Could I Please Have Some Photos of Neck Lift Scars. Worried?

Though recovery from a surgical #necklift varies from person to person, patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery. Generally, it will take approximately 7-10 days for the early healing in which many patients feel comfortable being in public at this stage. Most #bruising is low on the neck and may easily be covered by clothing. Also, wearing a #compression garment may be suggested the first week and then nightly for up to six weeks.The #incision scars from a necklift can typically be hidden well and are not located within eye level to be immediately noticed. These #scars “mature” within six to twelve months from the surgery date. The term mature implies they will soften and fade away. During this time, the rejuvenating effects of the necklift will become most obvious and the neck feels the most normal (ex. little discomfort, soft, normal sensation, no more post-op firmness). Following this stage, the true restorative effects of your necklift result will be apparent. If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

         To be honest, I could show you some pictures of the scar, but it is very difficult to detect in pictures.  Find a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of facial procedures and neck lifts each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

For a mini neck lift, the only scar will be a 2 cm scar under the chin. This is usually very well hidden. For a standard face/neck lift, the incisions are around the ears. Again, these tend to heal very well.

Neck or neck and face lift scars heal very well.  They are hidden under the chin and around the ears.  The risks of poor healing are decreased if you are healthy and not a smoker.  You have to decide how much your neck and lower face appearance bother you and if the answer is a lot the scars should be less of an issue.  Based on your facial assessment, your surgeon will propose the extent of your surgery and could show you the results of his/her work including the scars.

The  3 short incisions for the  neck lift procedure in our practice are all about 3/4 of an inch  in length.  Two incisions are access ports behind the earsfor liposuction and are located in the post-auricular sulcus and the third incision is in the sub -mental crease. The neck lift procedure in our practice is not a skin removal procedure.  A face/neck lift is needed for excess skin removal in the neck.   Please see our facelift Photo gallery for incisions in front and behind the ears. Please see the link below to our neck lift photo gallery.   

Necklift incisions typically heal very nicely. Your best course of action would be to consult with several local surgeons with good reputations and evaluate photos of their incisions. Those results will best represent the options that are most convenient to you. If you want to travel for a necklift procedure, I'd recommend again evaluating potential surgeons' incisions prior to booking. 

Stephen Weber MD, FACS