Where a patient’s neck lift scars are located depends on several factors from their neck lift surgery. Most importantly, we’re looking at your anatomy and exactly how much skin and muscle tightening or tissue adjustment is needed to achieve your final goal and reduce neck lift scars. We’re also looking at whether or not you want a facelift. The incisions needed for an isolated neck lift are different than those that would be used if you’re getting a combination neck lift and facelift surgery.
In the following article, we will take a look at neck lift surgery scars in general and where they are typically located for a few different types of neck lift procedure. We will also go over the procedure steps and talk a bit about recovery.
What Is A Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the neck and jawline by tightening skin, removing excess fat, and smoothing visible muscle bands. It is commonly chosen by patients who are bothered by sagging skin, jowls, neck wrinkles, or a “turkey neck.”
This surgical procedure can be performed on its own or combined with a facelift or chin liposuction for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It helps restore a firmer, more youthful appearance with contour, creating a smoother neckline and a more defined jawline with natural-looking results.
Benefits of a neck lift include:
- Tighter, smoother neck skin
- Reduced jowls and neck bands
- Improved jawline definition
- Long-lasting, youthful neck contour
A neck lift is the best way for individuals who want to address visible signs of aging in the neck area and achieve a refreshed, balanced facial appearance.
Neck lift scars are a natural part of the healing process after neck lift surgery for managing neck lift scars, but they are typically small and carefully placed to reduce the risk of visible scars. Most incisions are hidden behind the ears or beneath the chin, allowing noticeable scars to blend naturally with surrounding skin as healing progresses. The extent of scar tissue varies based on surgical technique, skin type, and individual healing response.
In the early stages, neck lift scars may appear red or firm, but they usually soften and fade over time. Proper aftercare for neck lift scars—including following post-operative instructions, protecting the area from sun exposure, and avoiding tension on incision sites—plays a major role in how neck lift scars heal. When needed, treatments for managing neck lift scars such as silicone therapy or laser treatments can further improve neck lift scar appearance, helping patients achieve smoother, more natural-looking results for scars after a neck lift to reduce the effects of neck lift scars in the best way.
Neck Lift Scars and Incisions
Understanding Neck Lift Scars
Neck lift scars are a normal part of the healing process and are typically placed in discreet locations, such as behind the ears or under the chin, to remain as hidden as possible. The size and visibility of scars depend on the surgical technique used, individual healing response, and how closely post-operative care instructions are followed for a youthful appearance.
In the early stages, scars may appear red or firm, but they usually soften and fade over time. Proper wound care, sun protection, and avoiding tension on the incision sites can help scars heal more favorably. Treatments such as silicone sheets, topical scar products, or laser therapy may further improve scar appearance, leading to smoother, less noticeable results as healing progresses. As stated above, where your neck lift incisions are located will depend on whether you’re getting a facelift and a neck lift or only a neck lift and how much work needs to be done to achieve your ultimate goal for surgery.
Scar Under Chin After Neck Lift
If you plan on only getting an isolated neck lift procedure without a facelift, we can often accomplish this with little to none visible scars. This would mean just one short incision made directly beneath the chin.
Neck lift scars is very discreet and will hardly be noticeable once it’s healed. You can look at direct visible scars photos for examples of this type of neck lift surgery.
Complimentary Face Lift
If, on the other hand, you would like to get a facelift also, most of these incisions are going to be made sometimes behind the ears. We can also hide some of the incisions right in front of the ear within the hairline. Sometimes, incisions can actually be made inside the front of the ear.
And finally, often a patient will have incisions for both procedures made behind the ear within the crease where the ear meets the head. All of these incisions scar tissue are typically hidden to obscurity once they are healed.
Neck Lift and Dermal Fillers
A neck lift and dermal fillers address different concerns but can work together to enhance neck and jawline rejuvenation. The neck is surgically tightened for loose skin, removes excess fat, and smooths neck bands for long-lasting improvement and minimal scar tissue to reduce neck lift scars. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are non-surgical injectables used to restore lost volume, improve jawline definition, or soften mild contour irregularities and eliminate sagging skin.
While fillers can temporarily enhance the jawline or reduce the appearance of early aging and appearance of scars, they cannot correct significant skin laxity or muscle banding. In some cases, fillers are used after a neck lift to refine contours and create a more balanced, youthful result.
Procedure Steps
The first step of any neck lift procedure is anesthesia. For a neck lift with a facelift, we’ll use general anesthesia. So, the first portion of the surgery will be the administration of anesthesia.
When these incisions have been made, your plastic surgeon will manipulate the tissue, muscles, fat, and skin to achieve the desired goal. Typically, excess fat and skin are removed, and the underlying neck muscles that are loose and causing bands will be tightened for a smooth result and nice blood flow.
If a facelift is also being performed alongside neck lift surgery, the appropriate facelift procedure steps will be taken at this point. The final step in this surgery is carefully closing each incision and applying bandages to keep the incisions and new contours in place for minimal scarring for optimal healing, especially during the initial period of recovery.
Neck Lift Recovery
Whether you decide to undergo neck lift surgery alone or neck lift surgery along with a facelift, recovery and eliminating neck lift scars is typically not too difficult. If you work, you will definitely need to stay home from for at least one week and sometimes longer. Many patients feel self-conscious about undergoing this procedure, so they may not want to be seen with noticeably healing scars or bandages.
At home, be sure not to lift anything heavy or perform any vigorous exercise for at least one month following surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to your normal activities.
Get plenty of rest. When you do sleep, keep your upper body elevated, and make sure you don’t roll to the side or onto your stomach while you’re sleeping, as this may compromise your incisions and change your results.
Drink plenty of water while you are healing, and eat a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on protein for faster healing. While you cannot exercise during your active recovery, you should get up and walk around frequently during the day to improve blood circulation and help avoid blood clots but while avoiding sun exposure.
To help reduce scar visibility as you heal, try silicone-based scar creams and massage (if okayed by your surgeon). Follow all of your surgeon’s directives and advice during the process for great scar healing.
Promoting Optimal Healing After a Neck Lift
Optimal healing after a neck lift depends on proper aftercare and healthy habits. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential to minimize swelling, reduce discomfort, and support a smooth recovery. Patients are typically advised to keep the head elevated, wear any recommended compression garments, and avoid strenuous activity during the early healing phase.
Maintaining good nutrition, staying well hydrated, and avoiding smoking or alcohol can significantly improve healing and scar quality. Attending all follow-up appointments allows your surgeon to monitor progress and address concerns early. With consistent care and patience, most patients experience steady improvement and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Neck Lift and Laser Scar Removal
A neck lift can significantly improve neck contour and firmness, but some patients are concerned about scarring after surgery. Neck lift incisions are carefully placed in discreet areas, such as behind the ears or under the chin, to minimize visibility. While scars are a normal part of the healing process, their appearance typically improves over time.
Laser skin scar removal can be an effective option for refining neck lift scars once initial healing is complete. Laser treatments help reduce redness, smooth texture, and improve skin tone by stimulating collagen production. When used at the appropriate stage of recovery, laser therapy can enhance overall results and make scars less noticeable. Your provider can recommend the best timing and treatment plan to safely optimize scar healing after a neck lift with laser skin scar removal.
Scar Management After a Neck Lift
Effective scar management is an important part of achieving the best possible results after a neck lift. While incisions are placed discreetly, proper care helps scars heal smoothly and fade over time. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, keeping incision sites clean, and avoiding unnecessary tension on the skin are essential during the early healing phase.
Long-term scar management may include sun protection, silicone sheets or gels, and topical scar treatments to improve texture and color. In some cases, advanced options such as laser therapy or microneedling may be recommended to further refine scar appearance. With consistent care and professional guidance, most neck lift scars become less noticeable and blend naturally with surrounding skin.
Skin Care Products for Scar Management After a Neck Lift
Using the right skin care products can support scar healing and improve the appearance of incision sites after a neck lift. While surgical incisions require time to heal, certain topical treatments help soften scar tissue, reduce discoloration, and promote smoother skin as recovery progresses.
Top skin care products for scar management include:
- Silicone Gels & Sheets – Silicone is widely recommended for scar care because it helps hydrate the scar area and reduce thickness, redness, and texture irregularities.
- Vitamin E–Based Creams – Some formulas with vitamin E can nourish the skin and support healing; choose gentle, non-irritating options.
- Scar-Targeted Ointments – Products formulated specifically for scarring often contain ingredients like allantoin, onion extract (e.g., centella asiatica), or peptides to support smoother, less noticeable scars.
- Hydrating Moisturizers – Keeping the skin around scars well-hydrated improves texture and flexibility, which can aid in scar maturation.
- SPF Sunscreen – Protecting scars from sun exposure is crucial; UV rays can darken scars, so apply broad-spectrum SPF daily once allowed by your surgeon.
Always follow your board certified plastic surgeon guidance on when to start using these products, especially in the early stages of healing. Gentle, consistent care over time can make a meaningful difference in how neck lift scars mature and fade.
Neck Lift Scar FAQ
What are the signs of a botched neck lift?
Warning signs of a botched neck lift include uneven lumps or bumps from improper fat removal, “pixie ears” (stretched earlobes), prominent visible scars that remain thick or raised, poor results with remaining sagging skin, neck bands, and visible scar tissue, asymmetrical contouring, and skin that appears unnaturally tight or pulled to help the scar healing process.
What if I develop hypertrophic scars after neck lift surgery?
Hypertrophic ncek lift surgery scars are a type of rare severe scarring. They are abnormal and rarely occur. If you develop this appearance of scars, the scars after a neck procedure will typically be raised, thick, and red.
Although a rare type of formation, these visible scars can cause problems and embarrass patients Therefore, a scar revision surgery is usually called for to stimulate a youthful appearance and correct these poorly healed scars.
During the scar healing process, if you notice any signs of hypertrophic scars on your neck skin, contact your board certified plastic surgeon right away.
Will a neck lift get rid of neck fat?
While a neck lift surgery can certainly tighten excess skin (loose skin) and remove some excess fat for minimal scarring, it is not primarily for the reduction of excess fat on the neck. If this is your primary concern and you do not have excess skin on your neck, you may be a better candidate for chin and neck liposuction.
As a rule, a neck lift scar is more visible than a chin liposuction scar.
What are the best recovery practices?
Follow surgeon instructions, wear compression garments, keep your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity, avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated to prevent infection, keep skin moist, find good skincare products and attend all follow-up visits to speed up the healing process.
Will a neck lift leave scars, and can laser therapy help?
Neck lift scars are typically small and discreet, hidden behind the ears or under the chin. Laser therapy can help improve scar texture, color, and overall appearance as healing progresses.
Request a Consultation
If you’re interested in a neck lift, Las Vegas patients trust board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason with their facial plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Mason specializes in neck lift and face lift procedures and can help you achieve your goals. Schedule a one on one consultation to discuss good recovery practices, costs, risks, skin type, scar treatments, potential steroid injections and benefits of a neck lift.