Neck lift recovery and what to expect.
Everyone heals differently, but as a general guide
- Swelling and bruising are expected, and usually settle over the first two to three weeks.
- A head bandage that passes under the neck is needed for the first 1-2 days post-op
- Numbness or tightness under the chin and neck is common and usually improves gradually over weeks to months.
- Return to work is often possible within two weeks for lighter procedures and a little longer when combined with a facelift.
- Final results continue to refine over several months to a year.
Exact timing depends on the procedure, your general health and how your body heals, and I will discuss this with you individually.
Risks
All surgery carries risk. Neck lift risks include:
- Bleeding: occasionally I have had a patient with some skin edge bleeding the day after surgery that has needed for the head bandage to be changed early. These settle quickly and are not a long term worry.
- Haematoma: I haven’t had a haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) for over 4 years. The strategies I use to reduce the risk work well including the use of tranexamic acid during the operation, drains, head bandage and quilting stitches.
- Infection: this is rare. In one patient this occurred 10 days post- surgery and was treated with oral antibiotics.
- Skin sensation: patients notice they may have some numbness under the chin and if combined with a facelift, along the cheeks and ears. Usually this lasts a couple of months and improves as the sensory nerves re-connect to the skin.
- Tightness: this is a good thing and shows the surgery is working.
- Scarring: the scar under the chin can be quite lumpy for the first year. It is hard for others to see so usually it is not much bother.
- Asymmetry:
- Injury to the motor nerve that moves the lower lip: I have had one patient in the last 10 years when this has happened and it got better after 2-3 months
- Recurrence of bands: these can also recur over time in some patients.
How I decide which operation is right for you
At your consultation I assess your skin quality, the position of the fat relative to the platysma, the muscle bands at rest and in movement, the definition of your jawline and the relationship between your neck and lower face. I will explain the options honestly, including when a lesser procedure is the better choice. Not everyone needs a facelift, and not everyone should have liposuction alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can liposuction alone fix my neck bands? No. Bands are caused by the platysma muscle, not by fat. Removing fat alone will not correct them and can make them more noticeable.
Am I too young for a corset platysmaplasty? Age is only a guide. If you have early banding or weakness in the muscle, a platysma repair may still be appropriate. If your concern is purely fat, it usually is not.
Am I too old for a neck lift? Good health matters far more than age. Many patients in their sixties and seventies have excellent results.
Will I need a facelift as well? Often, in older patients, because the neck and lower face age together. This depends on your anatomy and what you want to achieve.
Will I have visible scars? The incision under the chin is small and sits in a natural crease. If a facelift is performed, the incisions are placed around the ear and into the hairline where they are well concealed.
How do I know which procedure suits me? The only reliable way is an in-person assessment with a surgeon who performs the full range of neck procedures.
Considering a neck lift in Auckland?
If you would like an individual assessment, you are welcome to arrange a consultation. Learn more about my approach to the deep plane facelift, or read my guide on choosing a facial plastic surgeon in New Zealand.
All surgery carries risk. Results vary between individuals. This article is general information and does not replace personal medical advice. Before any surgery, you should seek a second opinion if you wish.