Safety of Neck Lift Surgery
Every year, many people in the UK safely undergo neck lift surgery, with some combining it with a facelift to achieve their desired results. A neck lift on its own or a facelift without addressing sagging neck skin may not provide the desired outcome. The goal of a neck rejuvenation procedure is to achieve a younger, firmer, and smoother-looking jawline and neckline. As we age, our jawlines, chin area, and upper neck can become crepey and droopy, which is often an undesirable effect. Losing our chin or gaining a second one is something few of us appreciate. One common issue people have is the “double chin” syndrome, which can be remedied with fat-dissolving injections.
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Cosmetic injections into under-chin fat can help improve the appearance of the jawline or double chin for some people. However, for others who have lost collagen, experienced reduced elasticity, or have visible neck bands or excess fat beneath the chin, surgical intervention may be necessary. Sagging along the upper neck and jawline or chin is common as we age, and many of us are unhappy with an aged neck appearance. Surgery or liposuction of the neck, jawline, or face, along with fillers or other rejuvenation approaches such as fat transfer to the face, is an option for men and women who wish to appear younger or compete in a younger job market. While some people may have good results with injections to under-chin fat, many may require a surgical solution to achieve stronger, firmer-looking jawline contours that have been lost with age.
While injections to reduce a double chin can be a solution for some people, others may require a more intensive treatment that involves surgery or a combination of cosmetic injections, surgery, and liposuction. Additionally, while some individuals may be able to achieve their desired results with a facelift alone, the appearance of the neck can greatly impact the overall outcome of a facial rejuvenation procedure. Ultimately, the best approach for each person will depend on their unique circumstances and what their surgeon believes will be most effective in achieving their desired outcome.
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According to BAAPS, the safety and risks associated with neck lift surgery may include the following:
- Risks associated with anaesthesia, particularly general anaesthesia
- Bleeding during or after the procedure
- Temporary or permanent hair loss along incisions, particularly those made near the hairline
- Facial asymmetry or unevenness
- Rare nerve injury that could result in weakness of the lower lip
- Fluid accumulation, known as a haematoma
- Infection or slow wound healing
- Unfavourable scarring along incision lines or where liposuction was used
- Prolonged swelling of the treated area
- Risk of skin irregularities or discolouration, including pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation
- Skin loss or delays in skin healing
- Sutures that may become visible or produce irritation and require removal
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain or discomfort, or sporadic nerve sensations
- Poor wound healing, particularly in patients who smoke or have underlying health conditions
- Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis with cardiac or pulmonary complications
It is also important to note that unsatisfactory results are possible with any cosmetic procedure, and revisional surgery or a combined approach may be required to achieve a more significant improvement in appearance. As every patient is unique, the outcomes of neck lift surgery can vary greatly.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
A good candidate for neck lift surgery is someone who is bothered by sagging neck skin, deep folds or creases along the jawline, a double chin, platysmal bands, or a turkey neck appearance. The skin on the neck is delicate and susceptible to the effects of ageing, and visible platysmal bands can become more pronounced with age. Platysmal bands can stretch from the jaw and chin down to the bottom of the neck and can result in an aged or altered neck appearance. Neck lift surgery can address these concerns and improve the appearance of the neck and jawline.
When Might You Consider a Neck Lift Procedure? Exploring Appropriate Age and Candidacy for Surgery
If you’re self-conscious about your neck appearance or find yourself constantly hiding it with scarves, a neck lift procedure may be an appropriate solution. Whether you’re young or old, a neck lift can transform and rejuvenate your appearance, especially when the neck has become a telltale sign of ageing.
During a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon, options for neck lift surgery, such as submentoplasty (mini neck lift) or platysmaplasty (full neck lift), can be discussed to determine the best course of action for rejuvenating your neck’s appearance.
Excess skin and fat can be removed, and the underlying platysma muscle can be tightened, resulting in minimal scarring. The soft tissue can also be sculpted to improve the contour of the neck, reducing the appearance of loose skin and jowls.
What is the best age for Neck Lift Surgery?
Both men and women of a broad age range can be candidates for neck lift surgery. Typically, individuals consider neck lift surgery, along with other facial surgeries such as facelifts or skin peels, from the age of 40 and up, with the most common ages ranging from 45/50 to 60-70. However, some candidates are well above the age of 70 or even 80.
There are benefits to having surgery at a younger age, including longer enjoyment of the rejuvenation benefits, faster healing times, and greater skin elasticity for better recovery. Those considering neck lift surgery typically have sun-damaged or wind-damaged skin, along with undesirable excess fat under the chin area, sagging jowls, visible platysmal bands, or other neck skin concerns.
Good skin elasticity is essential for achieving optimal results with any cosmetic surgery, including neck lift surgery. While neck lift surgery is considered a relatively safe procedure, it is still invasive, so it is ideal to be in good physical health before undergoing the surgery. During the procedure, excess skin is removed by pulling the skin, so it is most effective on skin that is not too thin or fragile. This may exclude certain candidates, or skin preparation and rejuvenation may be necessary before undergoing surgery to achieve the best results.
What Does a Neck Lift Procedure for Rejuvenation of the Neck Involve?
A neck lift procedure is a complex surgical procedure that requires extensive knowledge of facial and neck anatomy for optimal planning. A neck lift typically involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles to improve the appearance of sagging or loose skin on the neck and jawline. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat around the neck or under the chin, reducing the appearance of a double or triple chin.
In some cases, autologous fat transfer (AFT) may be used during the facial or neck rejuvenation procedure to restore volume in areas where it has been lost over time. Skin refinement before and after surgery can also help improve collagen levels, circulation, and healing times. Patients can ask their surgeon’s skincare team for recommendations on treating their skin before and after surgery to aid in rejuvenation and post-operative recovery.
If you’re interested in a neck lift procedure, contact Centre for Surgery at 0207 993 4849 to schedule an appointment and read our neck lift surgery procedure pages for more information.
Combined Rejuvenation for the Neck: Surgery & Non-Surgical Options for Neck Rejuvenation
If skin rejuvenation or collagen improvement is necessary to reduce wrinkles and enhance the overall appearance of the skin, the plastic surgeon will advise the patient on whether these treatments will occur before the surgery, after surgery, or both.
Incisions and Scars from a Neck Lift Surgery
During a neck lift surgery, incisions are made in strategic areas that can often be concealed, such as behind the ear or under the chin or both, to achieve the best neck rejuvenation results with minimal scarring. The surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of the neck, providing a firmer and more youthful jawline. However, patients may also be advised to combine their neck lift surgery with other skin rejuvenation treatments such as lasers, peels, or light-based therapies, or a combination of neck lift surgery with a SMAS facelift or eyelid lift surgery.
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The duration of a neck lift surgery can vary between one and a half to three hours, depending on the surgical approach and the extent of work required on the neck and/or facial area.
Healing and recovery after a neck lift
In addition to having a support system and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. This may include wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting, and taking prescribed medication as directed.
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You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days and weeks after surgery, but these should gradually subside. It’s important to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Remember to be patient with your recovery and allow yourself time to heal properly. Rushing back to your normal routine too soon can potentially compromise your results and prolong your healing time.
How long does a neck lift last?
The expected longevity of neck lift surgery results varies from patient to patient and can range from 5 to 10 years or more. Several factors contribute to the longevity of the procedure, including skin health, collagen levels, genetics, overall health, and surgical precision. However, the care you take of your health and skin, such as protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, is also crucial for prolonging the results. It is advisable to consult with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for more information about the expected longevity of your neck lift surgery.
Neck Lift Surgery at Centre for Surgery
If you’re considering plastic surgery or a medical procedure, there are many reasons to choose Centre for Surgery. Our team of experienced and skilled surgeons specialises in a range of procedures, and we provide personalised care and attention to each patient. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing Centre for Surgery:
- Experienced and Skilled Surgeons: Our team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons are experts in their fields and provide personalised care for the best possible results.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our modern facilities at 95-97 Baker Street are designed for comfort and safety, and our advanced equipment and technologies ensure the highest standards of care.
- Personalised Care and Attention: Our dedicated staff and surgeons work closely with each patient to understand their goals and develop a tailored treatment plan that meets their individual needs.
- Comprehensive Consultation Process: We prioritise patient education and open communication, providing a thorough understanding of the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Focus on Patient Safety and Satisfaction: Patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we follow strict safety protocols and adhere to the highest medical standards.
- Aftercare and Support: We provide exceptional aftercare and support throughout the recovery process to ensure a safe and positive experience.
- Transparent Pricing and Financing Options: We offer transparent pricing and a range of financing options to make procedures more affordable.
Before your consultation, it’s important to take some essential steps, including conducting thorough research and arriving a little early for your appointment. If you’re seeking more information, you can learn more about pricing, medical payment plans, and financing your surgery or request additional information about the procedure. To book your consultation, prepay the £100 cosmetic consultation fee when scheduling your appointment or arrange a phone call for more information.
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Choosing Centre for Surgery means choosing a top plastic surgery clinic committed to providing high-quality care, personalised attention, and exceptional results. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience from consultation to recovery.
