neck lift (cervicoplasty)
In some people, the neck can show faster signs of ageing than the face and many times patients only need a neck lift, rather than a full face lift. But age is not the only reason: losing considerable weight in a short period of time or heredity can determine people to have a neck lift.
About neck lift
A neck lift is the surgical procedure that improves the appearance of a patient's neck by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles underneath.
Performed either alone or as part of a face lift for a smooth, natural appearance, this procedure best suites people with loose sagging skin under the chin, vertical bands in the neck, wattles or necks that are too heavy.
Your expectations need to be realistic. With the latest developments in this area of cosmetic surgery, the overall achievement will be having a completely natural look and a smoother, younger appearance. While this makes patients feel more confident, it will not change their lives.
page topYour consultation
The first consultation with your surgeon is a major step towards a successful operation. Together you will decide what procedure best suites you. Having a good state of health is always important.
During your consultation, Dr. Eleftheriou will take a general medical history and will discuss your goals for the procedure, explaining what results you can reasonably expect.
The decision of having a facelift or other procedure in conjunction with the neck lift belongs entirely to you. During the consultation, your doctor will also decide what kind of anaesthesia will be used.
page topPreparing for surgery
After a thorough examination, your surgeon will take a full medical history and will ask you about any allergies that you may have, disorders, past illnesses, if you are a smoker or on any medications. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements, and over the counter medications. Before your surgery:
- You must stop eating and drinking 6 hours before your surgery appointment.
- You should not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen for 3 weeks before surgery.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to surgery.
- Stop or reduce smoking for at least 2 weeks prior and after surgery.
- You must arrange for someone to take you home and make sure you are comfortable.
- You must also arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
- Do not wear any contact lenses, jewellery, makeup or nail polish.
- Please bring your prescription medication (pain medication, nausea medication, antibiotics, etc) with you on the day of surgery.
Your operation
Neck lift surgery usually takes between two and three hours, longer if a facelift is performed. Usually done under general anaesthetic, it requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
Neck lift operation provides exciting results for various problems:
- Vertical bands or "turkey wattles" will be addressed by platysmaplasty surgery. Small incisions under your chin or behind your ears will help reach your neck muscles and rearrange them as needed.
- Loose, sagging skin can be corrected with cervicoplasty surgery. Similar incisions will be performed; then your surgeon will trim the skin and secure it with stitches or tissue glue. You may be asked to wear a compression bandage for at least a week after your surgery.
- Elimination of both superficial and deep seated fatty tissue in the neck, as well as trimming the lower poles of the submandibular glands, for a more detailed neck contouring. For excessive fat, your surgeon will perform liposuction, thus vacuuming the fat away through thin cannulas.
- If extensive contouring is needed, direct reduction of the fatty tissue through an incision under the chin is the right procedure.
Usually when performing neck lifts, Dr. Eleftheriou removes fat as well. The necklift, just like facelifts is performed together with submental liposuction.
page topRecovery
Normally, after a neck lift, you will spend the night in the clinic. You will need to rest for 3 to 4 days following the surgery. The bandages are removed on the 2nd day after the operation.
Facial swelling and bruising are common side effects of the surgery and are best seen on the fourth or fifth day after the operation. Feelings of tension and sensitivity disturbances are common. These will disappear in a couple of weeks.
Your surgeon will prescribe paracetamol or medication provided by the hospital that will reduce the discomfort. Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication as these can promote bleeding.
A light dressing will protect the operated area for 2 weeks. Afterwards, your dressing will be removed and your surgeon will inspect the area. Pink scars will be firmly visible for at least six weeks and it may take up to 2 years to face away.
If you smoke, you will need to stop two weeks before and two to three weeks after your surgery for a faster healing process.
You should be able to return to work in one to two weeks. However, avoid any strenuous physical activities for at least three weeks.
page topRisks and Complications
There are risks associated with any type of surgery, and cosmetic procedures are no exemption. However, neck lift complications are extremely rare.
Complications such bleeding during or soon after the procedure, infection and a reaction to the anaesthetic may occur.
Our caring medical staff will take time to walk you through some common risks that you take when deciding to go through with the procedure. You must remember that side-effects are temporary.
page topCost of your surgery
A few things to remember when considering the cost of surgery:
- Dr Stavros Eleftheriou is a Specialist in Cosmetic Facial Surgery offering the latest techniques available in the field today.
- Our prices are very affordable within Europe and are all inclusive: consultation, admission, surgical fee, anesthetist fee, and hospital fee, all medication while at the clinic, and all our after care. You don’t have to worry about any hidden costs that may appear after your surgery.
- Your surgery takes place in a hospital based environment, where you are in the good hands of a professional, caring staff, happy to address your concerns and needs.
- Post-surgery consultations and aftercare will be performed in the UK. You will not need to travel to Cyprus for your routine check ups.
- The procedures recommended are tailor made to suit your individual needs.
- Deciding on what kind of anaesthetic is most appropriate and how long you will need to stay in hospital are also important factors when you are quoted a price.
In addition, there is an obvious price advantage when having surgery in our clinic in Cyprus compared to a UK hospital. Cyprus is a country with significant lower healthcare costs than the ones in UK or other Western European countries.
To help you decide easier, the following comparison list should give you an idea of the advantages in choosing our clinic. Once you have decided on surgery, please contact us to receive a detailed quotation that reflects the actual cost of your surgery.
| Procedure | Average UK Price | Price guidance Cyprus |
| Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 3,000 | £ 1,100 |
| Facelift with neck lift | £ 6,300 | £ 3,350 |
| Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 4,500 | £ 1,450 |
We understand your need to consult with more surgeons before making a decision. During your research period, make sure you compare similar operations when comparing.
Note: Patients who are having one more than one procedure at one time, will be offered discounted prices for the additional procedures. For example a face lift and a neck lift will be less costly when done together, as there will be only one hospital stay and one anesthesia.
page toplearn more
If you'd like to know more about our neck lift surgical procedure or wish to print this article, we invite you to download our brochure on neck lift or call our office at +44 (0) 123 456789. Alternatively, fill in the online contact form and one of our patient advisors will get in touch as soon as possible.
