Necklift

A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty or neck and chin lift, is a surgical procedure to lift and tighten your neck and jawline, giving you a younger, more defined appearance. As part of the ageing process, your skin can lose elasticity causing the loose skin around your neck to wrinkle and sag and resulting in visible neck bands (vertical lines in your neck). You may decide to have a neck lift if you are unhappy or self-conscious about your neck, either because you have never liked the way your neck looks or if the appearance of your neck has changed due to ageing, or sudden weight loss.

What is a Nefertiti neck lift?

A Nefertiti neck lift is a non-surgical option that uses Botox injections to relax your neck muscles and lift your jawline, creating a more defined jawline and a younger appearance. During the procedure, you are given Botox injections along your neck and lower jawline to relax the muscles which causes the opposing muscles to tighten the area. A Nefertiti neck lift can help smooth wrinkles, reduce the appearance of jowls and sagging skin and improve the definition of your jawline.

The cost of neck lift surgery depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

A neck lift can reduce sagging, wrinkles and excess skin around your neck area, giving you a more defined, smooth and youthful appearance.

A neck lift works by:

• Removing excess skin and fat from your neck and jawline to reduce wrinkles and folds and create a more defined appearance. 
• Tightening the underlying muscles that run from your jaw to your chest to create a tauter, smoother neck and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and neck bands.
  
  

Does a neck lift help jowls?

A neck lift is an ideal procedure to improve the appearance of jowls and can help lift jowls by removing excess fat and loose skin and tightening the muscles in your neck and jawline. If your jowls are severe, your consultant may recommend combining a neck lift with a lower facelift or another procedure to achieve the best results.

Depending on the results you want to achieve, your consultant may recommend an alternative procedure to tighten or improve the appearance of your skin, reduce wrinkles or remove excess fat. For example, if you want to reduce wrinkles, Botox injections may be sufficient, if you want to improve the appearance of your skin, you may opt for treatments such as dermal fillers or Ultherapy and if you want to correct sagging and wrinkles in the upper part of your face, a browlift may be a more suitable procedure.

Some alternatives to neck lift surgery include:

• Facelift surgery
• Liposuction 
• Botox injections: relax the muscles in the neck and reduce or eliminate vertical neck bands. 
• Kybella Injections: dissolves fat cells under your chin improving the shape and definition of your neck and jaw. 
• Thread Lifts: use sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin in your face and neck.
• Ultherapy: uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen production tightening and lifting the skin on your face and neck. 
• Dermal Fillers: are injections that add volume to improve your skin texture and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
  

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant plastic or cosmetic surgeon, a doctor specialising in performing cosmetic procedures. Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. At your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your reasons for wanting to have a neck lift and what you hope to achieve from the surgery. They will also ask you about your general health, medical history and any medications you take regularly.

Your consultant will perform a physical examination to assess your skin and facial structure. They may take photos of your face and neck from different angles.

At your first consultation, your consultant will spend time getting to know you and encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment. It may be a good idea to write down any questions you have before your consultation, so you don’t forget anything.

You may want to ask about:

• Your surgeon's qualifications and experience with neck lift surgery
• Whether a neck lift is a suitable procedure for you
• The different types of neck lift procedures and which is most suitable for you 
• What kind of result you can expect from neck lift surgery
• The type of anaesthetic that will be used 
• How many nights you will need to stay in hospital
• The potential risks and complications of the surgery
• The recovery process and how long it will take to fully heal 
• Will there be any noticeable scarring? 
• Are there any other options besides surgery?
  
  

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if neck lift surgery is a suitable procedure for you based on your general health, the appearance of your neck and chin, and your expectations for treatment. They will explain the procedure to you in detail including what happens during the surgery, any possible risks or complications and what to expect during your recovery.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your neck lift surgery. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter.

If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

Pre-operative assessment 

Around a week or two before your surgery, you may need to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment to make sure you are fit for surgery. Take any medication you take regularly with you to your appointment. At the preoperative assessment, we will check your weight and blood pressure and order tests such as a blood test, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate your general health.

Optimise your general health

It's important to be in the best possible health before your neck lift surgery as this will allow your procedure to go as smoothly as possible, speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any complications after your surgery.

To ensure you are as healthy as possible before your surgery:

• Stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. Smoking increases the risk of complications such as breathing difficulties and infection and can impair wound healing. Your consultant can offer you advice and support with quitting smoking before your surgery.  
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet.
• Take regular exercise.
• Avoid alcohol for a few days before your surgery. Alcohol thins your blood and can increase the risk of bleeding during your operation.

Regular medications 

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners for a few days before your surgery. This is to minimise the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure.

Preparing for your recovery

 You’ll likely feel quite bruised and sore for a few days after your neck lift surgery and will need to rest at home. Make sure you have a quiet space to rest during your recovery and arrange care for any children or pets. It’s a good idea to stock up on food and prepare some meals in advance that you can heat up during your recovery. You’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 to 72 hours after your operation.

Before your surgery, you’ll need to sign a consent form to say that you agree to have the procedure and are aware of what it entails and the possible risks and complications of the surgery.

What happens during your neck lift surgery may vary depending on your consultant’s technique, your individual anatomy and the type of neck lift surgery you are having.

There are two main types of neck lift:

• Traditional neck lift: is a procedure to correct extensive sagging and wrinkles in the neck area by removing any excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. 
• Mini neck lift: is a less-invasive option that uses smaller incisions and focuses more on specific areas like the jowls and jawline.

Neck lift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep for the procedure. In some cases, you may be given a local anaesthetic and sedation where you’ll be awake but will feel relaxed and sleepy and won’t feel any pain. Your consultant will discuss the type of anaesthesia you’ll receive before your neck lift surgery. Traditional neck lift surgery normally takes between three and four hours and a mini neck lift usually takes between one and two hours.

During neck lift surgery:

1. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your consultant will make small incisions (cuts) behind your ears and under your chin to access the underlying (platysma) muscle.
2. The muscles are tightened using sutures or other techniques. 
3. Excess fat is removed using liposuction or direct excision. 
4. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is carefully repositioned over the tightened muscles. 
5. The incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives and a compression bandage is applied.

Recovering from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone, and recovering from neck lift surgery depends on several factors including your age, general health, the type of procedure you had and your individual recovery process. You can help your recovery to go more smoothly by being as well informed as possible about your surgery and recovery, taking things at your own pace and following your consultant’s post-operative instructions carefully. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.

After your neck lift surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will then be taken to your room.

You will likely have some pain and discomfort for the first few days after your surgery. Your healthcare team will give you medication to manage this. Your neck will feel tight, and you may have some numbness, swelling and bruising. This will improve over the next few weeks. You’ll have a compression bandage around your neck and head after your neck lift surgery. This is to reduce swelling, minimise bruising and ensure the best results after your surgery. You will need to wear the compression bandage for between one and three weeks after your neck lift surgery.

You’ll need to spend at least one night in hospital after your neck lift surgery. You won’t be able to drive yourself home from the hospital so please arrange for someone to collect you once you are discharged.

Recovering at home

It’s important to rest at home for the first week after your neck surgery. Avoid moving your neck too much and apply ice packs regularly to help reduce the swelling. You may need to sleep in an upright position to help reduce swelling for the first few nights after your surgery.

Wear loose comfortable clothing that you don’t pull over your head. You’ll need someone to stay with you for the first day or two after you arrive home and help with tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping and driving for the first week or two. You can start driving when you can safely control your vehicle and perform an emergency stop. This is usually around two weeks after your surgery.

We recommend taking at least two weeks off work after neck lift surgery. You can gradually return to normal activities over the next few weeks but avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least the first three weeks, or until your consultant says it’s safe to do so.

How long does it take to fully recover from neck lift surgery? 

Most pain, swelling and bruising will be resolved within two weeks, and you will gradually be able to resume normal activities over the next week or two after your surgery. You may continue to have some swelling for several months after your surgery, and it may be around six months before you can see the finished result.

Neck lift surgery is a generally safe procedure, but as with any type of surgery, there is a small risk that complications can occur.

Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of neck lift surgery before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you are fully informed about any possible risks and complications before your procedure and are able to make an informed decision. You can help minimise the risk of complications by following your consultant’s postoperative instructions carefully and attending all your follow-up appointments. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.

Possible complications of any type of surgery include:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Wound infection
• Damage to nearby structures
• Chest infection

Possible complications specific to neck lift surgery include:

• Haematoma (bleeding under the skin)
• Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring (most scars are hidden beneath your hairline)
• Necrosis (lack of blood supply to the tissues causing tissue death)
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation (this is usually temporary, but may be permanent)
• Dissatisfaction with the result
• Changes in the result over time due to ageing or weight changes

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you 
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs 
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs 
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard 
• A range of delicious healthy meals 
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included 
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about neck lift surgery, book your appointment online or call a member of our team today. 

Neck Lift - Johns Hopkins Medicine

Neck Lift - Mayo Clinic

Facelift and Necklift - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAS)

Neck Lift - American Society for Dermatologic Surgery