Neck Lift London
Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)
A Neck Lift is a long-lasting way to address the changes that settle around the neck and jawline over time. As a consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Kshem Yapa draws on extensive experience to redefine and restore the contours of the neck, using techniques that ease redundant or sagging skin and refine the area for a firmer, more refreshed appearance.
The signs of ageing often show in the neck before the face. As the skin loses its firmness, it can begin to sag beneath the jawline, jowls can form, and the overall aesthetic of the lower face and neck can soften. A Neck Lift addresses these concerns directly and with care.
Through the careful removal of excess skin and gentle tightening of the muscle beneath, neck lift surgery, also known as Platysmaplasty, offers natural neck rejuvenation and refreshes the appearance of the neck so that how you look reflects how you feel. Our approach to neck plastic surgery in London is tailored to each patient, and some may also consider a Deep Plane Neck Lift for a more sculpted neckline. A Neck Lift with Mr Yapa can maintain its results for around 10 to 12 years.
Neck Lift London
The Procedure: At a Glance
Procedure Length:
Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Cost:
From £11,500
Hospital Stay:
Usually an outpatient procedure; some cases may require an overnight stay
Anaesthesia:
Usually a general anaesthetic, though local anaesthesia with sedation may be an option
Downtime:
2 to 3 weeks for most activities; full healing may take a few months
Showering:
Allowed after 48 hours, avoiding direct water pressure on the incision area
Sleeping:
Elevate the head and neck with pillows and avoid turning or twisting in the initial weeks
Make-up:
Generally allowed after 2 weeks, pending healing and Mr Yapa’s approval
Smoking:
Refrain from smoking and alcohol for the advised period before and after surgery
Sun:
Protect scars from sun exposure for at least 12 months
Driving:
Avoid for at least 1 week after the procedure and while taking pain medication
Before and After Neck Lift
Benefits of a Neck Lift
Mr Kshem Yapa approaches every Neck Lift with expert care, tailoring the surgical procedure to your individual goals. The aim is always a natural and long-lasting result that brings you closer to your desired appearance:
Tightening and Lifting
Neck lift surgery tightens the underlying neck muscles and removes excess skin to give a naturally lifted appearance. It addresses sagging and any loose skin, restoring a firmer and smoother look.
Smoother Skin
By easing the creases and folds that develop over time, a Neck Lift helps achieve smoother skin and a fresher, more rested, youthful appearance.
Removal of Excess Skin
Carefully removing surplus skin, often the cause of what some describe as a turkey neck, refines the overall look and gives a cleaner, more defined jawline and neck.
Results Beyond Diet and Exercise
Healthy living has clear benefits, but it cannot resolve loose skin. A Neck Lift addresses what diet and exercise can’t alone, offering a solution tailored to the neck area.
Renewed Confidence
A refreshed, natural result often brings a welcome lift in confidence. Seeing a clear improvement in the mirror can make a meaningful difference to how you feel day to day.
The Neck Lift Procedure
Together with a skilled surgical team, Mr Kshem Yapa follows stringent sterility and procedural guidelines so that every stage of your Neck Lift is carried out with care and precision. The procedure comprises five steps, during which the surgical technique will vary and depend on Mr Yapa’s assessment of your individual needs.
Anaesthesia and Comfort
Your comfort is secured first, with either intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Mr Yapa will guide you through the most appropriate choice following a thorough assessment of your health and the specifics of your procedure.
Precise Incisions
The placement and type of incision are tailored to your needs and the agreed approach. A traditional incision often begins at the hairline, curves around the ear, and ends at the posterior hairline. This allows for careful sculpting, muscle tightening, and repositioning of tissue and skin.
Adjusting the Muscle and Tissue
Mr Yapa stitches together any loose edges of the platysma muscle and lifts and tightens the neck tissues through incisions typically concealed around the ear and hairline. In some cases, an adjunct treatment such as Liposuction is used to help refine the neck contour.
Closing with Care
The incisions are closed using sutures or skin adhesives to support healing. The choice between dissolving sutures and those that need removal is made with your best outcome in mind, and care is taken to conceal the incision lines so they heal with minimal visibility.
Seeing the Result
As the initial swelling and bruising subside, the result begins to show: a more defined jawline, smoother contours, and a neck that no longer sags.
Risks & Complications of a Neck Lift
Every Neck Lift is carried out under strict health and safety protocols, with careful precautions taken at each stage. As with any cosmetic surgery, some risks and side effects remain possible:
Reactions to Anaesthesia
Some patients may experience an adverse reaction, such as an allergic response or post-operative nausea.
Infection
Despite rigorous sterile protocols, there is a small risk of post-operative infection, which may require further treatment.
Hematoma or Seroma
Pockets of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) may collect beneath the skin and sometimes require further attention.
Tightness of the Neck
Post-operative neck tightness or stiffness can occur during the healing process.
Numbness or Tingling
Temporary and occasionally lasting altered sensations, such as numbness or tingling, can be experienced.
Asymmetry
Even with precision, a slight asymmetry in the result may be observed.
Contour Irregularities
Some patients may notice minor irregularities in the neck’s contour following surgery.
Visible Scarring
Incisions are positioned to minimise visibility, but some scarring, typically subtle and well concealed, is unavoidable.
Results That Fall Short of Expectations
In rare cases, the outcome may not fully align with expectations, prompting further adjustment.
Blood Clots
Though very rare and reduced by thorough pre-surgical assessment, there is a potential risk of post-operative blood clots.
Neck Lift Recovery
Recovering from a Neck Lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, calls for clear guidance and a little patience.
0 – 48 Hours
Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated will help to minimise swelling in the first 48 hours. Mr Yapa will prescribe medication to manage any discomfort. Sutures are typically removed around one week after surgery.
1 – 10 Days
Some swelling and bruising is normal and often peaks within the first ten days. Keeping your head still and avoiding abrupt movements such as turning or bending will help during this period.
1 – 2 Weeks
Most patients return to work and everyday activities within two weeks, once the majority of the swelling and bruising has settled. We recommend avoiding heavy activity and exercise for at least two weeks to support a smooth recovery.
The result of a neck lift can last ten years or more, offering a lasting enhancement to the appearance of your neck and jawline. Our care does not end when you leave the clinic: you will be given a direct line to our specialist cosmetic nurse for advice and support throughout your recovery, and our on-call service is available 24 hours a day for anything in between.
Book your consultation
If you would like to discuss this procedure in detail and understand if it’s the right procedure for your goals, book a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
“I feel fantastic, look fantastic and natural. I can’t praise Mr Yapa enough. From the moment I met him I felt I am in good hands. I had many questions and he was always happy to provide answers and advice. He is very knowledgeable, professional and caring for his patients.”
Facelift patient
“Fantastic experience that I couldn’t fault what so ever! From the consultation to the operation to the anaesthetist and to the after-care has been nothing but exceptional, Dr Yapa an amazing Surgeon who achieves exactly what you ask for. I would have no hesitation what so ever recommending him to anyone.”
Browlift and upper blepharoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa understood what I wanted and went above and beyond to make it happen. During our consultation, I wanted a slight change in my nose, not to be a swoop just straight and he did just that. He understood what I wanted and just went above and beyond for it. This beyond what I expected. He is an amazing, empathetic surgeon.”
Rhinoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa completely changed my life – I can finally wear my hair up!
I would highly recommend considering this surgical procedure with Mr Yapa because my ears were completely different due to the shape of my ears and one stuck out more. I am unbelievably amazed by the outcome of the surgery and how my ears now look. “
Prominent Ear Correction patient
As seen on
Neck Lift FAQs
What techniques are used in a neck lift?
Several techniques may be used in a Neck Lift, and the right one depends on your anatomy and desired outcome.
- Platysmaplasty targets the neck muscle called the platysma through an incision beneath the chin, stitching its edges together for a tighter, smoother appearance.
- Cervicoplasty addresses excess skin, with incisions behind the ears and under the chin, allowing surplus skin to be trimmed and repositioned for a more youthful contour.
- Liposuction removes excess fat from the chin and neck through small incisions using a fine tube, or cannula, either on its own or alongside other techniques.
- A limited incision neck lift uses smaller incisions around the ear for a shorter recovery, though the result may be more modest than a full neck lift.
Mr Yapa will confirm the most suitable approach during your consultation.
What can I expect after neck lift surgery?
You can expect swelling and bruising, which are completely normal and begin to settle within the first few weeks. Mr Yapa will advise on the best medication to manage any discomfort, and your neck will feel tight as the deeper tissues adjust. Following your post-surgical instructions closely will support a smooth recovery.
During this time, you won’t be able to drive, as the frequently turning your neck can disturb the sutures. Most patients notice a clear improvement in contour and firmness as healing progresses, with the final result becoming apparent within a few months.
How long will neck lift recovery take?
Recovery differs from patient to patient. In most cases, you can resume light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising tend to peak within the first ten days before gradually easing.
Prescribed medication and a cold compress, used for no more than 20 minutes at a time, will help you through this period. Full recovery, including the deeper tissues, can take up to seven months. Following your post-operative guidance, including avoiding strenuous activity and maintaining good head positioning, supports the best result.
How much does a neck lift cost in London?
A Neck Lift starts from £11,500. The final neck lift cost depends on the complexity of the procedure, the techniques used, and whether any additional treatments, such as Liposuction or a combined facelift and neck lift, are included. During your consultation, Mr Yapa will assess your individual needs and provide a tailored treatment plan with transparent pricing, so you have a clear understanding of the full cost before you decide.
Is it possible to achieve a lifted neck without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments such as radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound therapy, and injectables can improve skin firmness and reduce mild laxity, but they cannot achieve the same result as a surgical Neck Lift.
They may suit those with minimal sagging who are looking for a temporary improvement, though surgery remains the most effective option for lasting contouring. Mr Yapa can discuss both surgical and non-surgical approaches during your consultation to determine the right course of action for you.
Can I have a neck lift if I have jaw filler?
Patients with existing jaw fillers can still undergo a Neck Lift. During your consultation, Mr Yapa will assess how the filler may affect the procedure and whether any adjustments are needed.
In some cases, it may be recommended to allow the filler to dissolve completely before surgery or to position incisions carefully for the most seamless outcome. Every surgical plan is tailored to the individual to ensure harmony between the facial structures and the most natural-looking result.
Who is the ideal candidate for a neck lift?
A Neck Lift tends to suit those who have noticed loose or drooping skin around the neck and chin, excess fullness beneath the jawline, or a profile that has lost some of its definition. Most candidates are fit and well, keep an active lifestyle, and are close to their ideal weight.
A realistic sense of what surgery can achieve is also important, as a Neck Lift refines and restores rather than reinvents. Where excess fat is the main concern, the procedure is sometimes combined with Liposuction. The clearest way to know whether it is right for you is to talk it through with Mr Yapa, who will assess your neck and jawline and give you honest advice on your options.
Neck Lift CONSULTATION LONDON
Book Your Appointment
Deciding on a Neck Lift is a personal choice, and we are here to help you make it with confidence. When you meet Mr Kshem Yapa at our Harley Street clinic, he will listen to what you hope to achieve, talk to you honestly about your options, and set out what a Neck Lift can realistically offer. Virtual consultations are available for those unable to travel, and you will never be rushed towards surgery.
2026 consultation dates are now available to book online, costing £250 (redeemable against your surgery should you wish to go ahead). You can join our waiting list to be notified when new dates become available. For general enquiries or to learn more about our procedures and services, please use the form below to request a callback.
