Neck Lift

As we age, the skin in the neck loses its elasticity. The underlying muscle (platysma) gradually becomes looser and excess fat can accumulate in the area. The resulting effect is that the jawline and neck lose sharpness, causing what is commonly referred to as a “turkey neck” or a “double chin.” The salivary glands under the jawline (known as submandibular glands) may also droop, resulting in a further loss of definition.

These issues can present themselves at an earlier age, too. Some individuals are born with a genetic predisposition to excess fat accumulation and less-than-ideal bony anatomy in the neck area, leading to an undesirable appearance.

A neck lift can address such concerns by modifying a combination of the skin, fat, glands, and muscle. During the procedure, a skilled surgeon can tighten and reposition the skin to improve jawline definition, eliminate sagging, and seamlessly blend the face and neck transition. Additionally, you can address any weakness and displacement of the platysma muscles.

This sounds obvious, but it’s worth mentioning: a neck lift is different from a facelift. There can be confusion about what each will achieve and which areas each will affect.

For some people, the neck may show signs of aging earlier or more prominently than the face, resulting in an imbalance in the signals each area sends about your biological age. By improving the appearance of the neck, your physician can restore this balance. However, a neck lift alone cannot significantly alter the look of your mid-to-lower face. When sagging cheeks or jowls are a concern, it is common to combine a neck lift with deep plane or traditional facelift procedures.

The goal of a neck lift, when done by a skilled surgeon, is to make you look refreshed in a subtle way; it should not be evident you’ve had work done. During your consultation, ask to see previous examples of the surgeon’s work, to make sure your goals are aligned with their experience and artistic vision.

There are several approaches a surgeon can use when performing a neck lift. Let’s take a closer look at some techniques.

A deep neck lift and contouring involves making a hidden incision just under the chin, thus avoiding scars around the ear and hairline. This is an ideal approach for younger individuals who naturally have excess fat pockets and drooping salivary glands. Once these underlying tissues are addressed, skin with good elasticity can adapt and does not require removal.

For more comprehensive rejuvenation in younger adults, some surgeons may combine the deep neck lift procedure with buccal fat pad removal, liposuction, chin augmentation, or fat grafting to enhance the jawline contours, helping to achieve a sculpted and seamless result.

A traditional neck lift involves making incisions behind the ear and sometimes under the chin, in order to adjust the platysma muscle and also remove excess drooping skin. Both this technique and the deep neck lift may be combined with other procedures.

Submental liposuction involves a surgeon gently removing fat from under the skin using a small metallic tube and tiny incision. This technique can also be performed as a standalone procedure in some young patients who otherwise have a defined jawline, as well as strong gland and muscle anatomy.

Platysmaplasty is a procedure that tightens the neck platysma muscle, the main muscle just underneath your neck skin that runs vertically from your chin to your collarbone. Sometimes, due to age or other factors, the bands of this muscle can become visible; this procedure alters the appearance of these bands. Platysmaplasty is seldom done alone.

For those who are not ready for surgery, toxins like Botox® can also be used to rejuvenate the neck area, though this will provide a very subtle and temporary change in your appearance.

Each patient is unique, and each surgeon has their own approach. The best technique depends on your anatomy, your aesthetic preferences, and your surgeon’s recommendation. The beauty of a neck lift is that it can be tailored to you and your goals. Be sure to discuss all options, and attendant risks, in a consultation with your provider.

Before you go

When considering a neck lift, it’s crucial to have an open and detailed discussion with your surgeon about your aesthetic goals and expectations. Review their before-and-after gallery to ensure their work aligns with your desired results. Additionally, bring in photographs of individuals whose neck contours you admire, as well as older photos of yourself when you were pleased with the appearance of your neck.

Visual references can help your surgeon understand your ideal aesthetic and tailor the procedure to achieve a natural, harmonious outcome that meets your specific needs. In some cases, photo morphing software may also be used to provide additional guidance and simulations of potential outcomes.

Before surgery, you should review your medical history with your surgeon, including any other treatments or surgeries you have had in the past, as well as existing health conditions. You should share surgical and non-surgical procedures that you have had in the neck and lower face. Energy-based devices can impact the skin and underlying tissues, which may alter the approach of your surgeon.

Also discuss your medications and supplement use, as that regimen may need to be temporarily stopped or augmented prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding and bruising. As with any surgery, it is advised to stop smoking, vaping or otherwise using nicotine for several weeks prior to the procedure.

During the procedure

A neck lift may be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia; either way, you will be pain-free as it is performed. A typical procedure takes two to four hours, depending on the type of approach and whether a complementary procedure is performed at the same time.

Most neck lift procedures are done at an ambulatory surgery, and you can expect to go home the same day. Some surgeons have their patients go to an aftercare center at a hotel or private facility.

In a traditional neck lift, the surgeon will make well-camouflaged incisions around the ear and sometimes under the chin. A deep neck lift typically requires only an incision under the chin. With both types, the incision is closed meticulously with either dissolvable sutures or fine sutures that will require removal.

Neck Lift Aftercare 

After the procedure, you can expect bruising and swelling. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or prescribed pain medication. You’ll possibly have small drains put in place to collect excess fluid. These are usually removed within a few days.

Recovery time varies, but many people return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks. The full results of a neck lift will become more visible as the swelling goes down, typically within a few weeks time. The healing process is typically completed within six months.