Necklift

NeckliftChanges to the neck and jawline are among the earlier visible signs of ageing. Patients can develop excess fat, platysmal bands, jowls and sagging skin, otherwise known as ‘turkey neck’. These can all be improved with a necklift.

Necklift is actually a multi-component operation that may involve liposuction to remove excess fat, tightening of the underlying muscle (platysma) and division of vertical platysmal bands. Not all patients require all components to achieve the improvement they desire.

Younger patients with excess fat can be treated with liposuction to improve the angle between jaw and neck (cervicomental angle), whereas older patients with sagging neck skin will require tightening of the neck muscle. Because of the wide variation in patient presentation and neck anatomy, Mr Karri performs customised surgery for each patient. During your consultation, Mr Karri will evaluate your neck and face and explain the best approach to meet your desired results.

Necklift can be performed in isolation or in combination with facelift.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Necklift?

The best candidates for a necklift are those;

• Looking to improve excess skin, platysmal bands or fat in the neck
• Who have a well-defined jaw bone
• Who have normal chin prominence
• Are generally healthy and do not have a medical condition that could impede healing
• Do not smoke
• Have realistic expectations of the results and are willing to follow all pre-op and post-op instructions

What Does A Necklift Not Do?

Contour of the neck is largely dependent on bony structures, specifically hyoid position and chin prominence. If the chin is set back, transition between the face and neck is blunted. Regardless of how much the neck skin is tightened the transition will remain blunted. In such cases, Mr Karri may recommend a chin implant to improve chin projection and transition between face and neck. It is important to understand necklift will not improve the lower face in the same way a facelift will.

Neck Contouring With Liposuction

Neck contouring with liposuction is performed as a day case at Kinvara Private Hospital, in 1-2 hours, under local anaesthetic with sedation. Mr Karri begins by injecting your neck with tumescent fluid, which is a combination of saline, local anaesthetic and adrenaline, which constricts blood vessels thereby reducing bleeding and bruising. Tumescent fluid is injected once the sedation has taken effect so as to minimise discomfort. Once the neck is numb, tiny incisions are made just under the chin and behind the earlobes. Through these incisions the liposuction cannula is inserted and fat suctioned. A compression garment will need to be worn for a few weeks to help tighten the skin and minimise swelling.

Neck Tightening (Platysmaplasty)

Necklift requiring tightening of the neck muscle is also performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. A small inconspicuous incision is made beneath the chin and the neck muscle sutured together in the midline, a procedure known as corset platysmaplasty. Fat may also be removed from the area under direct vision. Incisions are also made around the ears so that the neck skin can be lifted and trimmed. Sutures are removed after 7 days.

Prior to your surgery, Mr Karri and his team will give you detailed aftercare instructions. This will include how to care for the surgical site and incisions, pain relief that may be used to handle discomfort and when you may resume normal activity.

Risks of necklift

Complications after a necklift are uncommon, and most settle on their own. They include:

Scar / poor scarring

Infection

Bleeding / haematoma

Numbness – usually temporary, but can occasionally be permanent

Asymmetry

Overcorrection / undercorrection

Skin discolouration

Prolonged swelling

Nerve injury – weakness of the lower lip, usually temporary

Irregularities or tethering of the neck skin

Collection of fluid (seroma)

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)

Risks of anaesthesia (local with sedation, or general)

Medically reviewed by

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Last updated 30th September 2026

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