Neck lift

What is Neck lift?

A neck lift is an aesthetic surgery operation that removes excess skin and tightens it around the jaw line, creating a more defined, sharper-looking and youthful neck. Necklifts are also known as neck rejuvenations. Results can be long-lasting. Neck lift surgery can't stop the aging process, but it can reduce signs of aging. It's often done as part of a facelift or in some cases it can be done as an isolated procedure.

Key points

Duration of the surgery

1,5- 3,5 hours

Anaesthesia

General

Recovery period

2-3 weeks

Clinic stay

1 overnight stay

Risks

Risks involved with neck lift surgery might include:

• Bleeding under the skin, called a hematoma.

• Scarring.

• Infection.

• Nerve injury.

• Skin loss or necrosis.

• Wound dehiscence.

Food and medications

You will need to stop taking HRT, estrogen-based contraception, aspirin or other blood-thinning medications several weeks before surgery. These can include warfarin (Jantoven), heparin and other medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and some of food supliments such as ginger, garlic.

Other precautions

Smoking tobacco or vaping dramatically increases the risk of skin necrosis and scarring, and poor wound healing. It also slows recovery. So I will ask you to stop smoking or vaping 8 weeks before having a neck lift.

You should also arrange for a safe ride home after surgery and for someone to stay with you the first night after the procedure and take care of you. This will be more pleasant and safer for you.

What you can expect

Before the procedure

Before having a neck lift, I will evaluate your health and discuss surgical goals and expectations. Then we will decide on the surgical technique or method that suits you the best. You may want to add some additional procedures — such as a facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing — to give you more combined and even better results that you are looking for.

Your face will be examined and assessed. I will take some photographs for documentation before the surgery.

During the procedure

A neck lift is most often done under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep.

There are several methods that can be used. The method used depends on your anatomy, your skin's flexibility and your goals.

One of the necklift methods is called an anterior approach neck lift. A small incision under the chin is made. The incision makes it possible to view the most important tissues that shape the neck, the platysma muscle, the digastricus muscle, the submandibular glands, etc. The structures then tightened in a way that looks more pleasing and more contoured neck.

The second method is called an extended neck lift. This is usually combined with a facelift. An extended neck lift involves an incision under the chin and one in front of the ear and along the hairline. These incisions let me work on the deep structural tissues like the platysma and the SMAS layer of the lower face and neck. Excess skin is removed too.

The third option, for someone with a large amount of excess skin and platysma, is direct removal. The procedure is called Z-plasty. This method usually works well for older people.

We will discuss the type of surgery that is best for your situation. The type of surgery depends on several factors, including your desired outcome and the cause of your dissatisfaction with your neck.

After the procedure

After a neck lift, you'll have swelling and bruising.

You might need to wear a special garment that compresses the neck and helps reduce swelling. You need to keep your head elevated above the heart when you sleep. Should avoid twisting or bending your neck.

Results

It might take several weeks to months for swelling and bruising to disappear after surgery. It may take up to a year for the incision lines to fade. In the meantime, be careful to protect the skin from the sun. Wearing sunscreen is important.

Neck Lift FAQs by Plastic Surgeon Žygimantas Mačys

01 | Will the scars be visible?

All surgery leaves permanent scars, but I take great care to place neck lift scars in naturally hidden areas. Once they fade, they are usually not noticeable to others—though hairdressers tend to be the most likely to spot them!

02 | What's involved in neck lift surgery?

Neck lift surgery generally takes two to three hours. It can be performed under local anaesthetic, although I would reccomend general anaesthetic for your comfort.

Your operation will depend on your neck concerns and the results you’re aiming for.

• If excess neck fat is the main issue, neck liposuction may be sufficient. Neck liposuction uses a fine hollow tube (cannula) to remove unwanted fat through tiny incisions.

• If you require more comprehensive improvement, I may remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying neck muscles for a more refined contour.

Both approaches involve very small incisions placed behind the ears and beneath the chin. These scars are permanent but will fade over time. If you choose our neck lift surgery in Manchester or neck tuck services, we will carefully position your incisions to keep scarring as discreet as possible.

03 | I intend to try to lose weight, will this affect my surgery?

If you’re planning to lose weight, it’s generally best to delay your neck lift surgery. You don’t need to reach your exact goal weight first, but having your surgery planned can often help motivate healthy weight loss before the procedure.

04 | How can I care for my skin after a neck tuck?

After your neck tuck, we’ll provide personalised guidance on the best way to care for your skin. I offer several professional skin care regimes, and we’ll review these options with you during your pre-operative consultation.

05 | When will I be able to shave after a neck lift?

We usually recommend avoiding shaving for the first week. This helps conceal early scars and prevents the razor from irritating your stitches. After a week, you can resume shaving normally, although keeping a light beard temporarily can help camouflage the early healing stage.

06 | Am I suitable for facelift & necklift surgery?

Facelift & necklift surgery can be suitable for both men and women who want to address signs of ageing or sagging skin after weight loss. Concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, sagging neck skin, plastysmal bands, or a ‘double chin’ can all be improved with facelift or necklift surgery. If you are over 35, generally healthy, not overweight, and a non-smoker, you are likely to be a good candidate. Liposuction may be appropriate if excess fat or a ‘double chin’ is your main concern. Your consultation will determine whether facelift/necklift or liposuction surgery is the right choice for you.

07 | When will I be able to see my results?

Face & neck rejuvenation surgery provides immediate visible improvement, but swelling and bruising typically take up to 4 weeks to settle. In some cases, bruising can last a little longer before fading completely. Most patients begin to see clearer results at around 6 weeks. Scars may appear red initially, but will improve significantly over time.

09 | What are the risks/complications?

Most patients are very pleased with the outcome of their face and neck rejuvenation surgery, but all facelift & necklift surgery carries some risks. Scar quality varies by technique and will be discussed during consultation. Possible complications include infection, bleeding/haematoma, wound healing problems, and unfavourable results such as asymmetry or under-/over-correction. Temporary hair loss near scars and temporary nerve effects such as numbness or facial weakness can also occur. Permanent nerve damage is rare, but it is important to choose a trained surgeon to minimise risks.

11 | What will the aftercare involve?

I provide comprehensive aftercare following your surgery. You will receive contact details for any concerns and you should have someone with you for the first 48 hours. A bandage or facial garment may be required, and most sutures are removed at your 5–7 day post-operative appointment. The wounds are checked for healing. A full review with me will be at around 6 weeks ensures that your results are progressing well and that you receive long-term aftercare guidance.

10 | How long is the recovery time?

Recovery time varies, but most people improve significantly within 7 to 14 days. You will need to keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, and you may have a small drain temporarily in place. Many patients take around 2-3 weeks off work, depending on their job and personal healing speed. Full results typically appear at around - 8 weeks, though this differs from person to person.

08 | How long will the effects of a neck lift last?

Results vary by individual, but the effects of a neck lift typically last around 10–15 years. Even as you continue to age naturally, you will still look more refreshed than if you had never undergone the procedure.

Considering Neck Lift in Manchester, UK?

Book your free consultation with me at Transform Clinic.