What is a neck lift

Neck lift surgery, also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and jawline. By tightening loose skin, removing excess fat, and recontouring the underlying platysma muscle, this surgery can reduce the appearance of a double chin, smooth out deep creases or “turkey neck,” and restore definition to the jaw for a more youthful, sculpted profile.

There are a few variations of the procedure tailored to different needs. A traditional neck lift focuses on tightening skin and muscle while removing excess tissue, offering a comprehensive improvement in skin laxity and definition. More advanced techniques, such as the deep plane neck lift, go further by targeting structures beneath the platysma muscle, including subplatysmal fat, salivary glands, and deeper muscle groups like the digastric muscles, that contribute to a fuller or sagging appearance. This approach delivers a dramatically refreshed neck contour, particularly for patients with more advanced signs of aging.

On the less invasive end, a mini neck lift is ideal for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. It focuses on skin tightening and fat removal without muscle repair and is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation, offering quicker recovery for more subtle changes.

Many people also choose to combine a neck lift with other facial surgeries, like a facelift, brow lift, or chin implant, to achieve more harmonious, full-face rejuvenation. Tailoring the procedure to your unique anatomy and goals is key to achieving a natural, balanced result.

How is a neck lift performed

Neck lift surgery is a personalized outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on what you and your surgeon decide works best. Some specialists perform traditional or deep plane neck lifts using only local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake throughout the procedure. This method can lower costs and reduce the risks tied to general anesthesia, but it’s important to discuss whether it’s suitable for you.

Surgery duration typically ranges from one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your treatment plan. The primary goals of a neck lift are to remove excess fat, tighten sagging skin, and address the loosening of the platysma muscles, three key contributors to a less defined jawline and aging appearance. Techniques and definitions of a neck lift can vary among surgeons, so it’s essential to have an in-depth consultation to align expectations and understand their approach, including where incisions will be placed. Experienced surgeons often hide these incisions along the hairline or behind the ears to ensure minimal visible scarring.

For individuals with only mild laxity, a small incision beneath the chin may be enough to access the necessary neck structures. In cases requiring more extensive tightening, additional incisions around the ears, sometimes paired with the submental incision, may be needed. The surgical process can include:

• Fat Removal: For fat above the platysma (just under the skin), liposuction is used through small incisions near the chin and ears. If deeper fat lies beneath the platysma, the surgeon manually excises it with enhanced visualization tools, then uses liposuction to refine the surface layer.

• Platysmaplasty: Over time, the platysma muscle stretches and splits, creating vertical neck bands and softening jawline definition. A platysmaplasty re-knits the muscle, often by suturing it at the front of the neck in a corset-like fashion. This can involve trimming excess muscle tissue or anchoring it to deeper structures for added tightness.

• Cervicoplasty: This component focuses on removing and re-draping loose skin for a smoother neckline. A variation known as the “short scar” neck lift works without skin excision by reshaping underlying tissues through a single incision under the chin, promoting a sleeker neck profile without extended scarring.

Once the sculpting is complete, the surgeon closes incisions with fine, dissolvable stitches, allowing for subtle healing within the natural creases of the skin.

How much does a neck lift procedure cost

Neck lift surgery costs can vary dramatically depending on where you’re located, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specifics of your procedure. In the United States, the average cost is around $7,885 USD, though depending on location and complexity, prices can range from as low as $3,200 USD to over $28,000 USD. Australia falls within a similar bracket, typically between $17,200 AUD and $35,990 AUD. For more budget-conscious options, Mexico offers neck lifts from approximately $2,000 USD to $6,500 USD, while Turkey provides some of the most affordable rates, averaging around $3,350 USD, often bundled into all-inclusive packages. Other factors that influence price include the surgeon’s credentials, the type of neck lift (mini vs. full), whether it’s combined with additional procedures like liposuction or a facelift, and separate fees for anesthesia and surgical facilities. A thorough consultation with a qualified provider will help you get a clear, personalized quote and ensure you understand what’s included in the total cost.

What are the risks and possible side effects of neck lift surgery

Neck lift surgery is generally considered a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the jawline and neck area, especially when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon. In many cases, the procedure can even be done under local anesthesia while you're awake, which eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia and may be a safer option for older individuals or those with certain medical conditions.

As with any surgery, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and discuss them in detail with your provider during your consultation. One of the most common concerns is minor asymmetry or under correction, which can often be corrected with a touch-up procedure performed in-office under local anesthesia. There’s also a chance of developing a hematoma (a pocket of blood) or seroma (fluid buildup) during recovery, but these are typically managed with surgical drains or compression garments.

Less commonly, temporary facial nerve irritation can lead to weakness on one side of the face, though this usually resolves within a few months. In rare cases, more serious complications like a “cobra neck deformity” can occur if too much fat is removed, causing the skin to adhere too tightly to underlying muscles. This issue may require revision surgery to correct.

Ultimately, choosing an experienced surgeon with a solid reputation and a deep understanding of neck anatomy is the best way to reduce your risk and ensure a smooth, satisfying outcome.

How to prepare for neck lift surgery

Preparing for a neck lift involves more than just marking the surgery date, it requires careful planning and open communication with your surgeon to set the stage for a smooth experience and successful results. During your pre-operative consultation, be transparent about your medical history and current medications, as your provider may ask you to stop taking blood thinners or certain supplements to reduce surgical risks. You’ll also undergo a health evaluation to ensure you're fit for anesthesia. In the weeks before your procedure, it's important to stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, stay hydrated, and follow a balanced diet to support your body’s healing process.

On the day of surgery, you’ll likely need to fast and arrive without makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses. Wearing comfortable, button-up clothing makes changing easier after the procedure. Post-op planning is just as important, have someone ready to drive you home and assist during your initial recovery. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely, including keeping your head elevated while sleeping and avoiding strenuous activities, will help reduce swelling and support healing. Gentle movement can be reintroduced gradually, based on your surgeon’s guidance. These steps, though small, can make a big difference in your overall experience and outcome.

How long is recovery from neck lift surgery

Recovery after a neck lift typically takes one to two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on the extent of your procedure and how your body responds to healing. While some patients are comfortable returning to work after just a week, often concealing any residual swelling or incisions with makeup, scarves, or high-neck tops, others opt for a longer downtime, especially if they’ve combined the surgery with a facelift.

Taking proper care of your neck during this period plays a major role in your overall comfort and recovery. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely can reduce complications and speed up healing. Right after surgery, you'll likely wear a compression garment or chin strap for at least the first 24 hours to help control swelling and provide support. In cases involving deeper tissue work, such as a deep neck lift, small drainage tubes might be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid.

You’ll usually have your first follow-up appointment the next day, and if non-dissolvable stitches were used, they’re often removed around the one-week mark. For the first week, avoid bending, heavy lifting, or any movements that strain your neck. It’s also wise to steer clear of strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. By the end of the second week, most of the visible bruising and puffiness should be gone, and any scarring will begin to fade and soften. If you're concerned about scarring, consult your provider about treatment options like silicone gels or creams that can support the healing process and improve scar appearance over time.

How long do results from neck lift surgery last

While you'll notice an immediate difference in the contour of your neck after surgery, the full transformation won’t be visible right away. Swelling and bruising are a normal part of the healing process and can temporarily mask your final results. Within the first month, the majority of swelling should subside, giving you a clearer view of your refreshed neckline, with continued subtle improvements unfolding in the months that follow.

As for longevity, neck lift results can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Of course, time keeps ticking, and your neck will continue to age naturally. While aging will eventually soften the results, the improvements achieved with surgery typically remain well above baseline. To help maintain your outcome for as long as possible, it's important to protect your skin from sun damage, avoid smoking, and keep a stable, healthy weight. For an added boost, nonsurgical treatments such as radiofrequency or ultrasound-based therapies can help encourage collagen renewal and extend your results even further.

What are some non-surgical options for tightening of the neck

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your neck without undergoing surgery, a nonsurgical neck lift might be a great option, especially if you’re after subtler, temporary results. These treatments typically combine multiple minimally invasive techniques, tailored to your goals and your provider’s expertise.

One popular approach is the use of Botox injections along the platysma muscles under the jaw and down the neck, which helps relax the muscles responsible for downward pull and improves the appearance of vertical neck bands. This technique, often called the “Nefertiti lift,” has shown high patient satisfaction rates. Dermal fillers can also be used to soften horizontal neck lines, creating a smoother, more youthful look that typically lasts about a year.

For improving texture and tone, laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling help reduce fine lines and crepey skin by triggering collagen production through controlled microdamage. If your main concern is a double chin, CoolSculpting may offer fat reduction through cryolipolysis, although chin liposuction tends to deliver faster and more dramatic results. Energy-based treatments like Ultherapy and Sofwave use focused ultrasound or radiofrequency to heat deeper tissue layers and firm the skin over time by stimulating collagen.

Minimally invasive options like FaceTite or NeckTite combine fat melting with skin tightening for a modestly more defined jawline. On the other hand, PDO thread lifts, which attempt to lift the neck using dissolvable threads, are generally not recommended. Due to the delicate nature of neck skin and lack of deep tissue support, thread lifts often lead to unsatisfactory results, visible threads, or complications like puckering and extrusion.

A more reliable and innovative alternative for select patients is the MyEllevate procedure. It uses an internal suture system to support and contour the neck without large incisions. It’s ideal for those with mild to moderate skin laxity and under-chin fullness and has a relatively low risk of complications.

Ultimately, a consultation with an experienced provider can help determine which nonsurgical, or minimally invasive, techniques will work best for your anatomy and desired outcome.