Neck Lift Surgery

At Wentworth Clinic, we offer two options for anaesthesia for neck lift surgery: local anaesthesia with oral sedation and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia with oral sedation is a popular choice for many patients, as it allows them to be awake and responsive during the surgery while feeling minimal discomfort. This option can also reduce recovery time.

General anaesthesia is a deeper form of anaesthesia that puts you to sleep during the surgery. It is typically recommended for more complex neck lift procedures or for patients with certain medical conditions.

During your neck lift consultation with Professor Ilankovan, you will discuss your anaesthesia options and choose the best option for you.

At Wentworth Clinic our neck lift procedure is performed in 4 stages:

• Step 1:
  Precise incisions strategically placed beneath the chin and discreetly behind the ears, with the option to combine the latter with a mid-face lift incision.
• Step 2:
  The platysma muscle is carefully separated from the skin, and the free muscles are then sutured in a corset type technique in the mid-line.  The sutures may need to be hitched to the body of the hyoid bone (wishbone).
• Step 3:
  Two suspension sutures are strategically placed from the midline.
• Step 4:
  The sutures are tunnelled to the postauricular area and anchored to the deep structure of mastoid bone.

It is worth noting that we rarely remove fat, but if needed, we expertly remove excess skin beneath the chin and behind the ears.

After your neck lift surgery

• Chin and neck dressing: Keep the chin and neck dressing in place as much as possible until your follow-up appointment. 
• Rest is key: Rest to maintain healthy blood pressure, prevent bleeding, and reduce swelling and bruising.

Addressing bruising and swelling

• External bruises and swelling: Typically improve within 2 to 3 weeks. Makeup can conceal persistent bruising.
• Internal bruising and swelling: May take 6 to 8 weeks to heal but is usually not noticeable. Avoid excessive alcohol to reduce swelling – we recommend no alcohol for the first 2 weeks.

Pain management and medications

• Support: Have a responsible adult with you.
• Pain relief: Take prescribed analgesics for pain.
• Medications: Follow antibiotic and ointment instructions. Avoid making legal decisions or operating machinery while under medication or after anaesthesia.
• Avoid certain medications: Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, or any medication containing Aspirin for at least 2 weeks after surgery to minimise bleeding.
• No smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.
• Driving: Do not drive while taking strong analgesics for discomfort or pain.
• Continue arnica tablets: Take Arnica tablets for another 7 days.

Caring for surgical wounds

• Showering: You can shower as usual after 3 days, following cleansing recommendations.
• Antibiotic ointment: Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to stitches.
• Moisturise: use moisturiser on the skin, avoiding stitches.
• Padding: Use gauze pieces as needed, especially over the ears.
• Stitch removal: Stitches will be removed in 7 to 10 days.

One week to a few months following surgery

• Numbness: Expect numbness in various areas of the face, neck and ears. It may persist for weeks to months, or in some cases up to a year. Occasionally numbness has been reported to be permanent, but this is rare!
• Face and neck sensation: Your face and neck may feel ‘rigid’ or ‘tight’ – this will gradually improve.
• Sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure for 6 to 8 weeks to prevent swelling and scar redness.
• Scar care: Apply Vitamin E cream and massage firmly in front of your ears once incision lines are well healed.
• Make-up: You can use make-up after 5 days.
• Return to work: Typically, you can return to work in 2 to 3 weeks.

In summary, you should expect to experience:

• Moderate discomfort and pain.
• Moderate swelling.
• Bruising that can be concealed with makeup.
• Slight signs of blood on bandages.

Contact us if you experience:

• Severe unmanageable pain.
• Noticeable swelling, or one-sided swelling.
• Bleeding.
• Bandages feel excessively tight.

For concerns or issues after your surgery, please contact Wentworth Clinic at 01202 422171.

Neck lift surgery at Wentworth Clinic starts at £4000. The exact cost of your neck lift will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.

To learn more about the cost of a neck surgery and to schedule a consultation, please contact the Wentworth team today.