Aesthetic Surgery
Neck Lift
Tightening for a defined neck contour
At a Glance
In Brief
Tightening of neck skin and tissue
Treatment Duration
Approx. 2–3 hours, depending on extent
Anaesthesia
Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
Downtime
Usually socially ready after about 2 weeks
Results
Contour visible early, final after 6–9 months
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
A neck lift is a surgical procedure in which loose skin on the neck is tightened and excess skin is removed. Depending on the findings, the underlying tissue is also tightened and excess fatty tissue at the chin is removed.
Over the years, the skin here loses tension, vertical bands and folds form, and the transition from chin to neck becomes less defined. The aim is a clearer contour that suits your face. This page covers the neck alone; lifts of the neck and cheeks together (the mini and the full face-neck lift) are described on the page ‘Cheek lift and face-neck lift’. In the consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei explains which extent makes sense for you, how technique and incision are chosen and where the scars will lie.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
Which areas are treated depends on your findings.
Loose Neck Skin
Loose skin and neck folds are tightened, and the surplus skin is removed. The neck looks smoother as a result.
Vertical Neck Bands
Vertical bands form when the tissue beneath the skin loses tension. The lift includes this tissue so that the bands become less visible.
Fullness at the Chin
Excess fatty tissue at the chin can be removed during the same procedure. The examination shows whether this is needed.
Chin-to-Neck Angle
When the contour between chin and neck fades, the profile looks softer. The lift redefines this transition.
What is a neck lift?
In a neck lift, the loose skin on the neck and the tissue beneath it are tightened, and the surplus skin is taken away. Where the findings call for it, fatty tissue at the chin is also removed so that the transition from chin to neck looks more defined again.
The procedure is intended for women and men who are bothered by loose neck skin, vertical bands or folds. The surgeon decides on the basis of your findings how extensive the lift is, which technique is suitable and how the incision runs, and explains this to you beforehand.
Depending on its extent, the procedure takes about 2–3 hours and is carried out under twilight sedation with local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. You usually stay one night for observation; smaller procedures can also be performed on an outpatient basis.
- Tightening of neck skin and tissue
- Removal of excess skin
- Technique chosen to suit the findings
- Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
- Takes about 2–3 hours
Why a neck lift at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
Your operation is performed by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Anaesthesia at a Surgical Centre
Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is looked after by specialists in anaesthesiology in a certified surgical centre.
Clearer Contour
The lift focuses on the transition between chin and neck. Pronounced folds and vertical bands can also be treated in the process.
Recovery in View
After about 2 weeks, most patients are ready for work and social occasions again. We go through the course of recovery with you beforehand so that you can plan the time afterwards.
Tailored Extent
Before the procedure, we assess whether loose skin, vertical bands or fatty deposits are the main concern. This determines the extent of the lift and whether fatty tissue is removed.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
In a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich, the skin, underlying tissue and fatty deposits of your neck are assessed and the extent of the operation is discussed. You then decide in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
Before your appointment, you receive clear instructions on medication, nicotine and sun exposure. You should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks beforehand.
Anaesthesia
The operation takes place in a certified surgical centre under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia. Specialists in anaesthesiology look after you throughout.
Procedure
The skin and the deeper tissue are tightened, and the surplus skin is removed. This takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the extent.
First Days
You usually stay one night for observation. The compression bandage is worn for about 1 week.
Aftercare
Follow-up appointments accompany you until healing is complete. You should wait about 4 weeks before returning to sport.
| Neck lift | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out transparently after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
After the consultation and preparation, the procedure takes place at the surgical centre. The skin on the neck and the tissue beneath it are tightened, with surplus skin taken away. The procedure takes about 2–3 hours, depending on its extent, and usually involves one night in the clinic.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The procedure is carried out under twilight sedation with local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. Specialists in anaesthesiology provide the anaesthesia in a certified surgical centre. Which form is planned for you depends on how extensive the operation is and is discussed with you beforehand.
What risks and side effects are possible?
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness in the neck are normal during the first 2–3 weeks. The skin in the operated area can feel numb for a time, which usually improves within weeks to months. The risks include bleeding, wound infection, conspicuous scars and, in rare cases, weakness of individual facial muscles, which usually recovers. We discuss your individual risks with you during the consultation.
What should I consider before the procedure?
You should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks before the procedure, because smoking impairs the blood supply to the skin and therefore wound healing. Blood-thinning medication, including medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid, is paused after consulting the doctor, usually 2 weeks beforehand. Any planned weight loss should be completed before the operation.
What should I consider after the procedure?
For the first few days, sleep with your head raised and keep your neck as straight as possible. The compression bandage is worn for about 1 week. You should avoid sport, saunas and direct sun for about 4 weeks. At the follow-up appointments, we check how healing is progressing and discuss further aftercare.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Swelling and bruising usually subside within 2–3 weeks. After about 2 weeks, most patients are ready for work and social occasions again. You should wait about 4 weeks before returning to sport and physical exertion.
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When do results become visible?
The new contour begins to show as swelling and bruising go down, usually after a few weeks. An initial feeling of tightness settles during this time. The final result can be judged after about 6–9 months, once the last subtle swelling has subsided.
How long do the results last?
The effect of the procedure is long-lasting, although natural ageing continues. Larger changes in weight can affect the contour. We discuss the factors that matter in your case during planning.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is usually sufficient. As the skin and tissue continue to age, a further lift may be wanted after many years. We clarify during the examination how extensive the operation should be in your case.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
The procedure may be considered by women and men who are bothered by loose skin, vertical bands or a poorly defined transition between chin and neck. Skin that is still elastic, a stable weight, good general health and realistic expectations are favourable. In a personal consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei assesses whether a neck lift is right for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is given on request. It depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. After the consultation, you receive a transparent breakdown of costs.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.