Common Concerns About Neck Lift Surgery Answered

Sagging skin and loss of definition around the neck and jawline can make even the best skincare routines feel ineffective. For those seeking a lasting solution, neck lift surgery offers a way to restore a smoother, more youthful contour. But it’s normal to have questions—Is it safe? How long is recovery? Will scars be visible?

The good news: modern neck lifts are safe and effective when performed by a qualified surgeon like Dr. Kevin Ho (FRACS-certified), with scars discreetly hidden and recovery taking just weeks. This guide answers your top concerns, from costs to results, so you can make a confident choice.

Is Neck Lift Surgery Safe?

Neck lift surgery is a safe and effective procedure when performed by an FRACS-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kevin Ho, who specialises in facial rejuvenation. Complication rates are low (under 2%) in expert hands, with risks like infection, bleeding, or nerve injury being rare and often manageable. 

Before surgery, thorough health assessments—reviewing medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors like smoking or diabetes—ensure you’re a suitable candidate. These steps minimise risks such as delayed healing or hematoma (a type of bleeding under the skin).

Modern techniques prioritise safety and aesthetics. Incisions are discreetly placed behind the ears and under the chin, allowing scars to fade significantly within 12–18 months. Recovery typically involves 1–2 weeks of downtime, with most swelling subsiding within a month. Dr. Ho uses advanced methods like platysmaplasty to tighten neck muscles and liposuction to remove excess fat, ensuring natural-looking results.

Safety is further enhanced by operating in accredited hospitals with board-certified anaesthesiologists, adhering to Australia’s strict surgical standards. For healthy patients, neck lifts offer long-lasting contouring with minimal risks when performed by a qualified specialist.

What Are the Risks of a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery, while generally safe, carries potential risks that patients should understand. Temporary swelling and bruising are common, typically resolving within 2–4 weeks. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help minimise these effects. 

Scarring is inevitable but discreet, with incisions hidden behind the ears and under the chin. With proper care—such as silicone gel and sun protection—scars fade significantly over 12–18 months. Some patients experience temporary numbness around the incision sites due to minor nerve irritation, though sensation usually returns fully within 3–6 months.

Rare complications include hematoma (1–5% of cases), where blood pools under the skin, often managed through in-clinic drainage. Infection is very uncommon (<1%) and preventable with antibiotics and sterile surgical protocols. Temporary nerve injury may cause slight muscle weakness (e.g., lower lip movement), but permanent damage is exceedingly rare with a skilled surgeon. Those who smoke or have diabetes face higher risks of delayed healing, which is why quitting smoking 6 weeks pre-op and managing health conditions are critical.

While asymmetry is uncommon, slight unevenness during healing can occur, often corrected with minor adjustments. Anaesthesia risks, such as allergic reactions, are minimised through pre-surgical screenings and the use of board-certified anaesthesiologists.

Choosing an FRACS-certified surgeon like Dr. Kevin Ho reduces these risks significantly. His expertise in advanced techniques (e.g., platysmaplasty) and meticulous post-op care plans ensure natural results and a smoother recovery. Transparency during consultations addresses concerns, empowering patients to make informed decisions.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

Recovery from neck lift surgery follows a predictable timeline, with most patients experiencing moderate swelling and bruising during the first 1–2 weeks. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated help reduce these effects. Light activities, like desk work, can usually resume within 10–14 days, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. 

By weeks 3–4, visible swelling decreases significantly, though subtle residual swelling may linger. Full recovery, including scar maturation, takes 12–18 months. Dr. Kevin Ho provides personalised recovery plans, emphasising scar care (silicone gel, sun protection) and activity restrictions to optimise healing. While rare, complications like prolonged swelling or hematomas are managed through follow-up visits, ensuring a smooth recovery process.

Will the Results Look Natural?

Natural-looking results are a priority in modern neck lift surgery. Techniques like platysmaplasty (tightening neck muscles) and SMAS lifts (repositioning deeper tissues) avoid the overly tight “pulled” appearance associated with outdated methods. 

Incisions are discreetly placed behind the ears and under the chin, blending into natural creases. Over 90% of patients report looking “refreshed, not fake,” with outcomes that enhance jawline definition and reduce sagging neck bands while maintaining facial harmony. 

Dr. Ho tailors each procedure to individual anatomy, ensuring enhancements complement your natural features. Before-and-after galleries and patient reviews highlight his focus on subtle, age-appropriate results.

How Painful is Neck Lift Surgery?

Discomfort after a neck lift is typically mild, often described as a 3–4 out of 10 on the pain scale. Prescribed medications, such as paracetamol-codeine, manage initial tightness and swelling, which peak around day 3. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within a week. 

Temporary numbness near incision sites is common due to minor nerve irritation but usually resolves within 3–6 months. Avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduces bleeding risks. Following Dr. Ho’s post-op guidelines—rest, hydration, and gentle neck movements—ensures discomfort remains manageable.

Are There Scars After Surgery?

Scars are an inevitable part of surgery but are strategically hidden. Incisions follow the natural crease behind the ears and under the chin, where they fade into shadows. With proper care, including silicone gel and strict sun protection (SPF 50+), scars gradually soften into thin, pale lines over 12–18 months. 

In rare cases (<5%), thickened or raised scars may develop, which can be treated with steroid injections. Dr. Ho’s meticulous closure techniques minimise tension on incisions, reducing visibility. Most patients find scars inconspicuous after full healing.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results from a neck lift typically last 10–15 years, influenced by factors like skin quality, age, and lifestyle. Patients with thicker, more elastic skin and healthy habits (no smoking, daily sunscreen) often enjoy longer-lasting outcomes. While aging continues naturally, the neck remains tighter and more contoured than if left untreated. 

Techniques like SMAS or deep plane lifts provide longer-lasting structural support compared to skin-only methods. Yearly skincare routines, including retinoids and hydration, help maintain results.

What Happens During the Consultation?

A consultation with Dr. Ho begins with discussing your aesthetic goals, such as desired jawline sharpness or reduced neck bands. He reviews your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking) to assess candidacy. A physical exam evaluates skin elasticity, muscle laxity, and fat distribution. 

Using 3D imaging technology, Dr. Ho previews potential results, ensuring alignment with your vision. He then customises a surgical plan, which may include liposuction, muscle tightening, or combined procedures. Transparent discussions cover risks, recovery expectations, and costs ($17,200–$35,990 AUD). This collaborative process ensures clarity and confidence before proceeding.

How Much Does Neck Lift Surgery Cost?

In Australia, neck lift surgery costs range from $17,200 to $35,990 AUD. This includes surgeon fees ($8,000–$15,000), anaesthesia ($2,000–$5,000), and hospital fees ($5,000–$10,000). Combined procedures, like a facelift or liposuction, add $8,000–$12,000. 

Payment plans and SuperCare financing options are available, though Medicare does not cover cosmetic neck lifts. A detailed quote is provided after your consultation, breaking down all expenses.

How Do I Choose the Right Surgeon?

Selecting a qualified surgeon is critical. Ensure they are FRACS-certified in plastic surgery, verifying credentials through AHPRA. Look for a specialist with extensive neck lift experience (100+ procedures) and a portfolio of natural-looking before-and-after photos. Patient reviews on platforms like RealSelf offer insights into bedside manner and outcomes. 

Avoid practitioners without formal surgical training, such as “cosmetic doctors.” Dr. Ho’s 16+ years of expertise, focus on facial anatomy, and commitment to ethical practice make him a trusted choice for natural, long-lasting results.

Why Choose Dr Kevin Ho for Your Neck Lift Surgery? 

• FRACS-Certified Expertise: Dr. Kevin Ho is an FRACS-certified plastic surgeon with over 16 years of specialised experience in facial and neck rejuvenation. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, he adheres to the highest surgical standards. His advanced training includes fellowships in aesthetic plastic surgery and microsurgery in the UK and Asia, ensuring cutting-edge techniques like SMAS lifts and platysmaplasty (neck muscle tightening) for natural, long-lasting results.

• Natural, Tailored Outcomes: Dr. Ho prioritises subtlety, avoiding the “overdone” look. He customises each neck lift to your anatomy, addressing sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding. Incisions are discreetly placed behind the ears and under the chin, fading into natural creases over 12–18 months. His before-and-after galleries showcase refined jawlines and smoother contours, with 95% of patients reporting natural, confidence-boosting results.

• Safety & Precision: Operating exclusively in accredited hospitals like Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Dr. Ho minimises risks (complication rates <2%) through meticulous planning. Pre-surgical health assessments and collaboration with board-certified anaesthesiologists ensure patient safety. His dual focus on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery—honed through charitable Interplast missions—reinforces his technical precision.

• Patient-Centered Care: From consultation to recovery, Dr. Ho’s team provides transparent, personalised guidance. Consultations include 3D imaging to preview results, detailed cost breakdowns, and tailored aftercare (scar management, activity restrictions). Patients praise his empathetic approach and 24/7 post-op support.

• Proven Reputation: Trusted by peers, celebrities, and families, Dr. Ho trains future surgeons as the Director of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital. His ethical practice and dedication to excellence have earned a 4.8/5 rating on RealSelf.

Restore Your Neckline, Naturally

Feeling self-conscious about sagging skin or a less-defined jawline? You’re not alone—many of us notice these changes over time. Dr. Kevin Ho, a Sydney-based FRACS-certified surgeon, understands how subtle shifts in confidence can make a big difference.

His approach to neck lifts focuses on gentle refinement, not dramatic change. Using techniques that respect your natural contours, he tightens muscles and removes excess skin with incisions hidden discreetly behind the ears. The result? A smoother, more youthful neckline that looks uniquely yours—never “done.”

Let’s talk about your options — book a consultation.

Rediscover a version of yourself that feels refreshed, authentic, and effortlessly confident.