative contraindications include very poor skin elasticity, significant jowling (needs facelift too), short neck anatomy, low hyoid bone position, previous extensive neck surgery, psychiatric conditions (body dysmorphic disorder), patients on isotretinoin, and significant midfacial ptosis.

An aesthetically youthful neck demonstrates superior/posterior hyoid positioning. A low or anterior hyoid bone position is a relative contraindication because it limits how much improvement can be achieved—the neck may appear blunted even after excellent surgical technique. Your surgeon will evaluate hyoid position during consultation.