A neck lift, also known as cervicoplasty, rejuvenates your appearance by addressing signs of aging in your neck and jawline.
We carefully craft our neck lifts to remove excess fat, tighten sagging skin, and sculpt the neck muscles (frequently called a “platysmaplasty”), resulting in a harmonious balance between your neck, jawline, and facial features.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about neck lifts is that they are usually included in a facelift. The face and the neck, however, can age at different rates. Therefore, not everyone who might benefit from a facelift would benefit from a neck lift, and not everyone with aging of the neck would benefit from a facelift.
In the first instance, where there is significant aging of the face but not the neck, a mini facelift might be a good option. It is in the second instance, where there is significant aging of the neck, but not the face, where a neck lift without a facelift may be an appropriate choice.
How Your Neck Ages and What You Can Do About It
The skin in the neck area is particularly sensitive, which makes it more prone to display aging symptoms such as fine lines, banding, and loose, sagging skin.
Many people also develop jowls that hang noticeably along the jawline, or fatty deposits that accumulate beneath the chin, obscuring the natural contours of the neck and jaw.
To effectively address these concerns, a neck lift, executed with the utmost surgical expertise, offers a highly tailored solution.
The procedure aims to rectify the specific age-related changes each individual is experiencing, ultimately rejuvenating the neck and restoring a more youthful, firmer appearance. No two neck lifts are the same as no two necks age exactly the same way. As one of the only board-certified plastic surgeons in the country to have completed both aesthetic surgery and craniofacial surgery fellowships, Dr. Darren Smith is uniquely suited to understand the unique anatomy of your aging neck and design an effective, customized approach to deliver natural, lasting results.
Ideal Candidates for Neck Lift
If a neck lift is on your radar, your first step should be to assess if you’re an appropriate candidate for the procedure. Here are the main points to evaluate:
| Criteria | Description |
| Good Health Status | Candidates should not have medical conditions that might hinder the healing process or increase surgical risks. |
| Positive Outlook and Realistic Expectations | A successful procedure starts with the right mindset. Candidates should have a positive attitude and reasonable expectations regarding the surgery’s outcomes. |
| Excess Neck Skin and Muscle Laxity | If you have loose or sagging skin in the neck area, or laxity in the platysma muscle, a neck lift can be an effective solution. |
| Signs of Aging | Individuals who have observed a change in the contour of their neck or jawline, or who have developed a double chin or “turkey wattle,” are typically good candidates. |
| Non-Smokers | Smoking can severely impact the healing process. As such, to have this procedure with Dr. Smith you must stop smoking for several weeks before and after the procedure.. |
The Neck Lift Procedure
Preoperative Consultation
A thorough initial consultation is the first step towards rejuvenating your neck. We’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and assess your neck’s anatomy to determine which surgical techniques will offer the best results for you.
Anesthesia Options
On the day of surgery, you’ll be administered anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Options typically include general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your specific requirements and the surgical plan discussed during your consultation. All anesthesia is administered by our specialized team of top board-certified anesthesiologists.
Making the Incisions
In the spirit of discretion, incisions are strategically made in areas where scars will be least noticeable—usually behind the ears or within a natural crease under the chin. These incisions enable us to access the underlying structures that will be refined during the surgery.
Resuspending and Tightening Tissues
Once access is gained, the foundational tissues in the neck and under-chin (submental) regions are firmed and tightened. This process involves resuspending these tissues back to a more youthful position, which instantly improves the contour and appearance of the neck.
Addressing Excess Fat and Loose Muscles
If needed, liposuction may be incorporated to eliminate fatty deposits beneath the chin, further refining your jawline. For those with separated platysma muscles leading to vertical neck bands, a platysmaplasty is performed. This involves sewing the edges of the separated muscles back together, improving the overall texture and appearance of the neck.
Closing the Incisions and Recovery
Once all steps are completed, the incisions are carefully closed to promote minimized scarring. A postoperative care regimen will be provided to aid in a smooth and swift recovery.
Benefits of a Neck Lift Procedure
Youthful Appearance and Well-Defined Jawline
The neck lift surgery effectively restores youthful definition to your face. One of the primary aims of this treatment is to reduce excess skin and remove or resuspend drooping fatty deposits, particularly from the double chin area, giving your jawline a more contoured look.
Elimination of Fat Deposits and Double Chin
Liposuction can often be a part of the surgical plan, specifically targeting the buildup of neck fat. This additional technique removes excess deposits and contributes to neck rejuvenation, complementing the effects of the neck lift.
Enhanced Skin Elasticity and Reduced Loose Skin
The surgical procedures employed in a neck lift aim to tighten loose neck skin, improving your skin elasticity. This leads to less wrinkled skin, effectively countering signs of aging.
Restored Neck Muscle Anatomy and Reduced Banding
A neck lift can include a platysmaplasty to tackle muscle banding. This portion of the neck lift focuses on the platysma muscle, significantly reducing vertical neck bands and rejuvenating the foundational tissues of the neck.
Manageable Recovery with Long-Lasting Results
When having surgery with Dr. Darren M. Smith, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, neck lift patients usually experience a smooth recovery without significant pain. Strenuous activity can typically be resumed two weeks after surgery.
Confidence and Quality of Life
Perhaps one of the most significant yet intangible benefits is the boost in self-confidence you’ll experience. With a more youthful and refreshed look, you’ll feel better about your appearance and carry yourself with a renewed sense of confidence.
What To Expect Post-Neck Lift Procedure
Under the expert care of Dr. Darren M. Smith, you’re in excellent hands for your neck lift procedure. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the recovery process can be.
After the surgery, you will either spend the evening in our Ritz Tower recovery suite with one of our nurses or go to a local hotel accompanied by a member of our nursing team for the night.. It’s quite normal to experience some swelling and bruising initially, but these symptoms will diminish as your healing progresses.
You may find your neck feeling a bit tight initially—this is just your body getting used to its rejuvenated state. We generally recommend taking about two weeks off from strenuous activities, and it’s crucial to adhere to all aftercare guidelines to optimize the healing process.
For those eager to get back to their exercise routine or other strenuous activities, the typical waiting period is about two weeks. Rest assured, we’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and efficient recovery.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
Choosing to invest in your appearance is a significant decision, and understanding the costs involved is crucial.
At our luxurious clinic located in Manhattan’s landmark Ritz Tower, the cost for a neck lift procedure generally ranges from $15,000 to $17,000.
Dr. Smith’s unique and highly specialized training in both craniofacial and aesthetic surgery allows us to deliver unparalleled expertise and transformative, natural results.
NECK LIFT BEFORE & AFTERS
Secure Your Spot for a Revitalizing Neck Lift at Manhattan’s Ritz Tower
Transform the way you look and feel at our state-of-the-art clinic in the iconic Ritz Tower, situated in the heart of Manhattan.
Led by renowned surgeon Dr. Darren M. Smith, our team is dedicated to providing an experience that’s as exceptional as the results. Reclaim your youthful appearance and renewed confidence with a neck lift procedure designed just for you.
To book your consultation, there are two convenient options: book online or give us a call at +1 (212) 633-0627. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
