The neck is one of the first places aging shows up, with loose skin, stubborn fat, or muscle banding that no amount of skincare can fix. If the area beneath your jawline doesn’t match how youthful or energetic you feel, a neck lift may be worth considering.
A surgical procedure that refines and reshapes the neck, a neck lift tightens underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and in some cases, incorporating liposuction to improve contour. It restores definition and balance in a way that looks natural, not pulled. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons perform more than 22,000 neck lifts annually.
In this article, we’ll walk through what the neck lift procedure involves, who makes a good candidate, and how it compares to alternatives like neck liposuction. You’ll also find helpful insights into neck lift recovery, cost, and benefits so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Table of Contents
What Happens During a Neck Lift Procedure?
A neck lift isn’t a one-step fix. It’s a refined, layered approach that addresses the visible changes that come with aging. The goal is to smooth, firm, and contour the neck by working beneath the surface, where the real structure lives.
Here’s how a typical neck lift procedure unfolds:
1. Anesthesia
Most of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The choice depends on the extent of the surgery and your comfort level, which Dr. Adam Basner reviews thoroughly during consultation.
2. Incision Placement
Incisions are usually made behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. Dr. Basner places them carefully to remain discreet once healed.
3. Muscle Tightening and Skin Removal
The platysma muscles, which tend to loosen or separate with age, are tightened or stitched together to create a firmer foundation. Any excess skin is trimmed and repositioned for a smoother, more defined profile.
4. Fat Removal (If Needed)
If there’s excess fat creating fullness under the chin or along the jawline, liposuction may be added to sharpen the contour.
5. Closure and Recovery
Once everything is reshaped, incisions are closed with fine sutures. You’ll wear a compression garment for a few days to support healing and minimize swelling.
Dr. Basner tailors every neck lift to the individual, because no two necks age the same way. Some patients benefit from a combined approach, pairing this procedure with a facelift or eyelid surgery for more balanced results.
What to Expect During Neck Lift Recovery
Recovering from a neck lift doesn’t require putting your life on hold, but it does take some planning and a commitment to post-op care. The healing process is progressive, and knowing how to prepare for a neck lift can make it feel a lot less overwhelming.
Most patients return to work or nonstrenuous routines within 10 days. You’ll likely have swelling, bruising, and some tightness early on, especially around the jawline and under the chin. These symptoms improve steadily, but full resolution takes time. You can expect to look noticeably better at the six-week mark and see your best results around three months after surgery.
Here’s how to help your recovery go smoothly:
- Follow post-op instructions closely — Dr. Basner provides detailed guidance on how to manage swelling, care for incisions, and use your compression garment. Stick to the plan; this is not the time to guess.
- Keep your head elevated — Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce swelling and minimizes tension on healing tissues. Avoid bending over or twisting your neck for the first week.
- Stay in the shade — UV exposure can darken healing incisions and worsen swelling. Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen once cleared to do so.
- Ease back into activity — Walking is encouraged early on to promote circulation, but skip workouts and heavy lifting until cleared. Most people can return to light exercise after two to three weeks.
Watch for anything unusual — Some discomfort is normal, but if you notice increasing redness, severe pain, or drainage, call the office. Dr. Basner’s team stays available throughout your recovery.
A neck lift recovery is measured in weeks, not months, and most patients feel presentable and photo-ready far sooner than expected. As swelling fades, definition sharpens, and the final outcome reveals a cleaner, smoother neckline that feels like a return to form, not a dramatic overhaul.
The Benefits of a Neck Lift
A neck lift improves how you look and changes how you carry yourself. When the lower face and neck lose definition, even small changes can make you look tired or older than you feel. A neck lift helps reset that balance.
Here are some of the most noticeable benefits of a neck lift:
More Defined Jawline
Excess fat and loose skin under your chin can blur the angle between the jaw and neck. A neck lift restores sharper definition, giving the lower face a more structured, refined appearance.
Smoother Neck Contours
Wrinkling, creasing, or sagging skin along the neck is common with age. This procedure removes the excess and firms the tissue underneath, smoothing the surface without creating tension or an overdone look.
Reduction of Neck Bands
Vertical banding, caused by lax platysma muscles, can become more prominent over time. A neck lift tightens these muscles to reduce visible lines and soften the overall profile.
Improved Facial Harmony
The neck and lower face work together. Restoring the contours of the neck helps bring better balance to the rest of your features, even if no other facial procedure is done.
Natural-Looking, Long-Lasting Results
Unlike nonsurgical treatments, a neck lift offers results that hold up over time. Most patients enjoy their new neckline for years, especially when paired with good skincare and healthy habits.
Boost in Confidence
When your appearance lines up with how you feel on the inside, it shows. A neck lift helps patients feel more self-assured in photos, video calls, and face-to-face conversations.
While everyone’s reasons for seeking surgery are different, the outcomes often lead to the same result: renewed confidence and a stronger sense of personal style.
Neck Lift Cost: What You're Really Paying For
Our neck lift cost starts at $7,600 to $8,100 on average. That number isn’t padded with hidden fees or surprise charges. It’s a full-package price that covers everything you need for surgery and follow-up.
What’s included in Dr. Basner’s fee:
- Anesthesia
- Operating room and facility charges
- Surgeon’s fee
- Surgical supplies and garments
- Post-op visits with Dr. Basner
The only thing not included is the cost of prescriptions, which you’ll handle through your pharmacy.
Why Neck Lift Costs Vary
If you’ve looked around, you’ve probably seen a wide range of neck lift pricing. That’s normal. What you’re paying for isn’t just time in the OR. It’s experience, safety, and a result that holds up over time.
Factors that influence cost include:
- Technique used (standard neck lift vs. liposuction vs. combined procedures)
- Surgeon’s qualifications and reputation
- Whether the surgeon is board-certified
- Geographic location (big city pricing tends to be higher)
Cost matters. But so does trust. You want someone who has done this procedure hundreds of times, who knows how to avoid the common pitfalls, and who’ll be there if you need anything after surgery. That’s where experience and credentials come in, and that’s what you get with Dr. Basner.
Neck Contouring and Alternatives to a Full Neck Lift
Not everyone needs a full surgical neck lift to see a noticeable improvement. Depending on your anatomy, age, and goals, there are other neck contouring options that may give you the result you’re looking for, sometimes with less downtime or a smaller commitment.
Neck Liposuction
If your main concern is excess fat under the chin, what many call a “double chin”, but your skin is still fairly firm, neck liposuction might be the answer. This procedure removes stubborn fat to reveal a sharper jawline and cleaner profile. It’s less invasive than a full neck lift and has a shorter recovery window, but it doesn’t tighten loose skin or address muscle banding. It works best for younger patients or anyone whose skin still bounces back well.
Mini Neck Lift
Some patients benefit from a smaller-scale procedure that targets early signs of aging or mild sagging. A mini neck lift usually involves shorter incisions and a quicker recovery, with a focus on subtle tightening and refinement. It’s a great option if you’re not quite ready for a full surgical lift but want more than what nonsurgical treatments can offer.
Combining Procedures for Better Results
In many cases, Dr. Basner combines neck liposuction with a neck lift for a more sculpted, long-lasting result. Addressing fat, skin, and muscle in one surgery allows for a cleaner outcome and avoids the need for follow-up procedures later on.
Why a Consultation Matters
There’s no one-size procedure for neck contouring. What works well for one person might not make a difference for someone else. During your consultation, Dr. Basner will evaluate the structure of your neck, the condition of your skin, and the kind of result you want and then recommend a surgical plan that makes the most sense for you.
Neck Lift Insights
Watch this brief video for useful information on neck lifts and discover why they’re one of Dr. Basner’s favorite procedures.
Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation Today
If you’re ready to tighten or refine your neckline, don’t settle for generic advice. Dr. Basner is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Sinai Hospital. He’s been recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine and is ranked by Newsweek as one of the top plastic surgeons in the country across all four major categories: liposuction, breast augmentation, facelift, and rhinoplasty.
A neck lift means you can feel more like yourself when you catch your reflection or step into a photo. If you’re curious about what’s possible, the next step is a personal consultation, during which Dr. Basner will evaluate your neck, discuss your goals, and create a plan that fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been researching “what is a neck lift?” you probably have a few practical questions before deciding whether it’s the right option. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns patients raise during their consultations.
Does a neck lift offer permanent results?
The improvements from a neck lift are long-lasting, but no procedure stops the aging process. With proper care and a stable weight, most patients enjoy results for 10 years or more.
How soon can I fly or travel after surgery?
Most patients can safely travel within two to three weeks, depending on how their recovery is progressing. Dr. Basner will give you the green light based on your specific healing timeline.
Will my neck lift result in visible scars?
Dr. Basner places incisions carefully behind the ears and under the chin, where they’re naturally hidden. Once healed, they’re typically very discreet and often difficult to notice. See how much you know about neck lifts for the answers to more questions.
Related Articles
- Category: Uncategorized
Kybella vs. Neck Lift Surgery
Wearing turtlenecks may camouflage double chins or sagging neck skin
Turn Your Turkey Neck Into A Beautiful Swan Neck
As we age, many of us will start to notice
How To Reduce Face Fat: A Complete Guide to Today’s Best Face Slimming Procedures
For many people, face fat shows up like that one