Neck Lift Scars — Where They Are and How They Heal

Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney

Scarring is one of the first questions patients ask about neck lift surgery. And it is a reasonable question — the neck is a visible area, the incisions are meaningful in size, and patients want to know whether the result of surgery will be obvious to others. The honest answer is that neck lift scars are designed to be well concealed, but they are real incisions that go through a healing process, and understanding that process removes most of the uncertainty. In day-to-day social settings, most patients find their scars are not noticed by others once healing is complete.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with specific training in neck lift and facial surgery. He consults at his Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction and Manly, with surgery performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

Where Are the Incisions in a Neck Lift?

Neck lift incisions are placed in locations chosen specifically to minimise visible scarring.

Behind the ears. The primary incisions run in the natural skin crease behind each ear — the post-auricular sulcus — and extend a short distance into the hairline behind the ear. This crease is a naturally deep, shadowed fold that conceals scars well even at close range. In conversation, even at close range, these scars usually sit completely out of view within the crease and hairline. With normal hair styling these incisions are not visible.

Beneath the chin. A small incision of approximately 2 to 3 cm is placed in the natural crease beneath the chin, providing direct access to the platysma muscle and submental structures. This scar sits beneath the jawline and is generally not visible from the front, including in photos taken straight on. It is typically the most easily concealed of the neck lift incisions.

In a full neck lift combining platysmaplasty with skin redraping, both incision sites are used to allow both muscle repair and skin tightening. In a more limited anterior approach for isolated central banding, only the submental incision may be required.

Dr Turner performs neck lift and platysmaplasty surgery in Sydney for patients from across New South Wales and interstate.

How Neck Lift Scars Heal

Scar healing follows a predictable timeline, though individual variation is significant. Most patients feel comfortable in public and at work well before healing is complete — usually within the first few weeks.

Week 1 to 2. Incisions are closed and healing. The submental incision may look slightly pink or raised. You may also notice some swelling or bruising around the incisions — this is expected and settles over the following weeks. The post-auricular incisions are within the crease and generally not visible even at this early stage. Sutures are removed at approximately one week.

Weeks 2 to 6. The active healing phase. Scars may become slightly more pink, firm, or raised during this period before beginning to fade. This is normal scar maturation and does not indicate a poor outcome. Itching in the incision lines during this phase is also normal.

Months 2 to 6. Progressive fading. The post-auricular scars typically become difficult to detect within the natural crease. The submental scar fades from pink to a pale, flat line.

Months 6 to 18. Final scar maturation. By 12 months, most neck lift scars have softened and lightened to the point where they are difficult to detect unless specifically pointed out. Full maturation may continue to 18 months in patients with slower-healing skin types.

What Affects Scar Quality?

Not all patients scar identically. Several factors influence how well neck lift scars heal.

Genetics and skin type. Some patients are predisposed to form hypertrophic or keloid scars. A history of poor scar healing elsewhere on the body should be discussed at the consultation. Patients with darker skin phototypes carry a higher risk of hypertrophic scarring and should discuss this specifically. Even in patients with a tendency to thicker scarring, careful incision placement in natural creases usually means the scars are still discreet.

Smoking. Smoking compromises blood flow to the healing wound and is one of the strongest predictors of poor scar outcome. It significantly increases the risk of wound healing problems, delayed healing, and visible scarring. Elective neck lift surgery is not recommended for patients who are unable to cease all nicotine products for the full healing period.

Sun exposure. Fresh scars are particularly sensitive to UV exposure. Direct sun on healing incision lines can cause permanent darkening — hyperpigmentation — that is difficult to reverse. Sun protection over all incision areas throughout the healing period is essential.

Surgical technique. Incision placement in natural skin folds, tension-free closure, and layered closure technique all contribute to minimising scar visibility. These are within the surgeon’s control.

Post-operative care. Scar management from week two or three onward actively supports better healing. Starting this promptly and continuing consistently for the recommended period makes a measurable difference.

Your final scar quality is a partnership between what is controlled in the operating theatre — incision placement and closure technique — and what you control during recovery: smoking cessation, sun protection, and adherence to scar care.

Scar Management After Neck Lift

From approximately week two to three — once the incisions are fully healed and there is no residual crusting — a scar management programme can begin.

Silicone gel or sheets. The best-supported topical treatment available for improving scar height and redness when used consistently over several months. Silicone hydrates the scar, reduces melanin stimulation, and is the primary recommended intervention. Applied once or twice daily over healed incisions for two to three months. Silicone sheets can be worn overnight over the submental scar.

Vitamin E oil. An optional adjunct for some patients to improve comfort and skin hydration. It is not essential if silicone gel is already being used consistently, and it can occasionally cause irritation in sensitive skin. Use it if tolerated and comfortable, but silicone remains the priority.

Massage. Once the incisions are fully healed and confirmed clear at your post-operative review, gentle scar massage helps to soften scar tissue and reduce firmness. Circular motion over the scar for two to three minutes, once or twice daily. Do not massage any area that is still open, scabbed, or tender — this will be confirmed at your review before massage is recommended.

Sunscreen. SPF 50+ applied over all exposed incision areas whenever outdoors. Continue for at least 12 months post-surgery.

Dr Turner’s team will provide specific scar management instructions at the post-operative review. If you are unsure whether to start or change any scar product, it is always safer to check with the team first rather than experiment on healing skin. If a scar is healing in a way that concerns you at any stage, raise it at a follow-up appointment early rather than waiting.

When Scars Become Visible

Neck lift scars are well-concealed under most circumstances, but there are situations where they may be more noticeable:

Hair worn up or pulled back. The post-auricular scars extend a short distance into the hairline. In most patients this area is covered by the natural fall of the hair. Patients who wear their hair very short or closely cropped behind the ears should discuss incision placement at consultation — in some cases the incision pattern can be modified to optimise concealment for a specific hairstyle.

Very close inspection. At very close range — a few centimetres — healed incision lines may be detectable as a slight change in skin texture, even when fully mature. In everyday situations — conversation across a table, work meetings, or social events — these subtle changes are rarely noticed by others.

Hypertrophic scarring. In a small number of patients, the scar becomes raised and firm rather than flat and pale. This is more common in patients with a genetic predisposition, those who smoked during recovery, or where wound healing was suboptimal. True keloid scarring in these areas is uncommon, but if it occurs, it can usually be improved with a combination of silicone, corticosteroid injections, and time. These treatments are performed in the rooms and do not require further major surgery unless a formal scar revision is planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are neck lift scars?

Neck lift scars are placed behind each ear in the natural post-auricular crease, extending a short distance into the hairline, and in a small crease beneath the chin. These locations are chosen specifically for concealment. The post-auricular scars sit within a shadowed crease that conceals well. The submental scar sits beneath the jaw and is not visible from the front.

Are neck lift scars visible?

For most patients, neck lift scars are not noticeable to others in normal social or work settings once healing is complete. The post-auricular scars sit within natural skin creases behind the ears. The submental scar beneath the chin is not visible from the front. At very close range, healed incision lines may be detectable as a slight texture change, but this is typically imperceptible in casual social settings.

Will my neck lift scars show in photos?

In most cases, neck lift scars do not show in everyday photos. The incisions behind the ears are hidden within natural creases and hair, and the small incision beneath the chin sits in shadow under the jawline. Very close-up or staged photography specifically aimed at the incision lines may reveal faint lines, but these are generally not obvious in casual or social photos.

How long do neck lift scars take to heal?

Visible redness and slight firmness typically resolves within two to three months. Scars continue to fade and mature for 12 to 18 months after surgery. Most patients find the scars are not noticeable to others well before full maturation is complete. Individual healing timelines vary with skin type, genetics, sun exposure, and adherence to scar management.

What can I do to improve my neck lift scars?

Starting silicone gel from approximately week two to three and continuing for two to three months is the most evidence-supported intervention. Strict sun protection over incision areas for at least 12 months. Gentle scar massage once incisions are fully healed. Avoiding nicotine throughout the recovery period. Raising any concerns at follow-up appointments early rather than waiting.

Can neck lift scars be treated if they heal poorly?

Yes. Hypertrophic or raised scars can be treated with silicone sheets, compression, or intralesional corticosteroid injection. In rare cases where a scar remains prominent at full maturation, scar revision may be considered. The vast majority of neck lift scars heal well with proper management and do not require further treatment.

Related Procedures and Resources

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Consult with Dr Scott J Turner

Dr Turner consults for neck lift surgery in Sydney at Bondi Junction and Manly. He also sees patients in Brisbane, Canberra, and Newcastle. Surgery is performed in Sydney at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

Contact the practice to arrange a consultation, or read more about Dr Turner’s background and training.

Neck Lift Scars — What to Expect and How They Heal