Neck Lift Explained: Benefits, Recovery & Results

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2024 saw a 2% increase in neck lifts, and they tied with nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) for the most growth in overall face and neck trends. This is probably because no matter what you get done for your face, your skin laxity can still give away your real age.

Whether you hide the signs of facial aging with makeup or other procedures, one of the top ways to complete the youthful look is with a neck lift. This surgery can enhance your overall look, and here’s how.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty. It’s a cosmetic surgical procedure, and its goal is to improve visible signs of aging along the jawline and neck.

You see, over time, skin loses elasticity and muscles weaken. In addition, fat can accumulate in certain areas or shift, and this creates:

• Sagging skin
• Wrinkles
• Appearance of a “turkey neck”

A neck lift can fix these concerns since it tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess skin. In some cases, the surgeon also redistributes or eliminates fat. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour, which better complements your face.

Neck lifts are often performed alone for neck rejuvenation and jawline contouring. However, many patients get one in combination with a facelift or chin liposuction for a more comprehensive makeover.

The Types of Neck Lift Procedures

Like with many other types of plastic surgery, there are several options available for neck lifts. Of course, the right approach will depend on your concerns and desired results.

To start with, a traditional neck lift addresses loose skin and muscle laxity, as it tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin. This is done through small incisions behind the ears or under the chin.

Next, there’s neck liposuction, which is less invasive. It primarily focuses on eliminating fat deposits for improved contour, so this jawline surgery is ideal for people who have good skin tone.

There’s also cervicoplasty, which removes sagging skin without significant muscle work. In addition, platysmaplasty tightens separated or visible neck bands.

Some surgeons will combine the above techniques for patients who want a more dramatic rejuvenation.

On the other hand, there are minimally invasive options, such as laser or radiofrequency treatments. However, these only provide mild tightening and don’t typically replace surgery.

Who’s a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Not everyone will be a good candidate for a neck lift. Like with most (if not all) surgeries, you should be in good health. Also, you should be bothered by:

• Sagging skin
• Muscle banding
• Stubborn fat deposits under the chin and along the neck

In most cases, patients are older (40s-70s), but do note that younger people with genetic fullness or early laxity can benefit from this procedure.

Other things you should have as a good candidate are:

• Relatively good skin elasticity
• Stable weight
• Realistic expectations about the outcome

You must also be a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before and after your surgery. In addition, if you have underlying health conditions, these must be well-controlled beforehand.

The Surgical Process

Typically, a neck lift is done as an outpatient procedure. You have the choice of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. After anesthesia, the surgeon will make small incisions behind your ears, as well as under the chin in some cases. 

If needed, excess fat may be removed first with liposuction. Then, the muscles are tightened or improved support, and loose skin is trimmed before being carefully redraped. Lastly, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures.

In general, the surgery should only take 2-4 hours. You can return home on the same day; just make sure to follow post-operative instructions carefully, as they’ll help ensure proper healing and optimal results too.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery after a neck lift will vary from person to person, as we all heal differently. However, most people should expect these things in the first week:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tightness
• Mild discomfort

If you’re not feeling well, then prescription or over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate the soreness. Otherwise, many people return to light activities within 7-10 days. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least several weeks.

Your surgeon may recommend compression garments to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. And if your stitches need removing, this is done within 1-2 weeks, depending on the technique used.

The good news is that the initial results are noticeable quickly. But keep in mind that residual swelling may take months to fully resolve.

To help the healing go smoothly and faster, you should:

• Keep your head elevated
• Avoid smoking
• Follow aftercare instructions carefully

The results should last for many years, especially if you keep up with healthy habits, such as:

• Maintaining a stable weight
• Protecting your skin from sun damage
• Following a good skincare routine

However, do note that a neck lift can’t stop aging. You can always use complementary treatments (such as fillers or non-surgical skin tightening) to extend the rejuvenation effect though.

Risks and Potential Concerns

All medical procedures come with risks and potential concerns, and a neck lift is no exception. Potential issues to be aware of are:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Nerve injury
• Asymmetry
• Prolonged swelling

You can lower your risks of the above by choosing an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Valdez.

Consider a Neck Lift

If you want your lower face and neck area to look younger and tighter, then consider a neck lift, even if you aren’t that old. This procedure can help smooth out that area, and in turn, it can erase years of aging.

Plus, it’s a simple outpatient surgery that takes only a few hours, and you’ll be mostly back to yourself in a few weeks. The results are completely worth it, especially if you get affordable yet top-quality work done in Mexico.

Get in touch with us now if you’re interested in a neck lift and want to schedule a consultation. Dr. Valdez provides his patients with a skilled and bilingual medical staff.