Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in blue scrubs and a red theatre cap in an operating theatre.

Z plasty neck lift

Treats excess skin and fat under the chin, most often for men.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

Z plasty neck lift surgery treats excess skin and fat at the front of the neck, the area under the chin. As the scar can be concealed with stubble or a beard, it is a much more common procedure for men.

The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so you are awake. It is usually performed alone but can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction. Afterwards the skin of the neck is tighter, with greater definition of the jawline and of the angle between the neck and the chin, for a younger, rejuvenated look.

In theatre
About 2 hours
Anaesthetic
Local
Downtime
1 week
Exercise
2 weeks
Suited to
Sagging of the neck under the chin.
How it works
Excess skin is removed with the fat beneath it and the muscle is tightened.
The result
A better shape, definition and contour of the neck and jaw.
The procedure room at the clinic, the couch under the operating light.

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

    Mr West marks the planned incisions carefully before surgery. Local anaesthetic is injected, which stings for a few seconds. Through the skin incisions, any excess fat is removed and the muscle under the chin can be tightened. The skin is closed with stitches and antibiotic ointment is applied over the scar.

  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 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, which are treated with antibiotics. Minor bleeding can rarely happen and should stop with pressure. The scar is the biggest consideration. In general it settles very well, but some scars can take a little while to mature and can be thick and raised at first.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

You will be given antibiotic ointment to apply to the scar daily. Sutures are removed in the clinic after 7 to 10 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Can I shave after surgery?

Shaving over the stitches while they are in place is not recommended. Once they have been removed the beard can be trimmed carefully.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 1 week. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

Can women have a Z plasty neck lift?

The scars in men settle very well and are easily concealed with stubble or a beard. In women the scars can be very noticeable, so a standard neck lift is often preferred.

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.