Neck Lift

A neck lift addresses the signs of ageing specific to the neck: platysmal bands, submental fullness (the "turkey neck"), and loose neck skin. It can be done as a standalone operation or as part of a facelift, depending on whether the jawline and mid-face also need addressing.

Who is a good candidate?

• Loose neck skin or visible platysmal bands.
• Submental fullness — excess fat under the chin that liposuction alone cannot fix due to skin laxity.
• Jowling limited to the lower face with a good mid-face.
• Realistic expectation of a refreshed — not transformed — appearance.

The procedure, step by step

Under general anaesthesia, typically two to three hours. One night in hospital. Incisions run around the ears and occasionally under the chin. The platysma muscle is tightened in the midline (platysmaplasty), submental fat is removed, and excess skin is redraped under controlled tension.

Recovery timeline

First 2 weeks

Pressure garment under the chin for the first week. Moderate bruising and swelling. Sutures removed around day seven to ten.

Weeks 2–6

Bruising resolved. Office work by week two. Full recovery around six weeks.

Months 3–6

Final shape refines. Scar maturation over a year.

Risks and realistic expectations

Honest risks: haematoma, temporary nerve weakness affecting lower-lip movement (almost always temporary), visible scarring (minimised by careful placement). Results last ten to fifteen years; the neck continues to age after surgery, just from a better starting point.