How long does blepharoplasty last?

Blepharoplasty results can last for many years, but they aren’t truly permanent because the natural aging process continues. Most patients find that their eyes look consistently more open and well-rested long term, and the under-eye contour often stays improved, especially when fat is repositioned rather than removed. Over time, if anything is needed, it’s usually smaller maintenance options like skin tightening or resurfacing rather than having to repeat the surgery.

How long until I can wear makeup after a blepharoplasty procedure?

After an eyelift, most people can wear makeup again at about 10–14 days, once the incisions are closed and any stitches (if applicable) have been removed. Start gently with clean products, avoid rubbing or tugging the lids, and hold off on waterline eyeliner until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, this is especially important, if you are prone to dry eyes.

Will I look different after blepharoplasty?

A successful result should look like you, just more rested, not like a new face. Early on, swelling and bruising can temporarily change your eye area, but as healing settles, the outcome should look natural. If you’re concerned, ask to see before/after photos of patients with similar eyelids and tell your surgeon you want a subtle, not overdone, result.

Anterior Neck Lift – Recovery, results and benefits

The neck is often one of the first areas to show visible signs of ageing. Loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat beneath the chin can create what many patients describe as a ‘turkey neck’, even when the face still appears youthful. For carefully selected patients, an anterior neck lift offers a targeted and highly effective solution. When considering this procedure, choosing the best plastic surgeon in Marbella or your local area is essential for achieving safe and natural-looking results.

In this article, we explore what an anterior neck lift involves, who it is suitable for, and why demand for neck rejuvenation procedures continues to rise.

What is an anterior neck lift?

An anterior neck lift, also known as a direct neck lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin directly from the front. Unlike traditional techniques, which rely on incisions placed behind the ears, this technique focuses specifically on the central neck.

It allows the surgeon to remove redundant skin with precision, tighten the platysma muscle, and improve overall neck contour and definition. This approach is particularly suited to patients with pronounced skin laxity localised to the front of the neck.

Who is a suitable candidate?

An anterior neck lift is not suitable for everyone, but it can be ideal for patients with significant loose skin in the central neck, are less concerned about a small, visible scar, do not require a full facelift, or prefer a shorter, more focused procedure.

It is particularly beneficial for older patients, male patients with heavier neck skin, and individuals who are not ideal candidates for more extensive surgery.

Anterior neck lift vs traditional neck lift

Details	Anterior Neck Lift	Traditional Neck Lift
Location of incision	Front of the neck	Behind the ears / hairline
Best for	Severe skin laxity	Mild to moderate ageing
Scar visibility	More visible	Well concealed
Scope	Neck	Neck and jawline

The distinction between these approaches lies in both their focus and surgical technique. A traditional neck lift typically addresses both the deeper structures and the skin of the neck and jawline, while an anterior neck lift directly targets the central neck through a more localised approach, making it particularly effective for more advanced skin laxity in this area.

How the procedure works

Modern neck lift techniques often involve a combination of approaches to address both the underlying anatomy and the visible signs of ageing.

Platysmaplasty focuses on the deeper structures of the neck by tightening the platysma muscle, a thin sheet of muscle that can become lax over time and lead to visible vertical banding. By repositioning and securing this muscle, surgeons can create a smoother, more defined neck contour.

Cervicoplasty, by contrast, addresses the superficial layers by removing and re-draping excess skin to improve firmness and reduce sagging.

An anterior neck lift differs in that it approaches these concerns directly through the front of the neck. In many cases, it incorporates elements of both muscle tightening and skin removal in a more targeted manner, allowing for precise correction of central neck ageing.

In clinical practice, these techniques are often combined to achieve a more comprehensive and natural-looking outcome. By addressing both the underlying muscle structure and the overlying skin, surgeons can create a more balanced, longer-lasting result.

Are there any risks?

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk; however, modern techniques continue to improve safety outcomes. Research shows that complication rates in facelift and neck procedures are generally low overall, with the most common issues including haematoma, scarring, and temporary nerve effects. Advances in surgical technique and anatomical understanding have further improved safety and recovery in recent years. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential to assess individual risk and suitability.

Recovery and results

Recovery from an anterior neck lift is typically smooth and progressive, with most patients experiencing gradual healing over weeks and continued improvement in both appearance and results over the following months.

Recovery timeline:

Initial healing: 1–2 weeks
Swelling and bruising: gradually subside over several weeks
Scar maturation: improves over months

Patients can expect:

A smoother, firmer neck contour
Improved definition between the chin and neck
Long-lasting results compared to non-surgical treatments

Why Is neck rejuvenation increasing in popularity?

Demand for facial and neck procedures has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader shift towards long-lasting aesthetic solutions. Data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons indicates that face and neck lift procedures increased by 26% in 2024. The same data also highlights a rising trend among both men and women seeking anti-ageing surgery, suggesting that these treatments are no longer limited to a narrow demographic.

This pattern is mirrored globally. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that tens of thousands of facelift and neck procedures are performed annually. The majority of these procedures are carried out on patients aged 55 to 69.

Together, these figures point to a clear shift in patient preferences. Increasingly, individuals are opting for surgical procedures that provide more durable and predictable results, rather than relying solely on temporary, non-surgical treatments.

Key takeaways

An anterior neck lift is a targeted surgical procedure designed to address skin laxity in the central neck.
It differs from a traditional neck lift by using a front (anterior) incision and focusing specifically on the neck rather than the jawline.
The procedure involves tightening the platysma muscle and removing excess skin to improve the contour and definition.
It is suitable for patients with more advanced signs ageing.
There will be a visible scar that will disappear over time.
Initial healing takes between 1 -2 weeks with continued improvement over several months.
Long lasting results, compared to non-surgical solutions.
A consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential to assess suitability and to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Final thoughts from Dr Pietro di Mauro

“An anterior neck lift is a highly specialised procedure that can deliver exceptional results in the right patient. While it may not be as widely known as traditional techniques, it remains one of the most effective solutions for advanced neck ageing.

However, as with any cosmetic procedure, success depends on establishing patient suitability, surgical expertise in this field, and a personalised treatment plan, both pre-and post-operative.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your neck, a consultation can help determine whether this approach is right for you.”

FAQ

How long do the results of an anterior neck lift last?

The results of an anterior neck lift are long-lasting, particularly when compared to non-surgical treatments. By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscle, the procedure provides a durable improvement in neck contour. While the natural ageing process continues, many patients enjoy noticeable results for years.

Is an anterior neck lift better than a traditional neck lift?

Neither procedure is ‘better’, the choice depends on a patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. An anterior neck lift is particularly effective for patients with significant skin laxity in the central neck, while a traditional neck lift may be more suitable for those with milder ageing or concerns involving the jawline. A consultation with a qualified surgeon, like Dr Pietro di Mauro, is essential to determine the most suitable approach.

Is an anterior neck lift painful?

An anterior neck lift is performed under anaesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Afterwards, some discomfort, tightness, or mild soreness can be expected, which is entirely normal and can usually be managed with prescribed pain relief. The soreness will subside and settle after the first few days.

Anterior Neck Lift: A Modern Solution for a Defined and Youthful Neck