A neck lift creates a more defined jawline and a slimmer, smoother-looking neck. Its aim is to enhance the appearance of your neck. The general medical terms are platysmaplasty, or lower rhytidectomy or submental lipectomy. Which specific procedure or combination of procedures you have depends on what results you are looking for.
Good candidates for a neck lift have excess fat and skin but relatively good skin tone. A neck lift procedure is typically performed along with a facelift, brow lift, chin implant, or other facial plastic surgery procedures, but it can also deliver dramatic results on its own. It can be done separately if you are happy with the appearance of your face.
Neck lift procedures can include:
- Removing excess skin (cervicoplasty)
- Removing or altering neck muscles (platysmaplasty)
- Liposuction to remove excess fat
Recovery from a Neck Lift
Patients typically wear a pressure dressing that wraps around their head and underneath their chin for at least the first 24 hours post-procedure, to reduce swelling and bruising. Some will also get drains instead of wraps; these stay in place for one to two days, to collect excess blood and fluid. Dr. Michael K. Kim will want to see you for your first checkup within a day or two of the surgery.
Recovering from a neck lift takes time. Most people can return to work in 10 to 14 days. After your initial two-week recovery, the scar tissue around your incision will begin to soften and fade, with full healing in about three to four months, typically. You can expect minimal scarring from a neck lift, and the scars that are created should be discreetly concealed.
People are usually very happy after having a neck lift. The procedure has a 94% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members.
The results of a neck lift can last for 10 to 15 years, but you will continue to age—and so will your neck. Some skin tightening treatments, using lasers, radiofrequency, or ultrasound, can help improve the longevity of results.
How much does a neck lift cost?
The average cost of a neck lift is $5,500 - $9,000*.
Neck lift costs may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon's fee
* A neck lift is cosmetic surgery, so it won’t be covered by insurance.