What procedures complement a neck lift?

A neck lift is often combined with other procedures to create more balanced, comprehensive rejuvenation. A facelift is the most common complement, as it addresses sagging in the midface and jowls for a smoother overall result. Eyelid surgery or a brow lift may be added to refresh the upper face, while liposuction can refine the jawline and reduce excess fat under the chin. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, or skin tightening, can further enhance skin quality and improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Sloan can recommend a customized plan based on your individual goals to achieve natural-looking, harmonious results.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?

In addition to CoolSculpting®, several non-surgical treatments can help improve the appearance of the neck, though results are typically more subtle than surgery. Options include injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic to relax neck bands and dermal fillers to restore lost volume. Energy-based therapies such as Ultherapy (ultrasound), radiofrequency or laser treatments can help tighten mild skin laxity and stimulate collagen production. Microneedling, often with added PRP, and chemical peels may also enhance skin texture and tone. While these approaches often require little to no downtime, they generally cannot achieve the same dramatic or long-lasting results as a neck lift, making them best suited for early signs of aging.

What is the difference between a neck lift and a facelift?

A neck lift focuses on improving the appearance of the neck and jawline by tightening muscles, removing excess skin, and reducing fat beneath the chin. A facelift, on the other hand, addresses aging in the lower and midface, targeting sagging cheeks, deep folds, and jowls. While both procedures can be performed separately, they are often combined for more comprehensive rejuvenation, creating smoother contours from the face through the neck. In short, a neck lift can refine the neck area, while a facelift is designed to rejuvenate the face, with the choice depending on each patient’s specific concerns and desired outcome.

Home◼Facial Procedures◼Neck Lift & Rejuvenation

Neck Lift & Rejuvenation

Neck reshaping and neck lift procedures can help create a smoother and more defined jawline. Over time, the neck can develop creases, sagging skin, excess fat deposits, and other concerns. Additionally, in the past few years many individuals may have noticed more wrinkles due to increased screen time, occasionally referred to as “Zoom neck.” Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Gene Sloan, MD, offers a variety of advanced procedures designed to address aesthetic conditions affecting the neck. With customized neck reshaping, Dr. Sloan can enhance the facial profile and contours of the chin with results that look both beautiful and natural.

Neck Anatomy

When examining the neck for a rejuvenation procedure, three elements of anatomy are evaluated to determine the optimal treatment. The skin is examined first for potential excess and elasticity. The thickness of the fat layer is then determined. Finally, the presence of muscle bands in the front of the neck is observed. Other features such as the level of the hyoid bone, which largely determines the angle of the neck, the length of the chin, the prominence of the larynx (Adam’s apple), and the prominence of the salivary glands, are also evaluated. All of these anatomic features determine the current appearance of the patient’s neck and what corrective measures can be applied.

What Are the Benefits of Neck Reshaping?

Reshaping your neck can help restore a more youthful under-the-chin profile by addressing excess fat, skin laxity, and signs of aging such as wrinkles. In fact, a neck reshaping procedure such as a neck lift, sometimes combined with a facelift, can also tighten neck muscles that have loosened with age and smooth creases potentially caused by abundant screen usage. These options can ultimately help many individuals achieve more refined neck contours and a more youthful appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Neck Reshaping?

Essentially, there is a treatment option for anyone dissatisfied with the appearance of their neck; however, it is critically important to apply the correct procedure for the patient, and this is determined largely by age. Someone in their 20’s with good-quality elastic skin who is bothered by excess fullness may do well with liposuction, CoolSculpting^®, or even KYBELLA^® injections. A patient between the ages of 35 and 40 who has some muscle laxity and fullness from excess fat would be a candidate for a short scar surgical procedure. Patients over 60 would typically require a full incision face and neck lift, often with another incision under the chin, to address all the elements that contribute to the aging neck.

Our results Before & After Gallery

View Gallery

What Are My Neck Reshaping Options?

Neck Lift

A neck lift is designed to remove excess, inelastic skin that has collected in the neck region, as well as tighten underlying muscles. This procedure can ultimately recontour the neck and produce firmer, smoother skin. In the middle-aged patient, this can often be performed through an incision behind the ear and under the chin. In older patients, the neck lift is often combined with a lower facelift to address the jowls and redrape the skin more smoothly.

CoolSculpting^®

CoolSculpting^® is a popular non-surgical treatment available at our Doctors MedSpa that targets stubborn fat. The process involves “freezing” fat cells, then expelling them naturally from the body. CoolSculpting^® is commonly used to treat numerous body areas, including the neck, abdomen, legs, and others.

Neck Liposuction

Contouring the neck via liposuction can create a better-defined jawline and enhanced neck contours for many patients. This procedure can address excess fat deposits in the neck but not sagging skin or visible muscle bands. The process often involves small incisions made beneath the chin so a liposuction cannula can be inserted to effectively remove the excess fat.

What Is the Recovery Process Following Neck Lift Surgery Like?

Recovery from a neck lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first 10 days, which can often be managed with medication and cold compresses. Most patients return to light daily activities in one to two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about three to four weeks. Stitches are usually removed within a week of the procedure, and supportive dressings or a compression garment may be recommended to minimize swelling and help the tissues heal properly. Visible improvements can become noticeable as swelling subsides, with results continuing to refine over several weeks. Following Dr. Sloan’s post-operative instructions, including keeping the head elevated and avoiding excessive neck movement, can contribute to smooth, natural-looking results and a safe recovery.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

Neck lift results can be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a smoother, more youthful neckline for 10 years or longer. While this procedure can effectively tighten muscles and remove excess skin, the natural aging process will continue. Factors such as genetics, skin quality, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle habits, like sun protection, diet, and avoiding smoking, can influence how long results are maintained. Although no surgery can stop aging entirely, a neck lift offers significant, enduring improvement. Regular skin care and healthy habits can help prolong and enhance your results. The younger a patient is when they get a neck lift the longer it will last, because the skin has a higher collagen content and better elasticity.

What Will My Neck Lift Scars Look Like?

Neck lift scars are typically discreet, as incisions are placed in natural creases around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Early on, scars may appear slightly red or raised, but they generally fade over time, becoming thinner and less noticeable. With proper care, such as following aftercare instructions, protecting scars from sun exposure, and using recommended scar treatments, most patients find their scars blend well with the surrounding skin. Due to their strategic placement, neck lift scars are usually easy to conceal, even with short hairstyles, and many patients report they are barely visible once healed.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?

The cost of a neck lift can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and the location of the practice. Since each patient’s needs are unique, pricing is typically determined after a personal consultation. Some individuals may require a standalone neck lift, while others might benefit from combining it with procedures such as a facelift or liposuction, which can affect the overall cost.

At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we also offer financing options for qualified applicants to help make procedure payments more manageable.

Does a neck lift differ for men and women?

While the surgical techniques are similar, a neck lift can be customized to account for differences in anatomy and aesthetic goals between men and women. For men, surgeons typically focus on creating a stronger, more defined jawline while preserving natural masculine features. Women often seek a smoother, more refined neckline that enhances facial harmony and youthfulness. Incision placement may also be adjusted to accommodate shorter hairstyles or facial hair. Ultimately, this procedure can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring results that look natural and align with their individual preferences and gender-specific goals.

Additional Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

What procedures complement a neck lift?
A neck lift is often combined with other procedures to create more balanced, comprehensive rejuvenation. A facelift is the most common complement, as it addresses sagging in the midface and jowls for a smoother overall result. Eyelid surgery or a brow lift may be added to refresh the upper face, while liposuction can refine the jawline and reduce excess fat under the chin. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, or skin tightening, can further enhance skin quality and improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Sloan can recommend a customized plan based on your individual goals to achieve natural-looking, harmonious results.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?
In addition to CoolSculpting^®, several non-surgical treatments can help improve the appearance of the neck, though results are typically more subtle than surgery. Options include injectable treatments like BOTOX^® Cosmetic to relax neck bands and dermal fillers to restore lost volume. Energy-based therapies such as Ultherapy (ultrasound), radiofrequency or laser treatments can help tighten mild skin laxity and stimulate collagen production. Microneedling, often with added PRP, and chemical peels may also enhance skin texture and tone. While these approaches often require little to no downtime, they generally cannot achieve the same dramatic or long-lasting results as a neck lift, making them best suited for early signs of aging.
What is the difference between a neck lift and a facelift?
A neck lift focuses on improving the appearance of the neck and jawline by tightening muscles, removing excess skin, and reducing fat beneath the chin. A facelift, on the other hand, addresses aging in the lower and midface, targeting sagging cheeks, deep folds, and jowls. While both procedures can be performed separately, they are often combined for more comprehensive rejuvenation, creating smoother contours from the face through the neck. In short, a neck lift can refine the neck area, while a facelift is designed to rejuvenate the face, with the choice depending on each patient’s specific concerns and desired outcome.
Does a neck lift differ for men and women?
While the surgical techniques are similar, a neck lift can be customized to account for differences in anatomy and aesthetic goals between men and women. For men, surgeons typically focus on creating a stronger, more defined jawline while preserving natural masculine features. Women often seek a smoother, more refined neckline that enhances facial harmony and youthfulness. Incision placement may also be adjusted to accommodate shorter hairstyles or facial hair. Ultimately, this procedure can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring results that look natural and align with their individual preferences and gender-specific goals.

For more information about neck reshaping, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sloan, please contact our office today.