Neck lift surgery scars sit in front of and behind the ear, running into the hairline, plus a short scar under the chin. They start red and take up to six months to mature, then fade but never fully disappear. Most people have stitches out at about a week and avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks.
This timeline is part of our neck lift overview. Your surgeon’s instructions always come first.
Incision placement
A neck lift incision usually runs from the sideburn around the ear into the hair behind it, plus a small cut under the chin.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) describes two main incision patterns:
- Traditional: starts at the sideburn, curves around the front of the ear and behind it, and ends in the hair at the back of the scalp.
- Limited: only around the ear. It leaves shorter scars but gives more limited results.
A separate cut under the chin is commonly used to tighten the platysma muscle and to remove fat, sometimes with liposuction. A mini neck lift uses shorter incisions when changes are mild.
Recovery timeline
Recovery moves from drains and a dressing in the first day to normal desk work at about two weeks and full activity by six.
| Time | What you’ll notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 to 1 | Pressure dressing, possibly a drain; tightness and mild pain | Rest with head raised above the heart; have someone stay with you |
| Day 1 to 2 | Dressing and drain removed at a check-up | Shower once your surgeon allows, often after 48 hours |
| Days 3 to 4 | Swelling and bruising peak | Keep head straight, avoid twisting; no ice on the neck |
| About day 7 | Stitches removed | Short walks; wear the support garment as advised |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Bruising fades; tightness and numbness continue | Many return to desk work toward the end of week 2 |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Most swelling has settled | Resume heavy lifting, bending and strenuous exercise when cleared |
| Months 3 to 6 | Scars flatten and fade; final shape appears | Protect scars from sun |
The timeline above combines StatPearls, a peer-reviewed medical reference, with ASPS guidance. StatPearls describes drains for about 24 hours, stitches out around day 7, head raised for one to two weeks, a support garment for one to two weeks, and no heavy lifting or straining for four to six weeks. ASPS warns against icing the neck because cold can damage skin with a reduced blood supply.
Call your surgeon if you notice
- Rapid swelling on one side, which can signal bleeding under the skin.
- A fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher, pus or spreading redness.
- A crooked smile or chest pain and shortness of breath.
Scar healing
Neck lift surgery scars are pink for weeks, mature over about six months and fade further with sun protection and good wound care.
ASPS says incision lines can take up to six months to mature and should be protected from sun and pressure. Avoid pull-over clothing that drags across the incisions in the early weeks. StatPearls advises sun avoidance for 12 months after face and neck lift surgery.
Scar problems are uncommon but possible. StatPearls lists widened scars, especially behind the ear, thickened or keloid scars, darker pigment and hair loss along the incisions. Hair shedding around the incision can begin at about three months and usually resolves within six. Smoking slows healing, so stop well before surgery.
In my practice, I tell patients to wait until scars have fully matured before judging them. A scar at six weeks looks very different from one at six months.
Platysmaplasty recovery
A deep neck lift platysmaplasty recovery timeline is similar to a standard neck lift but often brings more tightness and swelling under the chin.
Platysmaplasty tightens the platysma muscle through the cut under the chin. In a deep neck lift, the surgeon also works beneath the muscle. Because more tissue is moved, the area under the chin may feel tight and swollen for longer, and swallowing can feel different for a few days. The core milestones still apply: stitches out around a week, desk work at about two weeks, and strenuous activity after four to six weeks.
Keeping the head straight and avoiding sharp neck bending protects the muscle repair. Our neck lift results guide shows what to expect once swelling settles, and the cost guide lists aftercare items such as garments.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on neck lift pain, sleeping position, returning to work and deep neck lift platysmaplasty recovery timeline questions.
How painful is neck lift recovery?
Most people describe tightness and soreness rather than severe pain. StatPearls notes pain is usually managed in the first few days. Increasing pain, especially with rapid swelling on one side, should be reported to your surgeon straight away.
How should I sleep after a neck lift?
Sleep on your back with your head raised above your heart, usually for one to two weeks. ASPS advises keeping your head straight and avoiding twisting. A wedge pillow or recliner can help you stay in position overnight.
What is the deep neck lift platysmaplasty recovery timeline?
Expect a dressing or drain for about a day, stitches out around day 7, desk work at about two weeks and heavy lifting after four to six weeks. Tightness under the chin can last longer than with a standard neck lift.
When can I wear makeup or colour my hair?
Ask your surgeon, since the timing depends on how your incisions are healing. ASPS suggests discussing makeup and hair colouring before surgery. Many surgeons ask you to wait until stitches are out and the incisions are fully closed.
If you’d like to plan your recovery with a surgeon, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For the full picture, return to the neck lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Neck lift: Procedure steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Neck lift: Recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Neck lift: Results. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy. StatPearls. Updated 2026. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Hohman MH, Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Face Lift. StatPearls. Updated 2026. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Your facelift recovery explained, from day 1 to day 30. ASPS blog. 2018. plasticsurgery.org
- Facelift: Recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
