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Neck Lift Surgery

Eliminate neck bands and sagging skin to restore a smooth, youthful neck contour that enhances your profile and overall appearance.

Procedure Time
2-3 Hours
Recovery
1-2 Weeks
Anesthesia
General
Results
10+ Years

Restore a Youthful Neck Contour with Expert Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift, medically known as platysmaplasty or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging neck skin, prominent neck bands, excess fat, and loss of jawline definition. As we age, the neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging, with loose skin, vertical bands, and the dreaded "turkey neck" appearance affecting even those who maintain a healthy lifestyle.

At RIDHA Plastic Surgery in Saratoga Springs, NY, Dr. RIDHA combines advanced surgical techniques with artistic precision to create smooth, natural-looking neck contours that enhance your profile and restore confidence. Whether performed alone or in combination with facelift surgery, a neck lift can dramatically improve your appearance and take years off your overall look.

Dr. RIDHA offers various neck lift techniques including traditional platysmaplasty, liposuction-assisted neck contouring, and muscle tightening procedures tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. The result is a more defined jawline, smoother neck, and rejuvenated lower face that looks natural and age-appropriate.

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation
  • Natural-looking results with defined jawline and smooth neck
  • Advanced techniques for minimal scarring
  • Addresses multiple neck concerns in one procedure
  • Can be combined with facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation
Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified
20+ Years
Experience
98% Rating
Patient Satisfaction

Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

Defined Jawline

Restore sharp jawline definition by removing excess fat and tightening loose skin for a more youthful profile.

Smooth Neck Contour

Eliminate vertical neck bands ("turkey neck") and saggy skin for a smooth, graceful neck appearance.

Long-Lasting Results

Enjoy neck rejuvenation that lasts 10+ years with proper skincare and sun protection.

Natural Appearance

Achieve subtle refinements that look natural and age-appropriate, never overdone or artificial.

Enhanced Confidence

Feel more confident in your appearance and no longer self-conscious about your neck profile.

Minimal Scarring

Incisions hidden behind ears and in natural creases result in virtually invisible scars.

Are You a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

Neck lift surgery benefits individuals bothered by neck aging signs. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • Generally 40+ years old with visible neck aging (loose skin, bands, sagging)
  • In good physical health without conditions that impair healing
  • Non-smoker or willing to quit at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
  • Realistic expectations about neck lift outcomes and recovery time
  • Bothered by turkey neck, neck bands, double chin, or poor jawline definition
  • Stable weight without plans for significant weight fluctuations
  • Adequate skin elasticity to support tissue repositioning
  • Able to take 1-2 weeks off for recovery and follow post-op instructions

Neck Lift Procedure Details

Duration
2-3 Hours
Varies based on extent of correction needed
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
Comfortably asleep during the entire procedure
Location
Surgical Suite
State-of-the-art accredited facility
Recovery
Outpatient
Return home same day with caretaker
Technique
Platysmaplasty
Muscle tightening with skin excision
Results
10+ Years
Long-lasting with proper maintenance

Neck Lift Recovery Timeline

Understanding the neck lift recovery process helps you plan for optimal healing and beautiful results.

1
Immediate Recovery

1-3 Days Post-Op

Days 1-3

Initial recovery with compression garment and careful wound care

  • Compression garment or bandages around neck and lower face
  • Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort (managed with medication)
  • Head elevated to minimize swelling
  • Limited neck movement, no bending or lifting
  • Drains may be in place for first 24-48 hours
2
Short-term Recovery

First Week

Days 4-7

Gradual improvement as swelling decreases

  • Sutures removed around day 5-7
  • Swelling and bruising begin to subside
  • Continue wearing compression garment
  • Light activities like walking encouraged
  • Avoid strenuous activity and excessive neck turning
3
Short-term Recovery

Week 2

Week 2

Return to light work and social activities

  • Most visible swelling resolved
  • Return to work and social activities
  • Continue avoiding strenuous exercise
  • Incision lines may be pink (will fade)
  • Begin to see improved neck contour
4
Mid-term Recovery

Weeks 3-6

Weeks 3-6

Continued refinement and activity resumption

  • Resume exercise by week 4-6
  • Swelling continues to resolve
  • Neck contour more defined
  • Scars continue to fade
  • Sensation gradually returns to normal
5
Long-term Recovery

Months 3-6

Months 3-6

Final results emerge as all swelling resolves

  • All swelling fully resolved
  • Final neck contours visible
  • Scars fade to fine lines
  • Full sensation restored
  • Enjoy rejuvenated neck for years to come

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about neck lift surgery.

Neck lift results typically last 10-15 years or longer with proper skincare and sun protection. While aging continues, you will always look younger than if you had never had the procedure. Factors affecting longevity include genetics, lifestyle, weight stability, and skincare habits.
Neck lift incisions are strategically placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin where scars are easily concealed. With proper healing and scar care, most patients find their scars fade to thin, barely noticeable lines within 6-12 months. Dr. RIDHA uses meticulous surgical techniques to minimize scarring.
Yes! Neck lift is frequently combined with facelift surgery for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation. This combination addresses aging from the mid-face down through the neck for harmonious, natural-looking results. Combining procedures is often more cost-effective than staging them separately.
Neck liposuction removes excess fat but doesn't address loose skin or muscle banding. Neck lift surgery removes excess skin, tightens neck muscles (platysmaplasty), and can include liposuction for comprehensive correction. Dr. RIDHA will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy during consultation.
Most patients report tightness and discomfort rather than significant pain. Any discomfort is managed with prescribed medication for 3-5 days, with most patients transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers quickly. The compression garment and limited neck movement may feel restrictive but are essential for optimal healing.
Most patients return to desk work within 10-14 days once major swelling and bruising subside. Those with physically demanding jobs may need 3-4 weeks. You'll need to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and excessive neck movement for 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing.
Yes! Neck lift surgery can effectively eliminate a double chin caused by excess fat and skin. The procedure may include liposuction to remove fat, excision of excess skin, and muscle tightening to create a defined jawline and smooth neck contour. Dr. RIDHA will evaluate your anatomy to recommend the best approach.
There's no specific age requirement for neck lift. Some younger patients with premature neck aging or genetic factors may benefit from earlier intervention. The ideal time depends on your degree of aging rather than your age. As long as you're in good health with realistic expectations, age is less important than your aesthetic concerns and goals.