Neck Lift

Who does it?
Plastic Surgeon
Face Surgeon

What is a Neck Lift?
Often performed in combination with a facelift, a neck lift is a surgical procedure to tighten sagging skin on the neck and remove fatty deposits from the neck, jaw line and jowls.

The muscles of the neck slacken with age, which can lead to the sagging ‘turkey neck’ look. A neck lift can reverse this. There is a non-surgical alternative to the neck lift, which can be achieved using Muscle Relaxing Injections, however this is really more suited for younger patients, whose skin has more elasticity.

Who is suitable for a Neck Lift?
You’d need to undergo a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon to ascertain whether you’re a candidate.

As a general rule, neck lifts are more suited to those aged 45 and over, whose platysmal muscles have started to weaken, and whose skin is slack. However, some younger people develop fatty, sagging tissues in their neck for genetic reasons.
If you’re not quite ready for a full neck lift, but past the stage when muscle relaxing injections will help, then you might want to consider a Thread Lift, which offers a slightly less invasive alternative.

What’s a Neck Lift like?
There are a number of different techniques for neck lifting, which your surgeon may discuss with you. Usually the procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about three hours.
An incision will be made on either side of your face, from just in front of the ear, running back into the hair line. In some cases a small incision underneath the chin may also be necessary.
The skin and fat is separated from the muscle, which is then tightened and secured. Any excess fat is then removed, the skin tightened and any excess cut away. The incisions will be closed, usually with dissolvable stitches.
In some instances Liposuction might be used to further improve the contour of the jaw line.

What happens after a Neck Lift?You might experience some bruising, swelling and numbness for about three weeks post surgery. Some patients experience discomfort, but this is easily treated with pain killers.

You should be able to return to work after a fortnight, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks.

You can expect the results of a neck lift to last for about ten years, but although it can reverse the damage that’s already been done, it can’t halt the ageing process itself, so you may need further surgery in future.

Will I have a scar?
Yes, but it is easily hidden by your hair.