Neck Lift
Beverly Hills

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) addresses the visible signs of aging in the neck — including loose or redundant skin, platysmal banding (the vertical cords that appear when the neck muscles separate with age), submental fullness, and jowling at the jawline. The procedure tightens the underlying platysma muscle, removes or redistributes fat, and re-drapes the skin for a cleaner, more defined neck and jaw contour.

The neck lift is among the most technically demanding procedures in facial surgery — and one of the most impactful. Because the neck ages visibly and quickly, a well-executed neck lift produces a dramatic improvement that holds up naturally over time.

Neck Lift vs. Facelift

A neck lift focuses exclusively on the neck and lower face (jawline and jowls). A facelift — particularly the deep-plane facelift Dr. Newman performs — addresses the midface, cheeks, jowls, and neck in continuity. Many patients benefit from a combined approach because the neck and lower face age together, and treating them as a unit produces the most harmonious result.

For patients with significant midface aging (descended cheeks, deep nasolabial folds), a full facelift that includes the neck is usually the more comprehensive solution. Patients whose primary concern is the neck and jawline, with relatively well-preserved midface anatomy, may be excellent candidates for an isolated neck lift.

The Procedure

Neck lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations — behind each ear and, when submental work is needed, in a small crease beneath the chin. The platysma muscle is tightened (platysmaplasty), fat is addressed as appropriate, and the skin is re-draped without tension. Procedure time is typically 2 to 3 hours.

Recovery

Most patients wear a light chin strap for the first 5 to 7 days. Swelling and bruising are concentrated in the neck and under the chin and resolve over 2 to 3 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within 10 to 14 days and feel comfortable in social settings within 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise is restricted for 4 to 6 weeks.