Neck Lift FAQs – Q&A about Neck Lift Surgery

is considered the most effective cosmetic surgery procedure for removing excess neck skin, sagging jowls and a . Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London, and our consultant plastic surgeons regularly perform a range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including neck lifts. Here, we answer your most commonly asked about all aspects of neck lift .
NECK LIFT BENEFITS
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, improves the appearance of the neck by loose skin and removing excess fat. Benefits include an improved and more defined jawline; tightened skin in the neck reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging; reduction or elimination of a “turkey wattle”; improved self-esteem; and long-lasting results.
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begin to appear around age 50 and are often accompanied by other signs of facial ageing such as wrinkles and loose skin. Jowls may appear earlier in those who smoke and spend time in the sun.
A neck lift procedure is the best way to tighten loose neck skin and eliminate saggy jowls.
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A neck lift is the most effective treatment for loose, saggy skin on the neck. Non-surgical alternatives such as , or are suitable for people with mild signs of ageing in the neck.
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A neck lift can make people appear up to eight years younger by tightening the neck skin and removing excess neck fat.
People most commonly choose a neck lift to get rid of excess skin and fat in the neck and lower face, eliminate a turkey neck, and achieve a more youthful, defined jawline.
A neck lift can get rid of wrinkly skin affecting the neck and give it a smoother, tighter appearance.
Less invasive alternatives include , , and . These are for people with mild signs of ageing. For more advanced ageing, surgery will produce more significant and longer-lasting results.
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Yes. Neck lift surgery is equally suitable for men who develop sagging neck skin, also known as a turkey neck.
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The signs of ageing will after having a neck lift, and you may need a further neck lift approximately five to ten years later to maintain the results of your initial procedure.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF NECK LIFTS
There are two main types of neck lift surgery:
A mini neck lift can be performed in selected cases for people with mild features of ageing affecting the neck.
A , also known as a “limited incision neck lift” or “weekend neck lift,” is a less invasive procedure that improves the appearance of the neck without a full neck lift. It involves smaller incisions behind the ears and focuses on removing excess fat and tightening the skin in the lower neck. It is suitable for patients with minimal skin laxity and good skin elasticity.
A full neck lift is designed to get rid of saggy skin affecting the neck and lower face, with tightening of the deeper neck muscles and elimination of excess fat. A mini neck lift is focused on removing small amounts of loose skin in those with only mild signs of ageing.
If you have significant signs of ageing in the neck including turkey neck, saggy skin and excess fat, a full neck lift will be more suitable. A mini neck lift is reserved for mild features of ageing with otherwise good skin elasticity.
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IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR NECK LIFT SURGERY
Yes. Centre for Surgery observes a mandatory reflection period your consultation and your surgery date. This you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific at your consultation.
Suitability for a neck lift will be determined by several factors including:
Ideal candidates for neck lift surgery are usually between 40 and 65 years old.
To the best possible results from neck lift surgery, you should have a BMI below 30, ideally 28. Patients with a body mass index over 30 are not suitable for a neck lift.
NECK LIFT PROCEDURE
General anaesthesia is recommended for most types of neck lift surgery to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Neck lift surgery takes roughly two to three hours to perform, depending on the extent of surgical correction required.
Once you have been placed under general anaesthesia, your surgeon will make incisions in the area of the neck positioned in natural skin folds. The loose skin is surgically removed before the remaining neck skin is tightened with stitches. Once the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, a significant improvement in overall neck is evident.
RECOVERY AFTER NECK LIFT SURGERY

It is normal to experience bruising and swelling in the early postoperative period. You may have a small drainage tube inserted on either side of the neck to remove excess fluid or blood. These will be removed the next day after surgery.
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It takes one and two weeks to recover from a neck lift. Any bruising and swelling will gradually disappear during this period. Final results can take up to three months to become fully visible.
Swelling after a neck lift can last a few weeks after surgery, with subtle swelling visible for up to six weeks.
Bruising and swelling can take up to four weeks to fully disappear.
You should wear the recommended compression garment for at least two weeks after a neck lift.
You should wear the recommended chin support for the first two weeks after a neck lift.
You should always sleep on your back for the first four weeks after surgery with your head on two pillows.
You may sleep on your side after four weeks postoperatively.
You can wash your hair two days after surgery with warm water and mild soap.
You may safely apply makeup ten days after surgery.
A gentle neck massage can help soften scar tissue and reduce lumpiness. You should avoid exerting any pressure on the incision lines.
Neck lumps can be gently reduced with a gentle neck massage, and your surgeon will show you how to perform this.
Focus on eating lean proteins, including white chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, lentils and eggs.
RESULTS OF A NECK LIFT
When performed by a plastic surgeon, neck lift surgery can produce results that last more than ten years, up to fifteen in some cases.
The results of a neck lift do not last forever. Although results can last up to ten years or more, the ageing process will eventually lead to loose skin returning.
You may need a second neck lift ten to fifteen years later, once facial ageing changes cause wrinkling, loose skin and jowls.
When performed by an expert surgeon, a neck lift is to produce natural-looking results. Signs of a poor neck lift include pixie ears and visible incisions. A well-performed neck lift will result in incisions that are well disguised in the and behind the ears.
All types of surgery scars, and neck lift surgery is no different. Neck lift scars are most commonly positioned behind the ears and in the posterior hairline on either side, with a small midline incision located beneath the chin.
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RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF NECK LIFT SURGERY
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with a neck lift. These include:
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NECK LIFT COST
A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure and is not performed on the NHS. You will need to fund the treatment costs yourself by choosing a reputable private clinic in London such as Centre for Surgery.
Several factors determine the cost of a neck lift, including the type of neck lift and the extent of surgical correction required. Once you have had an in-person consultation, you will receive a detailed quotation from your dedicated patient coordinator.
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Centre for Surgery offers a full range of finance options Chrysalis Finance, including 0% APR for eligible applicants.
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Neck Lift Surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic clinic located in Marylebone, the heart of central London. We are home to some of the UK’s top facial rejuvenation experts. At our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic, we carry out hundreds of facelift and neck lift procedures each year. Call us today on to schedule an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
Centre for Surgery is a hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.
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