Understanding Neck Lift Surgery: Your Path to a More Youthful Profile
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck and jawline while tightening underlying muscles. The goal is to create a more defined, youthful contour, addressing common concerns like a “turkey neck,” jowls, and a double chin.
Quick Overview:
- What it treats: Loose neck skin, excess fat, muscle banding, wrinkles, jowls
- Procedure time: 2-3 hours
- Anesthesia: General or local with sedation
- Recovery: 7-14 days to return to work; full results in 6-12 months
- Results duration: 7-10 years or longer
- Average cost: $5,000-$15,000
The neck often shows signs of aging faster than the face because its skin is thinner and more delicate. Factors like genetics, sun exposure, weight changes, and the natural aging process contribute to loose skin and muscle bands that can make you look older than you feel. Many people feel their neck doesn’t match their otherwise youthful face.
A neck lift can dramatically improve your profile by creating a sharper jawline and restoring a smooth neck contour. The procedure addresses all three layers of aging: it removes excess fat, tightens the platysma muscle, and trims away loose skin.
In 2020, over 7,500 neck lift procedures were performed in the United States. While about 85% of patients are women, men are increasingly seeking this procedure. Most patients are between 40 and 70, but younger individuals who have lost significant weight may also be good candidates.
What is a Neck Lift and Am I a Good Candidate?
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline. It targets common signs of aging, such as:
- Loose, sagging skin: Often referred to as a “turkey wattle” or “turkey neck.”
- Excess fatty deposits: Leading to the appearance of a “double chin.”
- Jowls: Sagging skin and fat along the jawline that obscure its natural definition.
- Platysmal bands: Vertical cords of muscle that become prominent with age.
- Deep wrinkles and sagginess: Affecting the lower part of the face and neck.
By addressing these concerns, a neck lift sculpts a smoother, more youthful, and well-defined neck contour. Many patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence, feeling their outward appearance finally matches how they feel inside.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
Deciding if a neck lift is right for you involves assessing your health, goals, and expectations. Ideal candidates typically share these key characteristics:
- Good Overall Health: You should be healthy, without medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
- Non-Smoker: Smoking severely impedes healing. We require patients to quit at least two weeks before and four weeks after surgery.
- Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise your results, so maintaining a stable weight is crucial.
- Positive Outlook and Realistic Expectations: Understanding the procedure’s potential outcomes and limitations is vital for satisfaction. A neck lift offers dramatic improvements but does not stop the aging process.
- Skin Elasticity: While the procedure addresses loose skin, good skin elasticity contributes to more natural-looking results.
- Specific Concerns: You are bothered by a “double chin,” “turkey neck,” prominent jowls, or other signs of neck aging.
While most patients are between 40 and 70, age is not the only factor. Younger patients in their 20s or 30s with significant skin laxity after weight loss can also be excellent candidates. During your consultation in our Scottsdale office, we will perform a thorough assessment to determine the best approach for your unique goals.
You can learn more about general candidacy criteria from reputable sources like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Neck Lift Candidates.
Your Guide to Surgical and Non-Surgical Neck Rejuvenation
We offer a spectrum of options, from surgical solutions for dramatic, long-lasting results to non-surgical alternatives for less invasive improvements.
Types of Surgical Neck Lift Procedures
A surgical neck lift is highly customizable. We tailor the technique to your anatomy and goals, addressing loose skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity. Primary surgical approaches include:
- Platysmaplasty: The core of most neck lifts, this technique tightens the underlying platysma muscle to correct vertical neck bands (“turkey neck”).
- Cervicoplasty: This procedure involves the surgical removal of excess, sagging skin to create a tauter appearance.
- Liposuction: Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity, this removes excess fat under the chin (“double chin”) through small incisions.
- Deep Plane Neck Lift: An advanced technique that repositions deeper tissues, including muscles and glands, for more significant and lasting results.
- Mini Neck Lift: A less extensive option for mild to moderate laxity, involving smaller incisions and reduced downtime.
- Anterior Neck Lift: Uses an incision under the chin to reshape central neck tissues, effective for muscle tightening and fat removal.
- Extended Neck Lift: Often combined with a facelift, this comprehensive approach uses incisions around the ears and under the chin for extensive lifting of the neck and lower face.
- Z-plasty: A technique for direct skin removal, sometimes used for older patients with significant skin excess.
For more detailed information on surgical facial rejuvenation, you can explore our resources on facelifts: More info about a surgical facelift.
Neck Lift vs. Facelift: What’s the Difference?
While often performed together, these procedures have distinct goals:
- Neck Lift Focus: Concentrates on the area below the chin to the collarbones, refining the neck contour, eliminating a double chin, and tightening loose skin.
- Facelift Focus: Addresses the mid-to-upper face, including sagging cheeks, deep facial folds, and jowls.
Combination Surgery: We often recommend combining a neck lift with a facelift for comprehensive, harmonious rejuvenation. This integrated approach ensures the neck and face age gracefully together.
To dig deeper into facelift options, both surgical and non-surgical, visit our blog: Facelift Options: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical.
Non-Surgical Alternatives and Their Limitations
While surgery offers the most dramatic results, non-surgical options are available for milder concerns or to complement surgical outcomes. It’s crucial to understand their limitations.
| Feature | Surgical Neck Lift | Non-Surgical Options (e.g., Botox, Kybella, RF) |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Dramatic, comprehensive improvement of skin, fat, and muscle | Mild to moderate improvement, addresses specific concerns |
| Longevity | Long-lasting (7-10 years, potentially longer) | Temporary (months to 1-2 years), requires maintenance |
| Downtime | Longer (7-14 days for initial recovery) | Minimal to no downtime |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower cost per session, but cumulative cost can add up |
| Risks | Higher (e.g., bleeding, infection, scarring) | Lower (e.g., bruising, swelling, temporary numbness) |
| Concerns Addressed | Significant skin laxity, prominent muscle bands, excess fat | Mild skin laxity, isolated fat pockets, dynamic wrinkles |
Popular non-surgical options include:
- Botox: Temporarily relaxes platysmal bands to smooth the neck’s surface. Results last 3-4 months.
- Kybella: An injectable that dissolves fat cells under the chin to reduce a double chin. It does not address loose skin.
- Dermal Fillers: Can improve jawline definition and soften jowls by restoring volume.
- Laser Treatments & RF Microneedling: These energy-based treatments stimulate collagen production for mild to moderate skin tightening over time.
Non-surgical methods have minimal downtime but cannot correct significant skin laxity or muscle banding like a surgical neck lift. Their results are temporary and require maintenance treatments.
For more information on non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation, please visit our blog: Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation.
The Complete Journey: From Preparation to Recovery
Your neck lift journey with us in Scottsdale is a supported experience, from consultation to final recovery. We prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
How to Prepare for Your Neck Lift Surgery
Proper preparation is critical for a smooth procedure and optimal results. During your consultation, we will cover your health, goals, and expectations. Key preparation steps include:
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough health assessment, including a review of your medical history and medications. We will also take photos and measurements for surgical planning.
- Discussing Goals: An open discussion about your aesthetic goals helps us tailor the procedure and set realistic expectations.
- Stop Smoking: You must quit smoking at least two weeks before and four weeks after surgery, as it severely impairs healing.
- Medication Adjustments: You will need to avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin and certain supplements to minimize bleeding risks.
- Arranging Post-Op Care: Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
Our team in Scottsdale is here to answer any questions you have during this preparatory phase. For more details on preparation, visit our dedicated neck lift page: Neck lift – Preparation and Overview.
What Happens During the Procedure?
On surgery day, you’ll arrive at our accredited Scottsdale facility.
- Anesthesia: Most neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure your comfort.
- Incision Placement: Incisions are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible, typically around the earlobes, behind the ears, and in a natural crease under the chin.
- Surgical Technique: Following the custom plan, we will remove excess fat (liposuction), tighten the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty), and trim and redrape the skin (cervicoplasty) for a natural, non-operated look.
- Closure: Incisions are carefully closed with sutures or skin adhesive.
The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on its complexity.
The Recovery Process: What to Expect
Recovery is a gradual process requiring patience. Our Scottsdale team will provide detailed post-operative instructions.
- Immediate Post-Op: You will wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the new contours. This is usually worn continuously for the first 5-7 days.
- Swelling and Bruising: These are expected and will gradually subside over several weeks. Keeping your head liftd is crucial to reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Discomfort is typically mild and managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Activity Restrictions: Most patients return to non-strenuous work in 7 to 14 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. It’s important to keep your head straight and avoid sudden neck movements.
- Follow-up Appointments: We will schedule follow-ups to monitor your healing and remove sutures (usually around one week post-op).
Understanding the Results, Risks, and Costs
Understanding the results, risks, and costs of a neck lift is crucial for making an informed decision.
Your Neck Lift Results: Timeline and Longevity
A neck lift can create a profound, more youthful profile.
- Immediate vs. Final Results: While initial improvements are visible, final results emerge as swelling subsides over several weeks to months. It can take up to a year for incision lines to fade and tissues to fully settle. Most patients see their final results around 6 to 12 months post-procedure.
- Longevity: Results are long-lasting, typically for 7 to 10 years or more. However, a neck lift does not stop the natural aging process.
- Maintaining Results: To prolong the effects, we recommend consistent sun protection, maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and following a good skincare routine.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, a neck lift has potential risks. We will discuss these in detail during your Scottsdale consultation. Common risks include:
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Scarring
- Infection
- Nerve injury (usually temporary numbness)
- Poor healing or skin loss
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic results
Choosing a board-certified, experienced surgeon minimizes these risks. Contact us immediately if you experience signs of complications like excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
The cost of a neck lift is highly personalized. While the national average was around $5,500 in 2020, the typical range in our Scottsdale practice is between $5,000 and $15,000.
Factors influencing the final price include:
- The specific surgical technique used
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia and facility costs
- Combination with other procedures (e.g., facelift)
A neck lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Our team will provide a detailed, individualized cost estimate during your consultation and can discuss financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Lifts
We understand you likely have many questions about neck lifts. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive:
Will my neck lift scars be noticeable?
We strategically place incisions to minimize visibility, hiding them around the ears and in a natural crease under the chin. While some scarring is inevitable, the lines typically fade significantly over a year, often becoming barely perceptible. Proper post-operative care, including sun protection, helps scars mature well.
How painful is the recovery from a neck lift?
Most patients find recovery less painful than expected. Discomfort is generally mild and easily managed with prescribed pain medication. You may feel tightness in the neck, which is normal and subsides over time. Our Scottsdale team provides detailed pain management instructions to ensure your comfort.
What is the best age to get a neck lift?
There is no single “best” age. The ideal time depends on your individual signs of aging and personal goals. Most patients are between 40 and 70, but younger adults with skin laxity after major weight loss can also be great candidates. The right time is when you are bothered by your neck’s appearance and are in good health for surgery.
Choosing Your Surgeon and Taking the Next Step
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most critical decision in your neck lift journey. Your surgeon’s expertise and artistic vision directly impact your results.
When selecting a surgeon in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area, look for:
- Board Certification: Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, like Dr. Malek, who is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
- Experience and Specialization: Seek a surgeon with experience in facial and neck procedures. Review their before-and-after photos to assess their work.
- Artistic Approach: Dr. Marc Malek is known for his artistic approach, delivering results that are both transformative and natural.
- Patient-Centered Care: Choose a surgeon who prioritizes safety, comfort, and communication. Read patient reviews to gauge their experience.
- Accredited Facilities: Confirm the surgery will be in an accredited facility that meets high safety standards.
We invite you to learn more about Dr. Marc Malek and his patient-care philosophy: About Marc Malek, MD.
If you’re ready to see how a neck lift can refresh your appearance, take the next step. Our Scottsdale, Arizona team is dedicated to helping you achieve fantastic, long-lasting results.
Schedule your neck lift consultation with us today and start your journey to the best version of yourself.