What is a neck lift? Procedure and benefits for 2024
As we age, our necks are more prone to excessive wrinkling and sagging skin. These visible signs of aging in the jowls and neck may not respond well to diet and exercise alone. However, we can tighten those areas with a neck lift.Neck lifts can dramatically improve the appearance of sagging neck skin, muscle banding, and excess fat to restore a more youthful appearance.
If you’re considering a neck lift, you may wonder what the surgery procedure entails, the different types of neck lifts available, the neck lift recovery process, and typical costs. Below, we'll cover everything you should know about the surgery so you can go into it with realistic expectations.
What exactly is a neck lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the jawline and neck. The plastic surgeon may remove extra skin, may tighten underlying muscles, and may use liposuction to eliminate fat from the neck.
This results in a smoother, more defined neck contour and a sharper transition between the chin and neck. Patients typically experience a more youthful, refreshed appearance after recovery, with results that can last for years.
Neck lift trends and stats
The popularity of this procedure continues to rise.
Below are the current trends for neck lifts:
Neck lift procedures increased by 2% in 2023. This trend will likely grow since remote work and social media prevalence have led to more video calls and selfies respectively, leading more people to feel self-conscious about how their necks look.
Male patients made up 12% of all neck lift procedures in 2023. This shift reflects a broader trend of men becoming more open to cosmetic surgeries.
The average age for neck lift patients has decreased, with patients choosing the procedure starting in their 30s and 40s.
Considerations for a neck lift - who should get one?
A neck lift may work well for you if you identify with one or more of these concerns:
Sagging or loose skin
Visible neck bands or "turkey neck"
Excess fat under the chin, which creates a double chin appearance
Loss of definition along the jawline
At what age is a neck lift most common?
Most patients are between 35 and 65 years old. This age range typically coincides with when the signs of neck aging become more visible. However, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits can influence how quickly your neck shows signs of aging.
You may get a neck lift in your late 30s or 40s if you have a loose neck or excess fat in your neck. Some patients who are healthy with good skin elasticity may not need neck lifts until later in life. In that case, getting a neck lift in your 70s or 80s may suit you if you’re healthy.
A step-by-step look at the neck lift procedure
Understanding what happens during a neck lift can ease concerns and set realistic expectations.
Here's an overview of a typical neck lift surgery:
Step 1: Initial consultation
During your neck lift consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your neck to determine which procedure is right for you. This is a great time to discuss your goals and ask questions.
Step 2: Pre-Procedure assessment
The assessment may include blood tests and a review of your medical history. Your surgeon may suggest you stop taking certain medications and provide instructions to help you prepare for your procedure.
Step 3: Anesthesia
On surgery day, the procedure begins at the surgery center with you receiving either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your surgeon's recommendation and your comfort level.
Step 4: Incisions
Your surgeon makes small incisions, usually behind the ear and under your chin. These locations allow for optimal access while keeping scars well hidden.
Step 5: Tissue manipulation
Through these incisions, the surgeon tightens the platysma muscle (the thin sheet of muscle in the neck) and removes or redistributes fat.
Step 6: Skin redraping
The surgeon redrapes the skin over the contours of the neck and trims excess skin.
Step 7: Closure
Your surgeon stitches the incisions and applies dressings to the treated areas.
Surgery may take two to four hours, depending on the work needed and whether you combine it with other facial procedures.
Exploring different types of neck lifts
Not all neck lifts are created equal. Depending on your concerns and goals, your surgeon might recommend one of several different approaches.
Below are the most common types of neck lifts available in 2024:
The traditional neck lift: tried and true
A traditional neck lift is the most comprehensive option. It targets excess skin and muscle banding. This technique involves longer incisions around your ear and sometimes under the chin. It provides dramatic, long-lasting results for patients with moderate to severe signs of neck aging.
Limited incision neck lift: a minimally invasive option
A limited incision neck lift might work better if you have mild to moderate neck sagging. This technique uses shorter incisions, typically around the ears, resulting in quicker recovery and less visible scarring. Dr. Lowenstein also may utilize a combination of Renuvion skin tightening and muscle tightening, creating a more youthful neck with only the smallest of incisions.
Neck liposuction: sculpting without surgery
Neck liposuction is excellent if you’re between 20 and 40, have good skin elasticity, and are concerned with excess fat under your chin or neck. This minimally invasive procedure contours the neck without skin removal.
Cervicoplasty: removing excess skin for a smoother neck
Cervicoplasty removes excess skin from the neck. This is the ideal procedure if you’ve lost a lot of weight or have significant loose skin.
Platysmaplasty: tightening the neck muscles
Platysmaplasty targets the platysma muscles in the neck, which can create visible bands as we age. By tightening and repositioning these muscles, this procedure improves neck contours and reduces the appearance of vertical neck bands.
Non-surgical neck lift options: quick fixes without the downtime
If you’re not ready for surgery, non-surgical alternatives like ultrasound treatments, radiofrequency devices, or injectable fillers can provide modest improvements. While these options offer quicker recovery times, the results are typically less dramatic and shorter-lasting than surgical neck lifts.
Potential risks and complications to consider
As with any surgical procedure, neck lifts carry potential risks and complications. Serious issues are rare when a board-certified plastic surgeon performs the procedure, but it's important to know the possible outcomes.
Common risks include:
Infection
Bleeding
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
A small chance of nerve injury in the face or neck also exists, which could lead to temporary or permanent numbness. Asymmetry or contour irregularities may occur, potentially requiring revision surgery. Tip: Discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery from a neck lift is a gradual process requiring patience and diligence to your surgeon's instructions. Immediately after surgery, you'll likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These guidelines will help optimize your recovery:
Follow all post-op instructions
Only take pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon
Keep your head elevated
Avoid strenuous activities
Wear your compression garment to support healing
Attend all follow-up appointments
Most patients can return to work and light activities within 10 to 14 days after surgery. Keep in mind that full healing and final results may take up to six months.It's important to have realistic expectations during recovery. You may see improvements immediately, but the final results of your neck lift will become more noticeable as swelling subsides over the following weeks and months.
How much does a neck lift cost? financing options explained
In 2024, the cost of a neck lift in the United States ranges from $4,500 to $23,000. The price depends on factors such as your location, the surgeon's experience, and the procedure’s complexity.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures like neck lifts.
However, the following options may help finance your procedure:
In-house payment plans: Many plastic surgery practices offer payment plans to make the procedure more affordable.
Medical credit cards: Firms such as Care Credit offer credit cards for surgeries like neck lifts.
Personal loans: Lenders (such as Prosper Marketplace) and banks offer loans to finance surgeries like neck lifts.
Choosing a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon should be your priority to achieve safe, satisfactory results. It's worth investing in experience and expertise rather than seeking the lowest price.
Note: Some plastic surgeons have private surgical suites on-site, which allows for more private and personalized care. Surgeries performed in private suites often cost more than procedures performed in a shared surgical center.
How long does a neck lift last?
Your neck lift will last five to 15 years. Healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can prolong your results.
Neck lift vs. other cosmetic procedures: which is right for you?
While a neck lift can improve the appearance of your jawline and neck, it's not the only option. Depending on your goals, other facial plastic surgery procedures might be more suitable or could be combined in conjunction with a neck lift.
For instance, a facelift addresses signs of aging in the face and neck, making it ideal if you’re concerned about overall facial aging. A chin implant might work better if you’re worried about a weak chin instead of excess neck skin.
Some patients combine procedures, such as a facelift and a neck lift or eyelid surgery, for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?
If you’re not ready for neck lift surgery or have only mild to moderate neck concerns, several non-surgical alternatives exist. The following options may offer less dramatic results but can still provide noticeable improvements with fewer risks and minimal downtime:
Ultherapy: Focused ultrasound energy tightens and lifts skin on the neck and under the chin
Botox injections: The injections soften the appearance of vertical neck bands
Dermal fillers: Improves the look of a "turkey neck" by adding volume to specific areas
Note: While these treatments can be effective, they generally require multiple sessions and may need to be repeated periodically to maintain results.
Important questions to ask your doctor before a neck lift
You'll have a thorough consultation with your surgeon before committing to a neck lift. That meeting is a perfect time to ask the following questions:
Are you board-certified in plastic surgery?
How many neck lifts have you performed?
Would you recommend a neck lift for my case?
What type of neck lift do you recommend for me and why?
What kind of anesthesia will I receive?
What are the potential risks and complications specific to my case?
How long will recovery take, and what limitations will I have?
Can I see before and after photos?
If I'm dissatisfied with my outcome, what choices do I have?
How much will the procedure cost, and what does that include?
Conclusion
A neck lift can reduce sagging skin, eliminate a double chin, and tighten your jaw and neck. After the surgery, you’ll enjoy a more youthful and defined neck contour. But the key to excellent results is working with a board-certified, experienced surgeon who tailors their approach to your needs.
If you’re interested in a neck lift in Santa Barbara, Dr. Lowenstein at Montecito Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in cosmetic procedures, including neck lifts. He has been double board-certified and maintains an active American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. Patients report positive experiences at his accredited surgical center — a private surgery suite on-site.
Call 805-969-9004 to book your consultation.