Dr SHEHAB JABIR

Neck lift

Necklift  

A necklift, (sometimes also known as a platysmaplasty), is a surgical procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of the neck by lifting and tightening the skin and another deeper layer of muscle underneath the skin called the platysma. Lifting and tightening of the skin and platysma leads to reducing wrinkles and sagging producing a much more refreshed and contoured look to the neck. It is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help people look younger and more refreshed.

Who is a good candidate for a necklift?

A necklift is a good option for people who are unhappy with the appearance of their neck due to age-related sagging of the neck, sun damage, or weight loss. It is also a good option for people who have attempted various less invasive options such as chin liposuction, radiofrequency tightening and thread lifts but haven’t got the result they had hoped for.

What are the risks of a necklift?

All surgery carries some risks, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Numbness or tingling in the skin
  • Scarring
  • Unpredictable longevity
  • Asymmetry 

What happens during a necklift?

A necklift is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Mr Jabir will choose the technique most appropriate to your situation in discussion with you to achieve your aims and goals during your consultation, but in general, it involves making incisions around the front and back of your ear and sometimes extending down the hairline at the back of your neck. The skin and platysma will then be lifted and tightened, and any excess skin will be removed. The incisions will then be stitched closed, and if required you may have drains inserted. There are several other nuances to this procedure that will be covered during the consultation but for the sake of brevity are not included here.

How long does a necklift take?

A necklift typically takes 3-4 hours. You may need to stay in overnight for a day or two but this will be discussed with you in more detail during your consult. 

What is the recovery time for a necklift?

The recovery time for a facelift is typically 2-4 weeks. You will need to wear a compression garment for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You will also need to avoid strenuous activity for around 4-6 weeks.

What are the results of a necklift?

A necklift can produce dramatic results, giving you a more youthful and contoured appearance to the neck. However, it is important to remember that no surgery is perfect, and there will always be some scarring.

Here are some additional tips for patients considering a necklift:

  • Be realistic about your expectations. A necklift cannot completely erase the effects of aging.
  • Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in necklifts.
  • Ask your surgeon about their aftercare plan.
  • Be prepared for a recovery period that sometimes can be longer than the standard 2-4 weeks
  • Be patient with your results. It can take up to a year for your face to fully heal and the results to be appreciated.

Here are some frequently asked questions about necklifts:

  • How much does a necklift cost? The cost of a necklift varies depending on the surgeon, the location of the surgery, and the extent of the procedure. In general, necklifts cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
  • Is a necklift covered by insurance? Insurance is not likely to cover a necklift if it is performed for cosmetic reasons. However, insurance may cover a necklift if it is performed to correct a medical problem, such as severe neck pain or disfigurement.
  • At what age should I consider having a necklift? Not everyone needs a neckliftt, and it is usually reserved for those patients who are at least 40 years and over. That said, some patients may have dissatisfaction with their neck contour which is not the result of ageing. In such cases, it is possible to achieve a contoured neck with a set of more invasive procedures in addition to those described above. In short, there is no age-specific cut-off for a necklift, and it all depends on 
  • What is the difference between a necklift and a facelift? A necklift is a more focused procedure than a facelift. A necklift only involves lifting and tightening the skin of the neck, while a facelift involves lifting and tightening the skin of the face. It possible to combine both procedures at the same time and in fact a “face and neck lift” provide the best outcome for those with significant signs of ageing.

NHS Practice 

Lister Hospital, Coreys Mill Lane, Stevenage, SG1 4AB

Private practice

Centre for Surgery, 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN