Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a red cap and loupes at the operating table, a member of the theatre team beside him.

Face and neck lift

Lifts the skin and soft tissues of the face and neck for a natural look.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

As we age our faces go through many characteristic changes. The skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. The ligaments supporting the facial structures relax, causing features to drop, while the natural distribution of fat in the face changes. The overall effect is a saggy face with deeper lines and creases. A similar process in the neck causes sagging of the skin and soft tissues.

There are many different types of facelift and Mr West will assess your face and recommend the most appropriate one for you. A face and neck lift is an extension of the short scar or VR facelift where the scar extends behind the ear. This allows the structures of the neck to be tightened and lifted and is the main difference between the two. It may also be the most appropriate choice for people with severe sagging of the jowls and lower face.

Mr West's preferred technique is the extended deep plane face and neck lift. Patients often have other procedures at the same time, including a lip lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty and a brow lift.

In theatre
4 to 5 hours
Anaesthetic
General or deep sedation
Downtime
2 to 3 weeks
Exercise
3 to 4 weeks
Suited to
An ageing face, jowls, sagging or loose skin and facial descent.
How it works
The skin is lifted off the supporting SMAS layer of the face and neck, then permanent stitches in the SMAS provide the lift.
The result
A youthful, natural face, with the skin and soft tissues lifted and tightened.
Mr West and the theatre team at work over a patient under a blue drape.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West marks the planned incisions carefully before surgery. Through the skin incisions, the skin is lifted off the supporting SMAS layer of the face and neck. Permanent stitches are placed in the SMAS to provide the lift.

    Excess skin is removed and the skin is closed with a single running stitch. Antibiotic ointment is placed over the scars and a post-surgical compression dressing is put on.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What is the difference between a VR lift and a face and neck lift?

The VR or short scar facelift is not designed to improve the neck. It is best for treating the jowls, the jawline and the mid face. If you have concerns about your neck, a face and neck lift is likely to be more appropriate.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks is to be expected. Infections can occur and are treated with antibiotics. You will be given a course to take after surgery. Minor bleeding can rarely happen and should stop with pressure. The scar is usually very well concealed in the natural fold of the ear and the hairline. Sometimes it can take a while to settle and regular massage helps. Minor asymmetry can happen but is rarely noticeable. Damage to the facial nerve causing weakness or paralysis of facial movement is an extremely rare complication.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Sutures are removed after 10 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Anything that makes your face red, such as bending over or lifting anything heavy, should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.

How long do the results last?

Plastic surgery cannot stop the ageing process. It resets the clock, so after surgery you will age in a similar way from a different starting point.

When can I wash my hair?

Hair can be gently washed the day after surgery using a mild shampoo.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.