Deep Neck Lift
What is a Deep Plane Neck Lift?
A Deep Plane Neck Lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline. The process of neck ageing is complex involving both superficial and deep tissue layers, including the skin, muscles, fat, glands, and fascia. Over time, these structures begin to lose their tone, leading to sagging and a loss of definition.
A Deep Plane Neck Lift addresses all these components to provide the most effective and long-lasting results, rejuvenating the neck area and restoring a youthful sharp contour.
How is a Neck Lift Different from a Facelift?
While both facelift and neck lift procedures aim to address signs of ageing, they target different areas:
- Facelift: Focuses on rejuvenating the lower and mid-face, addressing sagging cheeks, jowls, and nasolabial folds.
- Neck Lift: Targets the neck specifically, addressing sagging skin, deep muscle laxity, fat protrusion, and loss of definition in the jawline.
A neck lift is more focused on sculpting the neck area, lifting and tightening the skin and muscles beneath. For patients experiencing both face and neck concerns, a combined facelift and neck lift would be recommended.
Read More About Our Facelift Procedure Here.
How is a Structural Neck Lift Performed?
The exact surgical approach depends on your individual needs. The procedure may involve:
- Fat removal and muscle debulking: Contouring both the superficial and deep fat layers. Trimimg the anterior digastric muscle
- Submandibular gland reduction: For patients with protruding glands, surgical reduction of the glands can restore jawline definition.
- Hyoid bone repositioning: In some cases, repositioning the hyoid bone may improve the cervico-mental angle.
- Platysma muscle repair: Tightening and repositioning the platysma muscle for a smoother, more defined neck.
If facial laxity is also present, a combined facelift and neck lift may be recommended to achieve optimal results
What Are the Functional Implications of Submandibular Gland (SMG) Reduction?
Reducing the submandibular glands does not affect saliva production in the long-term for most patients. However, those with a history of dry mouth or previous parotid surgery should discuss potential risks with Mr. Orfaniotis during the consultation. Mr Orfaniotis performs an anatomical reduction, whereby only the protruding part of the gland is removed and a big portion of gland remains intact and functional.
Could I benefit from a neck lift?
A neck lift can benefit anyone experiencing:
- Loss of neck contour and jawline definition: As we age the platysma muscle in the neck stretches and loses its strength, causing sagging in the neck area and leading to a loss of jawline definition and the formation of vertical bands (platysma bands).
- Deep fat and muscle bulge : Deep fat and the digastric muscles found beneath the platysma may bulge, creating a “double chin” or submental fullness.
- Submandibular gland protrusion: Enlarged and/or ptotic glands can distort the jawline, creating protrusions in the lateral neck and limited the contour in the jawline and lateral neck area.
- Hyoid bone displacement: As the hyoid bone moves forward and lower in the neck, the cervico-mental angle (the sharp line between the chin and neck) becomes less defined.
Excess skin: Age-related collagen and elastin loss results in loose, wrinkled or creepy skin on the neck particularly noticeable with neck flexion.
A neck lift is not just for older patients. People in their 30s and 40s may also benefit, especially if genetics or early signs of ageing are evident
Can Men Benefit from a Neck Lift?
Absolutely. Male neck lift surgery is highly effective in revealing a strong, defined jawline that may have been obscured by sagging skin or deep structures. While the pathology and indications for surgery are similar in men and women, the surgical approach differs slightly to accommodate the different geometric considerations of male facial anatomy. Mr. Orfaniotis frequently performs neck lift surgery for male patients, helping them regain a youthful and chiselled profile
What is Recovery Like After a Neck Lift?
Most patients can return home a few hours after the procedure with the assistance of a companion. You will be given pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication as needed. A compression garment will need to be worn for the first week, and patients are advised to rest for 48 hours post-surgery. The recovery process typically involves:
- Initial bruising: Bruising may last 10-14 days, depending on the extent of surgery.
- Pain and discomfort: Most patients experience mild discomfort for 2-5 days, which is managed effectively by the recovery team.
- Swelling: Swelling is common, and while it can take 2-4 weeks to subside, the final result should be expected at 6 months after surgery
- Return to work: Most patients return to work within 2 weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
- Exercise: You can begin gentle movement, like brisk walking immediately after surgery. Using a stationary bike, from around 10 days post-surgery. Light stretching or yoga is usually fine after 2 weeks. We advise waiting 4 weeks before resuming more vigorous activity, and 6 weeks before return to full strenuous training.
Mr. Orfaniotis’ dedicated recovery team ensures a smooth healing process, providing continuous support throughout your recovery. Read more about the recovery team here.
What Scars Can I Expect After a Neck Lift?
Neck lift scars are strategically placed to minimise visibility:
- Submental Incision (under the chin): A small 2.5 cm incision beneath the chin allows access to the deep structures for isolated neck lifts.
- Post-Auricular Incision (behind the ear): When excess skin needs to be removed, an additional incision is placed around the earlobe and behind the ear, following the natural contours to reduce visibility.
Scarring will take up to a year to mature, but once fully healed, scars are typically faint and only visible on close inspection.
How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?
A neck lift is a permanent solution to the effects of ageing, but it cannot stop the natural ageing process. With proper care, the results can last for many years. Mr. Orfaniotis and his team will provide guidance on how to maintain your results.
Can I Have a Neck Lift After a Facelift?
Yes, you can have a neck lift after a facelift. If you had a facelift in the past but feel your neck still lacks definition, Mr. Orfaniotis can perform a neck lift to restore harmony between the face and neck.
Conclusion
A Deep Plane Neck lift is the gold standard for those seeking long-lasting rejuvenation of the neck and jawline area. If you are considering a necklift, Mr Georgios Orfaniotis offers personalised consultations to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with advanced techniques and exceptional care.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities of a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
Pricing: The cost of a neck lift starts from £26,000. For more detailed pricing and a full breakdown of services, click here to view our price list.
Read more on necklift procedure facts below.
Deep Plane Necklift Procedure Facts.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia (TIVA) Read more about your anaesthetic here.
Length of Stay
Day case
Surgery Duration
3-4 hours, depending on additional procedures.
Drains
Drains are used rarely. A “Haemostatic Net” quilting technique is however used to reduce swelling and bleeding. Drains and the haemostatic net are removed at your first post-op appointment, 48 hours after surgery.
Aftercare
We offer a comprehensive recovery support package designed to ensure a smooth recovery. Read more about our first class recovery support package here.
Post-Op Appointments to plan for.
- 48 hours: Dressings removed and wounds inspected.
- 7-9 days: Wounds cleaned and sutures removed.
What Are the Risks of a Neck Lift?
As with any surgery, there are general risks associated with anaesthesia, bleeding, and pain. Specific risks for neck lift surgery include:
- Scarring: Though the incisions are discreet, they may take time to fully heal.
- Prolonged swelling: Swelling is common and can last several weeks, particularly with more extensive surgeries.
- Asymmetry: A slight imbalance may occur but can be corrected over time.
- Nerve damage: Though rare, nerve damage may occur, affecting mobility of lower lip and sensation in the neck/ear area. These changes are normally temporary
- Salivary leak: Though very rare (2-3%), this can occur following gland reduction. Salivary leak manifests as a fluctuant swelling in the neck, which may require mulitple fluid aspiration for the swelling to settle. In very rare occasions, it can take as long as a few weeks to stop, and during this time you will be closely monitored by Mr Orfaniotis and his team. Salivary leak can delay the recovery process, however it does not affect the long-term result of the neck lift.
