Neck and face lift in Switzerland: redefining the jawline and neck

The neck and face lift is the procedure that treats both the lower face and the neck. It is this combination that distinguishes it from a lift limited to the cheeks: the surgeon lifts the jawline and jowls, but also redefines the angle between chin and neck, tightens the vertical cords that appear with age and removes excess skin or fat under the chin. For many patients in Switzerland over fifty-five, it is the neck, more than the face, that betrays the years: this page is devoted to it. It explains what the procedure corrects, how it is performed, who it is for, how recovery goes and how to organise it from each of the 26 cantons.

A neck and face lift combines repositioning of the lower face with correction of the neck: platysmal bands, cervicomental angle, excess fat and skin. It is generally performed under general anaesthesia, in three to five hours, with a night of monitoring. Social life resumes after two to three weeks, and the final result is assessed between six and twelve months. The budget, expressed as a percentage by city, is detailed on our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland.

For an overview of the different facelift techniques, see also our guide to facelifts in Switzerland and our page on the deep plane facelift.

To understand what a neck and face lift can do, you first need to understand how the region from the jaw to the base of the neck ages. It consists of several layers: the skin, a layer of subcutaneous fat, a very thin muscle called the platysma, then, deeper down, a second layer of fat, the submandibular salivary glands and the digastric muscles, attached to the hyoid bone. Each of these structures can contribute to an aged neck, and it is their combination that determines the surgical strategy.

The platysma, the key muscle of the neck

The platysma is a very thin sheet of muscle that extends from the lower face down to the collarbone. In young adults, its two halves meet more or less under the chin and form a kind of sling that supports the neck. With age, its inner edges relax, separate and become visible as two vertical cords, especially when you clench your teeth or talk. These are called platysmal bands. They give the neck the appearance colloquially known as a "turkey neck". The platysma is also continuous with the SMAS of the face, which explains why treatment of the neck and of the jawline are so closely linked.

The cervicomental angle

In a young person, the contour running from the chin to the neck forms a sharp angle, generally between 105 and 120 degrees. This angle gives the profile its clarity and the jaw its definition. Over time, it becomes blunted: the skin relaxes, fat accumulates or descends, the platysma slackens, and the hyoid bone, at the base of the tongue, may sit naturally low. The profile then becomes rounder, with no clear transition between chin and neck. Restoring this angle is one of the major goals of a neck and face lift.

Two layers of fat, two different treatments

Fat in the neck is distributed on two levels. Subcutaneous fat, located above the platysma, is the fat you can pinch between your fingers; it responds well to liposuction or direct resection. Subplatysmal fat, located beneath the muscle, does not disappear with exercise or conventional liposuction; it explains why some slim patients keep a double chin. Treating it requires opening the platysma under the chin, which is one of the possible steps of a neck and face lift.

Deep glands and muscles

In some people, the submandibular glands, which produce saliva, become visible under the jaw with age, like two small masses on either side of the neck. The digastric muscles can also be bulky. There is nothing abnormal about these deep structures, but they can limit the definition of the result. Treating them is reserved for selected cases, by surgeons who have mastered the deep anatomy of the neck, as it carries specific risks.

The skin of the neck

The skin of the neck is thinner than that of the face, more exposed to the sun and often less well protected. It loses its elasticity faster and develops horizontal lines, sometimes called "necklace lines". A lift tightens the skin and clearly improves folds caused by laxity, but it does not transform its texture: fine lines and pigment spots require complementary treatments.

Neck types

Surgeons use classifications to describe necks. One of the oldest, proposed by the American surgeon Dedo, distinguishes several profiles according to the contribution of skin laxity, subcutaneous fat, platysmal laxity, excess subplatysmal fat, a receding chin or a low hyoid bone. Without going into detail, these profiles show that there is not one aged neck but several, and that the surgical procedure must be adapted to each. A neck whose main problem is fat is not treated like a neck whose main problem is skin.

A neck and face lift works on three areas: the jawline, with the jowls and marionette lines; the area under the chin, with fat and the cervicomental angle; and the neck itself, with platysmal bands and excess skin. Its aim is to restore a clean, continuous line to the profile, from the cheekbone to the base of the neck.

Expected improvements

• A redefined jawline, with no jowl notch on either side of the chin.
• A sharper cervicomental angle, which refines the profile.
• Platysmal bands softened or eliminated at rest.
• A tightened neck, with fewer folds and less excess skin.
• A reduced double chin, whether the fat is above or below the muscle.

Limitations

A neck and face lift does not change skin quality: fine lines, pigment spots and texture call for other treatments. It improves horizontal neck lines but does not always erase them completely, as they are partly related to movement. It does not correct a receding chin, which requires a specific procedure, nor a low hyoid bone, which remains an anatomical limit. Finally, it does not treat the eyes or forehead: if the eyelids or eyebrows are heavy, other procedures can be combined.

Neck and face lift, facelift alone or neck lift alone?

When the neck is little affected, particularly before fifty, a lift limited to the lower face may be enough. Conversely, some people, often men or patients who have lost weight, have a face that is still firm and a lax neck: an isolated neck lift, with an incision under the chin and behind the ears, may then be proposed. In most cases after fifty-five, both areas age together, and treating them separately would create a visible mismatch: a rejuvenated jawline above a lax neck, or vice versa.

If your main concern is a double chin, without significant skin laxity, other less invasive techniques may be discussed; they are presented on our page on double chin and the FaceTite and J-Plasma techniques.

A neck and face lift is not a standardised operation. The surgeon chooses, from several steps, those that correspond to the neck and face they have examined. Some are performed in almost all patients, others only in specific situations. Knowing them helps you understand the surgical plan you will be offered and ask the right questions during the consultation.

The incisions

The main incision follows the contour of the ear. It generally starts in the hair of the temple or along the sideburn, runs down in the crease in front of the ear or just behind the tragus, goes around the lobe, up into the groove behind the ear, then continues into the scalp at the nape or along the hairline. This backward extension is characteristic of the neck and face lift: it allows the neck skin to be tightened backwards and upwards and the excess removed without leaving a fold. A second, short incision of two to four centimetres is often placed in the natural crease under the chin. It gives access to the central part of the neck.

The line behind the ear and at the nape deserves particular attention if you wear your hair short or tied back. An experienced surgeon places the incision so that it remains hidden in the hair, without creating a step in the hairline. Do not hesitate to ask exactly where your scars will run and what they will look like with your usual hairstyle.

Work on the SMAS and the jawline

The facial part of the procedure repositions the SMAS, the musculoaponeurotic layer that supports the cheeks, by plication, partial resection or deeper dissection depending on the technique. This step removes the jowls and restores a clean line to the jaw. As the SMAS is continuous with the platysma, lifting it also exerts traction on the upper neck, which already begins to be redefined at this stage.

Midline platysmaplasty

Through the incision under the chin, the surgeon reaches the inner edges of the platysma. When they have separated and form bands, they are brought together and sutured to each other along the midline, sometimes along the full height of the neck. This is often called a platysmal "corset". This step removes the vertical cords and creates a sling that supports the area under the chin. It may be supplemented by a small horizontal division of the muscle, lower down the neck, to prevent the bands from reappearing and to better define the angle.

Lateral platysma traction

Through the incisions behind the ears, the surgeon pulls the outer edges of the platysma backwards and fixes them securely. Combined with midline platysmaplasty, this lateral traction acts like a hammock: the neck is tightened both in the centre and at the sides. It is the combination of these two steps that restores a sharp and lasting cervicomental angle.

Treatment of the fat

Subcutaneous fat from the neck and chin is often removed by liposuction, using fine cannulas introduced through the existing incisions, or by direct resection under direct vision. Fat located beneath the platysma can be reduced through the submental incision, with caution: removing too much creates a hollow in the centre of the neck and an artificial look. The aim is not to empty the neck, but to sculpt it while respecting its natural volumes.

Deep procedures

In selected patients, the surgeon may reduce bulky digastric muscles or part of prominent submandibular glands. These procedures improve neck definition in people whose deep anatomy limited the result, but they carry their own risks (bleeding, salivary problems, nerve injury) and are only offered by surgeons who perform them regularly. They are not part of a standard neck and face lift.

Redraping the skin

Once the deep layers have been repositioned, the skin is redraped without excessive tension, upwards and backwards. The excess is removed along the incisions. Because the traction is placed on the platysma and the SMAS, the skin does not have to support the result: this is what makes fine scars and a natural look possible, without a "pulled" effect.

The consultation and surgical plan

During the consultation, the surgeon examines your face and neck at rest, then in motion: they ask you to clench your teeth to reveal the platysmal bands, lower your head to assess the skin and turn your neck. They palpate the fat, assess skin elasticity and the position of the chin. They take front, profile and three-quarter photos under standardised conditions. Based on this examination, they propose a plan: which steps on the neck, which technique for the face, and any combined procedures. This is the time to say clearly what bothers you most.

The pre-operative check-up

A blood test and, depending on age and medical history, an electrocardiogram are requested. Your family doctor can prescribe them. Particular attention is paid to blood pressure, as poorly controlled hypertension increases the risk of haematoma, which is more of a concern in the neck. Stopping smoking several weeks before the procedure and suspending blood-thinning products, on medical advice, are part of the preparation.

The day of the procedure

You arrive at the clinic having fasted. The surgeon makes the pre-operative markings with you sitting up, as gravity changes the appearance of the neck. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, sometimes under local anaesthesia combined with deep sedation. It generally lasts three to five hours, depending on the extent of the work. The surgeon often starts with the neck, through the incision under the chin, then treats each side of the face and neck through the incisions around the ears.

End of the procedure and the night of monitoring

Thin drains may be placed under the skin of the neck to evacuate fluid and blood during the first few hours. A compression dressing or chin strap is applied. You spend the night at the clinic: the team monitors blood pressure, pain and, above all, any abnormal swelling of the neck, a possible sign of haematoma. This monitoring in the first few hours is an essential part of the safety of a neck and face lift.

Discharge

The drains are generally removed the next day or the day after. You go home with written instructions, painkillers and a check-up appointment. It is essential to be accompanied: you must not drive, and having a relative or friend with you for the first few days is invaluable.

A neck and face lift is for people in whom laxity affects both the jawline and the neck. In practice, it is mostly performed between fifty-five and seventy-five, but age counts for less than the examination. A fifty-year-old with a very lax neck, often for hereditary reasons or after weight loss, may benefit from it; a sixty-five-year-old with a firm neck may not need it.

Signs that point towards a neck and face lift

• Vertical bands visible on the neck, at rest or when you clench your teeth.
• A profile with no clear transition between chin and neck.
• Jowls that interrupt the line of the jaw.
• Excess skin under the chin, forming a fold when you lower your head.
• A double chin that does not disappear despite a stable weight.

The mirror and hands test

Stand side-on in front of a mirror, then place your hands on either side of your neck, below the ears, and gently pull the skin backwards and upwards. If your profile regains a clean line and the cords disappear, laxity is probably the cause, and a neck and face lift can improve the situation. If the appearance changes little, deep fat, the chin or the position of the hyoid bone may play a bigger role. This test does not replace an examination, but it helps you put your request into words.

Safety conditions

The ideal candidate is in good general health, a non-smoker or ready to stop for good, with a stable weight and well-controlled blood pressure. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases or a history of radiotherapy to the neck require a specific assessment, in liaison with your GP. Realistic expectations are also an essential condition: a lift improves the neck; it does not give you back the neck you had at thirty.

The case of men

Men often first seek advice for the neck: bands visible above the shirt collar, a double chin, loss of the jawline. A male neck and face lift respects an angular jaw and a beard whose growth pattern must not be shifted towards the ear. As the risk of haematoma is higher in men, blood pressure control and post-operative monitoring are even more important.

After major weight loss

After bariatric surgery or significant weight loss, the neck may lose volume and the skin may hang in folds. A neck and face lift is then often indicated, once weight has been stable for at least six months to a year. The excess skin can be considerable, sometimes requiring longer incisions behind the ear. Fat transfer may be combined to restore lost facial volume.

After significant weight loss, whether through diet or obesity surgery, the skin of the neck may remain lax and form folds under the chin and at the sides, even in patients who are still young. The fat has gone, but the skin, stretched for years, has not regained its tension. Non-surgical techniques are then rarely sufficient.

A neck and face lift allows this excess skin to be removed and the platysma muscle to be tightened. It is recommended to wait until weight has been stable for several months, generally twelve to eighteen months after bariatric surgery, for the result to last. The surgeon also checks nutritional status, as a deficiency slows healing.

The neck and jawline do not age in isolation. Depending on your face, the surgeon may suggest combining other procedures under the same anaesthesia. Each combination lengthens the operation and recovery; it must therefore bring a clear benefit, which the surgeon should be able to explain to you.

Genioplasty or chin implant

A receding chin visually shortens the neck and prevents a sharp cervicomental angle, even after an excellent lift. Advancing the chin, with an implant or by moving the bone, then completely changes the profile. This combination is particularly common in patients whose chin has always lacked projection. To find out more, see our page on genioplasty in Switzerland.

Facial fat transfer

A neck and face lift puts back what has descended, but it does not replace what has melted away. A face that is hollow at the temples, cheekbones or under the eyes may look more tired after a lift if volumes are not restored. Fat transfer, harvested from the abdomen or thighs and then reinjected, then completes the result. Our page on facial fat transfer in Switzerland details this technique, and our page on the combination of facelift and facial fat transfer presents the combined benefits.

Blepharoplasty

Rejuvenating the jawline and neck while leaving heavy eyelids or pronounced bags can create a mismatch. Combined blepharoplasty harmonises the result by treating the eye area at the same time.

Temporal lift or brow lift

When the tail of the eyebrows has dropped or the forehead is very lined, a temporal or brow lift, often performed endoscopically, completes the rejuvenation of all three levels of the face. These techniques are presented on our page on the brow and temporal-midface lift.

Skin treatments

Laser, a peel or radiofrequency treatment, carried out well after the procedure, improve texture, fine lines and pigment spots that a lift does not treat. The neck, often neglected in skincare, particularly benefits. Your surgeon will tell you how long to wait after the operation.

Recovery from a neck and face lift is slightly longer than from a lift limited to the face, because the neck has been treated in depth. The dominant sensations are tightness, numbness and swelling, rather than sharp pain. Here is the usual course, which varies between patients and depending on the steps performed.

The first two days

The neck and lower face are wrapped in a dressing or chin strap. Swelling is considerable, especially under the chin. Sleep on your back, with your head raised, without bending your neck forward: avoid a pillow that is too thick under the nape, as it bends the neck and can interfere with healing. Drains are generally removed after twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Swallowing may be a little uncomfortable for the first few days; a soft or liquid diet is recommended.

The first week

Swelling peaks around the third day, then decreases. Bruises move down to the base of the neck and sometimes to the upper chest, under the effect of gravity. The skin of the neck and cheeks is numb, which is normal: the small sensory nerves were cut during undermining and grow back slowly. The chin strap is worn according to the surgeon's instructions, often day and night at first. The first stitches, in front of the ear, are removed between the fifth and seventh day.

The second to third week

Stitches in the scalp, at the nape and under the chin are removed between the tenth and fourteenth day. Swelling has decreased considerably, but firmness often persists under the chin: the area feels hard and sometimes slightly irregular. It gradually softens over a few weeks to a few months. Most patients resume normal social life after two to three weeks, with a polo neck or scarf if necessary.

The first to sixth month

The neck becomes slimmer and the cervicomental angle becomes increasingly defined as the deep swelling subsides. A feeling of tightness or a cord may persist when you turn your head; it fades with time. Sensation gradually returns around the ears and on the neck. Gentle exercise resumes after three to four weeks, intense sport after about six weeks.

Six to twelve months

The final result is assessed between six and twelve months. The scars, pink at first, become fine and white. This is the time for a final review with the surgeon and, if necessary, to discuss skin maintenance treatments.

Neck-specific advice

• Avoid bending your neck forward for the first two weeks: reading with your head down or looking at a phone on your lap for long periods pulls on the sutures.
• Wear the chin strap as instructed: it supports the platysmaplasty and limits swelling under the chin.
• Choose clothes that open at the front rather than jumpers that go over your head.
• Protect the skin of your neck from the sun for several months: it is thin and marks easily.
• Report immediately any difficulty breathing, rapid swelling or pain that increases instead of decreasing.

A neck and face lift is a common and well-mastered procedure, but it is major surgery. Some risks are common to all facelifts, others are more specific to the neck. Knowing them helps you choose a team that prevents them and recognise the warning signs. Your surgeon must explain the risks relevant to your situation.

Haematoma of the neck

Haematoma, a collection of blood under the undermined skin, is the most common complication of any facelift. In the neck, it calls for particular vigilance, as a large haematoma can compress neighbouring structures and interfere with breathing. It shows as rapid, tense and painful swelling, usually in the first few hours. It must be drained without delay in the operating theatre. This is the main reason for the night of monitoring at the clinic, strict blood pressure control and stopping blood-thinning products beforehand.

Injury to the marginal branch of the facial nerve

A small branch of the facial nerve, called the marginal mandibular branch, runs along the jaw and controls the muscle that lowers the lower lip. Injury to it, which is rare, causes an asymmetric smile, with the lower lip no longer moving down on one side. In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. Similar discomfort can also simply result from the swelling or numbness of the first few days.

Irregularities of the neck

Excessive fat removal can create a hollow in the centre of the neck or an over-sculpted look. Conversely, residual fat may leave small irregularities. Cords under the skin, small lumps or firmness under the chin may persist for a few months. Most fade with time and sometimes with massage; some require a small touch-up, generally after six months.

Reappearance of the bands

In some patients, platysmal bands may partially reappear over the years, especially when the muscle was very lax to begin with. Careful midline platysmaplasty and solid lateral traction reduce this risk. Botulinum toxin injections can soften residual bands.

Other complications

As with any facelift, the procedure can lead to skin compromise, especially in smokers, widened or thick scars, localised hair loss along the temporal or nape scars, prolonged numbness of the earlobe, infection or, more rarely, thrombosis. Smoking, hypertension, certain treatments and combining too many procedures increase these risks.

Signs that require medical attention without delay

Contact the medical team immediately, or call 144 if the situation is serious, in the event of rapid, painful swelling of the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever above 38.5 °C, spreading warm redness, abnormal discharge, an area of skin turning black, or pain and swelling in a calf.

Where to consult, how to organise the frequent check-ups of the first few weeks, and which facility handles emergencies: here, canton by canton, are useful guidelines for preparing a neck and face lift. Recovery from this procedure requires several visits to the practice in the first fortnight, and proximity to an emergency department is an additional safeguard in case of a neck haematoma. For the budget by canton, see our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland.

Canton: Geneva

Geneva offers one of the widest choices in the country in plastic surgery, with surgeons who regularly perform neck and face lifts and the associated procedures, such as platysmaplasty or genioplasty. Private clinics on the Left Bank and in Champel have fully equipped theatres and overnight monitoring. For a Geneva patient, proximity is a real advantage during recovery: check-ups at the practice, which are frequent in the first few weeks, are just a few minutes away by tram or bus. Geneva University Hospitals are the reference in an emergency. Residents of Versoix, Meyrin or Thônex can also compare several practices without leaving the canton, making it easier to find a practitioner experienced in neck procedures.

Canton: Vaud

Lausanne concentrates most of the provision in Vaud, with surgeons based in the city and in clinics in the Lausanne area, supplemented by a few practitioners on the Riviera. For a neck and face lift, where check-ups are frequent during the first two weeks, patients from Yverdon, Payerne or the Pays-d'Enhaut would do well to plan their journeys or choose a practitioner easily reached by train. The CHUV is the canton's reference university hospital. Patients from La Côte often hesitate between Lausanne and Geneva, which are at a similar distance; those from the Riviera find a few practitioners in Vevey and Montreux.

Canton: Neuchâtel

The canton of Neuchâtel has limited cosmetic plastic surgery provision. Many patients from the Lakeside and the Mountains consult in Neuchâtel itself, Lausanne or Bern. For a procedure requiring several check-ups in the first fortnight, distance matters: from La Chaux-de-Fonds or the Val-de-Travers, arranging someone to accompany you on the journeys in advance is recommended. The Neuchâtel Hospital Network handles emergencies. A first opinion based on photos often avoids an unnecessary journey in winter before choosing a practitioner.

Canton: Jura

Jura has virtually no cosmetic surgery provision. Jura residents turn to Basel, Biel/Bienne or Neuchâtel for a neck and face lift. For the first few days' check-ups, support from the family doctor in Delémont or Porrentruy is invaluable, particularly for checking the healing under the chin. In the event of an urgent problem, the Hôpital du Jura in Delémont is the reference facility. Basel generally remains the most accessible centre from Ajoie, Biel/Bienne from Moutier and the south of the canton.

Canton: Fribourg

Fribourg has a few practitioners in the city; many patients consult in Lausanne or Bern, each about half an hour away by train. The choice is often made according to language: French for the Sarine, Gruyère and Broye districts, German for the Sense and Lake districts. HFR, the Fribourg hospital, handles emergencies in the canton. Residents of Gruyère can also compare with Lausanne, less than an hour from Bulle by public transport.

Canton: Valais

Valais has few resident plastic surgeons. In French-speaking Valais, patients consult in Sion, Lausanne or Geneva; in Upper Valais, in Bern, about an hour from Visp. For neck and face lift recovery, mountain journeys in winter need to be planned: a night in the valley near the practice before the first check-up can make things easier. The Hôpital du Valais handles emergencies. Patients from Monthey and Martigny can reach Lausanne in less than an hour, which simplifies frequent check-ups.

Canton: Bern

The city of Bern offers a solid choice of plastic surgeons, and the Inselspital a leading university plastic surgery department. Biel/Bienne, a bilingual city, has its own provision, appreciated by French speakers from the Bernese Jura. From Thun or the Oberland, Bern is less than an hour by train, making post-operative check-ups easy to organise. For residents of the Emmental or the Bernese Upper Aargau, Bern remains the reference centre, less than an hour away by train.

Canton: Zurich

Zurich has the highest density of plastic surgeons in the country, several of whom regularly perform neck and face lifts, platysmaplasty and deep neck procedures. The abundance of provision makes it possible to compare several approaches. The S-Bahn network puts most municipalities in the canton less than forty minutes from the centre. The University Hospital Zurich is the reference facility. Patients from the Zurich Oberland and the Weinland also find practitioners in Winterthur and Uster, closer to home.

Canton: Lucerne

Lucerne is the medical centre of Central Switzerland. A few plastic surgeons perform neck and face lifts there, and patients from neighbouring cantons naturally consult there. Post-operative check-ups are easy to organise from Emmen, Kriens or Horw. Lucerne Cantonal Hospital handles emergencies. For residents of Sursee or the Entlebuch, Lucerne remains less than an hour away.

Canton: Uri

Uri has no plastic surgeon. Uri residents consult in Lucerne, Zug or Zurich. For a procedure such as a neck and face lift, where the first check-up takes place within days, a night near the practice or support from the family doctor in Altdorf can be arranged. Uri Cantonal Hospital handles local emergencies. From Andermatt, allow nearly two hours to Lucerne: combining the consultation and check-up on the same day is recommended.

Canton: Schwyz

The north of the canton, around Pfäffikon and Lachen, looks to Zurich; the south, around Schwyz and Brunnen, to Lucerne. Local provision remains limited. Patients therefore choose between these two major centres depending on their municipality, their consultation language and practitioners' availability. Einsiedeln, slightly out of the way, is about an hour from both Zurich and Lucerne.

Canton: Obwalden

In Sarnen, Kerns or Engelberg, cosmetic surgery takes place in Lucerne, about twenty minutes from Sarnen. For patients from Engelberg, the return journeys after the procedure should be planned with a companion, as the valley road and train take a little more time. The first post-operative check-up can often be combined with another errand in Lucerne to limit journeys.

Canton: Nidwalden

Stans, Hergiswil and Buochs are about fifteen minutes from Lucerne, where most Nidwalden residents consult. This proximity makes the frequent check-ups of the first few weeks easier. Hergiswil and Stansstad are even linked to Lucerne in a few minutes by train.

Canton: Glarus

The canton of Glarus has no specialist provision. Patients consult in Zurich or St. Gallen. From the Elm or Linthal valleys, journeys are long in winter; combining the consultation and the pre-operative check-up on the same day limits travel. Ziegelbrücke, the canton's rail hub, provides easy access to Zurich or St. Gallen.

Canton: Zug

Zug has a dynamic aesthetic medicine offering and a few surgical practitioners. For a neck and face lift, many Zug residents also consult in Zurich or Lucerne, both about half an hour away. Baar, Cham and Steinhausen are right next to Zug and its connections to Zurich.

Canton: Solothurn

Solothurn, Olten and Grenchen have limited provision, but the Olten rail hub puts Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Zurich less than an hour away. Solothurn patients can thus compare several surgeons before choosing. Grenchen and the Thal region tend to look to Biel/Bienne and Bern.

Canton: Basel-Stadt

Basel combines extensive provision with a renowned university hospital. Patients from the city, Riehen and Bettingen find several plastic surgeons a few minutes away by tram, which makes post-operative check-ups easier. The density of provision makes it possible to compare several practitioners without leaving the city.

Canton: Basel-Landschaft

Liestal, Allschwil, Reinach, Muttenz and Pratteln are less than half an hour from Basel, where most residents consult. Basel-Landschaft Cantonal Hospital handles the canton's emergencies. The Laufental, a little further away, is nevertheless less than an hour from Basel.

Canton: Schaffhausen

Provision in Schaffhausen is limited; patients consult in Zurich or Winterthur, about forty minutes away by train. Spitäler Schaffhausen handles local emergencies. Stein am Rhein and the Klettgau are a little further away but remain well connected to Winterthur.

Canton: Appenzell Ausserrhoden

In Herisau, Teufen or Heiden, patients consult in nearby St. Gallen. Many appreciate being able to have surgery outside their municipality, in a canton where discretion matters. The short journeys to St. Gallen make the frequent check-ups of the first few weeks easier.

Canton: Appenzell Innerrhoden

With no local provision, residents of Appenzell consult in St. Gallen, about three-quarters of an hour away, or in Zurich. Appenzell hospital provides local care. The Appenzeller Bahnen train links the town to St. Gallen without a change.

Canton: St. Gallen

St. Gallen is the medical centre of Eastern Switzerland, with several plastic surgeons and a major cantonal hospital. Patients from the Appenzells and Thurgau naturally consult there; those from Rapperswil-Jona tend to look to Zurich. The Rhine Valley and the Toggenburg have more limited provision, but remain within reasonable distance of the city.

Canton: Graubünden

Chur concentrates the provision of a vast canton. Residents of Davos, the Engadine or the Italian-speaking valleys travel long distances to consult. For a neck and face lift, a night in Chur or near the practice after leaving the clinic, followed by support from the family doctor for the first check-ups, makes recovery more relaxed. The family doctor plays a particularly important role here for local care.

Canton: Aargau

Aarau and Baden have local provision, and Zurich is about twenty minutes from Baden. The west of the canton also looks to Basel. The cantonal hospitals of Aarau and Baden handle emergencies. Patients from the Fricktal often turn to Basel, those from the Freiamt to Zurich or Lucerne.

Canton: Thurgau

Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen, Arbon and Weinfelden have little specialist provision; patients consult in St. Gallen, Winterthur or Zurich. Spital Thurgau handles the canton's emergencies. Residents on Lake Constance, in Romanshorn or Arbon, are close to St. Gallen.

Canton: Ticino

Lugano concentrates provision in Ticino, with a few practitioners in Locarno, Bellinzona and Mendrisio. Consultations are held in Italian. The Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale provides hospital coverage for the canton. Since the opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel, Lugano is more easily accessible from Bellinzona and Locarno, which simplifies post-operative check-ups.

The following table compares 55 Swiss cities on the criteria that matter most for a neck and face lift: local provision, the city where residents actually consult, the travel time by public transport to that centre, how easy it is to organise the frequent check-ups of the first two weeks, and the usual price difference compared with Geneva. The "check-ups" column is specific to this procedure: the easier the visits to the practice, the more relaxed the recovery.

Important: travel times and price differences are indicative estimates. Differences vary greatly from one practitioner to another within the same city. Only a written quote allows a reliable comparison.

Key takeaways from this comparison

In major cities, the choice is wide and check-ups are easy, but fees and waiting times are often higher. In medium-sized towns, fees are more moderate and the relationship with the surgeon is often more direct, with a narrower choice. In cantons without local provision, the question is mainly logistical: how to organise the visits of the first fortnight. Support from the family doctor, for checking scars or removing some stitches, is then very useful.

The neck and face lift is among the most expensive cosmetic surgery procedures, because it is long, involves a full team and requires a night of monitoring. There is no official fee schedule: each surgeon sets their fees freely. We therefore present relative differences, which are more useful for comparison.

Between cities, the differences follow the general trend: Geneva and Zurich at the top of the scale, the other major cities 5 to 15% below, medium-sized towns 10 to 20% below. The price breakdown, insurance, VAT and ways to save are detailed on our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland.

Choosing the time of year

Autumn and late winter are the favourite periods: polo necks and scarves, very useful for hiding the neck in the first few weeks, go unnoticed. For skiers, it is better to avoid scheduling the procedure just before the season: intense sport has to wait about six weeks, and the scars must be protected from the sun, which is intense at altitude. In summer, the heat makes wearing the chin strap less comfortable.

Planning time off

Generally allow two to three weeks before returning to work involving contact with the public, a little less for office work or working from home. As a cosmetic procedure is not in principle treated as an illness, time off is generally taken as holiday. School holidays and public holidays vary from canton to canton: a well-placed long weekend can reduce the number of days you need to take.

Arranging help at home

In the first few days, having a relative or friend with you is invaluable: preparing soft meals, helping you get up without bending your neck, accompanying you to check-ups. If you live alone, your doctor can prescribe visits from a home nurse; home help and home care services exist in every canton.

Involving your family doctor

Tell your family doctor about your project: they know your medical history, can prescribe the pre-operative check-up, adjust an antihypertensive treatment and, after the procedure, provide some local care. Give them a copy of the operative report.

The neck is one of the most demanding areas in facial cosmetic surgery. The result depends heavily on the surgeon's experience with neck-specific procedures, such as platysmaplasty and treatment of deep fat. Here is how to choose.

Check qualifications

In Switzerland, look for the specialist title in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, which can be checked in the federal MedReg register. The specialty society, Swiss Plastic Surgery, publishes a list of its members. These checks take a few minutes.

Ask about the neck

Ask how many neck and face lifts the surgeon performs each year, whether they routinely perform midline platysmaplasty, how they treat subplatysmal fat and in which cases they propose deep procedures. Ask to see before and after profile photos of patients with a neck comparable to yours, with their consent.

Understand the proposed plan

A good surgeon explains why they propose a particular step on your neck and not another, what the procedure can correct and what it cannot, such as a low hyoid bone or heavily sun-damaged skin. They mention useful combined procedures, such as genioplasty if your chin is receding, without imposing them.

Warning signs

Be wary of a promise of a "twenty-year-old's neck", no night of monitoring for a full lift, a quote that does not specify the work to be done on the neck, or pressure to decide quickly. A neck and face lift is decided after reflection.

"Neck liposuction is always enough"

Liposuction only treats subcutaneous fat. If the problem comes from platysmal laxity, excess skin or deep fat, it is not enough, and can even accentuate the cords and the lax appearance. It is mainly suitable for young people with elastic skin whose double chin is purely fatty.

"A facelift automatically treats the neck"

A facelift lifts the jawline and the upper neck, but it does not treat the central platysmal bands or the fat under the chin. For these problems, specific steps through the submental incision are needed.

"A thread lift replaces a neck lift"

Threads can slightly suspend the jawline for a few months, but they have no lasting effect on the platysma or on excess neck skin. For a clearly lax neck, they are not an alternative to surgery.

"After a neck lift, you look pulled"

The pulled look comes from excessive traction on the skin. When the traction is placed on the platysma and the SMAS and the skin is redraped without tension, the result is natural: a more defined profile, without transforming the face.

"Neck scars are visible"

The scar under the chin is hidden in a natural crease and becomes very discreet. Those behind the ear and at the nape are concealed by the hair. Careful placement, adapted to your hairstyle, is essential, especially if you wear your hair short.

"The result only lasts a few years"

The result of a well-performed neck and face lift generally lasts many years. Ageing resumes its course, but from a more favourable starting point. A stable weight, not smoking and sun protection all help it last.

The result of a neck and face lift emerges gradually. In the first few weeks, the neck sometimes looks too tight or irregular, due to swelling and firmness under the chin. By the third month, the profile is clearly defined. At six months, most patients consider the result almost final; at one year, the scars have matured.

The scars around the ear become fine and white in most patients. The one under the chin fades into the natural crease. Behind the ear and at the nape, they remain hidden by the hair. People with olive or dark skin and those prone to thick scars should mention it: the surgeon will adapt the sutures and scar care.

How long the result lasts depends on skin quality, heredity, sun exposure, smoking and weight stability. It is measured in years, often eight to twelve. A lift does not stop ageing: it restarts it from a more favourable position. Regular sun protection for the neck, often forgotten, and appropriate skincare prolong the effect.

The situations below are fictitious profiles, inspired by requests received from all over Switzerland. They illustrate how the surgical plan adapts to each person's neck. They constitute neither a promise of results nor medical advice.

Anne, 61, Lausanne: bands and jowls

Anne has marked jowls and two platysmal bands visible as soon as she speaks. Her skin is still fairly elastic and she has little fat under the chin. The surgeon proposes a neck and face lift with midline platysmaplasty and lateral platysma traction, with no deep procedure. She recovers at home, ten minutes from the practice, which makes the three check-ups of the first two weeks easier.

Peter, 57, Zurich: a double chin despite normal weight

Peter exercises and his weight is stable, but he still has a double chin and a profile with no angle. The examination shows little fat under the skin, but significant subplatysmal fat and a slightly receding chin. The surgeon proposes a neck and face lift with measured resection of the deep fat and a chin implant. Peter appreciates being able to return to work from home in the second week.

Monique, 68, Sion: a very lax neck

Monique has significant excess skin under the chin, forming a fold as soon as she lowers her head, and pronounced bands. Her blood pressure is treated and well controlled. After a cardiology check-up in Sion, she has surgery in Lausanne. Her son accompanies her on the journey home and to the first check-ups; her family doctor removes the last stitches.

Daniel, 52, Bern: a neck to be treated on its own

Daniel's face is still firm, but his lax neck bothers him above his shirt collar. The surgeon proposes an isolated neck lift, through an incision under the chin and incisions behind the ears, with particular attention to his beard and to controlling his slightly high blood pressure.

Laura, 49, Lugano: is liposuction enough?

Laura wants to get rid of a double chin. Her skin is very elastic and laxity is minimal. The surgeon explains that neck liposuction, possibly combined with a skin-tightening technique, may be enough, and that a neck and face lift would be excessive at this stage. She leaves with a lighter plan and a considerably lower budget.

Sylvie, 59, Delémont: after weight loss

Sylvie lost twenty-five kilos a year ago. Her neck has lost volume and the skin hangs in folds. With no plastic surgeon in Jura, she consults in Basel. The plan combines a neck and face lift with significant skin resection behind the ears and fat transfer to the cheekbones. Sylvie's family doctor in Delémont provides local follow-up care.

These cases show that there is no standard neck and face lift. The right plan is the one that responds precisely to what has changed in your neck, no more and no less.

Not everyone bothered by their neck needs a neck and face lift. For early laxity or an isolated problem, several less invasive treatments exist. They have their place, but also their limitations, which are worth knowing so that you can choose with full knowledge of the facts.

Botulinum toxin in the platysmal bands

Botulinum toxin injections into the platysmal bands relax them and make them less visible for a few months. This technique, sometimes called the "Nefertiti lift" when combined with injections along the jaw, is suitable for moderate bands on good-quality skin. It removes neither skin nor fat and must be repeated regularly.

Injections targeting fat under the chin

Some injectable products aim to reduce the subcutaneous fat of a double chin over several sessions. They may be suitable for a moderate double chin without skin laxity, and cause temporary swelling after each session. Their availability and indications should be discussed with a qualified doctor.

Liposuction alone

In a young person with elastic skin whose double chin is purely fatty, neck liposuction may be enough. It is lighter than a lift and often performed as day surgery. But if the skin is lax or the platysma forms bands, it risks accentuating the lax appearance.

Skin-tightening techniques

Radiofrequency, particularly beneath the skin, and other energies such as plasma can cause the skin of the neck to tighten, often combined with liposuction. These techniques can improve mild to moderate laxity. They are detailed on our page on double chin, FaceTite and J-Plasma.

Thread lift

Lifting threads slightly suspend the jawline for a few months to one or two years. Their effect on the neck itself remains limited, as they do not act on the platysma or remove excess skin. They may suit early laxity of the jawline, not a clearly lax neck.

Eight to six weeks before

Stop smoking, including e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products, if you have not already done so. Have your blood pressure checked by your family doctor and adjust your treatment if necessary. Arrange your time off work and help at home for the first few days.

Four weeks before

Carry out the requested pre-operative check-up: blood test, electrocardiogram depending on age, sometimes a cardiology opinion. Send the results to the surgeon and anaesthetist. Plan the journey home from the clinic and the check-up appointments.

Two weeks before

On medical advice, stop aspirin, anti-inflammatories and blood-thinning supplements. Avoid alcohol and intense sun exposure. Prepare your home: pillows to sleep propped up, soft food, clothes that open at the front, light scarves.

The day before

Wash your hair and face carefully, and remove jewellery, nail varnish and make-up. Follow the fasting instructions. Pack a bag with your usual medication, your documents and comfortable clothes. Go to bed early.

The day itself

Arrive at the time indicated, accompanied. The surgeon makes the markings with you sitting up, and the anaesthetist sees you again. Ask your final questions: nothing should remain unclear when you sign the consent form.

Sport and the mountains

Sports that are very popular in Switzerland often put strain on the neck: road cycling, with the head held up for hours; skiing and ski touring, with possible falls; swimming in lakes, with repeated head rotation. For the first six weeks, these activities should be suspended or adapted. A cycling or ski helmet must not press on the scars at the nape.

Sun in the lowlands and at altitude

The skin of the neck is thin and often forgotten when it comes to sun protection. After a neck and face lift, it must be protected for at least six months, in summer as in winter: altitude and reflection from snow intensify ultraviolet rays. A light scarf and high-factor sunscreen are your allies.

Work and social life

For many patients, returning to work happens after two to three weeks, sooner when working from home. Polo necks, widely worn in autumn and winter, easily hide the last bruises on the neck. At the office, a working position that keeps the screen at eye level avoids bending the neck during the first few weeks.

Discretion

Discretion is often an important concern. A well-performed neck and face lift does not change your face: it makes it look rested. Scheduling the procedure at the start of a holiday period allows you to spend the most visible days at home, then resume normal life once the most obvious signs have faded.

Cervicomental angle. The angle formed, in profile, by the underside of the chin and the neck; its definition is a major goal of the procedure.

Platysmal bands. Vertical cords visible on the front of the neck, formed by the lax edges of the platysma.

Digastric. A deep muscle located under the jaw; a bulky muscle can limit the definition of the neck.

Submandibular glands. Salivary glands located under the jaw, sometimes visible with age.

Subplatysmal fat. Fat located beneath the platysma, which does not disappear with exercise or conventional liposuction.

Haematoma. A collection of blood under the undermined skin; the most common complication of a facelift, monitored closely in the neck.

Submental incision. A short incision placed in the crease under the chin, giving access to the central part of the neck.

Chin strap. A compression bandage worn after the procedure to support the neck and limit swelling.

Hyoid bone. A small bone located at the base of the tongue; its position influences the angle of the neck.

Platysma. A thin sheet of muscle in the neck, continuous with the SMAS of the face.

Platysmaplasty. Bringing together and suturing the inner edges of the platysma under the chin.

SMAS. Superficial musculoaponeurotic system, the supporting layer of the face repositioned during a facelift.

Lateral traction. Fixing the outer edge of the platysma behind the ear to tighten the sides of the neck.

Between 40 and 50

The first signs appear: slight laxity of the jawline, a small accumulation of fat under the chin, sometimes discreet bands visible only when you clench your teeth. The skin generally remains elastic. At this stage, a neck and face lift is rarely necessary; neck liposuction, botulinum toxin injections into the bands or skin-tightening techniques are often enough. It is also the time to adopt rigorous sun protection for the neck.

Between 50 and 60

Laxity increases, especially after menopause in women, due to the fall in oestrogen that affects collagen. Jowls appear, the cervicomental angle becomes blunted and the bands become visible at rest. This is the age at which many patients start to consider a neck and face lift, often primarily because of the neck rather than the face.

Between 60 and 70

Excess skin becomes more obvious, with a fold under the chin and pronounced horizontal lines. Fat may descend or shrink depending on the person. At this age, a neck and face lift often brings a dramatic improvement. The pre-operative check-up is a little more comprehensive, and recovery sometimes slower.

After 70

The skin is thinner and less elastic, but the procedure remains possible in people in good health. The surgeon adapts the procedure to skin quality and often favours a natural result over maximum correction. Monitoring of blood pressure and current treatments is even more attentive.

Treatment of the neck is combined with a facelift technique. The choice of technique depends on the degree of laxity, skin quality and the surgeon's experience. The main options are as follows.

The classic SMAS facelift

The surgeon undermines the skin, then lifts the SMAS by plication or partial resection. It is a proven technique with reliable results, which combines naturally with lateral platysma traction, since the two layers are continuous.

Extended SMAS

The SMAS dissection is extended towards the cheekbone, which also allows the midface to be treated. This option is useful when the cheekbones have slipped and the nasolabial fold is pronounced.

Deep plane

The surgeon goes beneath the SMAS and releases the retaining ligaments to lift the tissues as a block. The technique is appreciated for its natural look and its effect on the midface; it requires great experience. In a deep plane neck and face lift, the neck is treated with the same steps: platysmaplasty and lateral traction. Our page on the deep plane facelift in Switzerland describes it in detail.

Short-scar techniques

Short-scar techniques, such as the MACS lift, treat the jawline well, but their effect on the neck is limited, as the incision does not extend far behind the ear. They are poorly suited to clearly lax necks, which require a true neck and face lift.

Ultimately, the name of the technique matters less than how well your surgeon has mastered it. Ask them why they propose this technique for your face, and how it fits with the treatment of your neck.

A well-prepared consultation saves you time and helps you compare several surgeons. Here are the most useful questions for a neck and face lift.

• Which steps do you propose for my neck, and why those?
• Do you routinely perform midline platysmaplasty?
• How will you treat the fat under my chin, and will you remove any from beneath the muscle?
• Do my chin or the position of my hyoid bone limit the result?
• Which technique do you use for the face?
• Exactly where will my scars run, given my hairstyle?
• What type of anaesthesia, and how many nights of monitoring?
• How would a haematoma or other complication be handled?
• How many check-ups are planned, and when?
• Can you show me profile photos of necks comparable to mine?
• What are the conditions for any touch-up?
• How much time would you advise me to take to think it over?

Write down the answers after the consultation. A surgeon who answers clearly, explains the limitations and gives you time to think is already giving you a valuable indication of the quality of care.

A neck and face lift quote must be detailed enough for you to know exactly what will be done to your neck and what you will pay. Here are the elements to check.

Description of the procedure

The quote must state the technique used for the face and the steps planned for the neck: midline platysmaplasty, lateral traction, liposuction, resection of deep fat, any procedures on the glands or digastric muscles. Combined procedures, such as genioplasty or blepharoplasty, must be costed separately.

Items invoiced

Check that the surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees, theatre and hospital costs, the night of monitoring, medication, the chin strap and post-operative check-ups are clearly stated as included or not. Also check VAT. A quote that only mentions the surgeon's fees cannot be compared with a complete quote.

Conditions

The quote must state its validity period, payment terms, cancellation or postponement conditions, and how complications and touch-ups are handled. For full budget details, see our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland.

A well-performed neck and face lift retains its effect for many years, but a few habits prolong the result.

• Protect your neck from the sun all year round, with sunscreen and suitable clothing: it is the most effective measure against skin ageing.
• Maintain a stable weight: weight gain thickens the chin again, and significant weight loss makes the skin lax again.
• Do not start smoking again: it accelerates skin ageing and compromises skin quality.
• Moisturise and care for the skin of your neck as you do your face: it is thinner and often forgotten.
• Discuss light maintenance treatments with your doctor, such as botulinum toxin for residual bands or skincare, well after the procedure.
• Maintain good posture in front of screens: bending your neck for hours accentuates horizontal lines.

A lift does not stop ageing, but it restarts it from a more favourable point. Ten years later, you will still look younger than if you had done nothing.

Demand from men is growing in Switzerland, and it very often concerns the neck first. Male laxity is particularly visible above the shirt collar, where platysmal bands and a double chin are highlighted. The procedure follows the same principles as for women, with several specific features.

Respecting a masculine jaw

The aim is to regain a clean, angular jawline without rounding or feminising the features. Lifting of the jawline is often more measured, with particular attention to the angle of the jaw.

Taking the beard into account

When the skin is lifted towards the ear, the bearded area also moves. The surgeon adapts the incision line, often placing it in front of the tragus rather than behind, so as not to bring hair onto the ear. Behind the ear and at the nape, they take care to preserve a natural hairline, especially as men often wear their hair short.

Increased vigilance regarding haematoma

The risk of haematoma is higher in men. Blood pressure control before and after the procedure, stopping blood-thinning products beforehand and the night of monitoring are even more important. Some surgeons take additional precautions during the procedure.

Returning to work

Many men want to return to work quickly. Allow two to three weeks before returning to work involving contact with the public. Once healing is well advanced, the beard helps hide the last traces under the chin.

The first two weeks

Follow the care instructions strictly: gentle cleansing, possibly applying an ointment, dressings. Do not pick at scabs, particularly behind the ear and at the nape. Avoid getting the scars wet for long periods while the stitches are in place.

From the third week to the third month

Once the scars are well closed and the stitches removed, gentle massage, gels or silicone sheets may be recommended. Scars often go through a redder, slightly raised phase between the second and fourth month: this is normal.

From the third to the twelfth month

The scars whiten and soften. Continue sun protection, essential to prevent them becoming pigmented. Tell the surgeon about any scar that thickens, itches intensely or widens: treatments exist, and they are all the more effective the earlier they are started.

The scar under the chin

Hidden in a natural crease, it generally becomes very discreet. It may remain slightly firm for a few weeks, along with the area just behind it. Gentle massage, when allowed, speeds up softening.

Many patients considering a neck and face lift are over fifty-five and on long-term treatment. This is not an obstacle, provided the conditions are well controlled and the team has all the information.

High blood pressure

It must be perfectly controlled, as it is the leading risk factor for haematoma. Your family doctor checks your blood pressure several weeks before the procedure and adjusts your treatment if necessary. Take your antihypertensive treatment on the morning of the procedure, unless the anaesthetist instructs otherwise.

Diabetes

Well-controlled diabetes does not contraindicate the procedure, but poorly controlled diabetes slows healing and increases the risk of infection. Your treatment may be adjusted on the day of the procedure, in liaison with the anaesthetist.

Thyroid disorders

They must be stabilised. Previous thyroid surgery, which leaves a scar at the base of the neck, must be reported to the surgeon.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatments

How they are managed is decided jointly by the prescribing doctor, the anaesthetist and the surgeon. Never stop them yourself.

Autoimmune diseases and immunosuppressive treatments

They can slow healing and increase the risk of infection. An opinion from the specialist who follows you is essential before scheduling the procedure.

For patients hesitating between two major centres, this table compares the eight main cities on criteria specific to this procedure.

A shorter waiting time or a lower fee says nothing, on its own, about a surgeon's competence. Use these guidelines to direct your search, then judge on the evidence: qualifications, experience with neck procedures, clarity of explanations and organisation of follow-up.

For many patients, knowing what the first few days will look like is reassuring. Here is the typical course of a day during the first week of recovery at home after a neck and face lift.

Morning

You often wake up with a slightly more swollen face and neck, as lying down encourages swelling. A few minutes sitting up are enough for it to go down. Take the prescribed painkillers, have a soft breakfast, then wash your face gently, without wetting the dressings if the surgeon has asked you not to.

During the day

Rest remains the rule, but total immobility is not desirable: short walks around the flat or neighbourhood promote circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis. Reading, watching a film or doing a little work on a screen placed at eye level is possible. Avoid lifting, bending and flexing your neck.

Evening

Put the chin strap back on as instructed. Settle down for the night on your back, with your head raised, without a thick pillow under the nape. Keeping a glass of water and your phone within reach means you do not have to get up suddenly. In the event of unusual swelling, increasing pain or difficulty breathing, contact the medical team immediately.

Check-up days

Someone drives you to the practice. The surgeon checks healing, the absence of haematoma and the condition of the skin, removes some stitches and answers your questions. This is the time to report anything that worries you, even if it seems trivial.

Treating the face and forgetting the neck

A lift limited to the cheeks when the neck is clearly lax creates a visible mismatch: a rejuvenated jawline above a neck that betrays your age. If your neck bothers you, say so clearly during the consultation.

Choosing too light a solution to save money

Liposuction or a thread lift corrects neither platysmal bands nor significant excess skin. Choosing an inadequate technique to reduce the budget often leads to disappointment, followed by a second procedure.

Neglecting blood pressure

Poorly controlled hypertension greatly increases the risk of haematoma, which is particularly concerning in the neck. Have it checked by your family doctor well before the procedure.

Underestimating recovery

The neck needs two to three weeks before normal social life resumes, and several months before the result is final. Scheduling an important event in the month after the procedure is an unnecessary source of stress.

Not planning the check-ups

The first two weeks often include two or three check-ups at the practice. If you live far away, arrange the journeys and someone to accompany you in advance, or support from your family doctor.

Many patients notice it: their face, maintained through skincare and sometimes aesthetic medicine treatments, looks younger than their neck. There are several reasons for this. The skin of the neck is thinner than that of the face and contains fewer sebaceous glands; it dries out and becomes lax more quickly. It receives as much sun as the face, but is far less often protected. Repeated bending movements, accentuated by screen use, create horizontal lines. Finally, the platysma relaxes and cannot be toned through exercise.

That is why the neck is often the first request of patients who consult for a facelift, and why the neck and face lift, which treats both the neck and the jawline, is the most frequently performed procedure after fifty-five. Taking care of your neck early, with regular sun protection and good posture, remains the best prevention.

The anaesthetist is a specialist doctor in their own right, separate from the surgeon, who plays a central role in the safety of a neck and face lift. You meet them at a dedicated consultation, a few days or weeks before the procedure.

Before the procedure

They review your pre-operative check-up, medical history and treatments, assess your cardiovascular and respiratory risk, and choose the type of anaesthesia with you: general or local combined with sedation. They tell you which medicines to take or suspend, and the fasting instructions. If you suffer from sleep apnoea or reflux, this is who you need to tell.

During the procedure

They continuously monitor your breathing, heart rate, oxygenation and, above all, your blood pressure. In a neck and face lift, controlling blood pressure during the procedure and on waking contributes directly to preventing neck haematoma by avoiding blood pressure spikes.

On waking and during the night

They organise monitoring in the recovery room and the management of pain and nausea, as vomiting increases the risk of bleeding. They define with the nursing team the parameters to be monitored during the night. Their fees are sometimes invoiced separately from the surgeon's: check this point on your quote.

A neck and face lift performed for cosmetic reasons is not reimbursed by basic insurance. A few questions asked in advance of your health insurer and your employer nevertheless avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Does my supplementary insurance provide any contribution, even a limited one, for a cosmetic procedure?
• How would care related to a complication, for example a haematoma requiring a return to theatre, be covered?
• Are the pre-operative tests prescribed by my family doctor covered in this context?
• Does my loss-of-earnings insurance cover incapacity for work related to a complication?
• Is there supplementary insurance covering complications of cosmetic surgery, and what exactly does it cover?

Always ask for a written answer. This information, together with the surgeon's detailed quote, lets you know the real cost of your project before committing.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Neck and face lift: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Deep plane facelift in Switzerland
• Double chin: FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland
• Brow and temporal-midface lift in Switzerland
• Endotine endoscopic lift in Switzerland
• Rhinoplasty in Switzerland

Combined procedures

• Facelift and facial fat transfer in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the questions most often asked by patients who live in Switzerland and are considering a neck and face lift. Budget questions are detailed on our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland.

Understanding the neck and face lift

What exactly is a neck and face lift? It is a cosmetic surgery procedure that treats the lower face and the neck at the same time. The surgeon repositions the SMAS to remove the jowls and redefine the jawline, then works on the neck: tightening the platysma muscle, reducing fat under the chin if necessary and removing excess skin. The aim is to regain a clean, continuous line from the cheekbone to the base of the neck, without changing facial expression.

Why is it called a "cervicofacial" lift? The term combines "cervical", which refers to the neck, and "facial", which refers to the face. It indicates that the procedure is not limited to the cheeks. In practice, most full facelifts performed after fifty-five are neck and face lifts, because the neck and the jawline age together and treating one in isolation would create a visible mismatch with the other.

What is the platysma? It is a very thin, sheet-like muscle that runs from the lower face down to the collarbone, just beneath the skin of the neck. With age, its inner edges relax and separate, forming two vertical cords visible under the chin. The platysma is continuous with the SMAS of the face. Tightening and tensioning it is one of the key steps of a neck and face lift.

What are platysmal bands? They are the vertical cords that appear on the front of the neck, especially when you clench your teeth or talk. They correspond to the edges of the platysma that have become lax and separated. They are more visible in slim people and become more pronounced with age. Midline platysmaplasty, performed through a small incision under the chin, softens or eliminates them.

What is the cervicomental angle? It is the angle formed by the line under the chin and the line of the neck, seen in profile. In a young person it is sharp, generally between 105 and 120 degrees. With age, fat and laxity of the skin and muscle blunt it, and the profile becomes rounded. Restoring a sharp angle is one of the main goals of a neck and face lift.

What is a platysmaplasty? It is the step that involves bringing the inner edges of the platysma together and suturing them to each other under the chin, through a short incision placed in the natural crease. It is sometimes called a platysmal corset. This step removes the vertical bands and creates a sling that supports the area under the chin. It is often combined with lateral traction of the muscle, performed behind the ears.

Does a neck and face lift treat a double chin? Yes, in most cases. A double chin may be due to fat under the skin, fat beneath the platysma, skin laxity or a receding chin. A neck and face lift addresses the first three, through liposuction, fat resection and skin redraping. A receding chin requires an additional procedure, such as genioplasty.

How does it differ from a deep plane facelift? Deep plane is a technique for treating the face: the surgeon goes beneath the SMAS and releases the ligaments to lift the tissues as a block. A neck and face lift can be performed with a deep plane technique for the face, or with a classic SMAS technique. Treatment of the neck is added in both cases. Our page on deep plane facelifts in Switzerland details this approach.

How long does the procedure take? Generally between three and five hours, depending on the extent of the work on the neck, the technique used for the face and any combined procedures. Platysmaplasty with treatment of deep fat lengthens the procedure, as do genioplasty and blepharoplasty. A longer duration reflects meticulous work, particularly the control of bleeding.

What anaesthesia is used? Usually general anaesthesia. Some surgeons perform the neck and face lift under local anaesthesia combined with deep sedation administered by the anaesthetist. The choice depends on your health, the planned duration and your preferences. In all cases, an anaesthetist must be present and monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

Where are the scars placed? The incision follows the contour of the ear, from the temple to the lobe, then runs up behind the ear and continues into the scalp at the nape or along the hairline. A short incision of two to four centimetres is often placed in the crease under the chin. These scars are hidden by the contours of the ear, the hair and the natural crease of the chin.

Does a neck and face lift change facial expression? No, if it is well performed. It repositions the tissues where they were a few years earlier, without altering your features. Those close to you should find you rested, with a more defined profile, without being able to say exactly what has changed. Frozen or pulled faces result from excessive traction on the skin, which modern techniques avoid.

Does a neck and face lift remove neck wrinkles? It clearly improves folds caused by skin laxity, but horizontal neck lines, sometimes called necklace lines, do not always disappear completely, as they are partly related to movement and skin quality. Complementary treatments, such as certain lasers or injections, can soften them some time after the procedure.

Can I have a neck lift only? Yes. When the face is still firm but the neck is lax, an isolated neck lift may be proposed, through an incision under the chin and incisions behind the ears. This is common in men and after weight loss. The surgeon nevertheless checks that treating the neck alone will not create a mismatch with the jawline.

What is the hyoid bone and why does it matter? The hyoid bone is a small horseshoe-shaped bone at the base of the tongue, above the Adam's apple. Its position varies from person to person. When it sits naturally low, the angle between chin and neck remains naturally more open. A facelift improves the profile but does not change the position of this bone: it is an anatomical limit.

Can the submandibular glands be treated? In some people, these salivary glands become visible under the jaw with age. Partial reduction is possible in selected cases, by surgeons who have mastered the deep anatomy of the neck. This procedure carries specific risks, such as bleeding or salivary problems, and is not part of a standard lift. It must be discussed in detail.

Is neck liposuction included? It is often performed during a neck and face lift to remove subcutaneous fat from the neck and chin, using fine cannulas introduced through the existing incisions. The surgeon takes care to leave a thin layer of fat under the skin: an over-thinned neck looks artificial and reveals the muscle contours.

What is a secondary neck and face lift? It is a second lift, generally performed ten years or more after the first. It is technically more delicate, because the planes have already been dissected and scar tissue alters the anatomy. Old scars can often be improved. Give the surgeon all the information about your first procedure, in particular the work done on the neck.

Can a neck and face lift be performed as day surgery? Rarely. Because of the length of the procedure and the risk of haematoma in the neck, a night of monitoring at the clinic is the rule for a full neck and face lift. It allows blood pressure to be controlled and abnormal swelling to be detected during the hours when it is most likely to appear.

Why are drains sometimes placed? Drains are thin tubes placed under the skin of the neck to evacuate blood and fluid during the first few hours. Their use varies between surgeons. They are generally removed after twenty-four to forty-eight hours, without significant pain. They do not replace clinical monitoring for haematoma.

Am I a candidate?

At what age can a neck and face lift be considered? There is no fixed age. Most patients are between fifty-five and seventy-five, but a very lax neck may justify the procedure earlier, particularly for hereditary reasons or after major weight loss. What counts is the degree of laxity of the neck and jawline, general health and skin quality.

How can I tell whether my problem comes from the skin, the fat or the muscle? Only an examination can say precisely. A few clues help: if you can pinch a layer of fat under the chin, subcutaneous fat is involved; if cords appear when you clench your teeth, the platysma is lax; if the skin forms a fold when you lower your head, there is excess skin. Most often, all three are combined.

I am slim but I have a double chin: why? In some slim people, the double chin comes from fat located beneath the platysma muscle, which does not shrink with exercise or diet. A weak chin or a low hyoid bone can also create this appearance. The surgeon assesses these elements and may propose resection of deep fat through the incision under the chin, or genioplasty.

Is a neck and face lift suitable for men? Yes. Men often first seek advice for the neck: bands visible above the shirt collar, loss of the jawline, double chin. A male lift takes into account the beard, whose growth pattern must not be shifted towards the ear, and a higher risk of haematoma, which requires rigorous blood pressure monitoring.

Can I have a neck and face lift after major weight loss? Yes, it is in fact a common indication. After significant weight loss, the skin of the neck may hang in folds. Ideally, weight should have been stable for six months to a year. Excess skin may require slightly longer incisions behind the ear, and facial fat transfer is often combined to restore lost volume.

Is smoking a contraindication? Smoking greatly increases the risk of skin compromise and poor healing, because it reduces oxygenation of the undermined skin, which is very extensive in a neck and face lift. Most surgeons require complete cessation for several weeks before and after the procedure, including e-cigarettes, snus and nicotine replacement products. Some refuse to operate on active smokers.

Can I have surgery if I have high blood pressure? Yes, if it is well controlled. Uncontrolled hypertension is the leading risk factor for haematoma, a complication monitored particularly closely in the neck. Your family doctor should check and, if necessary, adjust your treatment several weeks before the procedure. Never change your treatment yourself.

Does a receding chin prevent a good result? It can limit the result. A weak chin visually shortens the neck and prevents a sharp cervicomental angle, even after a successful lift. The surgeon may then propose combining genioplasty, either bony or with an implant, which clearly changes the profile. This procedure is discussed according to your face and your wishes.

Is a neck and face lift possible after 70? Yes, in people in good health. The pre-operative check-up is simply more comprehensive, often with a cardiology opinion and particular attention to current treatments. Recovery may be a little slower. In a fit older patient, the improvement in the neck is often dramatic and much appreciated.

I take anticoagulants: is it possible? It is not necessarily ruled out, but it requires coordination between your prescribing doctor, the anaesthetist and the surgeon. Depending on the reason for the treatment, it may be suspended temporarily or replaced, or the procedure may be advised against. Never stop an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug yourself, and also report all your food supplements.

Can I have a neck and face lift after radiotherapy to the neck? Radiotherapy alters the skin's blood supply and increases the risk of healing complications. The procedure is not systematically ruled out, but it requires a specific assessment, often in liaison with the doctor who supervised the treatment. The surgeon may propose a more limited procedure or a different approach.

Can I have the procedure if I have already had neck liposuction? Yes. Tell the surgeon about it, with the date and, if possible, the report. Previous liposuction may have left adhesions or irregularities, which the surgeon will take into account. Sometimes a neck treated only with liposuction has bands or laxity that only a neck and face lift can correct.

Does my weight need to be stable? Yes. A weight that has been stable for several months is recommended before the procedure. Significant weight loss after a neck and face lift could make the neck skin lax again, and weight gain could thicken the chin again. If you plan to lose weight, it is better to do so before scheduling the operation.

Is a neck and face lift suitable for olive or dark skin? Yes. These skin types do, however, have a greater tendency towards thick scars and hyperpigmentation. The surgeon adapts the placement and closure of the incisions and gives you strict instructions on scar care and sun protection. Report any history of thick scarring.

What if I have already had injections in the neck? Report them. Botulinum toxin injections into the platysmal bands or other products in the chin area do not contraindicate the procedure, but the surgeon may request an interval before the operation. Permanent fillers, which are rarer, must always be mentioned, as they complicate the dissection.

Is a neck and face lift suitable for people with sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea must be reported to the anaesthetist, as it affects the management of anaesthesia and post-operative monitoring. It does not necessarily contraindicate the procedure, but it requires specific precautions. If you use a ventilation device at night, bring it to the clinic.

Do I need to be physically fit? Good general health is necessary, but you do not need to be sporty. Chronic conditions must be well controlled: diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders. Regular physical activity before the procedure does, however, make recovery easier and reduces the risk of thrombosis.

Are my expectations realistic? Ask yourself this question honestly. A neck and face lift clearly improves the profile, jawline and neck, but it does not give you back the neck you had at thirty, does not change skin quality and does not correct a low hyoid bone. The most satisfied patients are those who expect natural rejuvenation, not a transformation.

How should I prepare for the consultation? Write down what bothers you most, in your own words: bands, double chin, jowls, neck skin. Prepare a list of your treatments and medical history. Bring photos of yourself when younger, if you wish. Prepare your questions about the planned work on the neck, the length of recovery and follow-up.

Can I get a first opinion without travelling? Yes. A pre-assessment based on photos — front, both profiles and three-quarter views — allows a surgeon to give you a first opinion on your neck and jawline before any consultation. It does not replace the clinical examination, which is essential to confirm the surgical plan, but it helps prepare the next steps.

Recovery and daily life

How long does neck swelling last? Swelling peaks around the third day, then decreases markedly over two weeks. Firmness under the chin, giving a feeling of a hard or slightly lumpy area, often persists for several weeks. The neck only regains its full suppleness after three to six months. Sleeping with your head raised and wearing the chin strap as instructed help reduce swelling.

Do I need to wear a chin strap? Most surgeons recommend a chin strap or compression bandage after a neck and face lift, often day and night during the first week, then at night for one to three weeks. It supports the platysmaplasty, limits swelling under the chin and helps the skin readhere. Instructions vary from one practitioner to another.

How should I sleep after the procedure? On your back, with your head raised on two pillows or a wedge pillow, without bending your neck forward. A pillow that is too thick under the nape bends the neck and can pull on the sutures under the chin. A U-shaped pillow stops you turning your head during sleep. Sleeping on your side is generally possible after three to four weeks.

Is it normal to have difficulty swallowing? Slight discomfort when swallowing is common for a few days, due to swelling and the work done on the neck. A soft or liquid diet relieves it. However, significant difficulty swallowing or breathing, especially combined with rapid swelling, requires you to contact the medical team immediately.

Why is the area under my chin hard? After platysmaplasty and treatment of the fat, firmness often forms under the chin: this is a normal internal healing reaction. The area may feel hard, slightly irregular or lumpy. It gradually softens over a few weeks to a few months. Gentle massage, when the surgeon allows it, can help.

How long does numbness of the neck last? Numbness of the skin of the neck, cheeks and around the ears is normal, because the small sensory nerves were cut during undermining. Sensation gradually returns over a few weeks to a few months. Sensation in the earlobe may take longer. During this period, be careful with curling tongs and hairdryers that are too hot.

When can I go back to work? For office work or working from home, many patients return after ten to fourteen days. For a job involving contact with the public, allow two to three weeks instead, while the bruising on the neck fades. A polo neck or scarf helps hide the last traces. Physical jobs often require three to four weeks.

When can I resume sport? Walking is encouraged from the first few days. Gentle exercise resumes around the third week, intense sport after about six weeks. Exercises that put heavy strain on the neck, such as certain weight-training movements, inverted yoga poses or swimming with repeated head rotation, often require extra time. Ask your surgeon.

Can I bend my head to read or use my phone? During the first two weeks, it is best to avoid bending your neck forward for long periods. Reading with your head down or looking at a phone on your lap pulls on the sutures under the chin. Hold your book or screen at eye level, and take regular breaks.

When are the stitches removed? Stitches in front of the ear are generally removed between the fifth and seventh day. Those in the scalp, at the nape, behind the ear and under the chin between the tenth and fourteenth day. Some surgeons use absorbable sutures or staples in the scalp. Your family doctor can sometimes remove them according to the surgeon's instructions.

When can I wash my hair? Usually after forty-eight to seventy-two hours, once the dressing has been removed, according to the surgeon's instructions. Use a mild shampoo and lukewarm water, and avoid rubbing the scars at the nape and behind the ears. Use the hairdryer on a warm setting, as the skin is numb.

When can I drive? Not in the first few days. Turning your head to check blind spots is difficult for one to two weeks after a neck and face lift, and painkillers can reduce alertness. Most patients drive again after ten to fourteen days. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic.

Can I wear a collar or tie? Clothing that is tight around the neck should be avoided for the first few weeks, as it presses on the scars and the operated area. Choose open collars or light scarves. Ties and buttoned collars can generally be worn again after three to four weeks, when the swelling has decreased considerably.

How long does bruising last? Bruises appear in the first few days and move down to the base of the neck, sometimes as far as the upper chest. They change from purple to yellow and generally disappear within two to three weeks. Their extent varies greatly from one person to another. Covering make-up can hide them once the scars are closed.

Can I wear make-up on my neck? Make-up on the face, away from the scars, is generally allowed after about a week. On the neck and the scars, you must wait until they are completely closed and the stitches removed, generally ten to fourteen days. Remove make-up gently, without rubbing or pulling the skin of the neck.

When is the result visible? The result emerges gradually. At around six weeks, the profile is already clearly improved, but deep swelling in the neck takes several months to disappear. The final result is generally assessed between six and twelve months. Comparing with your photos from before the procedure helps you see how far you have come in the first few weeks.

Does the neck need protecting from the sun? Yes, for at least six months. The skin of the neck is thin and recent scars mark easily. Use high-factor sunscreen and a scarf. In Switzerland, this precaution also applies in the mountains and in winter, where altitude and reflection from snow intensify ultraviolet rays.

Are massages useful? Gentle massage, carried out when the surgeon allows it, often after two to three weeks, helps soften the firmness under the chin and the scars. Some patients also benefit from a few lymphatic drainage sessions to reduce swelling. Ask your surgeon before starting.

Can I resume injections in the neck? Yes, but not immediately. Depending on the procedures performed, you generally need to wait several months before resuming botulinum toxin injections into the platysmal bands or other neck treatments. Your surgeon will tell you the appropriate interval for your case.

How do I organise check-ups if I live far from the surgeon? Plan the journeys for the check-ups in the first two weeks in advance, often two or three in number. Someone to accompany you is recommended, as you will not be able to drive. Ask whether certain tasks, such as removing stitches, can be done by your family doctor, with photos sent to the surgeon.

Risks and safety

What is the main risk of a neck and face lift? Haematoma, i.e. a collection of blood under the undermined skin. In the neck, it requires particular vigilance, as a large haematoma can interfere with breathing. It most often appears in the first few hours, hence the night of monitoring at the clinic. It is treated by prompt drainage in the operating theatre.

How can the risk of haematoma be reduced? By keeping your blood pressure well controlled before and after the procedure, stopping blood-thinning medication and supplements on medical advice, avoiding exertion and vomiting in the first few hours, and staying overnight under monitoring. The surgeon also contributes to this control through careful haemostasis during the procedure.

Can a neck and face lift affect the smile? A small branch of the facial nerve runs along the jaw and controls the lowering of the lower lip. Injury to it, which is rare, causes an asymmetric smile. In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. Swelling in the first few days can also cause temporary asymmetry.

Can neck bands come back? In some patients, platysmal bands may partially reappear over the years, especially when the muscle was very lax to begin with. Careful platysmaplasty combined with lateral traction reduces this risk. Residual bands can be softened with botulinum toxin injections.

Can the neck look irregular? During the first few weeks, small irregularities, cords or lumps under the skin are common, linked to swelling and internal healing. They usually fade within a few months. Excessive fat removal can, however, create a lasting central hollow: that is why experienced surgeons prefer to sculpt with restraint.

Can the scars be visible? Well placed, they are very discreet. The one under the chin is hidden in a natural crease, those behind the ear and at the nape in the hair. A scar may, however, widen or thicken, particularly if under tension or with a predisposition. Treatments exist: silicone sheets, massage, injections, laser.

Can I lose hair near the scars? Localised hair loss may occur along the scars at the temple or nape. It is usually temporary, with regrowth within a few months. Permanent loss is rare and can be corrected if necessary. The placement of the incisions is adapted to preserve the hairline.

What are the risks associated with smoking? Smoking reduces oxygenation of the undermined skin, which is very extensive in a neck and face lift. It greatly increases the risk of skin compromise, scabbing, superficial necrosis, particularly behind the ear, and poor-quality scars. Stopping completely for several weeks before and after the procedure is essential.

Can a neck and face lift cause an infection? Infection is rare thanks to the good blood supply of the face and neck and to aseptic protocols. It shows as spreading warm redness, increasing pain, discharge or fever. If these signs appear, contact your surgeon promptly or see a doctor.

Which signs should alert me after the procedure? Rapid, painful swelling of the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever above 38.5 °C, spreading redness, abnormal discharge, an area of skin turning black, pain and swelling in a calf. In these situations, contact the medical team immediately; in case of respiratory distress, call 144.

Is a touch-up sometimes necessary? Yes, in a minority of patients: a slight asymmetry, residual excess skin under the chin, a widened scar, a persistent irregularity. These touch-ups are generally performed under local anaesthesia, at least six months after the procedure. Before committing, ask the surgeon about the conditions for any touch-up.

Is the risk higher in men? The risk of haematoma is higher in men, because of a better blood supply to the skin, linked in particular to the beard, and sometimes higher blood pressure. Rigorous blood pressure monitoring and, depending on the surgeon, additional precautions during the procedure help limit this risk.

Can thrombosis occur? As with any surgery lasting several hours under anaesthesia, a neck and face lift carries a risk of venous thrombosis, which is low but real. Getting up early, walking from the first few days, good hydration and, depending on your profile, compression stockings or preventive treatment reduce this risk.

How is a complication managed in Switzerland? Immediate complications, such as a haematoma, are managed by the clinic team during the night of monitoring. After discharge, contact your surgeon's practice first. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 144, then inform your surgeon. Keep the operative report to hand.

Who pays if there is a complication? It depends on the surgeon's terms and your insurance. Some surgeons include management of immediate complications in their price, others do not. For a cosmetic procedure, health insurance may not cover the after-effects. Ask before the procedure and request a written answer.

Can the result be asymmetrical? Slight asymmetry is common in the first few weeks, due to uneven swelling. It generally corrects itself as the swelling subsides. As the face and neck are never perfectly symmetrical before the procedure, small differences may persist. Marked asymmetry after six months may be corrected with a touch-up.

Can the neck look too tight? In the first few weeks, the neck often looks tight, due to swelling and the platysmaplasty. This feeling decreases within four to eight weeks. A neck that remains too tight results from excessive traction on the skin, which modern techniques, placing the traction on the muscle, specifically aim to avoid.

What if I am not satisfied with the result? Start by talking to your surgeon, bearing in mind that the result evolves over six to twelve months. Many early dissatisfactions disappear as the neck swelling subsides. If a defect persists beyond that, the surgeon will assess whether it can be corrected with a touch-up.

Is a neck and face lift painful? Pain is generally moderate and well controlled with simple painkillers. Patients mainly describe a feeling of tension, tightness around the neck and numbness. Swallowing, turning the head or yawning can be uncomfortable for the first few days. Severe pain on one side that increases must be reported immediately.

Do I need to stop certain food supplements? Yes. Several supplements increase the risk of bleeding: high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, high-dose omega-3, garlic capsules, certain herbs. They generally need to be stopped two weeks before the procedure. Give the complete list of your supplements to the surgeon and the anaesthetist.

Organising your procedure in Switzerland

How much does a neck and face lift cost in Switzerland? There is no official fee: each surgeon sets their own fees. A neck and face lift with platysmaplasty is among the most expensive procedures, and differences between cities reach 10 to 20%: Geneva and Zurich at the top of the scale, medium-sized towns lower. Our page on neck and face lift prices in Switzerland details these differences.

Does LAMal reimburse a neck and face lift? No, when it is performed for cosmetic reasons. Compulsory health insurance only covers treatment related to illness, accident or maternity. Certain reconstructive neck surgery situations, after an accident or cancer surgery for example, may be the subject of a prior coverage request.

Where can I find a surgeon specialising in the neck in Switzerland? The major cities — Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Lugano — have plastic surgeons who regularly perform neck and face lifts. Check the specialist title in the MedReg register and ask the surgeon about their experience with neck-specific procedures, such as platysmaplasty.

I live in a canton without a plastic surgeon: what should I do? In the cantons of Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, the Appenzells or Jura, patients consult in the nearest major centre: Lucerne, Zurich, St. Gallen, Basel or Biel/Bienne. Organise your journeys for check-ups in advance and involve your family doctor for local care.

How many appointments should I plan for? Generally one or two consultations before the procedure, the anaesthesia consultation, the day of the procedure with a night at the clinic, then two or three check-ups in the first fortnight, and more widely spaced check-ups at one, three, six and twelve months. Residents of distant regions need to plan these journeys.

Do I need to take holiday for a neck and face lift? As a rule, yes. As a cosmetic procedure is not treated as an illness for the purposes of loss-of-earnings insurance, time off is generally taken as holiday. Allow two to three weeks before resuming normal social life. The rules depend on your employment contract and your employer.

What is the best time of year? Autumn and late winter are popular: polo necks and scarves naturally hide the neck during the first few weeks. Avoid scheduling the procedure just before a ski season you do not want to miss, or before an important event. In summer, the heat makes the chin strap less comfortable.

Can my family doctor help me? Yes, a great deal. They know your medical history, can prescribe the pre-operative check-up, adjust an antihypertensive treatment, remove some stitches according to the surgeon's instructions and check healing. Inform them before the procedure and give them the operative report.

Do I need someone with me? Yes, at least for the journey home after leaving the clinic: you must not drive or go home alone after anaesthesia. Having a relative or friend with you in the first few days is invaluable. If you live alone, your doctor can prescribe visits from a home nurse.

How can I get a personalised opinion for my neck and face lift? Fill in the request form on this page, attaching front, both profile and three-quarter photos taken in natural light, together with your medical history. A plastic surgeon reviews your file and sends you a pre-assessment: proposed work on the neck, technique for the jawline and budget to plan for. Free and without obligation.

Is the wait for a consultation long in Switzerland? With the most sought-after surgeons in Geneva, Zurich or Lausanne, you often have to wait several weeks for a first consultation, and longer for a surgery date. In medium-sized towns, waiting times are sometimes shorter. Preparing your file in advance and contacting several practitioners saves time.

Is it worth consulting several surgeons? Yes, for a procedure of this importance. Two consultations allow you to compare the approaches proposed for the neck, the explanations given and the quotes. Note the answers after each appointment. Beyond three consultations, comparison becomes difficult and the cost of paid consultations adds up.

Is the consultation charged? Many Swiss plastic surgeons charge for the first cosmetic consultation, sometimes deducting it from the price of the procedure if you have it done with them. Ask about the policy when booking. The photo-based pre-assessment offered by Medespoir Suisse is free.

Can I combine a neck and face lift with genioplasty? Yes, it is a common combination when the chin is receding. Performing both procedures under the same anaesthesia shares theatre and hospital costs and requires only one recovery. The surgeon assesses whether the combination suits your face and your health.

Can a neck and face lift be combined with blepharoplasty? Yes. It is one of the most common combinations, rejuvenating the eye area at the same time as the jawline and neck. The procedure is then longer, and bruising around the eyes is added to that on the neck, but a single recovery period is enough.

Should I arrange help at home? In the first few days, help is very useful: preparing soft meals, helping you get up without bending your neck, accompanying you to check-ups. A relative or friend is usually enough. If no one is available, home help and home care services, available in every canton, can step in on medical prescription.

What should I prepare at home before the procedure? Pillows or a wedge pillow to sleep with your head raised, soft food, clothes that open at the front, light scarves, high-factor sun protection, your medication and useful phone numbers. Keep everyday items within reach to avoid bending down.

Which documents should I keep after the procedure? The operative report, the hospital discharge report, prescriptions, written care instructions and the detailed invoice. Make a copy for your family doctor. These documents are useful for any later follow-up and for any dealings with an insurer.

Can I be followed up in my own language? In the major centres, consultations take place in the language of the region, and many practitioners also see patients in English or a second national language. In Biel/Bienne, Fribourg or Valais, bilingual provision is common. State your preferred language when booking your appointment.

How far ahead should I plan? Ideally two to three months before the desired date: time to get a consultation, compare, have the pre-operative check-up, stop smoking if necessary and organise time off work and help at home. For the autumn, a very popular period, it is wise to start even earlier.

Send us a few photographs — front, both profiles and three-quarter views, in natural light — together with your medical history and what bothers you most about your neck and jawline. A plastic surgeon reviews your file and offers you a pre-assessment: proposed procedures, how it will go and the budget to plan for. Free, no obligation, no administration fees.