Neck Lift
The neck is often one of the first areas to reveal the signs of aging, often showing sagging skin, excess fat, or visible neck bands before the rest of the face. A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty, is a specialized plastic surgery procedure that smooths the neck skin, tightens the neck muscles, and restores balance between the face and neck for a more youthful appearance.
Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Warrington specializes in the advanced deep plane neck lift technique. By working within the deep layers and repositioning underlying tissues, this surgical procedure provides long-lasting improvements that rejuvenate the neck and restore harmony to your overall facial appearance.
Corrects loose skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat in the neck for refined contours
Outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia
Swelling and bruising improve in 2–3 weeks; full refinement takes several months
A smoother neckline, defined jawline, and restored balance to the lower face
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to tighten loose skin, smooth vertical neck bands, and refine the jawline for a more youthful appearance. It addresses signs of aging in the neck caused by skin laxity, excess fat, or muscle sagging. During the procedure, underlying tissues are repositioned, and excess skin or fat may be removed to restore a smoother, more defined contour.
A neck lift is often chosen by patients who feel their neck no longer matches the youthfulness of their face. The results are long-lasting and can significantly enhance overall facial balance. Some patients opt to combine a neck lift with other facial procedures, such as a deep plane facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Neck lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Small incisions are made around the ears, and in some cases, an additional submental incision is made beneath the chin. Dr. Warrington then uses the deep plane technique to reposition and tighten the underlying tissues, including the platysma muscle and supporting structures. Loose skin and excess fat are then carefully removed to restore definition. Finally, the remaining skin is smoothed and secured for a natural, balanced result. Patients return home the same day of surgery with a detailed aftercare plan in place.
The neck lift procedure targets several signs of aging in the neck:
A deep plane neck lift offers both deep structural support and surface rejuvenation. It restores definition along the jawline and under the chin, smoothing vertical neck bands and tightening the underlying muscles that contribute to sagging. Excess fat is removed or repositioned to create a more elegant profile. This approach also corrects loose or redundant skin, resulting in a smoother, more sculpted neckline. Because the improvements are made at a deeper level, the results are both natural-looking and long-lasting, enhancing not just the neck but the overall balance of your facial appearance.
Candidates for neck lift surgery are typically bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck, such as sagging skin, vertical bands, or fullness beneath the chin. If you have adequate skin elasticity and no history of poor wound healing or severe medical conditions, your body is likely to respond well to surgery and recovery.
Many patients seek this procedure to address a double chin or loose skin under the jaw, restoring a more defined and youthful neckline. As with any cosmetic surgery, the best candidates have realistic expectations and are willing to adhere to aftercare guidelines to support a smooth recovery.
Recovery from a neck lift is typically smooth when post-operative care is followed closely. Keeping your head elevated during the initial days helps reduce swelling and supports healthy circulation. Some bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort are expected in the first week or two, but these symptoms usually improve steadily. Sutures are generally removed within 7 to 10 days, and most patients feel ready to return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Using ice packs as directed can ease discomfort during the early healing phase. It's essential to protect the surgical site and follow all care instructions, as this helps minimize risks such as delayed wound healing or hair thinning near the incision lines.
As swelling gradually subsides in the weeks following surgery, patients begin to see a noticeable transformation in their neck contour. The neckline appears smoother and more youthful, with firmer skin and improved definition under the chin and along the jawline. Over time, the results continue to refine, restoring harmony between the neck and lower face. Most patients enjoy long-term improvement in skin laxity and soft tissue support, with results that can last 10 years or more when maintained with healthy habits and proper skincare.
Dr. Stephanie Warrington is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified ENT specialist. Her expertise in facial anatomy and advanced neck lift techniques ensures natural, refined results that enhance both your neck and your overall facial appearance. Patients appreciate Dr. Warrington’s precise surgical approach, compassionate care, and the confidence that comes with knowing their results are in the hands of a specialist committed to safety and artistry.
Most patients describe mild discomfort or tightness during recovery, which is well managed with medication.
Results are long-lasting, often enduring for a decade or more. As natural aging progresses, the results of a neck lift establish a new baseline, effectively turning back the clock on signs of aging.
For a neck lift, small incisions are placed in natural creases and around the ears, resulting in discreet scars that fade with time.
Yes, many patients combine neck lift surgery with a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation.
A neck lift offers more dramatic and immediate results than injectable treatments like Kybella, which uses deoxycholic acid (DCA) to gradually break down fat under the chin. While Kybella may be suitable for mild fullness under the chin, a neck lift addresses excess skin, muscle laxity, and deeper structural concerns in a single procedure. Patients seeking significant contouring and skin tightening often find surgery to be the more comprehensive solution.
