A neck lift is a very individualised procedure, and the outcome will be different for everyone. That is why before you make any decisions you will have a consultation with Dr Hunt to discuss your needs and goals for the surgery.

During this consultation, Dr Hunt will evaluate your general health as well as your neck and face, including the skin, muscle, fat, and underlying bone. He will explain the factors that can influence the outcome of your surgery, and photographs will be taken for your medical record.

After the consultation, Dr Hunt's assistant will prepare a quote that will include your surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees. It is not unusual to combine a neck lift with other facial surgery to achieve the result you want.

A neck lift is performed under a general anaesthetic, given by an anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital, so you are assured of the best care.

There are a number of different procedures that may be needed to achieve the best results from a neck lift. Dr Hunt will explain all the procedures that you require.

• Liposuction. If you have excess fat in the neck area, Dr Hunt will make a small incision below you chin to remove it
• Cervicoplasty. This procedure removes excess skin. Incisions are made behind the ears or under the chin
• Platysmaplasty. If you have drooping skin at the front of you neck (turkey-wattle neck) caused by loose muscles, this procedure will tighten those muscles.

The length of the procedure will depend on the extent of the surgery required. Liposuction alone takes approximately 60 minutes, while cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty may take 120–180minutes.

After the surgery you will stay in hospital overnight for observation and to ensure you have adequate pain relief. You will be most uncomfortable in the first 24 hours after surgery.

When you are discharged you will be given a prescription for pain medication, which will minimise your discomfort.

When you get home you should rest in bed for the remainder of the day. Moving about too much in the first 48 hours, may cause bleeding, and will also increase your pain.

You should take only the pain medication prescribed, and eat before you take it or it might upset your stomach.

Make sure you get plenty of fluids.

You will return to see Dr Hunt at some stage in the first week after surgery. All sutures will be removed about 7 days after surgery.

You will have follow-up visits at:

• 6 weeks
• 6 months
• 12 months.

It is essential that you attend all your follow-up visits. 

You should plan on taking 10 to 14 days off work.

You should plan on minimal activity for at least 48 hours after surgery.

No increase in your heart rate above 100 beats per minute is allowed in the first 3 weeks after surgery. You may experience some bruising and swelling for 7 to 10 days after surgery.

You must sleep with your head elevated on 2 pillows for 7 to 10 days after surgery – this helps decrease the amount of swelling. Cold packs can also reduce the swelling and discomfort.

• You will be able to wash your face and take care of your incisions 2 days after surgery.
• You will be able to wash your hair 3 days after surgery.

You will see the final result in approximately 6 weeks.