What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or lower facelift, is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the neck and lower face by smoothing crepey skin, tightening soft tissues, and redefining the jawline. It can correct concerns such as a “double chin,” “turkey neck,” vertical platysmal bands, and sagging jowls caused by skin laxity, gravity, or weight loss.

This procedure removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles and soft tissues (collectively called the “SMAS”, the submusculoaponeurotic system of facial muscles and fibrofatty tissue), and improves the neck contour, creating a more youthful appearance with long-lasting results. Neck lift surgery often complements a upper facelift and/or a blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the face and neck at the same time. The goal is to achieve a refreshed, natural look and more defined jawline without appearing overdone or pulled overly tight.

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A neck lift can be an extremely rewarding and empowering experience, but it should be done at the right time and for the right reasons by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Candidates for neck lift surgery should be emotionally stable, have the support of their surrounding friends and/or family members, and be fully educated about the procedure they are contemplating. Visit our Preoperative section to learn more.

What Are the Different Types of Neck Lifts?

The effect of a neck lift is the reversal of the effects of aging, loss of elasticity and gravity on the neck, recreation of a well-defined jawline, and repositioning the neck’s soft tissues to a more youthful and smooth contour.

Lower Facelift / Neck Lift

A lower facelift focuses on rejuvenating the lower face and neck by addressing sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat deposits beneath the chin in the submental area. This procedure combines traditional facelift and neck lift elements to improve the jawline and mid-face. Unlike brow lifts or eyelid procedures, a lower facelift targets the cheeks, jawline, and neck without altering the upper face. This cosmetic surgery procedure tightens underlying structures and redrapes the face and neck skin, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance in the lower face.

Most lower facelift or neck lift procedures lift or manipulate the SMAS to some degree, either staying superficial to the SMAS (to protect the important facial nerve and avoids nerve injury which can cause facial paralysis), whereas other facelift procedures dive deep to the SMAS (called “deep plane facelifts”) – which can put the facial nerve at risk.

Liposuction of the Neck and Chin

Neck and chin liposuction removes excess fat to enhance the jawline and neck contour. Using a small incision hidden beneath the chin, a blunt-ended cannula is used to suction fat cells permanently. This technique is ideal for patients with good neck skin elasticity who want to reduce fat deposits without addressing sagging skin or severe jowl formation. Liposuction can be performed on its own or combined with a neck lift or lower facelift to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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What to Expect During a Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort and safety. Incisions are made in front of the ear and under the sideburn region, occasionally extending and behind the ears, following natural creases to minimize visible scarring. Local anesthesia is also injected to constrict the tiny blood vessels in the skin and minimize bruising, although some bruising can be expected.

Surgery begins with submental liposuction to remove excess fat from the neck and under the chin, if present. Next, the cheek skin is carefully lifted to access deeper structures in the lower face and neck. The platysma muscle is tightened and sculpted to correct jowling and restore a youthful jawline contour, lifting this tissue in a vertical vector upwards. Loose skin is redraped and trimmed, and dissolving sutures are used to secure the skin. If the incision is extended into hair-bearing areas, surgical staples may be placed for easy removal within a week or two.

After the neck lift, soft dressings are applied, followed by a compressive chin strap. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, with some pressure sensation in the jaw and temporary numbness. Pain medication is prescribed as needed. A small drain may be used to remove excess fluid for 1 to 3 days. Patients are usually seen on postoperative day one for drain removal and a check of healing.

Neck lift scars are permanent, but generally well-concealed along natural contours in natural skin creases, under the sideburn, behind the ears, or in the hairline. With proper care, scars mature over several months to a year. As a component of Scar Therapy, it is important to minimize direct sun exposure to the face and neck not only during healing, but as a life-long behavior to help maintain your rejuvenated appearance and to minimize future “photo-aging” (sun damage). Sun protection is essential during healing to prevent sun damage and maintain long-term results.

The final outcome of a neck lift is a natural, rejuvenated neck with improved contour and a more youthful appearance that reflects your vibrant energy and personality.

Please see our Preparing for Surgery section to learn about what happens in the operating room on the day of surgery.

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Patients may grow their hair longer pre-surgery to help conceal healing incisions, or wear glasses for a new look while they are still bruised and swollen. Hair coloring should be avoided for at least one month post-surgery. Many patients opt for a salon visit before surgery to feel prepared and refreshed – and to compliment their surgical results!

Any sutures or staples that do not dissolve on their own will be painlessly removed in the office within a week or two. Please see our Postoperative Instructions section and Special Instructions for Facial Surgery for additional information about recovery from a neck lift.