Neck Lift

Tightens loose neck skin, removes neck fat, and addresses vertical neck bands to restore a cleaner jawline-to-neck transition.

What is neck lift?

Neck lift, or platysmaplasty, addresses the neck: loose skin, excess fat under the chin, and prominent vertical platysma bands that appear with aging. It is often performed with a facelift, but it is also a standalone operation for patients whose face does not need lifting. The neck ages differently from the face, and a good neck result depends on addressing skin, fat, and muscle together rather than only one layer.

How is neck lift done?

Through incisions around the ears and sometimes a small incision under the chin, the surgeon removes excess fat (often with liposuction), tightens the platysma muscle (sometimes suturing the two sides together in the midline), and removes excess skin. Surgery is usually outpatient under general anesthesia or sedation and takes about two to four hours. A compression garment or bandage is worn initially.

What are the options for neck lift?

Neck lift with platysmaplasty. Muscle tightening for visible bands, with skin removal. Neck liposuction alone. Suits younger patients with excess neck fat but good skin elasticity and no significant laxity or bands. Neck lift with chin augmentation. A chin implant or sliding genioplasty can balance a weak chin that makes the neck look heavier than it is. Neck lift as part of a facelift. The most common combination, addressing face and neck together.

What affects the cost of neck lift?

There is no single fixed charge for neck lift, and this guide does not publish prices: the written quote you receive at consultation is the binding figure.

Factors that commonly move the total include the surgeon's experience, the facility type (office procedure suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital), the type and length of anesthesia, the complexity of the surgical plan, whether other procedures are combined in the same operation, garments and follow-up visits, and the revision terms. Ask for an itemized written quote that states exactly what is included, and what would cost extra if a revision or an overnight stay became necessary.

What is recovery like after neck lift?

Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness in the neck for the first two to three weeks, with a garment or bandage at first. Many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks and to full activity in about four to six weeks. Neck tightness when turning the head eases over weeks. Sun protection on healing incisions helps scars mature well.

What are the risks of neck lift?

Risks include bleeding or fluid collections, infection, scarring, asymmetry, numbness, and, rarely, injury to nerves affecting lower-lip movement. Over-tightening the neck can look unnatural and restrict movement, so conservative muscle work matters. Smoking increases wound-healing risk. Results last years but aging continues.

What should I ask at a neck lift consultation?

• Is my problem skin, fat, muscle bands, or a combination — and which does your plan address?
• Would liposuction alone work for me, or do I need muscle tightening and skin removal?
• What is the total quote, broken down, and what are the revision terms?
• Can you confirm your board certification? (Check the badge on each profile in this directory.)

Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons patient information and procedure guidance; U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance where applicable. General information only, not medical advice. Confirm details with a board-certified surgeon at consultation.