Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)
Mr Olivier Amar - Leading Plastic Surgeon in Chelsea, London
Neck Lift surgery can restore a more youthful neck profile by addressing sagging skin, muscle bands, and excess fat
What is Neck Lift surgery?
A neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that comprehensively addresses ageing concerns in the neck area. The procedure targets multiple aspects of neck ageing, including repair of the muscles that causes the vertical bands in the neck to create abnormal contours, submental fat removal and skin tightening, to restore a more youthful neck profile.
The neck lift procedure focuses specifically on:
- Platysma muscle repair to address vertical neck bands
- Strategic removal of excess fat deposits
- Skin redraping and tightening
- Restoration of the defined jaw-neck angle
- Swan Neck Lift: a technique which combines direct tissue excision and liposuction to improve a “wattle” or “turkey neck”
One of the most common signs of facial ageing are changes in the neck, which can be the appearance of vertical bands (platysma), sagging skin below the jaw (jowls) and deep set wrinkles.
Your consultation
Whether meeting in person or remotely, your consultation with Mr Olivier Amar provides a comprehensive discussion of your hoped for goals and treatment options. To get the most out of your consultation, we recommend reviewing information about your area of interest beforehand.
During your consultation, Mr Olivier Amar will listen to your desired outcomes and goals, conduct a thorough assessment, present appropriate treatment options and explain procedures in detail. This will include a step-by-step surgical process, required preparation, recovery timeline, scar placement and management, anaesthesia options, and potential risks and complications.
A consultation ensures you receive comprehensive information about all options, and understand both benefits and limitations of proposed procedures. You will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish before you decide the next steps together, including the option to take no action.
Advanced Facial Rejuvenation
Mr Olivier Amar specialises in facial rejuvenation procedures. As every face is unique and we all age in different ways, he will conduct a comprehensive facial assessment, carefully developing a tailored approach to help patients achieve subtle, natural rejuvenation, without the obvious signs of surgery.
Risks associated with surgery
Every surgical procedure, while performed with the utmost care and expertise, carries inherent risks. Mr Olivier Amar ensures all patients are fully informed about potential complications before proceeding with any treatment.
General surgical risks include post-operative infection, bleeding and haematoma formation, scarring and wound healing complications, and anaesthesia related complications. During your consultation, Mr Olivier Amar will provide detailed information about procedure specific risks, explain preventive measures and safety protocols, answer all questions about potential complications and provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Preparing for Your Surgery
All surgical procedures are teamwork between the surgeon and the patient. Just as a runner trains for a marathon, preparation is key for optimal recovery.
From the time you book the procedure ensure you maintain regular, gentle exercise, follow a balanced, nutritious diet, ensure adequate sleep and rest, and manage stress levels effectively. Alcohol consumption should be reduced and smoking stopped or minimised. If a patient feels prepared for surgery, they will arrive for their procedure feeling positive which in turn will reduce any anxiety and encourage stress free recovery.
The day before surgery, our dedicated pre-assessment nursing team will reconfirm your admission time, review fasting requirements, address any last minute questions and provide final preparation instructions.
Type of anaesthesia
Neck Lift procedures are performed by Mr Olivier Amar as day surgery under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with a significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your Anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation.
Having surgery under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate. Alternatively, we are happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility, organise a nurse to stay with you overnight, or assist with local accommodation arrangements. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss your anaesthesia options and aftercare support in detail during your consultation.
Recovery Guide
After surgery, you will experience bruising and swelling around the neck and chin area. To minimise swelling during the initial recovery period, keep your head elevated. When sleeping, use additional pillows to maintain this elevated position. Immediately after surgery you can expect mild pain and discomfort, which can be managed by a pain killer prescription, provided on the day of surgery by your anaesthetist, if required.
Most patients find that bruising and swelling subsides within two to three weeks after the procedure. You may experience a sensation of tightness, particularly behind the ears and around the neck – this is normal and typically resolves after around one month. Depending on the type of daily activities, you should be able to resume daily activities within 7-10 days and return to gentle exercise after approximately 3 weeks.
Aftercare Information
At your first post-operative appointment with the nurse, scheduled 2-3 days after surgery, incision sites will be reviewed and dressings changed. You will return for an appointment with the nurse at 14 days, at this point your incision sites will be reviewed again, stitches removed and initial healing will be assessed. At six weeks after surgery, Mr Olivier Amar will evaluate your overall healing and give you next steps to follow.
It is your responsibility to attend all scheduled appointments. Failing to attend appointments or follow post-operative instructions may impact your results and final outcome. Regular monitoring ensures optimal healing progression and early detection of complications. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss the post-operative schedule in detail during your consultation.
Scar placement and management
Neck lift scars are typically minimal and strategically placed in discreet locations where they are not visible to the eye. Scar healing time varies, but most scars are red at first, change to purple, then fade to become paler over 12 months. As a leading London based cosmetic surgeon, Mr Olivier Amar specialises in advanced scar management and prevention techniques. Leading up to your surgery or as part of your post-surgical care, a scar management protocol may be initiated using steroid injections and silicone dressings. A treatment course of Aerolase Neo laser is recommended post-surgery.
The Aerolase Neo laser treatment offers significant benefits for scar improvement:
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Reduces scar pigmentation
- Improves skin texture and appearance
- Softens scar tissue
- Promotes tissue remodelling
- Accelerates bruise healing
Maintaining your results
The initial results can be seen immediately after surgery, however, it can take a few weeks for swelling and bruising to fully subside. The result of neck lift surgery can be best appreciated after 3-6 months.
Some patients opt to support their results with Aerolase Neo laser treatment for skin rejuvenation. The laser treatment stimulates natural collagen production, which is essential for improving skin firmness and elasticity, smoothing rough texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and minimising enlarged pores. Typically, most patients see noticeable results after four treatments with enhanced clearance and quality of skin occurring after each subsequent treatment. It is also recommended that you commit to wearing sun protection daily and follow an at home skincare regimen.
What are the benefits of Neck Lift surgery?
As we age, the skin becomes less elastic and facial muscles slacken. The natural fat under the skin also sags, making the lower face and neck look older. As every face is unique and we all age in different ways, Mr Olivier Amar will conduct a comprehensive assessment, carefully developing a tailored approach to help patients achieve subtle, natural rejuvenation, without the obvious signs of surgery. The rate we age varies from person to person and may be determined by genetic factors. The stresses of daily life, the effect of gravity, exposure to the sun and drastic weight loss can all age the face.
The procedure involves:
- Removal of excess skin and submental fat
- Muscle tightening in the lower face and neck
- Reduction of visible jowls
- Improvement of “turkey neck” appearance
- Enhanced jawline and neck definition
- Smoother, more youthful neck contours
Can other procedures be performed at the same time?
For optimal facial rejuvenation, patients may choose to combine their neck lift with:
- Mini face lift or skin pinch face lift for improved jawline definition
- Fat transfer to face to restore lost facial volume
- Renuvion skin tightening and liposuction to chin and neck for improved skin laxity and lower face contouring
To improve skin tone and texture on the lower face and neck, some patients opt to introduce Aerolase Neo laser treatment. The laser’s energy stimulates natural collagen production, which is essential for improving skin firmness and elasticity, smoothing rough texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and minimising enlarged pores. Typically, most patients see noticeable results after four treatments with enhanced clearance and quality of skin occurring after each subsequent treatment.
Did you know?
How long does neck lift surgery take?
The procedure can take around 90 minutes depending on the specific requirements and complexity of the case.
What is Neck Lift surgery?
A neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that comprehensively addresses ageing concerns in the neck area. The procedure targets multiple aspects of neck ageing, including repair of the muscles that causes the vertical bands in the neck to create abnormal contours, submental fat removal and skin tightening, to restore a more youthful neck profile.
The neck lift procedure focuses specifically on:
- Platysma muscle repair to address vertical neck bands
- Strategic removal of excess fat deposits
- Skin redraping and tightening
- Restoration of the defined jaw-neck angle
- Swan Neck Lift: a technique which combines direct tissue excision and liposuction to improve a “wattle” or “turkey neck”
How should I prepare for surgery?
From the time you book the procedure ensure you maintain regular, gentle exercise, follow a balanced, nutritious diet, ensure adequate sleep and rest, and manage stress levels effectively. Alcohol consumption should be reduced and smoking stopped or minimised. If a patient feels prepared for surgery, they will arrive for their procedure feeling positive which in turn will reduce any anxiety and encourage stress free recovery.
When can I return to exercise after surgery?
Depending on the type of daily activities, you should be able to resume daily activities within 7-10 days and return to gentle exercise after approximately 3 weeks.
What neck LIFT scars can I expect?
Neck lift scars are typically minimal and strategically placed in discreet locations where they are not visible to the eye. Scar healing time varies, but most scars are red at first, change to purple, then fade to become paler over 12 months.
What are the benefits of Neck Lift surgery?
As we age, the skin becomes less elastic and facial muscles slacken. The natural fat under the skin also sags, making the lower face and neck look older. Addressing ageing concerns early can often delay the need for more extensive surgical procedures in the future.
The procedure involves:
- Removal of excess skin and submental fat
- Muscle tightening in the lower face and neck
- Reduction of visible jowls
- Improvement of “turkey neck” appearance
- Enhanced jawline and neck definition
- Smoother, more youthful neck contours
Is neck lift surgery painful?
Immediately after surgery you can expect mild pain and discomfort, which can be managed by a pain killer prescription, provided on the day of surgery by your anaesthetist, if required.
Most patients find that bruising and swelling subsides within two to three weeks after the procedure. You may experience a sensation of tightness, particularly behind the ears and around the neck – this is normal and typically resolves after around one month.
When can I shower and wash my hair after neck lift surgery?
In general, you may gently shower and wash your hair 48 hours after surgery, taking particular care on the treated areas. Avoiding the use of any strong shampoo or rubbing around the incision areas. It’s important to avoid direct water pressure on the surgical area during the first few days to prevent irritation or infection.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS OF the SURGERY?
The initial results can be seen immediately after surgery, however, it can take a few weeks for swelling and bruising to fully subside. The result of neck lift surgery can be best appreciated after 3-6 months.
How long will the results of neck lift surgery last?
The results of a neck lift are typically long lasting. However, as the natural ageing process continues, skin will gradually lose elasticity over time. Factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can also impact the longevity of your results. While neck lift surgery does not stop ageing, it provides long lasting improvement in the neck area, restoring a more youthful contour that will gradually change over time.
Meet Olivier Amar – Leading Plastic Surgeon in Chelsea, London
Mr Olivier Amar is a renowned London based consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon specialising in face, breast and body surgery, advanced non-surgical facial rejuvenation, hair loss treatments and regenerative medicine. With over 15 years of experience, Mr Olivier Amar has earned a reputation among both patients and peers alike for transforming cosmetic surgery into an art form.
“Cosmetic surgery is a demanding profession and patient expectations are high. But I am a doctor first and a surgeon second. My only concern is the patient in front of me, fulfilling their needs and managing their expectations. My work is intense; it means everything to me and is my lifelong passion.”
Mr Amar’s commitment to precision and refinement extends through every aspect of patient care, from initial consultation to post-operative support. All treatments take place at his private practice in Chelsea, London. Working alongside Mr Amar is a highly skilled team of dedicated nurses, experienced anaesthetists from leading NHS and private hospitals, and specialised management staff. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive, world class care for all patients.
How can I compliment my overall result?
Express PRP treatment
The goal of PRP treatment is to rejuvenate your skin and encourage new collagen.
