Neck Lifts

A neck lift, or cervicoplasty, is an operation that deals with aging from the jawline to the bottom of the neck. Most of the time a neck lift is a component of a facelift that addresses aging from the lower eyelids to the bottom of the neck. In some patients, the face has not aged synchronously and the face looks young but the neck looks old. In these cases, an isolated neck lift can be performed.

There are three reasons that the neck may look aged and have the appearance of loose skin (turkey neck):

  1. There is always a surplus of skin.
  2. There are two muscles (the platysma muscles) that can descend along their medial borders and create bands.
  3. Finally, there may be a surplus of fat between the skin and the platysma muscles as well as deep to the muscles.

A neck lift will address all three problems and provide a more youthful appearance.

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Different Types of Neck Lifts

Neck lifts are commonly performed with other procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, browlifts, eyelid surgery, or fat transfers.

There are different types of neck lift surgeries that can be performed:

  • The platysmaplasty procedure is a limited incision neck lift that tightens the midline neck without having any effect on the face.
  • The lower rhytidectomy procedure is a more traditional neck lift treatment that works to improve the signs of aging in both the neck and lower jawline area.
  • A submental lipectomy removes localized fat deposits under the chin and corrects muscle laxity. It may be combined with a skin tightening procedure to improve neck contour.
  • Finally, the cervicoplasty procedure focuses on the surgical removal of excess skin from the neck.

The Platysmaplasty Procedure

When performing a neck lift surgery the skin and subcutaneous fat are lifted off the platysma muscles exposing the bands in the process. The plastic surgeon explores that fat content deep into the muscles and reduces it if necessary. The platysma muscles are then repaired by approximating them as one would secure a Victorian corset. Subcutaneous fat is reduced by liposuction and then the skin is secured to the muscle by progressive tension sutures. This generates a surplus of skin at the incision lines behind the ear and above the posterior hairline. The surplus is then removed and the incisions are closed. No drain is necessary.

A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in selected patients without a general anesthetic. Patients are expected to be up and about immediately. Bruising and swelling are usually minimal.

It’s important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with neck lifts. He can walk you through the various options and align your surgical procedure to your specific needs and desired outcomes.

Neck Lift FAQs

The best age to have a neck lift is when the problem is worth the cost of the procedure both financially and with convalescent. Most women consider the procedure around 50 and men around 60.  There is, however, a lot of variation.

The operation takes 1 to 2 hours depending on a number of variables. Men have bigger necks, so a neck lift will take longer.  The amount of liposuction needed can influence the duration.  Subplatysma fat has to be surgically excised (liposuction is not an option) which can also add time as well.

A neck lift can be performed without addressing the face provided aging is insignificant within the face area. A neck lift by itself, if significant aging exists in the face, can create disharmony.  This is all discussed at the time of consultation.

Complications from neck lift surgery are uncommon. Infection almost never occurs. Collections of fluid (blood or serum) occasionally need to be dealt with almost always in the office.  Occasionally a scar needs to be revised.

Patients are expected to be active immediately after a neck lift procedure. When the sutures are out and the wounds are sealed, aerobic exercise may begin.  Exercise that places the head in a dependent position for extended periods of time should be avoided for about a month.

The scars are behind the ear where it meets the skull and is continued above the hairline posteriorly.  There is also a short scar under the chin.

The neck lift operation will provide benefits for a lifetime.  Occasionally a neck lift might be redone many years later but this is rather uncommon.

Written and reviewed by:

This article was written by Dr. Vincent Zubowicz, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He practices medicine at his offices in Milton and Atlanta. Learn more about Dr. Zubowicz, his medical training, and credentials.

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Dr. Vincent Zubowicz is one of the Atlanta areas top plastic and reconstructive surgeons. He is an expert in cosmetic surgery, with years of experience performing many plastic surgery procedures. He offers a personal, customized approach and is dedicated to helping patients achieve the most natural looking results.

Call our office at 470-462-2917 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vincent Zubowicz.

  • Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

  • Over 30 Years Experience

  • Serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at Emory University

  • Named Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2021