Neck Lift in Brazil: deep neck rejuvenation and cervicoplasty
I am Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brazil (CRM-PR 17,388 | RQE 15,688) with over twenty years of experience and more than 8,000 surgeries performed. I trained at the Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro and further specialised in Deep Plane facelift techniques in the United States. International patients from the United Kingdom considering medical tourism in Brazil for cosmetic surgery benefit from my expertise in advanced cervical rejuvenation at my clinic in Londrina, Brazil.
The neck is one of the first areas of the body to reveal ageing. While many people invest in care for the face, the neck is often forgotten, and when the signs appear -- double chin, vertical bands, loose skin, loss of the cervical angle -- the frustration is immense. No cream, laser, or non-surgical treatment can significantly reverse these changes.
The neck lift (also known as cervicoplasty) is the surgery that specifically addresses the ageing of the neck. And when I talk about deep neck lift, I am referring to an even more comprehensive neck rejuvenation procedure that goes beyond the skin and the platysma muscle to treat deep structures such as subplatysmal fat, digastric muscles, and even submandibular glands when necessary.
In my practice in Londrina, Brazil, neck treatment is an integral part of practically every deep plane facelift I perform. However, there are patients who benefit from an isolated neck lift or a more aggressive cervical treatment as the main procedure. International patients who travel to Brazil for cosmetic surgery frequently combine this procedure with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. On this page, I will explain in detail everything about the neck lift in Brazil and the deep neck lift: when each is recommended, how I perform these surgeries, and what you can expect in terms of results.
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Subscribe on YouTubeWhy the neck ages so much
To understand the neck lift, it is necessary to understand why the neck ages so visibly. The skin of the neck is thinner than that of the face, has fewer sebaceous glands, and receives less attention in daily care. Furthermore, the neck is constantly in motion — flexion, extension, rotation — which accelerates the loss of elasticity.
As the years go by, several changes happen simultaneously:
- Loss of skin elasticity: the production of collagen and elastin decreases, and the skin of the neck begins to sag, forming folds and horizontal wrinkles.
- Loosening of the platysma muscle: this thin muscle that extends from the chest to the jaw loses tone. Its medial edges separate, creating the famous platysmal bands — those two vertical cords that appear on the neck.
- Fat accumulation: both above and below the platysma, fat deposits can accumulate, forming a double chin and obscuring the angle between the chin and the neck.
- Ptosis of the submandibular glands: with the loss of support, these salivary glands can become prominent, creating lateral bulges on the neck.
- Hypertrophy of the digastric muscles: the anterior belly of the digastric can contribute to a bulky appearance under the chin.
- Bone resorption: the jaw loses projection with age, contributing to the loss of definition of the cervico-mandibular contour.
Each of these factors requires a specific approach. That is why a well-executed neck lift is not simply "pulling the skin" — it is detailed work on multiple anatomical layers.
Isolated neck lift versus neck lift as part of a facelift in Brazil
A question I frequently receive is: "Can I just do the neck, without touching the face?" The answer is: it depends. And this assessment is crucial for the final result.
When an isolated neck lift is recommended
There are patients, generally younger (between thirty-five and fifty years old), who present predominant ageing in the neck with the middle third of the face still well preserved. These patients may have:
- Genetic double chin, present since youth
- Early platysmal bands
- Excess submental fat that has not responded to diet or exercise
- Naturally short neck or with little definition of the cervical angle
For these patients, an isolated neck lift can deliver excellent results without the need for a complete facelift. The surgery is shorter, the recovery is faster, and the result is focused exactly where the problem is.
When the neck needs to be treated along with the face
In most patients over fifty years old, ageing affects both the face and the neck. Treating only the neck in these cases would create a visible imbalance — a rejuvenated neck with an aged face. It is like painting half a wall.
In my deep plane facelift, the treatment of the neck is already included. The dissection in the deep plane naturally extends to the cervical region, allowing me to treat the platysmal bands, remove subplatysmal fat, work on the digastric, and reposition the entire structure in a unified procedure. The result is a natural rejuvenation of the face and neck as a unit.
The concept of deep neck lift
The term deep neck lift specifically refers to the treatment of the structures that lie below the platysma muscle. While a conventional neck lift may be limited to the skin and the platysma, the deep neck lift goes further to treat:
- Subplatysmal fat
- Digastric muscles
- Submandibular glands
- Pre-vertebral fat
This deeper approach is what differentiates a good result from an exceptional one, especially in patients with more challenging necks.
The structures I treat in a deep neck lift
Let me detail each anatomical structure I address during a deep neck lift. This anatomical approach is what tends to make the difference between a modest and a more refined result.
Supraplatysmal fat: the superficial layer
Above the platysma muscle lies a layer of fat that contributes to the double chin. This fat can be removed by liposuction or direct excision. It is the most accessible layer and the one most surgeons treat. However, treating only this layer is insufficient in many cases.
Platysma muscle: the cervical bands
The platysma is a thin, broad muscle that extends from the upper chest to the jaw. With ageing, its medial edges separate, forming the platysmal bands — those two vertical cords that become especially visible when you tense your neck or speak emphatically.
In a neck lift, I perform platysmaplasty: through an incision under the chin of three to four centimetres, I bring the medial edges of the platysma closer together at the midline with sutures in multiple layers. In some cases, I also remove a strip of muscle to reduce its volume. The result is a smooth neck, free of cords, with a defined contour.
Subplatysmal fat: the deep double chin
Below the platysma lies another layer of fat that conventional liposuction simply cannot reach. This deep fat is one of the main contributors to the lack of definition of the cervico-mental angle. In the deep neck lift, I have direct access to this fat and can remove it under direct vision, with millimetric precision.
Digastric muscles: volume under the chin
The digastric muscles have an anterior belly that is located just below the chin. In some patients, these bellies are naturally bulky and significantly contribute to a full appearance in this region. When I identify this condition, I perform a partial and controlled reduction of the anterior belly of the digastric, preserving its function while eliminating excess volume.
Submandibular glands: the lateral bulge
The submandibular glands are salivary glands located in the lateral region of the neck, just below the jaw. With ageing and the loss of tissue support, these glands can become prominent and visible, creating bulges that impair the cervical contour.
In cases where the glands are significantly ptosed or enlarged, I can perform a partial reduction or repositioning, always preserving salivary function. This is one of the most delicate steps of the deep neck lift and requires deep anatomical knowledge to avoid injury to noble structures such as the marginal mandibular nerve.
How I perform the neck lift in Brazil: the surgery step by step
The neck lift surgery can be performed in isolation or as part of a deep plane facelift. I will describe the complete procedure here, from preparation to closure.
Anaesthesia and positioning
The neck lift is performed under general anaesthesia in a properly equipped surgical centre. I work with experienced anaesthetists who monitor all vital parameters during the surgery. The patient is positioned with the head slightly elevated to optimise the visibility of the cervical structures.
Submental incision
The main incision is made under the chin, in a natural fold of the skin, approximately three to four centimetres long. This incision is planned to become discreet after healing, but scar quality varies between patients. Through it, I have access to all the deep structures of the neck.
Superficial liposuction
I start with careful liposuction of the supraplatysmal fat, both in the submental region and on the sides of the neck. I use fine cannulas to preserve the vascularisation of the skin and avoid irregularities.
Access to the deep plane
I open the platysma at the midline to access the deep structures. It is at this moment that the deep neck lift differs from the conventional neck lift. Under direct vision, I can identify and treat each structure with precision.
Removal of subplatysmal fat
With the platysma opened, I carefully remove the deep fat that contributes to the double chin. This removal is done under direct vision, allowing for precise sculpting of the cervico-mental angle without the risk of irregularities.
Treatment of the digastrics
When the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles are hypertrophied, I perform a controlled partial reduction. I use bipolar cautery for precise haemostasis and preserve the central tendinous insertion to maintain muscle function.
Treatment of the submandibular glands
In recommended cases, I perform partial reduction or repositioning of the submandibular glands. This step requires utmost care with the marginal mandibular nerve and the Wharton duct.
Platysmaplasty
I bring the medial edges of the platysma closer together at the midline with sutures in multiple layers. This suture creates a continuous muscle band that supports the entire cervical contour. In some patients, I also perform lateral plication of the platysma to further define the cervical angle.
Periauricular incisions (when necessary)
If there is significant excess skin on the neck, incisions around the ear are necessary — in the preauricular fold, around the lobe, and continuing behind the ear to the scalp. These incisions allow me to redrape the excess skin and remove it, creating a clean and defined contour.
Auersvald haemostatic mesh
I apply the haemostatic mesh developed by Drs. André and Luiz Auersvald to eliminate dead space, reduce the risk of haematoma, and dispense with the use of drains. The mesh is removed in forty-eight hours in the clinic with planned discomfort control.
Recommendations and ideal candidates for the neck lift
Not every aged neck requires surgery, and not every patient is an ideal candidate for the neck lift. During the consultation, I carefully assess each case to recommend the best treatment.
You may be a candidate for the neck lift if you present
- Visible platysmal bands: those vertical cords that appear on the neck, especially when speaking or contracting the muscles.
- Persistent double chin: accumulation of fat under the chin that does not respond to diet or exercise.
- Loss of the cervico-mental angle: the angle between the chin and the neck should be approximately 105 to 120 degrees, but with ageing or unfavourable genetics, this angle widens, creating a "turkey neck" appearance.
- Excess skin on the neck: skin laxity that creates folds and horizontal wrinkles.
- Undefined jawline: when the transition between the jaw and the neck becomes imprecise, with accumulation of fat and skin along the jawline.
- Dissatisfaction with a genetically full neck: some young patients already have a voluminous neck due to genetic inheritance, without any ageing involved.
Anatomical factors that influence the result
During the consultation, I carefully assess several factors that directly impact the result of the neck lift:
- Position of the hyoid bone: patients with a low-positioned hyoid bone will have a naturally more obtuse cervical angle, and it is important for them to know that the surgery significantly improves this, but does not create a 90-degree angle in these cases.
- Retrognathia: a retruded chin worsens the appearance of the neck. In these cases, I combine the neck lift with mentoplasty or genioplasty to project the chin and improve the overall profile.
- Skin quality: thin and sun-damaged skin requires special care to avoid irregularities.
- Body weight: overweight patients may benefit from weight loss before surgery to optimise the result.
Procedures I combine with the neck lift in Brazil
The neck lift is rarely performed in complete isolation. In the vast majority of cases, I combine it with other procedures for a balanced and complete result. Patients who choose medical tourism in Brazil often take advantage of combining multiple procedures in a single surgical session, optimising their recovery time and overall cost.
Deep plane facelift
The most frequent and powerful combination. The deep plane facelift addresses the middle and lower third of the face, while the neck lift completes the rejuvenation of the cervical region. Together, they offer the most complete and natural result possible. In my technique, the dissection is continuous from the face to the neck, allowing for uniform repositioning of the entire structure.
Mentoplasty or genioplasty
Patients with a retruded chin often benefit from combining the neck lift with mentoplasty. Projecting the chin improves the profile and the cervico-mental angle. In many cases, mentoplasty complements the neck lift to the point of being almost indispensable.
Submental liposuction
In younger patients with good skin elasticity and predominantly fatty double chins, liposuction can be performed as a complement. However, it is important to understand that liposuction alone does not treat platysmal bands, deep fat, or excess skin.
Blepharoplasty
The blepharoplasty addresses the eyelids and complements overall facial rejuvenation. When performed alongside the neck lift and facelift, it contributes to a more harmonious overall result.
Facial fat grafting
The fat grafting restores lost volume in the face and brings stem cells that regenerate the skin. It is the ideal complement for any facial and cervical rejuvenation surgery.
Preparation for surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a safe surgery and an excellent result. I follow a strict protocol that I share with each patient during the consultation.
Pre-operative tests
I request the following tests before surgery:
- Complete blood count
- PT with INR + APTT
- Creatinine and urea
- Fasting blood glucose
- Total proteins and fractions
- Urinalysis
- ECG
- Pre-operative cardiac assessment
Medications to be discontinued
Two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, you should discontinue:
- Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, ASA, Bufferin)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- High doses of Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba and other herbal remedies
- High doses of Omega 3
- Arnica
Smoking
Cigarette smoking must be stopped at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Nicotine severely compromises blood circulation in the skin, significantly increasing the risk of skin necrosis and healing complications. In the neck, where the skin is thinner and the vascularisation more delicate, this risk is even greater.
General guidelines
The day before surgery, I recommend a light meal. Absolute fasting for eight hours before the scheduled time. Come to the hospital in comfortable clothing, preferably with a front opening (button-up shirt), so you do not have to pull anything over your head post-operatively. Do not wear jewellery, makeup, or nail polish.
Post-operative of the neck lift: what to expect
The recovery from the neck lift is generally more comfortable than patients imagine. The Auersvald haemostatic mesh greatly contributes to a smoother recovery.
First 48 hours
You will leave surgery with a compressive dressing on your neck and the haemostatic mesh in place. There will be swelling and some discomfort, controlled with medication. Keep your head elevated — sleep with two or three pillows — and apply cold compresses as directed. Avoid sudden neck movements.
Removal of the haemostatic mesh
In forty-eight hours, you will return to the clinic for the removal of the haemostatic mesh and dressing change. This procedure is brief and performed with planned discomfort control. At this point, many patients already notice a difference in the contour of their neck.
First week
Swelling peaks between the second and third day, gradually decreasing. Bruising (purple spots) is common and may descend to the chest due to gravity. This is absolutely normal and resolves spontaneously in ten to fourteen days. Sutures from the submental incision are removed between the seventh and tenth day.
Second to fourth week
The majority of patients are presentable for social activities in two weeks, although still with some residual swelling. Makeup can be used carefully to conceal any remaining bruising. Avoid intense exercise, direct sun exposure, and any trauma to the area.
One to six months
The result progressively refines. Residual swelling continues to subside, tissues settle, and scars mature. The area under the chin may present a temporary sensation of hardness, which is normal and resolves over time. The definitive result emerges between six months and a year.
Important care during recovery
- Sleep on your back, with your head elevated
- Avoid lowering your head in the first two weeks
- Do not exert yourself physically for thirty days
- Use sunscreen on your neck daily after healing
- Strictly follow the prescribed medication
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Risks and complications of the neck lift
Like any surgery, the neck lift involves risks. My philosophy is to be absolutely transparent about them, so you can make an informed decision.
Haematoma
The most common complication of any facelift. The Auersvald haemostatic mesh is used to reduce this risk by eliminating the dead space where blood could accumulate. When it occurs, it is usually small and can be drained in the clinic.
Nerve injury
The most vulnerable nerve during the neck lift is the marginal mandibular nerve, responsible for the movement of the lower lip. Permanent injuries are extremely rare with proper technique. Temporary paresthesias (sensitivity changes) in the skin of the neck are common and resolve in weeks to months.
Contour irregularities
Asymmetries or irregularities in contour may occur, especially if fat is removed unevenly. My meticulous approach under direct vision significantly minimises this risk.
Scars
The submental incision heals very well in most patients and often becomes discreet in a natural fold. Periauricular incisions, when necessary, are also positioned in natural folds and creases.
Infection
Rare with adequate antibiotic prophylaxis. When it occurs, it usually responds well to treatment with antibiotics.
Unsatisfactory results
Factors such as low position of the hyoid bone, uncorrected retrognathia, or unrealistic expectations may lead to dissatisfaction. This is why the pre-operative consultation is so important: it is where I align expectations and honestly explain what I can and cannot achieve.
Neck lift versus non-surgical treatments
I need to be honest about a subject that many professionals avoid: the limits of non-surgical treatments for the neck.
Microfocused ultrasound (Ultraformer, Ultherapy)
Promises "surgery-free lifting" through ultrasound waves that heat the SMAS. In practice, the result is subtle and temporary. It does not treat platysmal bands, does not remove deep fat, does not reposition structures. It may be useful for maintenance after a lift, but does not replace surgery when there is real sagging.
Radiofrequency (Morpheus8, FLX)
Stimulates collagen through heat. Offers modest improvement in skin quality, but does not treat any of the deep structures we discussed. For visible platysmal bands and true double chin, radiofrequency is insufficient.
PDO lifting threads
Create temporary mechanical support with absorbable threads. The result lasts months, not years. They do not treat fat, do not treat muscle, do not remove excess skin. And when the threads are absorbed, everything returns to how it was — or worse, with irregular fibrosis.
Botulinum toxin in the neck (Nefertiti lift)
The application of Botox to the platysmal bands can temporarily soften them, with results lasting three to four months. Useful for patients who are not ready for surgery or as postoperative maintenance, but does not resolve the problem definitively.
Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) on the chin
Reduces localised fat through cooling. It can eliminate a modest percentage of superficial submental fat. It does not treat deep fat, bands, or sagging skin. Modest results for mild cases.
When there is significant skin laxity, visible platysmal bands, or deep fat, surgery is the approach that tends to produce a meaningful anatomical change. Non-surgical treatments have their place — usually for maintenance or very early cases — but do not replace the scalpel when surgery is indicated. This is one of the reasons international patients consider travelling to Brazil for a surgical neck lift with a plastic surgeon in Brazil who specialises in deep cervical rejuvenation.
How much does a neck lift cost in Brazil for UK patients?
The price of a neck lift varies with the complexity of the case: a standalone neck lift (younger patients, predominantly cervical ageing), a deep neck lift (when there is subplatysmal fat, prominent digastrics or ptotic submandibular glands), or a combined procedure with the deep plane facelift (the most frequent scenario in patients over 50). The investment covers surgical fees, anaesthesia team, materials and hospital day-case stay. I provide a bespoke quote during the first consultation (initial consultation £115, return £55) after personally assessing anatomy, skin quality and the procedures indicated. For international patients from the United Kingdom, medical tourism in Brazil typically offers a total cost below UK private pricing even when travel and accommodation are factored in, without compromising surgical standards.
NHS, BUPA, AXA, Vitality and Aviva cover for neck lift
The NHS very rarely funds a cosmetic neck lift. It may consider a case via the Individual Funding Request (IFR) route to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) when the neck procedure is functional or reconstructive — for example, after trauma, after head-and-neck oncological surgery, or in genetic syndromes with functional impact. Private UK medical insurers such as BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva exclude cosmetic surgery, but may cover reconstructive neck surgery with prior authorisation and documented medical necessity. Patients travelling from the UK to my clinic in Brazil for an elective neck lift pay privately; I can supply a detailed operative summary if required for post-operative insurance continuity of care in the UK.
What the neck looks like before and after a neck lift
Before surgery, a patient with cervical ageing typically presents with visible platysmal bands (vertical cords on the neck), a persistent double chin, loss of the cervico-mental angle (ideal range 105°-120°), skin with horizontal folds and laxity, and an undefined jawline. In more advanced cases, the submandibular glands become prominent, creating lateral fullness beneath the jaw.
After surgery, the neck tends to show a more defined contour, the platysmal bands are addressed and the cervico-mental angle is restored. In patients who have the deep neck lift, reduction of subplatysmal fat, digastrics and submandibular glands delivers a level of definition that superficial techniques cannot reach. The result appears progressively: oedema and bruising in the first days; most patients presentable at 2-4 weeks; refinement from 1 to 6 months; definitive result established at 6-12 months.
I do not publish before-and-after photographs on this website in line with Brazilian medical advertising guidance (Resolução CFM 1.974/2011 and the CFM Medical Advertising Manual). During the in-person consultation — or through a secure online consultation for international patients — I review real cases (with patients' express consent, in a private environment) so you can assess the standard of my outcomes.
Deep neck lift: what it is and why it matters
The deep neck lift is the technical evolution of the traditional neck lift. A conventional neck lift treats only superficial structures — skin, supraplatysmal fat and the platysma muscle — whereas the deep neck lift opens the compartment beneath the platysma under direct vision. This anatomical difference is what allows problems unreachable by the classic neck lift to be addressed: midline subplatysmal fat accumulation, hypertrophied digastric muscles, ptotic submandibular glands and, in selected cases, pre-vertebral fat.
In practice, the cervico-mental angle — that crisp transition between jawline and neck that characterises a youthful neck — depends directly on the treatment of these deep structures. Patients who have had only a superficial neck lift frequently complain of a "lack of definition" under the chin after surgery. This is because the fat responsible for the absence of definition is subplatysmal and is inaccessible without opening the platysma.
The deep neck lift is technically more demanding and requires precise anatomical knowledge to preserve key structures — marginal mandibular nerve, Wharton duct, hypoglossal nerve. For this reason, a smaller number of surgeons perform it regularly. In my practice, I adopt the deep neck lift in every patient who presents relevant subplatysmal, digastric or glandular volume — which, in the majority of cases, is the reality.
Neck lift vs. submental liposuction: which to choose
Confusion between the neck lift and submental liposuction (chin liposuction) is one of the most common in my consulting room. The key distinction:
- Submental liposuction — removes supraplatysmal fat (the superficial layer, above the platysma) through small incisions (usually one submental and two retroauricular). Does not treat: platysmal bands, subplatysmal fat, digastrics, submandibular glands or excess skin. Ideal indication: younger patients (<40 years) with good skin elasticity and exclusively superficial fatty double chin.
- Neck lift — addresses loose skin, platysmal bands (platysmaplasty), supraplatysmal AND subplatysmal fat (in the deep neck lift), digastrics and glands. Indication: more advanced cervical ageing, skin laxity, visible bands, loss of the cervical angle.
When a patient with a complex neck undergoes liposuction alone, the result is often disappointing: the double chin is only slightly reduced, the bands remain visible and the cervical angle does not appear. Many of my neck lift patients previously had submental liposuction elsewhere and were dissatisfied — their problem went beyond superficial fat.
PDO threads, HIFU, Ultherapy: do they work for the neck?
Non-invasive treatments for the neck are often marketed as "alternatives to the neck lift". In my assessment, they are alternatives only for very early cases — not substitutes for the neck lift when there is a surgical indication. Each one in turn:
- PDO / PLLA lifting threads — absorbable threads passed beneath the skin for "suspension". Result lasts months, with no treatment of bands, deep fat or excess skin. May cause irregular fibrosis or visible threads. I do not recommend them for an established lax neck.
- HIFU (Ultraformer, Ulthera) — microfocused ultrasound that heats the SMAS and promotes tissue contraction. Subtle, temporary result (6-12 months). Useful in very young patients (30-40 years) with early laxity and without bands or deep fat.
- Radiofrequency (Morpheus8, Accutite) — stimulates collagen via heat. Modest improvement in skin quality. Insufficient for platysmal bands and an established double chin.
- Botulinum toxin to the platysma (Nefertiti lift) — softens the platysmal bands temporarily (3-4 months). Useful as maintenance or in patients with early bands, not as a long-lasting solution.
My position: non-surgical treatments are valid for younger patients in the early phase of cervical ageing, or as maintenance after a neck lift. When there is established laxity, visible bands or subplatysmal fat, surgery is the appropriate path.
Male neck lift: particular considerations
The neck lift is one of the most sought-after facial procedures by male patients — especially executives and professionals with public exposure (cameras, presentations, video calls), where a double chin and cervical laxity can affect perceived vitality. Particular features of the male neck lift include:
- Incision planning — facial hair requires careful positioning of periauricular incisions to avoid transposing hair-bearing skin into beardless areas (and vice versa).
- Jawline contour — in men, the aesthetic goal is to preserve or accentuate a defined, angular jawline, an anatomical marker of masculinity.
- Cervical angle — slightly less acute than the female ideal, preserving a natural appearance.
- Frequent association with male facelift (SMAS/deep plane) and mentoplasty to project the chin — in my experience, this combination is the most transformative for the male profile.
- Recovery — similar to the female recovery, though many male patients tolerate bruising well and return to social routine in 2-3 weeks.
Who is qualified to perform a neck lift?
In Brazil, the neck lift is a surgical procedure regulated by Law 12.842/2013 (the Medical Practice Act) and performed exclusively by doctors with an active registration at the Regional Medical Council (CRM). The specialists qualified to perform it are:
- Plastic surgeon — with RQE in Plastic Surgery and specific training in cervical contour surgery and facial rejuvenation. I trained at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro, a world reference for facial and cervical rejuvenation.
- Head and neck surgeon — in reconstructive cases after trauma or after oncological neck resection.
- Facial plastic ENT surgeon — a specialty with sub-training in facial plastic surgery.
For UK patients, the equivalent quality markers are inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, membership of BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), the FRCS (Plast) qualification, and performing surgery at a CQC-registered facility. In the UK model, a cosmetic neck lift is generally done as a day-case or short-stay procedure.
Before booking your surgery, verify the surgeon's registration on the CFM Portal (search by name or CRM), confirm the RQE in the specialty, and ask to see the residency diploma. The neck lift, and especially the deep neck lift, is an anatomically demanding surgery — the surgeon's experience across dozens (preferably hundreds) of cases is decisive for outcome and safety. In my practice in Londrina, I am a titular member of the SBCP, CRM-PR 17,388 and RQE 15,688.
Frequently asked questions about neck lift in Brazil
What is the difference between neck lift and deep neck lift?
The conventional neck lift treats the skin and the platysma muscle. The deep neck lift goes further, accessing structures below the platysma: subplatysmal fat, digastric muscles, and submandibular glands. I perform the deep neck lift on all patients who present volume in these deep structures, ensuring a more complete and defined result.
Can I have a neck lift without having a facelift?
Yes, when the ageing is predominantly cervical and the middle third of the face is well preserved. This is more common in younger patients with genetic double chins or early platysmal bands. I assess each case individually in the consultation to recommend the best approach.
Does chin liposuction replace the neck lift?
Not in most cases. Liposuction only removes superficial fat and depends on the skin's ability to retract. It does not treat platysmal bands, deep fat, digastrics, or submandibular glands. For young patients with good skin and exclusively fatty double chins, liposuction may be sufficient. For others, the neck lift offers a far superior result.
How long does the result of a neck lift last?
The result of a neck lift is long-lasting, but it is not immune to natural ageing. The fat removed is unlikely to return in the same way, treated platysmal bands tend to remain improved, and the repositioning of the deep structures can be stable over the long term. After ten to fifteen years some patients opt for a revision. In the published literature, a stable outcome of 10-15 years is typical; individual results vary according to anatomy, skin quality and lifestyle.
Does neck lift surgery hurt?
Postoperative discomfort after a neck lift is usually described as tightness and pressure rather than intense pain, although pain perception varies between patients. Prescribed medication is used to control discomfort. After two to three days, many patients no longer need strong painkillers.
How long does neck lift surgery take?
The isolated neck lift lasts between two and three hours. When combined with deep plane facelift, fat grafting, and other procedures, the total surgery can take five to six hours. It is performed under general anaesthesia in an equipped surgical centre.
Does the neck lift leave visible scars?
The main incision is made under the chin, in a natural fold, and is planned to become discreet after healing. When periauricular incisions are necessary for the removal of excess skin, they are positioned in the folds of the ear and behind it, following the same lines as the facelift.
What is the ideal age to have a neck lift?
The ideal age for a neck lift is defined by anatomy rather than by a fixed number. I have patients in their mid-thirties to forties with genetic double chins who benefit from an isolated neck lift, and patients in their sixties to seventies who need a neck lift combined with facelift. What determines the recommendation is the anatomical condition, skin quality, platysmal bands, deep fat, gland position, health status and expectations.
Can I have a neck lift if I have already had chin liposuction before?
A previous chin liposuction does not automatically prevent a neck lift, but it changes the surgical assessment. Many neck lift patients have already tried liposuction and were dissatisfied because the problem went beyond superficial fat. The neck lift can complement and deepen the treatment by addressing structures that liposuction did not reach.
What is the haemostatic mesh that Dr. Zamarian uses?
It is a technique developed by plastic surgeons André and Luiz Auersvald, from Curitiba, which consists of transfixing sutures with nylon thread creating a mesh that eliminates dead space under the skin. The benefits are: elimination of the need for drains, reduction of the risk of haematoma, and better contour support in the neck. The mesh is removed in forty-eight hours in the clinic with planned discomfort control.
Can men have a neck lift?
Yes, and it is one of the most sought-after facial surgeries by the male audience. The neck lift in men follows the same principles, with special attention to the positioning of the incisions due to facial hair. The male facelift with complete cervical treatment is one of the procedures I perform most often on male patients.
How much does a neck lift cost in Brazil for UK patients?
The price varies with complexity: standalone neck lift, deep neck lift, or combination with deep plane facelift. I provide a bespoke quote during the first consultation (£115 initial, £55 return) after personally assessing anatomy and the indicated procedures. UK private medical insurers generally do not cover a cosmetic neck lift.
Does the NHS, BUPA, AXA, Vitality or Aviva cover a neck lift?
Not in most cases. The NHS very rarely funds a cosmetic neck lift; it may consider reconstructive cases via an Individual Funding Request (IFR) to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) — for example, after trauma, after oncological surgery, or in genetic syndromes with functional impact. BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva exclude cosmetic surgery but may cover reconstructive neck surgery with prior authorisation and documented medical necessity.
What is the difference between a neck lift and submental liposuction?
Submental liposuction removes only supraplatysmal fat (the superficial layer, above the platysma). It does not treat platysmal bands, subplatysmal fat, digastrics, submandibular glands or excess skin. It is indicated in younger patients (<40 years) with good skin elasticity and an exclusively fatty double chin. For more advanced cervical ageing, the neck lift delivers a far superior result.
What is a "mini neck lift"?
"Mini neck lift" is a generic commercial term, often used to describe hybrid procedures (submental liposuction plus limited platysmaplasty) or lifting threads. In my practice, I prefer to indicate a complete neck lift or isolated liposuction according to the anatomy — "mini" procedures tend to produce insufficient results when there is a clear indication for a neck lift.
Do PDO threads, HIFU and Ultraformer replace a neck lift?
Not in most cases. PDO threads, HIFU (Ultraformer, Ulthera), radiofrequency and botulinum toxin are valid for very young patients with early laxity or as postoperative maintenance. When there are visible platysmal bands, subplatysmal fat or established laxity, only surgery delivers a meaningful anatomical change.
What is the deep neck lift and why is it different?
The deep neck lift is the technical evolution of the traditional neck lift. It treats structures beneath the platysma muscle under direct vision: subplatysmal fat, digastrics, submandibular glands and pre-vertebral fat. The cervico-mental angle — that crisp transition between jawline and neck characteristic of a youthful neck — depends directly on the treatment of these deep structures.
Who is qualified to perform a neck lift?
A plastic surgeon (with RQE in Plastic Surgery in Brazil), a head and neck surgeon (for reconstructive cases), or a facial plastic ENT surgeon. For UK patients, equivalent quality markers are inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, FRCS (Plast), and BAAPS or BAPRAS membership, with surgery in a CQC-registered facility. The neck lift, and especially the deep neck lift, is an anatomically demanding surgery — check the surgeon's specific experience with neck lift, ideally across dozens of cases.
What does the neck look like before and after a neck lift?
Before: visible platysmal bands, persistent double chin, loss of the cervical angle, loose skin. After: a more defined contour, bands addressed and the cervico-mental angle restored. Progressive result: oedema in the first days, presentable at 2-4 weeks, refinement from 1 to 6 months, definitive result at 6-12 months. I do not publish before-and-after photographs online in line with Brazilian medical advertising guidance; I show real cases during in-person or online consultation.
When can I fly back to the UK after a neck lift in Brazil?
Most international patients are cleared to fly home 10-14 days after the neck lift, once the submental sutures are removed and the swelling is controlled. I recommend staying in Londrina for that period so that I can personally supervise the early recovery, remove the Auersvald haemostatic net at 48 hours, and address any postoperative care needs before travel. For combined procedures (deep plane facelift plus neck lift), a stay of 14-21 days is preferable. Compression, hydration and in-flight mobility are discussed individually during the pre-operative consultation.
Book your neck lift in Brazil
If you have made it this far, it is because you are seriously considering the neck lift. The next step is simple: book a consultation with me, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brazil. My team is ready to assist you, answer your questions, and find the best time for your evaluation. International patients exploring medical tourism in Brazil for cosmetic surgery can start with an online consultation before travelling to Londrina, Brazil.
Learn more about the first consultation, the pricing, and the guidelines for pre-surgical preparation and postoperative recovery.
Are you ready for this new change? Book now!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
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