Short answer
A neck lift is surgery that tightens the neck muscles, removes excess skin and, if needed, reduces fat under the chin to define the jaw-to-neck angle. It usually takes 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia with 1 night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 7-8 days and return to work after 10-14 days.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, treats the signs of ageing in the neck. Over time the neck muscle (platysma) separates and forms vertical bands, skin loosens, and fat gathers under the chin. Together these blur the jawline.
The operation tightens the muscle, removes fat where needed and lifts loose skin. It is often performed together with a face lift, because the lower face and neck age together.
Who is it for?
A neck lift suits adults with loose neck skin or visible muscle bands that do not improve with weight loss or non-surgical treatments. Younger patients with good skin and only fat under the chin may need liposuction alone.
- Loose or hanging neck skin
- Vertical bands in the front of the neck
- Fat under the chin (double chin)
- Loss of a clear jaw-to-neck angle
How the procedure is done
The surgeon makes a small incision under the chin to reach the neck muscles. Fat is removed where needed and the edges of the muscle are stitched together like a corset to smooth the bands.
Short incisions behind the ears allow the skin to be lifted backwards and excess skin to be removed. A compression garment and sometimes small drains are used after surgery. You stay 1 night in hospital.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Neck lift or neck liposuction?
Not everyone with a fuller neck needs a neck lift. If your skin is firm and elastic and the main problem is fat under the chin, liposuction of the neck alone may be enough, with a shorter recovery.
If the skin is loose or muscle bands are visible, liposuction can make the neck look worse because it removes support without tightening. In that case a neck lift gives the better result. Your surgeon pinches and tests your skin during the consultation to decide.
Recovery and results
The neck feels tight and swollen for 1-2 weeks, and bruising may spread to the chest. You wear a compression garment for about 1-2 weeks and sleep with your head raised. Stitches are usually removed after 7-10 days.
Most patients return to work after 10-14 days and resume exercise after about 4 weeks. The sharper neckline is visible early, and the final result is typically seen at around 6 months.
Risks and safety
Risks include haematoma, infection, visible scarring, irregular contour, temporary numbness and, rarely, weakness of a nerve affecting the lower lip. Smoking and high blood pressure increase the risk of bleeding.
A doctor assesses your skin quality, neck muscles and fat in person and explains whether you need a neck lift, liposuction or a combined face and neck lift.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Overnight hospital stay, compression garment on.
- Week 1Swelling and tightness ease, stitches removed around day 7-10.
- Week 2Return to work, garment mainly at night.
- Month 1Exercise resumes, numbness improving.
- Month 6Final neck contour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a neck lift without a face lift?
Yes, if the sagging is mainly in the neck. If your jowls are also heavy, combining with a face lift usually gives a more balanced result.
Will a neck lift remove a double chin?
Yes, fat under the chin can be reduced during a neck lift. If you only have fat and good skin, liposuction alone may be enough.
How long does a neck lift last?
A neck lift typically lasts many years. Natural ageing continues, but the neck usually stays tighter than it would have been without surgery.
Where are the neck lift scars?
There is a short scar under the chin and fine scars behind the ears. Both are usually well hidden.
