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Neck Lift

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What Is a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery is intended to address visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. This procedure specifically targets loose skin, muscle banding, and fatty deposits to produce a smoother, more youthful neck appearance. Neck lift surgery is often combined with facelift surgery to provide a more complete rejuvenation. Other procedures that may be recommended in conjunction with a neck lift include brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery.

What Are the Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery?

Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins, tailor neck lift surgery to the specific needs of each individual to ensure optimal improvement. In general, neck lift surgery can provide the following advantages for men and women:

  • Removes excess skin and fat deposits in the lower face that lead to jowls
  • Tightens muscle banding that develop in the neck
  • Smooths wrinkles and creases in the neck
  • Rejuvenates the jawline and neck for lasting results

Am I a Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

To be a good candidate for neck lift surgery, you should be in generally good health, not be a smoker, and have realistic expectations about your outcome. When you schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, they can help you determine your candidacy for the neck lift procedure, or if another solution is more appropriate for your needs. Fat deposits in the jawline and neck are typically addressed via liposuction.

What Does the Neck Lift Procedure Involve?

Neck lift surgery is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are often placed in the hairline extending around the bottom of the ear, as well as underneath the chin. Our surgeons take great care to minimize scarring by making small incisions in these inconspicuous areas. During the surgery, the platysma muscle is tightened, excess fat is repositioned, and excess skin is removed and/or tightened. Liposuction may be recommended in conjunction with neck lift surgery if excess fat needs to be removed to achieve the desired outcome.

What Can I Expect After Neck Lift Surgery?

During the recovery after neck lift surgery, patients will wear a compression bandage underneath their chin. A drain may also be placed to help remove excess fluid buildup underneath the skin. Bruising and swelling are normal and should gradually resolve over the first week. To help facilitate healing for the first couple days, it can help to keep the head and neck elevated. Cold compresses can also be used to help control swelling.

Patients often feel comfortable enough to resume their normal activities after the first week of surgery, but strenuous activities should be avoided for about four to six weeks. You will need to come in for follow-up appointments with your surgeon, so they can monitor your healing progress. Should you have any questions or concerns throughout your neck lift recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

Neck lift results generally last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as age, skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. While this procedure can significantly tighten and rejuvenate the neck area, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following post-operative instructions can help prolong your results. Overall, a neck lift offers long-lasting improvement in contour and definition, helping you look more youthful and refreshed for years to come.

Can I Get a Neck Lift Without Surgery?

While a surgical neck lift provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, non-surgical options are available for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. Treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic, KYBELLA®, and laser skin tightening can help improve neck contours and reduce signs of aging without surgery. However, these results are typically subtle and temporary, often requiring ongoing maintenance. Non-surgical treatments may be ideal for patients who are not ready for surgery or looking to enhance or prolong surgical results. A consultation with our plastic surgeons can help determine the best approach based on your goals and skin condition.

What Procedures Complement Neck Lift Surgery?

Neck lift surgery can dramatically improve jawline definition and reduce sagging skin or excess fat beneath the chin. However, many patients choose to combine it with other procedures for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

A facelift is one of the most common complementary procedures, as it can address sagging skin and deep folds in the mid- and lower face to create a smoother, more cohesive result. For patients with excess fat beneath the chin, liposuction may be performed at the same time to further refine the neckline and enhance definition. Chin augmentation with an implant can also be incorporated to improve profile balance and strengthen the jawline. In addition, facial plastic surgery that addresses the upper face, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery, may be combined to rejuvenate the eye area and create more harmonious facial results.

Non-surgical treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels can improve skin tone and texture, while injectable treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers can soften wrinkles and restore volume. Combining procedures can create more harmonious, longer-lasting results tailored to each patient’s goals.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?

The average cost of neck lift surgery is typically $6,500-$7,500 in Chicago, and often includes the surgeon’s fee. This will vary for different patients based on their unique needs and the extent of their surgery. Other factors that can influence the total cost of a neck lift include the plastic surgeon’s expertise, geographic location of the practice, and related fees, such as surgical facility, anesthesia, and medications. Our team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate to help you plan for your surgery. If you would like to divide your total cost into more manageable, monthly payments, we accept different plastic surgery financing options.

How Do I Choose the Right Neck Lift Surgeon?

To choose the right neck lift surgeon, it’s important to do thorough research and feel confident in your decision. Consider the following when evaluating potential surgeons:

  • Verify board certification. This credential indicates that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and meets high standards for safety, ethics, and surgical expertise.
  • Review before-and-after photos. A comprehensive photo gallery lets you evaluate the surgeon’s skill, consistency, and aesthetic style.
  • Read patient reviews. Testimonials provide valuable insight into other patients’ experiences and overall satisfaction with the surgeon and their results.
  • Confirm accredited facilities. Make sure the surgeon operates in fully accredited surgical centers to ensure a safe, well-equipped environment.
  • Assess communication and rapport. During your consultation, discuss your goals and concerns openly. Pay attention to how clearly the surgeon explains your options and whether you feel comfortable and heard.

Additional Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do people typically get a neck lift?

There is no “perfect” age for a neck lift, but most patients seek treatment in their 40s to 60s when skin laxity, muscle banding, and excess fat beneath the chin become more noticeable. That said, candidacy generally depends more on skin quality, anatomy, and overall health than on age alone. Some individuals in their 30s pursue a neck lift if they have hereditary fullness or early sagging, while healthy patients in their 70s may also benefit. Our plastic surgeons can determine the right timing based on your concerns and goals.

Will there be visible scars after a neck lift?

In most cases, neck lift incisions can be carefully placed to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are usually hidden behind the ears and sometimes beneath the chin, where they are more discreet and well concealed within natural creases. While some scarring is unavoidable with any surgery, scars typically fade significantly over time and become barely noticeable. Following aftercare instructions, such as proper wound care and sun protection, can help optimize healing.

How should I sleep after a neck lift?

After a neck lift, you should sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least the first one to two weeks. Keeping your head raised with extra pillows or a wedge pillow can help reduce swelling and protect your surgical results. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach, as this can place pressure on the neck and disrupt healing tissues. Additionally, try to keep your head in a neutral position without bending it forward.

If you would like more information about neck lift surgery, please contact the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago to schedule your consultation with Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins.