Neck Lift
A neck lift addresses the visible signs of aging in the neck, including sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat, to create a more youthful, defined neck and jawline.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
2-3 hours
Recovery Time
2-3 weeks
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$8,000+
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure that restores a youthful, defined contour to the neck and jawline by addressing the multiple changes that occur with aging. The neck often shows age before the face, the thin skin loses elasticity, submental fat (double chin) accumulates, and the platysma muscle separates and bands, creating the characteristic 'turkey neck' appearance. A neck lift fullly addresses all of these concerns: excess skin is removed and tightened, the platysma muscle is repaired and tightened (platysmaplasty), and unwanted fat is removed through liposuction or direct excision. The result is a smoother neck, more defined jawline (cervicomental angle), and elimination of the sagging, banded appearance that makes you look older than you feel. Neck lift can be performed alone for patients whose face has aged well but whose neck has not, or combined with facelift for full lower face and neck rejuvenation.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Full Neck Lift with Platysmaplasty
Full procedure addressing skin, fat, and muscle through incisions behind the ears and under the chin. Includes muscle repair for lasting correction of bands.
Best for: Patients with multiple signs of neck aging: loose skin, banding, and excess fat
Neck Lift Combined with Facelift
Addresses neck and lower face together through continuous incisions for full rejuvenation. Most common approach for patients with aging in both areas.
Best for: Patients with jowling, facial sagging, AND neck concerns who want complete lower face transformation
Submental Liposuction Only
Minimally invasive approach that removes submental fat through a small incision under the chin. No skin removal or muscle repair.
Best for: Younger patients with good skin elasticity whose only concern is localized fat under the chin
Mini Neck Lift
Less extensive procedure focusing on the central neck with limited incisions. Addresses moderate laxity without full platysmaplasty.
Best for: Patients with early neck aging who want improvement with shorter recovery
Ideal Candidates
Neck lift surgery delivers excellent results for patients bothered by neck aging. During consultation, Dr. Kurtzman will evaluate your specific concerns and recommend the best approach:
- Loose, sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline (jowling)
- Visible platysmal bands, vertical cords running from chin to collarbone (turkey neck)
- Excess submental fat creating a double chin or blunted jawline
- Loss of definition at the cervicomental angle (the angle between chin and neck)
- Neck skin that hangs or wobbles with head movement
- Good overall health without conditions that impair healing
- Non-smoker or committed to quitting 4-6 weeks before and after surgery
- Realistic expectations about what neck lift can achieve for your anatomy
The Procedure
Neck lift surgery addresses the skin, fat, and muscle components of neck aging for full rejuvenation. Dr. Kurtzman customizes the approach based on your specific anatomy:
1. Anesthesia & Incision Planning
Neck lift is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Incisions are planned behind the ears and often include a small incision under the chin. These locations heal to be virtually invisible.
2. Submental Approach
Through a small incision under the chin, excess fat is removed via liposuction or direct excision. This addresses the double chin component and provides access for muscle repair.
3. Platysmaplasty (Muscle Repair)
The platysma muscles that have separated in the midline are brought back together and sutured (corset platysmaplasty). Banding is addressed by suturing the muscle edges. This creates the muscular foundation for a smooth neck contour.
4. Behind-Ear Incisions
Incisions behind the ears allow access to tighten and redrape the lateral neck skin. The skin is lifted and repositioned without tension.
5. Skin Removal & Redraping
Excess skin is carefully trimmed and the remaining skin is smoothly redraped over the newly tightened foundation. No tension is placed on the skin itself, the muscle repair provides the lift.
6. Closure & Dressing
Incisions are carefully closed. A light compression dressing or garment supports the neck during initial healing. Drains may be placed if significant liposuction was performed.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from neck lift is similar to facelift. Days 1-3: Moderate swelling and bruising. Neck will feel tight. Sleep with head elevated. A supportive garment or dressing is worn. Days 4-7: Bruising peaks then begins to fade. Swelling gradually improves. Most discomfort has subsided. Week 2: Sutures removed. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities. Some swelling persists but is usually not obvious to others. Weeks 3-4: Resume most normal activities including light exercise. Continue wearing support garment at night if recommended. Weeks 4-6: Return to full exercise. Final results emerging. Months 2-3: All residual swelling resolved. Scars continuing to fade.
You'll see improvement immediately, though final results emerge over 2-3 months as all swelling resolves. The defined jawline, smooth neck contour, and elimination of banding and double chin typically make patients look 10-15 years younger in profile. Results are long-lasting, typically 10-15 years, though the aging process continues. Maintaining results with stable weight and good skin care helps extend longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a neck lift the same as a facelift?
No. A neck lift specifically addresses the neck and jawline area. A facelift addresses the midface, jowls, and lower face. However, they are frequently combined because patients who have neck aging often have facial aging too, and addressing both creates a harmonious result. A neck lift can be performed alone if your face has aged well but your neck has not.
Can liposuction alone fix my neck?
Liposuction alone works well for younger patients with good skin elasticity whose only concern is submental fat (double chin). However, if you have loose skin, muscle banding, or significant jowling, liposuction alone won't address these issues. A neck lift provides full improvement that liposuction cannot achieve.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are strategically placed behind the ears (hidden by hair and ear anatomy) and under the chin (in the shadow). With proper healing, scars become virtually invisible. Most patients cannot identify their own scars after a year.
What is platysmaplasty?
Platysmaplasty is the surgical repair of the platysma muscle, the thin muscle sheet that runs from the chest up to the face. With aging, the two halves of this muscle separate in the midline, creating visible vertical bands. Platysmaplasty brings the muscle edges back together, eliminating bands and creating a smooth foundation for the neck.
How long do neck lift results last?
Results typically last 10-15 years. The muscle repair and fat removal are permanent, though skin will continue to age. Many patients never need revision surgery. Maintaining stable weight and protecting skin from sun damage helps preserve results.
What is the recovery like compared to facelift?
Neck lift recovery is very similar to facelift, about 2 weeks until you feel comfortable in public, with final results emerging over 2-3 months. If performed alone without facelift, swelling and bruising are often less extensive.
Your Expert for Neck Lift
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Complete approach addressing skin, fat, and muscle for natural neck transformation
- Expert platysmaplasty technique that creates lasting correction of neck bands
- Often combined with facelift for harmonious lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Precision liposuction for submental fat removal with smooth contours
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Neck Lift Surgery?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.