Neck Lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses loose skin, neck banding, and submental fullness, typically caused by aging. ⁽¹⁾ Often performed in combination with a facelift for an overall uplifted appearance, the neck lift visibly defines the jaw, tightens the neck profile, and removes excess skin for youthful, seamless rejuvenation.

ME Plastic Surgery is known for highly specialized facial rejuvenation that reflects both precision and artistry. Dr. Marc Everett oversees the practice and ensures his patients have a supported and seamless experience from consultation to recovery. Alongside Dr. Everett, Dr. Ruya Zhao performs facial procedures with advanced training and meticulous surgical skill. Dr. Zhao focuses on enhancing definition and achieving long-lasting rejuvenation that complements each patient’s natural anatomy.

To schedule a consultation for a neck lift, contact ME Plastic Surgery online or call (212) 774-7715.

About Neck Rejuvenation

Aesthetic issues in the neck region can develop due to various factors, such as skin laxity, platysmal banding, and the gravitational pull on soft tissue over time. A neck lift addresses changes caused by these factors by tightening the underlying musculature, removing excess skin, removing fat if necessary, and repositioning tissues to create a smoother contour. ⁽²⁾

Though sometimes overlooked, the neck plays a central role in overall facial balance. Visible aging in this area often develops earlier than patients expect. When the neck begins to show signs of aging, it can make the entire face appear older, heavier, or more tired. An expertly performed neck lift restores the smooth definition of the neck and gives a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Zhao performs neck lifts with precision, avoiding unnecessary tension or over-tightening, to support long-term stability and create a refreshed and harmonious profile that looks and feels natural.

Candidates

Potential candidates for neck lift surgery are typically individuals who are dissatisfied with the visible effects of aging in their neck region.

Typical concerns that candidates wish to address include loose or sagging neck skin, visible neck muscle banding, and/or excess submental fat

All candidates considering a neck lift should be in relatively good health and maintain reasonable expectations about what a neck lift procedure can accomplish.

Dr. Zhao will determine your candidacy during a personal consultation at ME Plastic Surgery.

Personal Consultation

At your personal consultation, Dr. Zhao will take a look at your facial structure, evaluate the degree of neck laxity present, and identify any other signs of aging in your neck region and lower face.

Dr. Zhao encourages you to ask any questions you may have during your personal consultation. She values a thorough consultation process and will take the time to explain your anesthesia options, discuss incision placement, and share outcome expectations.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Zhao, contact ME Plastic Surgery online or call (212) 774- 7715.

Preparation

Once you schedule your neck lift procedure, ME Plastic Surgery will provide you with detailed preparation tips and instructions.

Typically, you should suspend use of certain blood-thinning medications or supplements and refrain from using or consuming nicotine and alcohol.

Arranging transportation home from the ME Plastic Surgery surgical center after your procedure will also be necessary, as you will be unable to drive yourself home.

You should schedule adequate time off for your recovery, prepare your space to be a comfortable and relaxing recovery environment, and fill necessary post-surgery prescriptions so you do not have to worry about going to the pharmacy during your recovery.

Procedure

You will receive the appropriate anesthesia for your comfort during your neck lift procedure.

Once you are comfortable, Dr. Zhao will make preliminary guiding markings on your lower face and neck with a skin-safe surgical marker according to your specific anatomy and surgical plan. If there is excess submental fat, submental liposuction will be performed. She will then make precise, discreet incisions in the targeted areas, typically around the natural curves behind your ears and beneath the chin. Next, she will access the deeper layers of the neck and tighten the platysma muscle, then remove excess skin. Drains will be placed during the operation, which will be removed 48 hours after surgery.

Finally, she will close all incisions with care to promote lift and stability while avoiding excessive tension. She will place fine sutures to promote optimal healing and minimize visible scarring.

Recovery

Initial bruising and swelling will appear soon after your surgery and may last for a couple of weeks. You should wear any provided garments or bandages to protect your incisions and minimize swelling. Dr. Zhao will see you during follow-up appointments to remove dressings and review your healing progress. Drains will be removed 48 hours after surgery.

While you are recovering, you should sleep with your head elevated and avoid engaging in strenuous activities to support healing during the first few weeks post-surgery.

Dr. Zhao will let you know when you can return to all of your normal activities.

Neck Lift Results

As swelling diminishes, your neck will appear smoother and tighter, with more defined contours. The overall effect will be a rejuvenated, elegant profile with harmonious face and neck proportions. The goal of a neck lift is to enhance structural support and create cleaner definition without altering your natural features and authenticity.

Corresponding Procedures

Due to the interconnected structures of the face and neck, neck lift patients frequently incorporate additional procedures in their treatment plans to achieve more comprehensive balance and rejuvenation.

Facelift

A facelift focuses on reducing the appearance of jowls, defining the jawlines, and rejuvenating the midface. When performed alongside a neck lift, this procedure can enhance the restorative effects across the lower face and neck.

Brow Lift

Also known as a forehead lift, the brow lift raises a drooping browline and creates a more open, alert appearance in the eye area. This procedure complements the neck lift by bringing balance to the upper third of the face.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is frequently performed with a face and neck lift to promote a more youthful, cohesive appearance across the face.

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation can add subtle volume and plumpness to thinned or disproportionate lips, smoothing out fine lines and building additional facial balance.

Facial Fat Micrografting

Fat micrografting utilizes purified donor fat cells to enhance facial volume where fullness has diminished over time. This treatment pairs well with a neck lift for patients who want to restore youthful softness in addition to improved contour.

Cost of a Neck Lift in New York City

The cost of your neck lift will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of the procedure and whether or not you choose to include any corresponding treatments. Along with your treatment plan, Dr. Zhao will provide a comprehensive cost outline during your personal consultation. The practice aims to support transparent communication, and the team will review available payment options and scheduling preferences to help you move forward confidently.

Ready to begin your neck rejuvenation journey? Contact ME Plastic Surgery online or call (212) 774- 7715 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Zhao.

FAQ

References

1. Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/
2. O’Daniel TG. Optimizing Outcomes in Neck Lift Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Published online February 5, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab056
3. DECASTRO C. Neck lift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2003;23(3):165-169. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/maj.2003.37