Platysmaplasty

A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and the area beneath the chin, creating a smoother, more defined and youthful-looking contour.

While facial skincare has long been an essential part of most beauty routines, the neck is often overlooked — even though it can be one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. The skin in this area is relatively thin and prone to developing laxity, wrinkles and other age-related changes.

The procedure takes its name from the platysma — a thin, flat, sheet-like muscle located just beneath the skin and extending from the upper chest and collarbone area to the lower jaw and lower face.

With age — and depending on individual anatomy — the platysma can gradually lose tone, become lax and separate along the midline, contributing to visible neck bands, sagging and loss of definition.

Platysmaplasty is designed to correct these changes by tightening and repositioning the platysma, helping restore a smoother neck contour and a more defined jawline.

A neck lift (platysmaplasty) in Cyprus may include:

• tightening and redraping of the skin;
• tightening and repositioning of the platysma muscle;
• removal of localized excess fat, when necessary.

The procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and may address loose skin, excess fat and laxity of the platysma muscle.

The result is a firmer, smoother neck, a more defined cervicomental angle, and an improved overall profile.

Yurchenko Team brings together plastic surgeons with focused areas of specialization. Platysmaplasty is performed by a surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck, with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of this delicate area. This focused expertise allows for precise surgical planning and helps achieve a balanced, harmonious and natural-looking result, including in more complex cases.

Every neck lift is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, tissue characteristics and aesthetic goals. The surgical approach is selected accordingly, as neck lift techniques can vary significantly depending on the degree of skin laxity, excess fat and muscle changes.

Modern surgical techniques, established medical protocols and advanced equipment are used throughout treatment to ensure a high standard of precision and patient safety.

Types of Neck Lift

Aesthetic surgery offers several approaches to correcting age-related changes in the neck. The most appropriate technique is selected according to the patient’s anatomy, degree of platysma laxity, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.

• Medial platysmaplasty focuses on the central portion of the platysma. The medial edges of the muscle are tightened and brought together to correct laxity and platysmal banding, helping create a sharper, more defined neck and chin contour.
• Lateral platysmaplasty addresses laxity along the sides of the neck. The platysma is repositioned and secured laterally, improving support of the neck and enhancing definition along the jawline and lower face.
• Combined platysmaplasty incorporates both medial and lateral techniques to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation of the neck and lower face. This approach allows the surgeon to address different vectors of tissue laxity and achieve a balanced, well-defined and long-lasting result.

When clinically indicated, the procedure may be combined with submental liposuction or the removal of excess skin. The extent of surgery depends on the degree of skin laxity, excess fat and changes in the platysma muscle.

The surgical approach is always selected individually, based on the condition of the tissues, the patient’s anatomy and their aesthetic goals:

• Endoscopic platysmaplasty — a minimally invasive approach that may be suitable for patients with early signs of aging or mild to moderate tissue laxity. Endoscopic techniques allow the surgeon to work through smaller incisions while repositioning deeper tissues.
• Traditional platysmaplasty — a more comprehensive approach typically recommended for significant age-related changes, pronounced skin laxity, excess skin, and substantial weakening of the neck muscles. In these cases, the procedure may include platysma tightening, tissue repositioning and removal of excess skin to achieve a more defined neck and jawline.

Indications for Platysmaplasty

A neck lift (platysmaplasty) may be recommended to address a range of aesthetic concerns affecting the neck and jawline, including:

• deep neck wrinkles and horizontal lines, often referred to as “Venus rings”;
• loose or sagging skin, loss of firmness and elasticity;
• a double chin or localized fat deposits beneath the chin;
• loss of definition between the jawline and neck;
• reduced tone of the platysma muscle and visible platysmal banding.

Contraindications to Platysmaplasty

A neck lift is a surgical procedure and, like any elective surgery, has certain contraindications and limitations. It is not performed on patients under the age of 18. Surgery may also need to be postponed or cancelled in the following situations:

• acute illness or an exacerbation of a chronic medical condition;
• pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Elective cosmetic surgery is generally postponed during pregnancy, while overall health conditions that may increase the risks of anesthesia, impaired healing, bleeding, or other postoperative complications require individual assessment before a neck lift.

Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery

The process begins with an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon specializing in face and neck surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon assesses skin quality, the condition of the platysma muscle, and the patient’s individual anatomy before selecting the most appropriate surgical approach. The procedure itself, expected results, potential risks, and key aspects of recovery are also discussed in detail.

The next essential step is a preoperative medical assessment to ensure that surgery can be performed safely. This typically includes laboratory tests and a general health evaluation. Additional examinations may be recommended depending on the patient’s medical history and individual health status.

As the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, a consultation with an anesthesiologist is also required. Patients should provide a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements they regularly take.

Basic preparation guidelines include:

• stopping or adjusting medications and supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, as instructed by your surgeon, typically around two weeks before surgery;
• avoiding solid food for at least 6 hours before surgery; instructions regarding clear liquids should be followed according to the anesthesiologist’s protocol;
• bringing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that fastens at the front and does not need to be pulled over the head.

How Is Platysmaplasty Performed?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically involves several stages:

1. Surgical marking. The surgeon carefully marks the planned incision sites, usually within the natural crease beneath the chin and, when required, around or behind the ears.
2. Tissue correction. Through carefully placed incisions, the surgeon works with the underlying structures of the neck. The platysma muscle is tightened and repositioned to restore support and improve the neck contour. If necessary, excess fat is removed and loose skin is carefully trimmed. The tissues are then repositioned and secured to create a smooth, natural-looking contour. In some cases, temporary drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
3. Closure and support. The incisions are closed with fine sutures and covered with sterile dressings. A compression garment or bandage may be applied to support the tissues and help minimize postoperative swelling.

The procedure typically takes around 1.5–3 hours, depending on the extent of correction required. Most patients can gradually return to their usual daily routine within approximately 2–3 weeks, while the tissues continue to settle and the final result develops over the following several months.

Recovery After a Neck Lift

The recovery period plays an important role in achieving the best possible result after platysmaplasty. Carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions helps support proper healing, minimize complications, and optimize the final aesthetic outcome.

Swelling, a feeling of tightness, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort are normal during the early stages of recovery. These symptoms gradually subside as the tissues heal, with the most noticeable swelling and bruising generally improving during the first one to two weeks.

During the initial recovery period, patients may be instructed to wear a compression garment to support the operated area and help control swelling. The exact duration of compression should be determined individually by the surgeon. Regular postoperative check-ups and dressing changes are also required until the incisions have healed and any non-dissolvable sutures have been removed. A course of microcurrent therapy may also be included in the individual postoperative recovery program.

During the recovery period, patients should temporarily avoid:

• sunbathing, tanning beds, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and excessive heat in general;
• baths, swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms for approximately 4 weeks;
• alcohol for the first 2 weeks, including the period of postoperative antibiotic treatment;
• strenuous physical activity and exercise for up to 1 month.

Protecting the operated area from the sun and temporarily limiting strenuous activity are important parts of recovery after a neck lift. The exact timing for returning to exercise, swimming, and other activities should always be determined by the surgeon based on individual healing progress.

Carefully following these recommendations helps minimize postoperative risks, support proper healing, and achieve a stable, long-lasting aesthetic result.

Possible Complications

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries certain risks. Although complications are uncommon, potential risks may include:

• infection or inflammation;
• bleeding or blood clots;
• seroma (fluid accumulation) or hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin);
• temporary firmness or areas of induration beneath the skin;
• temporary numbness or changes in sensation in the neck area;
• in rare cases, delayed wound healing or unfavorable scarring.

Thorough preoperative assessment, adherence to established surgical protocols, and careful postoperative monitoring help minimize the risk of complications.

How Long Do the Results of Platysmaplasty Last?

The first visible improvements usually become noticeable within a few weeks, once the initial swelling begins to subside. The aesthetic result can generally be assessed more clearly after approximately one month, while the tissues may continue to settle and refine over the following 3–4 months.

Platysmaplasty provides long-lasting results that may remain noticeable for 7–8 years or even longer, depending on individual anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, and the natural aging process. Following your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations is also important for achieving and maintaining the best possible outcome.

It is important to understand that no surgical procedure can stop the natural aging process completely. To help maintain the result over time, additional non-surgical treatments may be recommended, including energy-based procedures, injectable treatments, and a consistent skincare routine.

Maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, following a balanced diet with adequate protein intake, and staying properly hydrated can also support skin quality and help preserve the results of surgery.

Why Choose Yurchenko Team?

Yurchenko Team is a team of plastic surgery professionals built around meticulous surgical planning and the focused specialization of each surgeon. Our goal is to achieve harmonious, safe, and naturally looking rejuvenation tailored to each patient.

Neck lift procedures in Cyprus are performed by Yurchenko Team surgeons specializing specifically in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck. Advanced surgical techniques and modern medical technology allow our surgeons to work with delicate anatomical areas and manage complex cases with precision.

Every procedure is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, tissue characteristics, aesthetic goals, and overall health, while following high standards of surgical safety.

Consultations and procedures are available at several locations — Limassol, Kyiv — allowing patients to choose the location that best suits their needs.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?

The cost of a neck lift and other plastic surgery procedures varies depending on the location where the surgery is performed. Current prices are available in our price list