The short answer to the question, “Will I have visible neck lift scars?” is most likely, no. This is especially true if you only opt for a neck lift surgery, and you’re not interested in combining your neck lift with a facelift.
When a neck lift is combined with a facelift, most incisions need to be placed around the ear. This means that you’ll have incisions in front of the ear, sometimes inside the very front part of the ear (where you have a small flap of cartilage), behind the ear, and within the hairline.
Neck lift scars behind the ears will typically be well hidden after they are healed, and they will flatten out and fade with time. But they may be slightly noticeable.
On the other hand, if you have an isolated neck lift, you may only need one small incision made just beneath the chin. This incision will be hidden well beneath the shadow of your chin. We also all have a slight indentation there, which helps to hide the scar. See neck lift scars pictures for examples.
Naturally, your neck lift incisions will be located wherever they are needed. Your plastic surgeon will meet with you prior to your surgery for a consultation appointment.
At this appointment, they will assess your chin, neck, and facial anatomy to determine where incisions will be needed. They will base this on your anatomy as well as your desired outcome after surgery.
Neck Lift Overview
Neck lift surgery is often desired in isolation because patients are mostly happy with how their face looks, but they feel that signs of aging are very visible on the neck.
Neck skin is notoriously thin and delicate, so this is often an area where signs of aging like wrinkles, bands, sagging, and, crepe-like skin are visible. A smoother, wrinkle-free neck will give you a more youthful appearance.
If you have neck surgery only, the procedure will start with the administration of anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Once anesthesia has been given, the necessary incisions will be made.
As we stated above, for a neck lift only, most patients can get away with just one small incision located beneath the chin.
However, if you’re going to have a facelift procedure performed at the same time, you may need additional incisions located around the ear and within the hairline.
After incisions are made, your plastic surgeon will go in to manipulate your underlying tissue, muscles, fat, and skin. Excess loose skin and fat will be removed, and the underlying muscles will be tightened.
Lastly, your plastic surgeon will carefully close each incision, applying bandages and wraps as needed. Then, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored before your release to go home.
It’s advised to have someone take you home after surgery, and you should plan on resting for the rest of the day as you begin your neck lift recovery time.
Where Are Neck Lift Scars Located?
The neck lift procedure strategically places incisions in areas where they can be naturally concealed within the body’s existing contours. Surgeons typically make incisions behind the ears, following the natural creases where the ear meets the head, as this location provides excellent camouflage and allows easy access to tighten underlying muscles effectively.
These posterior auricular incisions are carefully positioned within the hairline and skin folds to minimize scar visibility once healing is complete.
A second common location for neck lift incisions is beneath the chin, particularly when addressing central neck concerns or when the surgeon needs to remove excess skin from the anterior neck area.
This submental incision is typically small and strategically placed within the natural crease under the chin, making it virtually invisible during normal conversation.
The precise placement within these natural creases is crucial for achieving minimal scarring, as the incisions blend seamlessly with the existing skin patterns and contours of the neck and ear area.
What Do Neck Lift Scars Look Like Over Time?
Neck lift scars undergo a predictable healing timeline that spans approximately 12-18 months, with the most dramatic changes occurring in the first six months post-surgery.
Initially, scars appear red, raised, and more prominent as part of the body’s natural inflammatory response, but proper wound care during this critical period significantly influences the final appearance.
During the first few weeks, patients notice swelling and discoloration around the incision sites, which gradually transition to a purple or pink color as blood flow increases to support the healing process.
Between three to six months post-surgery, scars begin to flatten and fade considerably as collagen production stabilizes and the tissue remodeling process continues. The skin loses elasticity temporarily during healing, but as optimal healing progresses, scars become smoother and closer in color to the surrounding skin.
By the one-year mark, most neck lift scars have matured to their final appearance, appearing as thin, pale lines that are barely noticeable to the casual observer.
Factors Affecting Scar Appearance
Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence how neck lift scars develop and mature, with genetics playing perhaps the most significant role in determining an individual’s scarring potential.
Genetic variations in collagen synthesis, immune response, and wound healing can predispose certain patients to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation, particularly those with darker skin tones or family histories of prominent scarring.
Age also affects scar formation, as younger patients typically produce more collagen during healing, which can sometimes result in thicker, more noticeable scars, while older patients may experience slower healing due to reduced skin elasticity.
Environmental and behavioral factors significantly impact scar management outcomes, with sun exposure being one of the most controllable variables affecting final scar appearance.
Proper scar management protocols, including the use of silicone-based products, gentle massage, and protection from UV radiation, can dramatically reduce scar visibility and improve texture over time.
Additionally, factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and inadequate wound care can impair blood flow to the healing tissues, potentially leading to wider, more prominent scars that take longer to mature and fade.
Minimizing Neck Lift Scars
To avoid noticeable or botched neck lift scars, your first direction is to follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon after your neck lift procedure. Neck lift scarring is often determined by how you take care of yourself while in recovery.
You need to be sure not to exacerbate or disrupt the scar tissue as the area heals. Do not stretch or strain your neck. Take care of your wounds as directed. Sleep according to your surgeon’s instructions. Eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and give your body rest as it recovers.
All of these things will help you avoid noticeable scars after your neck surgery. Of course, you’ll also want to stay out of the sun to avoid visible scarring. The sun’s rays can make scars even darker.
Neck Lift Scars FAQ
How long does it take to look normal after a neck lift?
Most patients look nearly normal within 2-4 weeks after neck lift surgery, when significant bruising and swelling subside. Some appear presentable after two weeks, though full recovery takes 4-6 months as residual swelling resolves. Individual recovery varies based on body healing rates and surgical extent.
What is the best age for a neck lift?
The optimal age range is 40s to 50s, when skin retains elasticity for better healing while visible aging signs emerge. However, candidates span from 30s (early intervention) to 70s (advanced aging), depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin condition. Individual anatomy matters more than specific age.
How painful is neck lift surgery?
Neck lift pain is typically mild, rated 3-4 out of 10 on pain scales. Most patients experience tightness rather than sharp pain, often described as a “tight turtleneck” sensation. Prescribed medications manage initial discomfort, with most transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers within one week.
Will I have neck lift mini face lift scars?
If you have a neck lift combined with a mini facelift, chances are, you will require incisions around the ears. These incisions will fade nicely with time in most cases.
However, they may be slightly visible, especially one to two years after surgery. After that, they should fade quite well. You should stay out of the sun, and use silicone scar sheets after surgery to help minimize scar appearance.
How much does a neck lift cost?
Patients will sometimes give us a call to ask how much a neck lift will cost. Unfortunately, we can’t give cost estimates over the phone or online until we see you in person. Dr. Smita will need to take a look at your neck and chin area and talk to you about your desired outcome before she can give you an estimate for the cost of surgery.
Do I need a neck lift or chin lipo?
If you have excess skin on your neck, you most likely need a neck lift. If you have excess fat on your neck and chin area, you most likely need chin liposuction.
Can you develop hypertrophic scars after neck lift surgery?
Yes, it is technically possible to develop highly visible scars or hypertrophic scars after neck lift surgery. Hypertrophic scars have a raised red appearance and are highly noticeable.
If you end up with this type of scar, you may require scar revision surgery, an additional surgical procedure performed after the scar healing process.
Contact Us to Request a Consultation
Book a consultation appointment today to review your neck lift options and find out if you’d make a good candidate for this procedure. At your consultation, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham would be happy to discuss more about caring for neck lift surgery scars as well.