Neck Lift
Aging, genetics, and environmental factors may all contribute to visible signs of aging in the neck area. Performed by experienced, board-certified facial cosmetic surgeons, a neck lift can yield very natural-looking results, even when significant signs of neck aging are present.
In this guide, we will explore the neck lift procedure, its benefits and risks, and what you can expect throughout the surgical process.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift, sometimes called a platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that contours the neck and jawline. During a neck lift, your facial cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the underlying muscles, and removes fat deposits as needed. The procedure can address various concerns, including:
- Sagging skin or loose skin in the neck area
- Excess fat under the chin (double chin)
- Vertical neck bands
- Wrinkles and fine lines
By addressing these concerns, a neck lift can create a more defined and youthful neckline and jawline, enhancing your overall facial appearance and. Neck lifts are often performed in combination with a facelift for comprehensive and natural-looking results.
Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?
Ideal candidates for a neck lift are individuals who:
- Are bothered by the appearance of their neck due to sagging skin, excess fat, or visible signs of aging
- Have talked with a cosmetic surgeon to develop realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, including its limits
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke (or are willing to quit smoking before the procedure and throughout recovery)
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your concerns, go over your full medical history and any medications you take, and ask you about your goals to determine if a neck lift is the ideal option for you at this time.
Whether you choose a surgical or non-surgical option, it is important to work with an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon to minimize risks.
Types of neck lift procedures
There are several techniques that a cosmetic surgeon may employ when they are performing what we call a “neck lift.” Depending on your unique concerns and your goals for your appearance, these may include:
Cervicoplasty
Cervicoplasty is a technique that involves removing excess skin from the neck through incisions placed behind the ears and/or under the chin. Skin is re-draped and the remaining skin is sutured for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Platysmaplasty
Platysmaplasty is a technique that tightens the underlying neck muscles (the platysma) through small incisions placed under the chin and/or behind the ears. This allows your cosmetic surgeon to tighten the platysma muscle in order to create a smoother, more defined neck contour.
Liposuction
If excess fat is a concern, liposuction may be performed as part of your neck lift. The surgeon inserts a small cannula (tube) through a tiny incision and suctions out the unwanted fat cells. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other neck lift techniques to achieve optimal results.
- Key Benefits
- Terms to Know
- Creates a well-defined jawline
- Smoothes sagging or crepe-like skin
- Tightens the muscles and skin of the neck for a firm contour
- Addresses a “double chin” or “turkey neck”
Anesthesia: To prevent pain during neck lift surgery, anesthesia is administered. Anesthesia can be general, where the patient is unconscious; sedation anesthesia, which involves medications that relax the patient but keep them awake for surgery; or local anesthesia, where only a specific part of the body is numb and the patient is fully alert.
Botox: Derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox is injected into a face or neck muscle to temporarily relax the local area. It is a popular treatment for reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle contractions (dynamic wrinkles).
Collagen: A protein found abundantly in the skin to provide its strength and elasticity. Collagen production decreases with age, contributing to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Direct Excision: A surgical technique where excess or loose skin is directly cut away, or excised, to create a tighter, smoother appearance.
Dermal Filler: Injectable substances used to fill in wrinkles, restore volume, and smooth the skin. Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, and Sculptra are examples of dermal fillers.
Eye Lift: Medically termed blepharoplasty, an eye lift is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle.
Lifts: Surgical procedures that aim to ‘lift’ or tighten sagging skin. Neck lifts and face lifts are examples of this type of procedure.
Nonsurgical Neck Lift: A procedure that tightens and lifts the skin of the neck without the need for surgery, achieving a mild improvement for early signs of aging. This can be achieved through treatments like thread lifts or energy-based skin tightening.
Nose Jobs: Also known as rhinoplasty, this is a surgical procedure that changes the shape or size of the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Platysmaplasty: A surgical technique used in a neck lift to tighten the platysma muscle in the neck, reducing the appearance of neck bands and creating a smoother neck contour.
Post-operative: The period of time following a surgical procedure. This often involves recovery time and follow-up care.
Radiofrequency: A type of energy that can be used in nonsurgical treatments to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production, resulting in tighter, smoother skin.
Reconstructive Surgery: Surgery that is performed to restore function and normal appearance, and to correct deformities.
Surgical Procedures: Medical procedures that involve an incision into the body. Neck lift, face lift, and nose job are examples of surgical procedures.
Thread Lift: A less invasive alternative to traditional face lifts. The procedure involves inserting medical-grade dissolvable thread material into the face and pulling it tight to lift and rejuvenate the skin. Threads also typically stimulate collagen production.
Combination procedures
In some cases, a neck lift may be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, to achieve more comprehensive results. Even less invasive treatments like neuromodulators (i.e. Botox®), which temper muscle movement, and dermal fillers, which add volume beneath the skin, may be strategically placed to enhance results and slow the development of further signs of aging. Your cosmetic surgeon will ask about your specific needs and goals to recommend the appropriate combination of procedures during your consultation.
Preparing for your neck lift surgery
For a successful neck lift procedure and a smooth recovery, prepare yourself and follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, which may include:
- Quitting smoking at least six weeks before the surgery
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk
- Arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery
Risks and complications
Like any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These can include bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, scarring, and nerve damage. However, serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the risks and potential complications with you in detail, and help you make an informed decision about whether neck lift surgery is the right choice for you.
References
Quatela V, Montague A, Manning JP, Antunes M. Extended Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Flap Rhytidectomy. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2020.03.007.
Giampapa VC, Mesa JM. Neck rejuvenation with suture suspension platysmaplasty technique: a minimally invasive neck lift technique that addresses all patients’ anatomic needs. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2013.09.005.
Gerecci D, Floyd EM, Perkins SW. Incorporating Midline Platysmaplasty with Lateral Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelifting. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2020.03.003.
Choi J, Hwang K. Modified Medial and Lateral Platysmaplasty. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006515.
Fedok FG. Another Look at Platysmaplasty in Facelifting. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1714062.
Wu RT, Timberlake AT, Bruckman KC, Steinbacher D. Concurrent Platysmaplasty and Genioplasty Using a Novel Intraoral Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006392.
Robenpour M, Fuchs Orenbach S, Hadash-Bengad R, Robenpour O, Heller L. The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty, a revised technique for neck rejuvenation: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14001.
Rohrich RJ, Novak M. Male Face-Lift Finesse. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009839.
Gonzalez R. Composite platysmaplasty and closed percutaneous platysma myotomy: a simple way to treat deformities of the neck caused by aging. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009. doi: 10.1016/j.asj.2009.04.007.
If you are interested in a neck lift or other cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area to learn more about your options and find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our facial cosmetic surgery certifying board vets our surgeons for speciality experience, a high level of training, and appropriate credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery time for neck lift?
Most patients return to work within two weeks of surgery, although full recovery takes about 6 weeks before you can return to rigorous exercise or strenuous tasks. Swelling will continue to go down and your results will improve even after the 6-week mark. Your surgeon will go over your expected recovery time in detail based on your personal surgical case and the extent of the surgery.
Can a neck lift be combined with other cosmetic surgeries?
Yes, a neck lift can be performed at the same time as other facial rejuvenation procedures. The most common combination is a lower facelift, but brow lift, eyelid surgery, or even laser skin resurfacing are also complementary combinations that may help certain patients see desired results. Talk with your cosmetic surgeon about the appropriate combination to meet your goals and whether or not they can be safely performed at once under a single period of anesthesia.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
There are several neck rejuvenation procedures that may improve signs of aging in the neck temporarily; however, these are not as long-lasting as a neck lift, nor are the results comparable to that of the neck lift and/or liposuction:
- Energy-based skin tightening with ultrasound or radiofrequency (RF) energy
- Minimally-invasive neck lifting (i.e. MyEllevate®)
- Injectable double chin treatment (i.e. Kybella®)
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Dermal fillers
- Neuromodulators
What are the potential risks and complications associated with a neck lift?
Surgical complications and risks include nerve damage, scarring, bleeding, and infection. Swelling and bruising are common side effects after surgery. Choose an experienced, specialty-trained facial cosmetic surgeon to minimize risks and serious complications. ABFCS-certified surgeons operate in accredited, well-equipped facilities and use modern techniques that are research-backed to help minimize risks and keep you safe.
What do neck lift scars look like?
Incisions for a neck lift are placed in discreet locations, concealed by the natural contours of your ears, chin, and your hairline. They will likely appear pink and raised at first, but will gradually fade to be very close to your skin tone with proper care. Incision placement helps to minimize visible scarring, and following your surgeon’s after care instructions for activity restrictions and wound care will help to ensure proper healing and minimal scarring. Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any irregularities with your incisions, as a healthy healing process is key to achieving a minimal scar appearance.
How long do the results last?
The results of a neck lift are considered to be quite long-lasting, as the procedure “resets” the clock so that you continue to appear younger for years to come, despite the continued aging process. Maintain your results with a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and a physician-grade skin care regimen.
Is the neck lift procedure painful?
A neck lift is most often performed under general anesthesia or sedation anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain during surgery. However, post-operative discomfort must be managed with pain medication. Your surgeon will go over your pain management protocol to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible throughout recovery.
Will health insurance cover a neck lift procedure?
No, health insurance does not typically offer coverage for neck lifts, as this procedure is considered to be an elective cosmetic surgery.
What is the difference between a lower facelift and a neck lift?
A lower facelift and a neck lift are both cosmetic surgical procedures designed to rejuvenate areas of the face and neck, yet they target differing regions and address distinct concerns.
A lower facelift addresses the lower third of the face, aiming to improve the appearance of jowls, reduce deep lines around the mouth (such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines), and uplift the corners of the mouth. The procedure essentially tightens the facial muscles and skin giving a more youthful and refreshed look to the lower part of the face.
On the other hand, a neck lift solely targets the neck and submental area to soften the appearance of “turkey neck,” reduce excess fat under the chin (a “double chin”), and address vertical banding that tends to occur as a result of aging or weight loss. The goal is to achieve a smoother, firmer, and more defined neck and jawline.
While these two procedures are distinct, they are frequently performed together for a natural-looking result that addresses all highly visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. In fact, the term “facelift” is often used to reference a lower face and neck lift. Talk with your cosmetic surgeon for a physical exam and personalized advice about which procedure, or combination of procedures, is well-suited to meet your goals for your face.
What can I do to ensure a smooth recovery after a neck lift?
To ensure a smooth recovery, it’s crucial to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. This may include wound care instructions, medications to take, activities to avoid, and signs of complications to watch for. It’s also essential to keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon.