PROCEDURE
Short Scar Neck Lift
(Mini Neck Lift)
The short scar neck lift, also referred to as the mini neck lift is a minimally invasive solution to achieve a smoother, more defined neckline. A contoured neck / jawline is an attractive and desirable feature, often attributed to young men and women. However, with age, some of us may experience a certain fullness under the chin, leading to a double chin or “turkey neck”, which makes us look older than we are. Unfortunately, this is a consequence of ageing that cannot be reversed by a healthy lifestyle, thereby prompting the need for surgical intervention such as the short scar neck lift.
Unlike a traditional neck lift, this innovative procedure significantly reduces visible scarring and recovery time. The short scar neck lift strategically utilises smaller, hidden incisions, beneath the chin, avoiding noticeable scarring while effectively treating sagging skin, prominent jowls, and loose neck bands.
Book in your consultation for a short scar neck lift in London.
Rejuvenated Natural Results
Mr Kshem Yapa champions this procedure for providing subtle, natural-looking results preserving your hairline and ensuring you can confidently wear your hair any way you desire. Ideal for individuals in their forties and fifties, the short scar neck lift procedure in London offers a youthful lift while avoiding scars behind the ears.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Approximately 2-3 hours.
Hospital Stay:
Outpatient procedure; no overnight hospital stay required.
Anaesthesia:
Typically general anaesthesia, but local anaesthesia with sedation may be possible.
Downtime:
1-2 weeks for visible recovery; full healing varies by individual.
Showering:
Allowed after 48 hours with care taken to avoid direct water pressure on the neck.
Sleeping:
Elevated head position recommended for 1-2 weeks to minimise swelling.
Smoking:
Prohibited for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery to ensure optimal healing.
Sun Exposure:
Limited sun exposure is recommended for 4-6 weeks. Use a high-SPF when outdoors.
Driving:
Typically restricted for 1-2 weeks post-operation and while on pain medication.
Short Scar Neck Lifts With Kshem Yapa
Kshem Yapa is an award-winning plastic surgeon based in London, known for his outstanding expertise in performing safe and successful mini neck lift procedures. With a 5-star rating and praised for “changing patients’ lives” through his remarkable work, you can trust that you’ll be in the best possible care with Mr. Yapa and his team. He is a full member of prestigious organisations, including the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and an international member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Your consultation for piezo rhinoplasty with Kshem Yapa will take place on Harley Street, a world-renowned location for cosmetic procedures. For added convenience, virtual consultations are also available, allowing you to explore treatment options from the comfort of your home. During your consultation, Mr. Yapa will discuss your goals, offer expert advice, and address any concerns. If you decide to proceed with the surgery, it will be performed at the renowned St Mary’s Lindo Wing, one of the world’s leading healthcare facilities.
Ideal Candidates For Short Scar Neck Lifts
The ideal candidate is first and foremost someone who is in good health. This will ensure that the risk of complications will be reduced during surgery. For this reason, patients should be at a healthy weight, non-smoking, and have control of any underlying health conditions. If you have anything that you are unsure of, this can be discussed with Kshem Yapa, who will assess if you qualify for this procedure.
Age is also commonly considered when it comes to the mini neck lift. Those in their 20-30s may consider the short scar neck lift to minimise excess skin below the chin causing the ‘double chin’ appearance. On the other hand, older candidates may also consider the short scar neck lift if they do not require a full neck rejuvenation. The appeal of the mini neck lift is that it is considered to be less invasive than its counterpart the full neck lift. However, Kshem Yapa may recommend the full neck lift if he deems it necessary, and more importantly beneficial for your desired result.
Ideal candidates for the short scar neck lift should also be able to manage expectations. Kshem Yapa is a highly experienced facial rejuvenation expert, however, working collaboratively with patients to set expectations helps him to achieve the best results possible.
Benefits of a Short Scar Neck Lift
Opting for a short scar neck lift means choosing a solution that prioritises both efficacy and discretion. This procedure hosts a number of benefits, including:
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Minimally Invasive:
Tackles wrinkles, sagging jowls, and excess skin without the extensive surgery often associated with comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
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Hidden, Minimal Scarring:
The incisions are carefully hidden and minimised, ensuring that your surgical procedure remains your secret, even with your hair pulled back.
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Quick and Comfortable Recovery:
Limited incisions mean less downtime, getting you back to your routine faster and with less hassle.
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No Need for Overnight Stay (for some):
When performed in-office with local anaesthesia, you avoid hospital stays and recover in the comfort of your home. However, some individuals may be asked to stay overnight for monitoring, and general anaesthesia may be used in specific cases.
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Natural, Subtle Outcomes:
Achieve a refreshed, youthful look without appearing “worked on”—the results speak for themselves, quietly.
Techniques in the Spotlight
The short scar neck lift, as the name suggests, is a modified technique designed to rejuvenate the neck area with reduced scarring. This procedure is favoured for its less invasive nature and the inconspicuous post-surgical marks. The key surgical techniques involved are:
Unlike traditional neck lifts, the incision for a short scar neck lift is strategically placed beneath the chin. This ensures the scar is well-concealed and less noticeable.
Through the incision, accumulated fat deposits beneath the muscle layer can be accessed. Excess fat is either removed or repositioned to enhance the contour of the neck as well as submandibular glads which can become large or e malpositioned with age giving the appearance of a fuller neck.
The platysma muscle in the neck can sometimes sag or band with age. Through the same incision, this muscle is tightened, helping to reduce the appearance of a ‘turkey neck’.
Once fat and muscle have been addressed, any excess, sagging skin is removed. This step ensures the neck has a taut and youthful appearance.
Mini Neck Contouring London Consultations
For your short scar neck lift consultation, you will meet Mr Yapa at his office location on London’s Harley Street. Here, you will be encouraged to share your desired outcomes and general health background. Your surgeon, Mr Yapa will also discuss the timeline of the mini neck lift procedure, his recommended technique, a physical examination, and also the essentials to know regarding surgical preparations and recovery.
Kshem Yapa fosters a very open and caring approach to all consultations. Whilst you may have certain expectations for your mini neck lift, Kshem Yapa will do his best to manage expectations whilst offering his professional recommendations.
Short Scar Neck Lift Procedure Steps
Working with an expert surgical team, Mr Kshem Yapa will ensure the utmost care is taken while your procedure is underway. Here’s exactly what happens during the procedure:
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Anesthesia
We ensure you don’t feel pain during your short scar neck lift. You’ll either be under general anaesthesia or have local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the discussion with Mr Kshem Yapa. General anaesthesia will be administered by a consultant anaesthetist should it be needed.
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Making the Incision
A single incision is made under the chin. This strategic placement means no visible scar in your day-to-day interactions post-recovery.
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Adjusting Tissue and Muscles
Through that incision, Mr Kshem Yapa removes fat, trims excess skin, and tightens neck muscles. If needed, enlarged submandibular (saliva) glands can also be addressed.
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Lifting and Tightening the Skin
The skin is lifted and tightened, providing a refreshed, younger look without appearing overdone.
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Closing Up
Mr Yapa closes the incision and applies a bandage. From here, your recovery begins, guided and supported by our team.
Mini Neck Lift Combination Procedures
Short scar neck lifts can be combined with other procedures subject to each individual. Most commonly, patients combine the mini facelift with the mini neck lift for a more complete facial rejuvenation. For a more targeted approach, your short scar neck lift may also be combined with upper & lower blepharoplasty to minimise sagging skin around the eyes and neck. To find out if your desired treatments can be combined with the mini neck lift, book in for a constitution whereby Kshem Yapa can offer his professional option.
Risks and Complications
While Mr Kshem Yapa and his team take all necessary precautions to minimise potential complications, it’s important to acknowledge that no surgical procedure can guarantee an absolute zero risk factor. The short scar neck lift, although considerably less invasive than other options, does carry inherent risks and side effects. Below are some potential risks and side effects, each briefly elaborated upon for clarity.
Typical after mini neck lift, bruising and swelling may be present but will usually subside within a few weeks.
Although minimised, some scarring beneath the chin may occur and will gradually fade over time.
Patients might experience a feeling of tightness or numbness, which usually dissipates over time.
Rarely, individuals may notice a slight imbalance or asymmetry in the healing process.
As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection, which is mitigated through strict sterile protocols.
While manageable with medication, some patients might experience pain beyond the initial recovery phase.
There’s a possibility of blood collecting beneath the skin, requiring further intervention.
Some individuals may experience side effects from anaesthesia, such as nausea or allergic reactions.
Short Scar Neck Lift Recovery
For most people, the initial recovery period takes roughly two weeks. During this time, expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and a degree of discomfort is standard. Nonetheless, adhering to the provided post-operative care guidelines and utilising prescribed pain-relief medications will facilitate a more comfortable healing journey.
Mr Kshem Yapa advises dedicating a minimum of one week to ten days for recuperation away from work, permitting focused rest and recovery. Approaching the six-week mark, with Mr Yapa’s explicit consent, patients can typically re-engage in full, unrestricted activities.
24-hour Response Team
You will be provided with a direct phone line to our experienced specialist cosmetic surgery nurse who provides an on-call service 24 hrs a day, from the moment you have surgery, for any questions or concerns you may have or any other support you may need. We take pride in making sure our patients are well looked after following surgery and want you to feel well-supported throughout your journey with us.
Short Scar Neck Lift FAQs
For more information regarding the short scar neck lift, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team and we will be more than happy to arrange a consultation. For those who are not able to travel, Mr Yapa is available for virtual consultations. For our most commonly asked questions regarding this popular procedure, please see the following:
Short scar neck lift qualification will be performed by Kshem Yapa during a consultation. This will be the best opportunity to consolidate if the procedure is right for you. Several factors will be taken into consideration, however for prior knowledge, here are some things that make patients ideal candidates:
Slight sagging in the jowls/ lower face – If you are concerned about slight sagging/ loss of definition in the lower portion of your face, you may qualify for a mini neck lift.
Good overall health – Patients who have good overall health will be suitable for the short scar neck lift. This includes but is not limited to non-smokers, those with a healthy weight, or those with stable blood pressure. Certain prescription medicines may have to be paused/ substituted for the duration of the surgical process to interfere with the anaesthetics used.
Realistic expectations – It’s important to recognise that surgery may not always meet your expectations. Kshem Yapa will do his best to manage/meet expectations during your consultation, and as long as you have a clear understanding of all surgical outcomes you will be permitted for surgery.
Commitment to pre/ post surgery requirements – To ensure a smooth surgical process with minimal risks, you must be willing and able to follow instructions. This can range from avoiding eating up to 12 hours before surgery to taking two weeks from work at least to allow for successful recovery.
Deciding between a mini neck lift and a full neck lift first requires an understanding of how they differ.
The mini neck lift is considered to be less invasive than the complete neck lift, although it still imposes similar risks. Short scar neck lifts, as the name suggests require a much smaller incision to target the sagging skin and jowls that are prominent in the jawline. The inconspicuous incision is placed strategically below the chin. Fat may also be removed although at a much smaller volume when compared to the complete neck lift. With this also comes a faster recovery time, which is ideal for patients looking to resume their day-to-day sooner. Additionally, the mini neck lift may be recommended to younger patients, for example between the ages of 20-40.
On the other hand, the full neck lift requires multiple incisions as opposed to just the one placed beneath the chin. Incisions will also be positioned behind the ears to trim the excess skin, tighten the muscle and reposition skin for a much smoother and more appealing contour. The full neck lift may also include liposuction to remove excess fat that may be causing a ‘double chin’ appearance. Kshem Yapa uses the ‘Limited Incision Neck Lift’ technique to employ smaller incisions, therefore patients should not be concerned about noticeable scarring.
Mini neck lift recovery is considered to be much shorter and seamless when compared to the full neck lift. With a singular and shorter incision made beneath the chin, you should expect to experience swelling and bruising for one to two weeks. It’s recommended to refrain from any strenuous activity during this time. Kshem Yapa will also advise you when it is safe to resume driving, as turning your head can damage the surgical suture. In more severe cases, swelling should completely subside within 6 weeks, however, due to the inconspicuous incision, you can expect most of the swelling to disappear by 4 weeks.
The cost of short scar neck lift can differ depending on the surgical technique used, and recommended anaesthesia, if an overnight stay is required, and other aspects (all of which will be discussed during your consultation with Kshem Yapa).
Sleep is extremely important during recovery of the short scar neck lift. To protect the surgical site and reduce the risk of swelling, patients will be advised to sleep on their backs whilst keeping their heads elevated. Twisting of the head can be avoided using surgical pillows, or simply positioning your pillows to keep your head upright and straight. Sleeping in this position is recommended for around 4-6 weeks to avoid pulling the skin whilst it’s most delicate.