Neck Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

A neck lift (‘cervicoplasty’ or ‘platysmaplasty’) is surgery that restores sagging skin on the neck and under the jaw line through tightening the tissues in the area using two main techniques, depending on the reason of the sagging appearance. A neck lift is sometimes performed with a face lift, but this isn’t always necessary.

The procedure

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take up to three hours.

Platysmaplasty surgery corrects the neck muscles. The surgeon will make small incisions under the chin or behind your ears to reach the neck muscles and move and tighten them as needed. Cervicoplasty surgery corrects loose and sagging skin. The surgeon will make similar incisions, trim the skin, move it into place and secure it with stitches or tissue glue. Liposuction may be performed through a tiny incision under the chin to remove excess fat. Drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

Surgeons may use endoscopic or ‘keyhole’ techniques, making tiny cuts in the skin and allowing them to work beneath it with the help of a surgical camera.

The outcome

Following surgery, you may need to wear a compression bandage for one week. The neck may be swollen and bruised for a number of days. There may be some numbness or pain, replaced by itching which can take up to six months to stop as the nerves heal.

If there are drainage tubes are in place, these can be removed after 1-2 days. You may need to sleep in an elevated position for around two days. Any remaining stitches can be removed after 10 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You will be required to take around 1-2 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for 2-3 weeks.

After the swelling has eased, the neck should appear firmer, less lined, and more ‘youthful’ in appearance. The effects may not be permanent, depending on the elasticity of skin and the natural ageing process, but should last around 7-10 years.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to neck lifts include infection, problems with wound healing, and bleeding under the skin (haematoma) or fluid build up under the skin (seroma).

There is a risk of permanent scarring in the neck area with red and unsightly scars.

Occasionally, permanent nerve damage will cause numbness and muscle weakness in the neck, causing droopiness.

You may not be happy with the results.

The costs

In the UK, expect to pay from around £3,000 - £5,200. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,500 - £3,500 (USA).

The availability

Neck lift surgery is widely available at private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

The neck lift is a very popular surgery amongst women and men who have jowls or a ‘turkey wattle’ appearance to the neck, often after excessive weight gain when the muscles and skin have been stretched. People opting for a face lift may feel that a neck lift at the same time will give better results and make the neck and face more in proportion with each other.