Neck Lift 

Improved Contour and Definition

A neck lift enhances the contours of the neck and jawline, creating a more defined profile. This is particularly beneficial for individuals whose necks have lost their youthful contours due to age or weight fluctuations.

Reduction of Excess Skin

As we age, skin loses elasticity, leading to excess, sagging skin around the neck. A neck lift effectively removes this excess skin, tightening the area and providing a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Minimized Appearance of Wrinkles and Fine Lines

This procedure smooths out wrinkles and fine lines on the neck, resulting in a fresher, revitalized look. The removal of loose skin and the repositioning of underlying tissues contribute to this benefit.

Corrects Turkey Neck

A neck lift effectively corrects the “turkey neck” appearance, characterized by loose, hanging skin on the neck. This results in a smoother, tighter neck area.

Reduction of Double Chin

A neck lift can tighten the skin and reshape the underlying fat and muscle layers. This can significantly reduce the appearance of a double chin and enhance the overall facial profile.

Improved Muscle Tone in the Neck

Neck lift surgery can tighten and realign the platysma muscle, which often separates and sags with age. This tightening can improve the overall tone and appearance of the neck.

Long-Lasting Results

A neck lift provides long-lasting results that often last several years, depending on the individual’s lifestyle and aging process. This is unlike non-surgical treatments that require ongoing sessions. Carefully and consistently following post-operative instructions, alongside general skin care and overall well-being practices, can significantly extend the duration and quality of your results. 

Customizable Procedures

A neck lift can be customized based on the patient’s needs and aesthetic preferences. This ensures that the procedure is perfectly aligned with their personal goals. 

Enhanced Natural Appearance

Our techniques for a neck lift focus on enhancing your natural beauty. The outcome is a rejuvenated appearance that does not look “overdone” but naturally youthful.

What to Anticipate for a Neck Lift

Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. During this appointment, we will discuss your specific concerns, expectations, and desired outcomes for the neck lift procedure. Our surgeon will evaluate your neck’s anatomy, skin condition, and overall health to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Please feel free to bring any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure or the recovery process. This includes not only medical or logistical matters, but also your preferences for the kind of aesthetic you’re looking to achieve. Our expert providers can customize the procedure for you (to an extent) to deliver the results you’re looking for. 

Procedure Details

Once you have decided to proceed with the neck lift, our team will provide you with all the necessary information and instructions to prepare for the surgery. This may include guidelines on medication, alcohol, and smoking restrictions, as well as pre-operative care instructions.

​On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at our facility, where our caring staff will ensure your comfort and address any last-minute queries. Once you are ready to go and comfortably positioned, we will begin the procedure. The neck lift procedure typically involves making small incisions behind the ears and possibly under the chin. Through these incisions, our skilled surgeon will remove excess fat, tighten underlying muscles, and reposition or remove sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful and refined neck contour.

Recovery Process

Following the neck lift procedure, you will be closely monitored during the initial recovery phase. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to facilitate healing and minimize discomfort. It is important to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure and have someone available to assist you during the first few days of recovery.

​During the recovery period, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are normal and expected. Our team will guide you in managing these symptoms and provide you with pain medication, if necessary. We recommend planning for a few days of rest and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Make sure you closely follow our post-operative instructions, as these will not only ensure your safe recovery from the procedure, but will also safeguard your results.

Follow-Up Care

Your journey does not end with the surgery and recovery. We believe in the importance of post-operative care to ensure optimal results. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress, remove any sutures if required, and address any concerns you may have. We are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey and will provide guidance on skincare, sun protection, and long-term maintenance to help you maintain your results.

Can a Neck Lift Increase Jawline Definition?

While jawline definition can be enhanced by multiple procedures, including a traditional or mini-facelift, neck lifts can also accomplish this in most cases. Which procedure you choose to enhance jawline definition depends on several factors, including other areas you’d like worked on (i.e., a facelift can address sagging skin affecting the lower third of the face), the appearance of your jawline, and more. 

Typically, a neck lift is meant to address issues underneath the jaw, including double chin, sagging of the neck (turkey neck), neck bands, and more. If you have jowls or other instances of unwanted tissue affecting the upper neck and/or jawline, a neck lift can remedy these in such a way that significantly increases jawline definition.

In other words, there are various cosmetic surgery (and non-surgical) treatments available for enhancing jawline definition, each differing in the areas treated and additional benefits that they can provide. If your primary focus still involves tightening and rejuvenating the skin on your neck, then a neck lift may still be your best option. 

How Can a Neck Lift Be Customized?

Surgeons employ various techniques to best accommodate each patient’s unique presentation in such a way that maximizes the results of their neck lift while minimizing the appearance of scars, among other key considerations. These techniques include the following:

Surgical Technique

The fan-like muscle that spans the length and width of the neck, known as the platysma, can be moved around and/or tightened in an approach known as the platysmaplasty. This is especially effective when neck bands are present, as these are caused by the platysma. Liposuction is another common approach used in neck lift surgery, in which excess fat underneath the chin is permanently removed. Finally, a cervicoplasty allows the surgeon to remove excess skin from the neck for a rejuvenated appearance.

Location of Incisions

Both the size and location of the required incisions, which are typically located just behind or in front of the ears and under the chin, can be varied slightly in order to best accommodate each patient’s unique anatomy while keeping scars concealed. 

Fat Removal and Redistribution

Simply removing unwanted fatty tissue without repositioning or contouring the neck may create an asymmetrical or otherwise unharmonious aesthetic. This is why we make sure to carefully reposition and/or redistribute fat, which allows for a natural-looking and aesthetically balanced result. This process is highly individualized for each patient. 

Harmonizing With Facial Features

During the initial consultation and planning process, we will carefully evaluate not only the appearance of your neck and jawline area, but also your unique facial geometry and other aspects in order to ensure that the final result blends in perfectly. 

Pairing Neck Lifts With Other Procedures

Whether on a staggered schedule or on the same day, there are several complementary procedures that patients opt to undergo alongside a neck lift to broaden and/or enhance their potential results. These include a facelift, brow lift, submental liposuction, and eyelid lift.

Neck Lift and Facelift

Combining a facelift with a neck lift allows for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck, which helps to prevent unwanted visual contrast (as when one is performed without the other). Together, these procedures can provide a more dramatic, yet still well-balanced and proportional aesthetic.

Neck Lift and Brow Lift

Where the previous combination focuses on the lower face and neck, combining a neck lift with a brow lift allows you to target both the neck and the upper facial area. This is especially effective for creating a more refreshed and alert appearance, as sagging skin of the upper face and brow can create a tired look. 

Neck Lift and Submental Liposuction

A common and seamlessly implemented combination, pairing a neck lift with submental liposuction allows for a more dramatic improvement of the under-chin area. “Submental” stands for under the chin, where stubborn fat deposits often appear. Enhancing the rejuvenating effects of a neck lift with submental liposuction create a more comprehensive result. 

Neck Lift and Eyelid Lift

Also known as blepharoplasty, an eyelid lift can address both upper and lower eye issues, including sagging eyelids and bags under the eyes. Combining this procedure with a neck lift makes for a powerful anti-aging effect. 

If you are considering pairing a neck lift with a complementary procedure, or if you are unsure which procedure(s) is right for you, our team at Balto Plastic Surgery is here to ensure you are confidently informed about all of your options.

FAQs About Neck Lifts

How Long Does a Neck Lift Procedure Take?

Typically, a neck lift procedure lasts two to four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether additional procedures (like liposuction or a facelift) are performed simultaneously.

How Long Do the Results of a Neck Lift Last?

The results of a neck lift are durable, often lasting several years. The longevity of the results can be influenced by factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy skincare regimen that includes sun protection can help extend the results. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon can also help manage the aging process effectively.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

​Candidates for a neck lift typically include individuals who:​

1. Have loose or sagging skin in the neck
2. Experience muscle banding in the neck
3. Have excess fat deposits in the neck
4. Are in good overall health
5. Have realistic expectations

Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. A neck lift can provide significant improvements, but it is essential to understand that it cannot stop the natural aging process or prevent future changes. A consultation with us will determine if a neck lift suits you based on your specific conditions and goals. During the consultation process, we will also comprehensively evaluate your unique health status—including any medications you’re on, conditions you have, the condition of the skin around the treatment area, and so forth—to ensure you are eligible to safely receive and benefit from a neck lift procedure. When applicable, we will recommend alternative and/or additional treatments that are better suited for your situation.