Neck Lift

A neck lift is an operation to tighten loose skin and muscle (the platysma) in the neck, improve the angle between the chin and neck, and reduce the appearance of a "double chin" or vertical muscle bands. It can be performed alone or combined with a facelift.

Your surgeon will assess you and advise whether a neck lift is suitable for you, but the final decision is always yours.

You may benefit from a neck lift if you have:

• Loose or sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline
• Visible vertical bands in the neck caused by separation of the platysma muscle
• A poorly defined jaw-neck angle or persistent "double chin" not improved by weight loss
• Submandibular gland prominence contributing to neck fullness (assessed individually)

If your main concern is isolated fat rather than loose skin or muscle bands, liposuction alone may be sufficient — your surgeon will assess which structures (fat, skin, or muscle) are responsible for your neck appearance.

A neck lift can restore a more defined jawline and youthful jaw-neck angle. As with all cosmetic surgery, results cannot be guaranteed and depend on your individual anatomy, skin quality, and healing.

Liposuction of the neck/chin alone addresses excess fat but not loose skin or muscle bands. Non-surgical skin tightening (radiofrequency, ultrasound) offers modest improvement for mild laxity. Botulinum toxin can soften the appearance of platysmal bands temporarily. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, as the two areas are closely related.

A neck lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation and takes roughly 2–3 hours, depending on complexity.

• An incision is usually made under the chin, sometimes with additional incisions behind the ears (particularly if combined with a facelift)
• Excess fat is removed (often by liposuction) from beneath the chin
• The platysma muscle is tightened in the midline ("platysmaplasty" or "corset platysmaplasty") to correct banding and improve the jaw-neck angle
• In some cases, the submandibular glands are partially reduced if they are contributing to neck fullness
• Excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin re-draped and closed

All surgery carries risk. The figures below are drawn from published clinical reviews and case series specific to neck lift surgery.

General risks of any operation: minor infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, and (rarely) blood clots.

Specific risks of neck lift surgery:

• Haematoma (bleeding under the skin): the most common complication, occurring in approximately 3% of neck lifts, and this rate does not increase with more extensive (deep plane) techniques . Most occur within the first 24 hours; small collections may be managed with a needle, larger ones need a return to theatre
• Nerve injury: the great auricular nerve (sensory, supplying the earlobe and lower cheek) is the most commonly injured nerve, and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (which moves the lower lip) is the most commonly injured motor nerve . A large 2025 pooled analysis found overall motor nerve injury in 0.66% and sensory nerve injury in 0.39% of face/neck lift procedures, with permanent injury occurring in only 0.047% (motor) and 0.045% (sensory)
• Skin contour irregularities: can result from overly aggressive liposuction of neck fat, or insufficient skin undermining in short-scar techniques (sometimes called a "subauricular band"); usually correctable with revision surgery if it doesn't settle with time
• Induration (firmness under the skin): can follow a small haematoma or seroma; usually resolves with massage and time, occasionally needs a steroid injection
• Infection: uncommon, though your surgeon may consider the possibility of resistant bacterial infection (MRSA) if infection does occur and doesn't respond to standard treatment
• Persistent platysmal bands: can occasionally recur, particularly if the midline muscle repair was incomplete at the original surgery; treatable with botulinum toxin or a further surgical procedure
• Overall complication rate: approximately 2% for combined face/neck lift procedures generally
• Higher-risk groups: men have a higher haematoma risk (2–3 times that of women) due to more vascularised skin; smokers, patients with poorly controlled blood pressure, and those with bleeding disorders are also at higher risk of complications

Revision neck lift: if a further neck lift is needed years later, published data on 188 revision cases shows this is generally safe, with a low transient complication rate (around 2%) and no permanent nerve deficits reported across the largest series .

• Tell your surgical team about all medications, blood thinners, herbal remedies (including fish oil, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, garlic, and melatonin), and supplements
• Stop smoking and nicotine products at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery — smoking dramatically increases the risk of skin loss
• Ensure good blood pressure control before surgery, as this is one of the biggest modifiable factors in reducing haematoma risk
• Maintain a stable weight before surgery

• You'll usually go home the same day with a compression garment or wrap around your neck
• Keep your head elevated above your heart, day and night, for the first week
• Light walking from day one helps reduce blood clot risk; avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending at the waist for a few weeks
• A chin strap or compression garment is typically worn continuously for the first 24–48 hours, then day and night for 1–2 weeks, then nights only for up to 4 weeks
• Numbness under the chin and along the neck is common initially and usually resolves within 2–3 months
• Watch for sudden, one-sided swelling (possible haematoma), fever, spreading redness, or difficulty breathing/swallowing, and contact your surgeon immediately if these occur

What is the most common complication? Haematoma (bleeding under the skin), affecting around 3% of patients, most commonly within the first 24 hours after surgery .

Will I have permanent nerve damage? This is very uncommon. Large studies show permanent nerve injury occurs in well under 0.1% of cases; most nerve-related symptoms are temporary and resolve within weeks to months .

Can a neck lift be done without a facelift? Yes, a neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure, though many surgeons recommend combining it with a facelift for the most harmonious overall result.

How long do results last? Results are generally long-lasting, though further correction (a "revision neck lift") is sometimes needed after many years as ageing continues — this is usually safe and has a low complication rate .

Am I a higher-risk patient? Men, smokers, and people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding disorders are at higher risk of complications, particularly haematoma. Your surgeon will discuss ways to reduce your individual risk.

--- This document is for general information only and does not replace a full, individualised consultation with your surgeon.