Neck Lift

A neck lift (also known as lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to improve visible signs of ageing in the jawline and neck. It can address excess fat, loose or sagging skin, and weakened or banded neck muscles, restoring a smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour to the lower face and neck.

Procedure Overview

This surgery is for individuals who are concerned about loose skin, muscle banding, or excess fat in the neck and jawline area. You may feel that these changes make you look older than you feel, or give you jowls. A neck lift may be sought on its own or combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. The decision to undergo this surgery should be made after careful consideration of your goals and an in-depth discussion with your surgeon.

Aim

The surgery aims to create a smoother, firmer, and more defined neck and jawline that complements your facial features.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

A smoother, more youthful-looking neck and jawline

Treatment time:

2–3 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation

Recovery time:

2–4 weeks

Return to work:

1–2 weeks

Lifetime of procedure:

Results can last 10–15 years, though the ageing process continues

Northwood Hospital - Neck lift The Procedure

CONSULTATION

A neck lift is a personalised procedure, and your consultation will focus on your specific concerns, anatomy, and desired outcome. The surgeon will examine the structure of your jawline, the amount and quality of skin, the degree of muscle laxity, and the distribution of fat in the neck area. They will discuss the different techniques available, such as traditional neck lift, limited incision neck lift, or liposuction-assisted neck contouring.

You will be able to review before-and-after images of previous patients, which can help clarify realistic expectations. The surgeon will also consider whether your goals may be best achieved by combining the neck lift with other procedures, such as a facelift or chin augmentation. Together, you will decide on the surgical plan, including the location of incisions and the extent of correction.

The consultation will also cover pre-operative preparation, recovery timeline, potential risks, and aftercare. This is your opportunity to ask questions and make sure you feel confident about the plan before proceeding.

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PREOP PREPARATION

Setting aside time to focus on preparation before you attend for surgery is important if you wish a successful outcome. Healthy eating (avoiding refined sugars, and ultra processed foods), reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, vaping or taking recreational drugs is extremely important in the 6 weeks running up to surgery.

If you are unwell for any reason in the run up to surgery it is important to let your team know as occasionally it is safer to postpone any treatment until you are in full health. Please let your surgeon know if you are taking any herbal remedies, or blood thinners such as aspirin during your pre-op assessment as these may need to be stopped before surgery.

SURGERY

A neck lift is performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. Incisions are typically placed behind the ears and, in some cases, under the chin. Through these incisions, the surgeon can tighten the underlying neck muscles, remove excess fat, and re-drape the skin for a smoother contour. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures to minimise scarring.

RECOVERY

Following surgery, there will be swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the neck. These symptoms usually subside over 1–2 weeks. A supportive bandage or garment may be worn to help the tissues heal in the correct position. Light activities can typically be resumed after a week, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Final results become apparent after a few months, once swelling has fully resolved and scars have faded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is neck lift surgery safe?

Neck lift surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon. Like all surgeries, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or poor wound healing. Specific complications may include tightness, asymmetry, or scarring, but these are uncommon. Your surgeon will go through all potential risks during your consultation and provide advice to minimise them.

Will the results look natural?

Yes. The goal of a neck lift is to create a more youthful and refined neck contour without making it obvious that surgery has been performed. The result should be subtle and elegant, not over-tightened.

How long do results last?

Results typically last 8–12 years, although the neck will continue to age naturally. Maintaining a stable weight and following a good skincare routine can help prolong the benefits.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are typically placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. These locations are chosen carefully to keep scars discreet. With proper care and time, most scars fade significantly.

What is the recovery process like?

Swelling and bruising are common and usually peak in the first week, then gradually subside. A supportive compression garment may be worn to aid healing. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks. Pain is typically mild and manageable with medication.

When can I return to work or exercise?

Most people can return to non-strenuous work after 10–14 days. Light walking is encouraged early on, but exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks.

Does neck lift surgery require an overnight stay?

In most cases, neck lift surgery is performed as a day-case procedure. However, if combined with more extensive facial procedures, an overnight stay may be advised.

Can a neck lift be combined with other treatments?

Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with a facelift to enhance overall results. Your surgeon will advise you on a suitable treatment plan based on your goals.