Awake face surgery
Awake Neck Lift in Ottawa
A neck lift improves banding, loose skin and the definition of the jawline and neck. A neck lift with platysmaplasty can be done under local anesthesia in selected patients.
Neck Lift at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 2 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Often suitable in selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Social downtime often about 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is neck lift?
Through small incisions below the chin and behind the ears, the neck muscle (platysma) is tightened, fat may be removed and excess skin is redraped. It can be done alone or with a facelift.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with neck bands, loose skin or a poorly defined jawline
- Those who want a smoother neck contour
- Patients in good health who are not smokers
Why awake neck lift may work
A ten-year evaluation reported SMAS plication facelift and platysmaplasty under tumescent local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, and the broader facelift literature supports local anesthesia as a safe option in selected patients. The neck is a well-defined area that responds well to local anesthetic infiltration.
When awake may not be the right choice
Combined neck and facial surgery can be long. If so, we may recommend deeper sedation or general anesthesia.
Your awake neck lift journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess neck anatomy, skin, fat and muscle banding, and plan incisions.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The neck and surrounding area are numbed, the neck muscle is tightened, and excess skin is removed. A drain may be used.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Tightness, swelling and bruising. A chin strap or dressing is worn. |
| Week 1 | Swelling and numbness are common. Sutures removed. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Many are comfortable socially. |
| Months 1 to 3 | Swelling fades, results refine. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Chin and neck liposuction, non-surgical options, or a full facelift.
Risks
Hematoma, infection, scarring, nerve injury, contour irregularity, asymmetry, recurrence of banding, wound-healing problems, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake neck lift
Is a neck lift different from neck liposuction?
Yes. Liposuction removes fat. A neck lift tightens muscle and skin.
Can it be done awake?
Often yes in selected patients.
Will I have scars?
Scars are placed under the chin and behind the ears.
How long does it last?
Aging continues, but many patients enjoy results for years.
Related procedures
Starting from $12,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- De Riso S, Rubino C, Ziani F, et al. SMAS plication facelift and platysmaplasty under tumescent local anesthesia: a 10-year retrospective evaluation of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction in an outpatient setting. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026;50(18):7631-7638. PMID 42380310
- Frojo G, Dotson A, Christopher K, Kaswan S, Lund H. Facelift performed safely with local anesthesia and oral sedation: analysis of 174 patients. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(5):463-469. PMID 30107493
- DeJoseph LM, Pou JD. Local anesthetic facelift. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2020;28(3):409-418. PMID 32503722