About the procedure
A neck lift addresses fat accumulation under the chin and in the neck, a loosened platysma muscle and excess skin. It can be performed on its own or together with a facelift.
In younger patients, submental liposuction alone may be sufficient, while in patients with excess skin the tissue is reshaped through incisions behind the ear and under the chin.
In neck rejuvenation, three separate problems are solved separately: liposuction for fat under the chin, joining the platysma muscle at the midline (platysmaplasty) for vertical bands, and an incision extending behind the ear for excess skin. Because the work can be done through an incision of only a few millimeters under the chin, many patients do not need the incision behind the ear. In patients with a small chin, adding a chin implant sharpens the neck angle noticeably.
- ✓A sharp chin-neck angle
- ✓Can be combined with a facelift
- ✓Hidden incision under the chin
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓People who have lost the angle between the chin and neck and have a 'double chin' appearance in profile.
- ✓Patients whose vertical muscle bands in the neck become prominent when speaking or clenching the teeth.
- ✓People left with sagging neck skin after losing weight.
- ✓Those with limited facial sagging whose main complaint is the neck area and who do not need a facelift.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Patients whose neck fullness comes from enlarged salivary glands or the thyroid rather than subcutaneous fat; the cause needs to be evaluated first.
- —Patients who cannot stop smoking; circulation in the skin flap behind the ear is adversely affected by smoking.
- —Those with an active skin condition on the neck or a history of radiotherapy to the area.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The relative contributions of fat, muscle, and skin are estimated from profile and oblique neck photographs; whether a facelift is needed is discussed.
- 02
Examination
Skin elasticity is assessed with a pinch test, platysma bands by clenching the teeth, and chin projection from the profile; the incision plan is made accordingly.
- 03
Surgery
Under general anesthesia, fat is removed through the incision under the chin and the platysma is sutured at the midline; if there is excess skin, it is removed through incisions behind the ear.
- 04
First night
You stay one night in the hospital; an elastic neck band supporting the area under the chin is fitted, and a thin drain is used when needed.
- 05
Check-up
The drain and dressing are checked on days 2–3 and sutures are removed on day 7; band use and limits on neck movement are explained.
- 06
Return and follow-up
Fitness to fly is assessed on days 7–10; the neck band is worn at night for a total of 2–3 weeks, and remote follow-up continues with photographs.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
A tight bandage sensation in the neck and slight tightness when swallowing are normal; the head is kept upright and slightly elevated.
Days 3–5
Swelling and firmness under the chin and bruising behind the ears are seen; the neck band is worn throughout the day.
Week 1
Sutures are removed; the range of neck movement widens, and light walking and screen-based work can resume.
Weeks 2–3
Visible bruising disappears and the neck band is worn only at night; mild firmness under the chin persists.
Month 1
Firmness begins to soften and the chin–neck angle becomes defined; sports are gradually cleared.
Month 3
Residual swelling resolves and the scars behind the ears fade; the final contour has largely settled by this stage.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Neck Lift are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Blood or fluid collecting under the chin; the neck band and drain reduce this risk, and it is drained if needed.
- Temporary weakness in the nerve branch that moves the lower lip; this can cause brief asymmetry when smiling.
- Numbness of the skin under the chin lasting for months, and irregularity or dimpling of the skin, seen particularly when too much fat is removed.
- Thickening of the scars behind the ears or an earlobe that looks pulled down; these are limited by scar care and surgical planning.