Neck Lift Surgery
Restore a defined, elegant neck contour and jawline with expert neck lift surgery by Dr. James Rosing. Eliminate sagging skin and muscle banding.
Neck Lift Surgery
Restore a defined, elegant neck contour and crisp jawline with expert neck lift surgery by Dr. James Rosing. Address sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat for a dramatically more youthful profile.
2-3 hrs
Procedure Time
1-2 weeks
Initial Recovery
10-15 yrs
Results Last
Local/General
Anesthesia
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, or cervicoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and eliminating unwanted fat. The result is a smoother, more defined neck contour and a sharper, more youthful jawline.
The neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging, with loose skin, visible muscle bands, and loss of definition along the jaw. Dr. James Rosing's comprehensive approach addresses all these concerns, creating results that beautifully frame the face and restore an elegant profile.
What a Neck Lift Addresses
Excess Skin & Wrinkles
Loose, sagging skin creates an aged appearance and obscures the natural jawline definition.
- Removes excess hanging skin
- Smooths neck wrinkles
- Restores smooth contour
Muscle Banding
Platysma muscle bands create vertical cords that become more prominent with age and expression.
- Tightens platysma muscle
- Eliminates visible bands
- Creates defined angle
Submental Fullness
Excess fat under the chin creates a "double chin" appearance that doesn't respond to diet or exercise.
- Liposuction removes fat
- Sculpts chin-neck angle
- Permanent fat reduction
Jowls & Jawline
Sagging along the jawline obscures facial definition and ages the overall appearance.
- Lifts and tightens jowls
- Restores sharp jawline
- Often combined with facelift
Are You a Candidate?
Neck lift surgery may be right for you if you experience any of the following:
Recovery Timeline
Neck lift recovery is typically well-tolerated with most patients returning to activities within 2 weeks.
Initial Recovery
Rest with head elevated. Compression garment worn to minimize swelling. Moderate bruising expected. Pain medication for comfort.
First Follow-up
Drains removed if placed. Some sutures removed. Swelling begins to subside. Compression garment continues.
Visible Improvement
Remaining sutures removed. Bruising significantly faded. Many patients comfortable in public. Light activities resume.
Return to Normal
Most patients return to work and social activities. Exercise can gradually resume. Neck contour becoming defined.
Continued Refinement
Residual swelling resolves. Skin continues to retract and tighten. Final neck contour emerging.
Final Results
Complete healing achieved. Enjoy your refined, youthful neck profile. Results typically last many years.
Dr. James Rosing, MD, FACS
Dr. James Rosing is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures including neck lift surgery. His comprehensive approach addresses all components of neck aging for optimal, natural-looking results.
With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Rosing understands that the neck and face must be considered together for harmonious rejuvenation. He tailors each procedure to the individual patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neck aging results from multiple factors: skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, the platysma muscle weakens and separates creating visible bands, fat accumulates under the chin, and the jawline loses definition. Genetics, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and natural aging all contribute. A neck lift addresses all these concerns for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Liposuction alone removes excess fat but cannot address loose skin or muscle banding. A neck lift is more comprehensive—it removes excess skin, tightens the platysma muscle, and can include liposuction for fat removal. For younger patients with good skin elasticity and only excess fat, liposuction may be sufficient. Dr. Rosing will recommend the appropriate procedure based on your specific anatomy.
Yes, a neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure for patients whose primary concern is the neck and jawline. However, many patients benefit from combining neck lift with facelift for more harmonious, comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. Rosing will assess your face and neck together and recommend the approach that best achieves your goals.
Dr. Rosing carefully places incisions in inconspicuous locations—behind the ears and possibly under the chin. These incisions heal to become virtually invisible in most patients. Proper wound care and sun protection during healing help optimize scar appearance. Any visible scars are easily concealed by hair or natural neck contours.
Neck lift results are long-lasting, typically 10-15 years or more. While the aging process continues, you will always look better than if you had not had the procedure. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting skin from sun damage, and good skincare habits help prolong results. Some patients choose a secondary procedure years later to maintain their improvement.
Platysmaplasty is a surgical technique that tightens the platysma muscle—the thin sheet of muscle that runs from the chest to the jaw. When this muscle loosens with age, it creates the visible "bands" or "turkey neck" appearance. During a neck lift, Dr. Rosing sutures the separated muscle edges together in the midline, creating a smooth, defined neck contour.
There is no strict age requirement for neck lift surgery. Younger patients (40s) with genetic predisposition to neck laxity or submental fullness can benefit, as can patients in their 70s with good overall health. The key factors are your anatomy, goals, and general health status. Dr. Rosing evaluates each patient individually to determine candidacy and expected outcomes.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosing to discuss your goals and learn whether neck lift surgery is right for you. Discover what's possible for your profile.