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Neck Lift and Neck Liposuction Surgery

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on May 28, 2025.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, lower facelift, cervicoplasty, and platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and lower face by minimizing signs of aging. This surgery specifically targets the neck, an area vulnerable to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging, to create a smoother, more youthful look.

A neck lift procedure can help accomplish any of the following:

• Tightening sagging skin by removing excess tissue and repositioning the remaining skin for a firmer, more contoured look. This is often sought out by patients with jowls (sagging skin along the lower jawline) or banding (often called “turkey neck”).
• Tightening loose neck muscles through a platysmaplasty.
• Removing unwanted fat, which often produces puffiness in the neck (often called a “double chin”).

Although this surgery is a cosmetic procedure, some older adult transgender and non-binary patients opt to get it as a part of their facial feminization surgery (FFS), facial masculinization surgery (FMS), and non-binary facial surgery procedures. You can request a free facial surgery consultation with Dr. Zara Ley (she/her/they) if you are interested in undergoing this procedure as a trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming person.

Key Benefits and Risks of a Lower Facelift

The lower facelift helps improve facial balance and refreshes the lower face and neck. It can be a stand-alone procedure or performed alongside other gender-affirming facial treatments, contributing to an overall enhancement in facial harmony. Like any surgery, a lower facelift carries potential risks. Understanding the benefits and considerations can help patients make an informed decision about whether this procedure aligns with their goals.

While most patients are pleased with their results, some may discover that their expectations do not completely match the outcome. Engaging in open and honest discussions with a qualified surgeon in a consultation beforehand can help establish realistic expectations and ensure the best possible experience. During your consultation, sharing your complete medical history is vital to ensure a personalized and safe approach tailored to your unique needs.

Benefits

This procedure offers several benefits, including a more defined jawline and an improved neck contour by eliminating what the patient considers unwanted skin and fat. Patients who are satisfied with their final results report improved body image. Many patients also report appreciating the long-lasting, natural-looking results due to the fact that scars are hidden to keep them out of plain sight; maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance the outcome.

Risks

The risks associated with a lower neck lift are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. While scarring is possible, incisions are typically made discreetly behind the ears or under the chin, causing them to become less noticeable over time. Other potential side effects include hematoma (blood pooling under the skin), numbness, asymmetry, and scarring. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Facelift

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift and neck liposuction?

A good candidate for neck liposuction has excess, unwanted fat under the chin or jawline, while also maintaining good skin elasticity. This procedure is well-suited for younger individuals looking for a more contoured neck without needing to address sagging skin. On the other hand, a neck lift is better suited for those experiencing loose, sagging skin or muscle laxity in the neck area. Combining neck liposuction with a neck lift can provide the most comprehensive results in cases where excess fat and loose skin are concerns.

Does a neck lift leave scars?

While a neck lift can result in scars, an experienced surgeon will strategically place incisions to ensure they remain discreet. Common incision sites include under the chin, where they blend into the natural crease, behind the ears within the skin’s folds, and sometimes along the hairline at the back of the head for a seamless integration.

How much does a neck lift and neck liposuction consultation cost?

Proper scar care is essential after a neck lift or neck liposuction, helping to minimize visibility and ensure smooth healing. Consultation costs for these procedures can range from $100 to $250, depending on the surgeon and location. At the GCC, Dr. Zara Ley (she/her/they) currently offers free consultations for neck liposuction and neck lift procedures for trans and non-binary patients.

How long do results last?

The results of a neck lift or neck liposuction can vary based on several factors. A neck lift typically lasts between five and 10 years, depending on age, genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, and the surgical technique used. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help extend these results. Neck liposuction, on the other hand, permanently removes fat cells, providing long-lasting contour improvements as long as a stable weight is maintained. Good skin elasticity supports long-lasting liposuction results. However, as we age, skin laxity can develop, making a neck lift beneficial.

What other procedures can I undergo simultaneously?

Patients can undergo a neck lift with other simultaneous facial surgery procedures or, in some cases, body contouring procedures. 

Facial feminization and masculinization procedures:

• Rhinoplasty: nose reconstruction surgery
• Hairline advancement: to reverse the effects of a receding hairline from testosterone
• Brow bone reduction with brow lift: to flatten a protruding brow bone and feminize the forehead
• Jaw and chin reduction or jaw and chin augmentation: to give the jaw and chin a more conventionally masculine or feminine contour 

At the GCC, our surgeons may be able to perform these procedures simultaneously with other gender-affirming facial surgery procedures. Please note that we do not offer cosmetic plastic surgery to the general population, but rather, can offer some of these procedures to our transgender and non-binary patients pursuing facial feminization surgery (FFS) or facial masculinization surgery (FMS).

• Facial fat transfer for anti-aging
• Skin tightening or face lift procedures
• Blepharoplasty or eyelid skin surgery

Types of Lower Facelift Procedure Options

When used with other surgeries, lower facelift procedures can help patients further refine their features to enhance their overall appearance. For older adults undergoing facial feminization surgery (FFS), facial masculinization surgery (FMS), or non-binary facial surgery, these options address concerns like sagging skin, jawline definition, and overall facial harmony. Tailored surgical approaches can enhance facial balance, whether aiming for a softer, more contoured look or a stronger, more angular profile. Neck contouring procedures enhance the neckline by addressing unwanted fat, loose skin, and signs of aging. The appropriate approach depends on individual goals and the elasticity of the skin.

Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction removes unwanted fat, like fat that contributes to the appearance of a double chin, to create a more sculpted profile. This procedure is best suited for individuals in their 20s to early 50s who have good skin elasticity. This helps ensure smooth contraction after the procedure.

Neck Lift

A neck lift is designed to tighten loose skin and refine the neckline by adjusting underlying muscles and removing excess tissue. Small incisions behind the ears and under the chin allow for precise contouring, creating a firmer, more defined appearance without creating visible scars. Recovery typically involves some tightness, bruising, and swelling. While bruising usually fades within a week, residual tightness may last several months. Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smoking individuals with realistic expectations about the results.

Combined Neck Lift and Liposuction

Ideal candidates for a combined neck lift and liposuction are individuals in good health who are non-smokers and exhibit good skin elasticity. This combination addresses surplus skin and fat, providing significant rejuvenation and a more sculpted neck profile.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

Non-surgical neck contouring offers effective, minimally invasive options for refining the neckline and improving skin tone. Botox smooths dynamic wrinkles with results lasting 3-4 months, while dermal fillers restore volume and enhance skin tone for 6-12 months. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to tighten the skin, showing improvements within 2-3 months. RF microneedling stimulates collagen production to gradually improve texture and firmness.

While these treatments provide noticeable enhancement, they have limitations compared to surgical procedures. Botox primarily addresses wrinkles from muscle movement rather than significant skin laxity or excess fat, and dermal fillers do not correct sagging skin or underlying muscle concerns. Ultherapy and RF microneedling offer subtle tightening effects but typically require multiple sessions for significant results. Non-surgical methods are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging. These may not be effective for those with severe skin laxity or substantial fat deposits.

Prepping for Your Neck Lift: Consultation to Surgery Day

The Road to Surgery:

During your initial consultation, a board-certified surgeon will assess your overall health and medical history. This includes any pre-existing conditions and current medications to determine your suitability for the procedure. Based on this evaluation, they will create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome. They will also explain the techniques involved, potential risks and benefits, and the recovery process. You will also receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. This includes advice on quitting smoking beforehand to promote healing and managing your medication as necessary. Setting realistic expectations is an important part of this stage, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the results you can achieve. 

The Day of Surgery:

The preoperative process will be complete on the day of surgery after checking in with the surgical team and receiving anesthesia if needed. The procedure will then be carried out according to the plan discussed during your consultation. In most cases, neck contouring is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day for recovery. In certain cases, such as when undergoing more extensive facial surgery or if you have health conditions that require closer monitoring, your surgeon may suggest an overnight hospital stay to ensure a safe recovery. Your surgeon will provide instructions regarding whether an overnight stay is necessary.

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

During the initial recovery after neck contouring surgery, swelling and bruising are common and may last several days to a week or more. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is essential for proper healing. This includes incision care to prevent infection and maintaining your head elevated to reduce swelling. You will also need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. While early improvements may be noticeable as swelling subsides, final results will gradually emerge over weeks to months as the tissues settle into their refined shape. Patience and compliance with recovery instructions are key to achieving the best outcome.