Neck Lift Overview
A neck lift is a broader term describing surgery that improves the appearance of the neck and jawline. The procedure focuses on removing excess skin, reducing fat, and tightening underlying tissue to restore a smoother contour.
While many refer to a neck lift as a platysmaplasty, the two are not identical. Platysmaplasty specifically targets the platysma muscles, tightening or repositioning them to correct vertical neck banding. In practice, not all neck lifts include this step. Many patients achieve excellent results through skin tightening and fat reduction alone, without the need for direct platysma repair.
Neck Lift Technique
At Infinity Life Center in Honolulu, Dr. Michael Pasquale, a board-certified plastic surgeon, evaluates whether muscle tightening is necessary based on the patient’s anatomy and degree of laxity. Some neck lifts require only skin redraping and contour refinement, while others benefit from combining platysmaplasty for deeper structural improvement. Ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers seeking better definition under the chin and along the jawline without altering their facial identity. Results can last many years and provide a natural, youthful profile. A consultation helps determine whether a traditional neck lift, mini lift, or targeted liposuction is most effective for the individual.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that restores definition to the neck and jawline by tightening skin, reducing excess fat, and refining the underlying structures. It is designed to correct sagging tissue, vertical neck bands, and fullness beneath the chin that develop with age or weight changes. The goal is to produce a smoother, firmer contour while maintaining natural proportions.
Dr. Michael Pasquale tailors each operation to the degree of aging and tissue quality present.
When muscle laxity contributes to banding or sagging, the underlying platysma may be tightened or sutured together in the midline. Many neck lifts focus primarily on skin and fat correction when the muscles remain strong.
Younger patients with minimal laxity may benefit from a mini neck lift or isolated liposuction beneath the chin. For more advanced aging, a full neck lift with deeper tightening achieves longer-lasting and more defined results.
Types of Neck Lift Procedures
A neck lift is a broader term describing surgery that improves the appearance of the neck and jawline. The procedure focuses on removing excess skin, reducing fat, and tightening underlying tissue to restore a smoother contour.
Traditional Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery can be tailored to each patient’s anatomy and degree of aging. The approach depends on how much skin laxity, fat, and muscle banding are present.
Mini Neck Lift
A mini neck lift is designed for mild to moderate sagging and early signs of aging. It involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period while still offering visible improvement along the jawline and neck. This technique is often chosen by younger patients or those who have previously had facial rejuvenation.
Submental Liposuction
When excess fat under the chin creates fullness or a “double chin,” submental liposuction may be performed alone or combined with a neck lift. It removes localized fat deposits to restore contour and enhance the definition between the chin and neck.
Platysmaplasty
This targeted procedure repairs or tightens the platysma muscles that cause vertical neck bands. It is often included in full neck lifts but not always necessary for every patient. Platysmaplasty provides additional internal support and smoother muscle tone when deeper tightening is required.
Schedule a Consultation
Consultations allow a plastic surgeon to evaluate you and answer all the important questions that are impossible to answer otherwise, such as surgery options and surgery prices etc, All consultations are complementary and by appointment only.
Neck Lift Risks
Every surgical procedure carries potential risks such as bruising, swelling, infection, numbness, or mild asymmetry. Scarring is typically minimal and concealed within natural folds. Choosing an experienced surgeon and carefully following all post-operative instructions helps reduce complications and promotes smooth recovery.
Neck Lift Recovery
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks. Swelling and tightness continue to improve for several weeks, with visible refinement appearing as tissues settle. Following your surgeon’s directions on wound care, rest, and gradual activity resumption supports optimal healing and a natural outcome.
Neck Lift Results
A neck lift restores smoother contours and a more defined jawline as swelling subsides. Full results are usually visible by three to six months, and improvements can last 10–15 years with good skin care, weight stability, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Neck Lift Details
| Procedure Name | Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty or Cervicoplasty) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia or IV sedation |
| Surgery Duration | Approximately 2–3 hours |
| Pain & Discomfort | Mild to moderate for several days, managed with prescribed medication |
| Downtime | About 1–2 weeks before returning to work and social activities |
| Recovery Milestones | Stitches removed in 5–7 days; swelling and bruising mostly resolve within 10–14 days; light exercise may resume in 3–4 weeks |
| Scarring | Incisions typically placed around the ears and under the chin; scars fade gradually and are concealed within natural skin creases |
| Results | Smoother, firmer neck contour with improved jawline definition; results often last 10–15 years depending on skin quality, age, and lifestyle |
Neck Lift Recovery and Results
Most patients can expect about one to two weeks of downtime after a neck lift. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week and gradually improve over 10 to 14 days. Light activity can usually resume after two weeks, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for three to four weeks.
Aftercare Guidelines
- Wear a supportive compression garment for several days to control swelling and maintain contour.
- Keep the head elevated, including during sleep, to reduce fluid buildup and promote circulation.
- Avoid bending, twisting, or turning the neck sharply during early healing.
- Follow all wound care instructions provided by your surgeon to prevent infection and ensure even healing.
- Refrain from smoking or alcohol use during recovery, as both can delay healing and affect final results.
Final Results from Neck Lift
Refined neck and jawline contours become more apparent as swelling subsides, with final results visible within three to six months. Scars continue to fade over several months and are generally hidden in natural creases around the ears or under the chin. A well-performed neck lift provides long-lasting rejuvenation. Results often last 10 to 15 years depending on skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and weight stability.
Neck Lift Surgery Before & After Photos
Facelift results are unique and specific to each patient. Your facelift results may vary.
Hawaii’s Best Neck Lift
As one of Hawaii’s most experienced and trusted plastic surgeons, Dr. Michael A. Pasquale has performed advanced neck lift and facial rejuvenation surgeries for over 40 years. Board-certified and internationally recognized, he has trained surgeons in Japan, China, Korea, and Malaysia in modern facelift and neck contouring techniques. His background in both plastic and reconstructive surgery allows him to create natural, balanced results that enhance the neck and jawline without an artificial or tightened appearance.
Schedule a ConsultNeck Lift Surgery FAQ
A neck lift, or cervicoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the neck by tightening loose skin, removing excess fat, and refining muscle tone to create a smoother and more defined contour.
A neck lift corrects sagging skin, visible muscle bands, excess fat under the chin, and loss of jawline definition caused by aging or weight changes.
Ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers with good skin elasticity who want to improve neck and jawline definition without changing their facial identity.
The procedure involves small incisions around the ears and sometimes under the chin to remove fat, tighten skin, and refine the platysma muscle for smoother contours.
Options include traditional neck lift, mini neck lift, submental liposuction, and platysmaplasty. The right approach depends on the amount of laxity and fat present.
No. Platysmaplasty is used when muscle banding is present. Many neck lifts focus only on tightening skin and removing fat without muscle repair.
The average procedure lasts about two to three hours, depending on complexity and whether it’s combined with other procedures like a facelift or chin liposuction.
Most neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure patient comfort during surgery.
Incisions are usually made around the ears and sometimes under the chin. These areas heal well and are concealed in natural folds and creases.
Scars are minimal and fade over time. They are strategically placed around the ears or under the chin for natural concealment.
Most patients return to work within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising typically resolve in 10 to 14 days, with light exercise allowed after three to four weeks.
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients report tightness rather than pain during early healing.
Initial improvement appears once swelling subsides, but full results become visible around three to six months after surgery as tissues settle naturally.
Results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and weight stability.
Yes. It is commonly combined with a facelift, mini facelift, or chin implant to enhance overall facial harmony and rejuvenation.
Potential risks include swelling, bruising, infection, numbness, and mild asymmetry. Choosing a qualified surgeon minimizes complications and ensures safe healing.
Yes, excess fat under the chin is often removed during a neck lift or through submental liposuction to improve definition and contour.
Light activity can resume after two weeks, but strenuous workouts should be avoided for at least three to four weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
Costs vary depending on the technique used, anesthesia type, and surgical facility. A personalized estimate is provided during consultation.
For most patients, a neck lift offers long-lasting improvement in contour and confidence. When performed by a skilled surgeon, results appear natural and balanced with the face.
