Guide to Neck Lift Surgery

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About
Benefits
Procedure
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Reviewed by the physicians of Columbia’s Plastic Surgery Team, May 2025

A neck lift (also called a lower rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgery that improves the appearance of the neck by tightening muscles and removing sagging skin.

  • Neck lifts can make a dramatic change to facial contour and restore a more youthful appearance.
  • The procedure can be performed as part of a full face lift (rhytidectomy), but can also be performed on its own.
  • A neck lift may involve cervicoplasty (removal of excess skin) or platysmaplasty (tightening and repositioning of the platysma muscle), or both.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift (also called a lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that tightens loose skin, restores contours, and smoothing out wrinkles on the neck. It restores a more youthful and defined neck and jawline.

Why Would Someone Get a Neck Lift?

For many people, the neck is one of the first areas that begins to show signs of aging. A neck lift can restore a more youthful appearance by creating a better-defined neck and jawline.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

A neck lift may be helpful for patients who have:

  • Loose or sagging skin (“turkey neck”)
  • Wrinkles and creases in the neck area
  • Excess fat (double chin)
  • Visible vertical cords below the jawline

A neck lift may be a good choice if the upper face is still in good shape but the neck shows signs of aging. 

Will a Neck Lift Make Someone Look Young Again?

A neck lift can help restore definition for the jawline and reduce wrinkles, but no procedure can reverse or halt the natural signs of aging. Having realistic expectations for any cosmetic procedure can help make sure patients are satisfied with their results.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

A neck lift may be performed as part of a complete face lift procedure or by itself. Depending on a patient’s specific needs and anatomy, a neck lift may include:

  • The removal of excess skin to reduce sagging (cervicoplasty)
  • Liposuction to remove excess fat
  • Tightening and repositioning the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty)

What Are the Risks?

As with all surgeries, a neck lift carries some risk of complications, including: 

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Delayed healing
  • Nerve damage/numbness 

How Do Patients Prepare For the Procedure?

  • Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks prior to surgery.
  • Stop smoking to aid in healing.
  • Someone must accompany the patient to take them home after surgery.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

A neck lift is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. 

How Long Does the Surgery Take? 

A neck lift typically takes two to three hours, but will take more time if combined with other procedures or as part of a full facelift.

Do Neck Lifts Require an Overnight Stay at the Hospital?

A neck lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day as their surgery.

What Is Recovery Like?

Swelling and bruising will take at least one week to begin to subside, with most people being able to resume light activities after two weeks. 

How Long Until Results Are Visible?

Results will become easier to see as the swelling goes away at four weeks, with near final results visible at roughly eight weeks.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Results can last ten years or longer, with factors like skin elasticity and lifestyle playing a part.

Will Insurance Cover the Procedure?

A neck lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance.

Next Steps

If you’d like to learn more about a neck lift or other cosmetic procedures, our team at Columbia is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3103 or request an appointment online. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.

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This content has been created by Columbia’s Health Guide Team. Learn more about our efforts to bring you the clearest, most accurate, and most human health resources available.