Neck Lifts: Procedure, Results and Recovery
A neck lift, known medically as a platysmaplasty, is a procedure to reduce the signs of ageing and excess skin and fat around the neck. By reshaping the neck and jawline and addressing wrinkling and creasing, it is possible to rejuvenate the area, add definition and create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
The neck area can be a common source of insecurity for many people as they age. Over time, gravity causes the skin and muscles to sag, which can lead to a loss of definition that changes the shape of the face. Fortunately, neck tightening can have impressive and long-lasting results (around 10 years), and can be performed in conjunction with complementary procedures such as a traditional or mini facelift.
Here we discuss everything you need to know if you want to get rid of a saggy neck, from what the neck lift procedure involves to the results you can expect and the recovery process.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure to rejuvenate the area below your chin and above your collarbone. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove extra skin and fat from the neck area to address what is sometimes called a turkey neck.
They will also tighten the platysma muscle, which is a thin muscle that runs from the upper chest and attaches to the skin around the lower jawbone. Your surgeon can also remove the bands of skin, lines and wrinkles that form around the neck area.
Neck tightening surgery can be performed in several ways, and liposuction may be included as part of the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate treatment during your consultation. The procedure typically takes one to three hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Who is a neck lift suitable for?
The neck is commonly one of the first areas to show signs of ageing because the skin is thinner and more delicate than many other parts of the body. The skin starts to lose its elasticity, which can visibly affect the neck area from the age of around 40 onwards, causing skin sag, lines and wrinkles. Those who have lost a lot of weight quickly can also be affected by loose skin, often in the form of a turkey neck or a double chin.
If you are unhappy about the appearance of your neck or jaw for any of the following reasons, a neck tightening procedure could be something to consider.
- Sagging skin – Remove mild to moderate sagging and improve the appearance of the neck and jowls.
- Excess fat and skin – Remove excess skin and improve the contours of the neck and jawline through the removal or redistribution of fat.
- Double chin – Reduce the appearance of a double chin, although double chin surgery may be more appropriate if it’s your primary concern
- Neck bands – Improve the appearance of the vertical and horizontal lines that become noticeable with age.
- Ageing – Improve the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, lines and sagging skin
- Weight loss – Remove the loose skin you can be left with when you lose a lot of weight quickly.
What happens during a neck lift procedure?
The first step in the neck lift procedure is for the anaesthesia to be administered. Neck tightening procedures can sometimes be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation rather than general anaesthetic, but that will depend on the extent of your particular treatment.
The surgeon will then make an incision under the chin so they can access the tissue and muscles and lift the sagging structures. They may also make an incision behind the ear to achieve the desired result.
Through these incisions, the surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying neck muscles so they can remove excessive skin and tighten the platysma muscle. They may also perform liposuction to remove fat and contour the neck. They then redrape the skin over the uplifted structures and trim away the excess before stitching up the incisions. They’ll then apply a pressure dressing that you’ll usually have to wear for at least the first 24 hours.
The neck lift recovery – day by day
If you want to get rid of a saggy neck and are considering a neck tightening procedure, it’s important you have an accurate idea of what the recovery process will look like.
Immediately after the procedure
After the operation, the surgeon will apply a pressure dressing that you’ll usually wear for the first day or two. A neck lift is typically an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to go home the same day. You may be monitored overnight if the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. You will be propped up in bed to control the swelling and bruising and your neck will likely feel tight and stiff.
The first few days
It’s very normal to experience bruising, swelling, tightness and numbness in the first few days after the surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on the steps you can take to minimise the swelling and discomfort and your pain will be managed with appropriate medication. You should get plenty of rest during this time to let your body recover, keep your head elevated while you sleep and avoid turning at the neck.
The first two weeks
Your surgeon, or nurse, will remove the stitches after about a week. The swelling and discomfort will have improved but you must still take it easy. You may need help from friends and family to run errands and with tasks such as cooking, shopping and cleaning. You will usually be ready to return to work and resume light daily activities after around two weeks.
After a month
By now, you will have resumed daily activities but should still avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and any unnecessary neck movements. You should start to feel the sensation returning to your neck. The new contours of your neck will now be visible but it can take up to three months for the swelling to subside completely.
What’s the difference between a facelift and neck lift?
A facelift and neck lift are separate procedures that can be performed in isolation or together depending on the signs of ageing you have and the areas you want to target. Neck lift surgery is less invasive than a facelift as it focuses solely on the neck and jaw and avoids much of the complex facial anatomy, while a facelift addresses the upper face.
The most suitable procedure depends on the areas you are most worried about. Generally speaking, a facelift is a better option to address a wider range of facial ageing issues, such as lost volume and deep wrinkles. On the other hand, a neck lift is likely to be a better fit for a double chin or sagging skin and fat under the neck.
Combining a facelift and neck lift in a single procedure can be beneficial as you can target multiple areas of concern. You also benefit from shorter recovery times and lower costs than if you had the two surgeries separately.
Non-surgical neck lifts: Do they work?
A surgical neck lift procedure is not the only way to improve the appearance of an ageing neck. There are other non-surgical treatments you can consider. Although these minimally invasive procedures do not deliver the same level of results as a surgical procedure, they can reduce the appearance of neck folds and wrinkles.
Examples of non-surgical neck lift procedures include:
- Injectable dermal fillers – Injectable fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore lost volume to the neck to create a firmer, more refined contour. However, fillers don’t help with neck banding and it does not take away the wrinkles completely. The results are also short-term, with each treatment working for 6 to 12 months. That makes it an expensive option, with an average cost of £400 to £500 per treatment.
- Botox – Botox is another injectable therapy that can be used on the neck to reduce the signs of ageing. Botox injections relax the motion of the neck muscle to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Botox does not plump the skin or restore lost volume like dermal fillers. It also only lasts three or four months, meaning you’ll need regular injections to maintain the results.
- Laser resurfacing – Lasers such as erbium or carbon dioxide can be used to damage the first two layers of skin and promote new collagen growth, skin contraction and textural improvements. That can give the skin a refreshed look and reduce fine lines, but it can’t fix sagging skin.
- Radiofrequency skin tightening – Treating the skin with radiofrequency energy can help target the sagging skin that causes a ‘turkey neck’ or sagging jowls. This type of treatment improves skin gradually, so you will need multiple sessions. It’s also more effective for patients in their 30s and 40s with only moderate excess skin.
Safe, affordable and high-quality neck lifts with Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, we offer neck lift and facelift procedures performed by some of the most experienced facial rejuvenation surgeons in the UK. We are committed to delivering the highest standard of individual care and customer service and offer industry-leading aftercare. Learn more about our cosmetic surgery, find a convenient location and book a free consultation by phone or email to start your journey.