Neck Lift in Delafield
The jawline you remember, quietly restored.
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin, tightening the platysma muscle, and addressing fat deposits beneath the chin and along the jawline. The procedure can restore a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour, and is often performed in conjunction with a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
At a Glance
- Approximately 22,445 neck lift procedures were performed in the United States in 2024 according to ASPS procedural statistics[3]
- A neck lift can address excess skin, fat deposits, and platysmal muscle banding in the neck and jawline area[1]
- The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and initial recovery generally takes approximately two weeks[5]
- Results from a neck lift are generally long-lasting and may persist for 7 to 10 years or more with proper care[6]
Overview
A neck lift addresses visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, including loose or sagging skin, excess fat beneath the chin, and prominent platysmal bands (vertical muscle cords) that develop as the platysma muscle weakens with age. The procedure creates a more defined jawline and a smoother, more youthful neck profile.
Several techniques may be used during a neck lift depending on the patient's anatomy and goals. Platysmaplasty involves tightening the platysma muscle by suturing the separated muscle edges together at the midline. Cervicoplasty refers to the removal of excess skin from the neck. Liposuction may also be performed to remove excess fat deposits beneath the chin and along the neck.
A neck lift is commonly performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift (rhytidectomy), chin augmentation, or liposuction for a more comprehensive result. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and is generally done on an outpatient basis.
Results from a neck lift are generally long-lasting, typically persisting for 7 to 10 years or more, although the natural aging process continues. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting skin from sun damage, and following a healthy lifestyle can help prolong results.
What to expect
- A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon to discuss goals, evaluate neck anatomy, review medical history, and develop a personalized surgical plan.
- Pre-operative preparation including discontinuation of blood-thinning medications, cessation of smoking at least two to four weeks before surgery, and arranging for post-operative transportation and care.
- Administration of anesthesia, typically general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and the surgeon's approach.
- Incisions are made in front of and behind the ear, often extending into the hairline, with a possible additional incision beneath the chin for submental access.
- Liposuction or direct excision of excess fat in the submental area and along the neck to reduce fullness and improve contour.
- Tightening of the platysma muscle through midline plication or lateral suspension to correct banding and restore a defined neck angle.
- Trimming and redraping of excess skin over the tightened structures, followed by closure of incisions with sutures.
- Application of a compression dressing or chin strap to minimize swelling and support healing tissues.
- Discharge with post-operative instructions including wound care, activity restrictions, medication guidance, and scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Follow-up visits for suture removal, typically within 5 to 10 days, and monitoring of healing progress over several weeks.
How a neck lift works
- The surgeon makes incisions typically starting in front of the ear, extending around the earlobe, and continuing behind the ear into the hairline. A small incision beneath the chin may also be made for direct access to the platysma muscle and submental fat.
- Excess fat is removed or repositioned using direct excision or liposuction, particularly in the submental area beneath the chin, to improve neck contour.
- The platysma muscle is tightened by suturing the separated medial edges together at the midline (medial platysmaplasty), which corrects visible banding and creates a smoother, firmer neck profile.
- Excess skin is trimmed and redraped over the newly tightened underlying structures, and the remaining skin is secured with sutures to create a smoother, more youthful contour.
- The incisions are closed with sutures and a compression dressing or bandage is applied to minimize swelling and support the new contours during the initial healing period.
When it's recommended
- Excess or sagging skin on the neck creating a "turkey neck" appearance
- Visible platysmal bands (vertical muscle cords) on the front of the neck
- Excess fat deposits beneath the chin (submental fullness or double chin)
- Loss of jawline definition due to jowling or skin laxity
- Skin laxity of the neck due to aging, weight loss, or genetic predisposition
- Dissatisfaction with neck appearance despite non-surgical treatments
Is a neck lift right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Concerns it addresses
Recovery & aftercare
- A compression dressing or chin strap is typically worn for the first several days to one week to reduce swelling
- Sutures are generally removed within 5 to 10 days after surgery
- Bruising and swelling are common and typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks
- Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within 10 to 14 days
- Strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks
- Numbness or tightness in the neck area may persist for several weeks to months and typically resolves gradually
- Final results become visible as swelling fully subsides, which may take up to 3 months
- Scars continue to mature and fade over 6 to 12 months
Alternatives
- Non-surgical skin tightening treatments such as radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy
- Injectable treatments such as Kybella (deoxycholic acid) for submental fat reduction
- Thread lift procedures for mild skin laxity
- Liposuction alone for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated fat deposits
- Botox injections into the platysma for mild banding (Nefertiti lift)
Related treatments
How much does a neck lift cost?
A neck lift at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $15,000. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin, tightening the underlying platysma muscle, and reducing fat deposits. It is also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty. The procedure can address concerns such as sagging skin, visible muscle banding, and excess fullness beneath the chin.
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients typically do not feel pain during surgery. Afterward, mild to moderate discomfort, tightness, and swelling are common and can generally be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful, with symptoms improving significantly within the first two weeks.
- A neck lift is generally considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with experience in the procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential risks, which are discussed in detail in the risks section above.
- Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within 10 to 14 days. Bruising and swelling typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. Full results become apparent as swelling subsides over approximately 3 months, and scars continue to fade over 6 to 12 months.
- Results from a neck lift are generally long-lasting, typically persisting for 7 to 10 years or more. However, the natural aging process continues after surgery. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting the skin from sun damage, and not smoking can help prolong results. A revision procedure may be considered in the future if desired.
- Good candidates for a neck lift are generally adults who are bothered by excess skin, fat deposits, or muscle banding in the neck area. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. A consultation with a qualified surgeon can help determine whether the procedure is appropriate for individual goals and anatomy.
- People who currently smoke or use nicotine products may not be good candidates because tobacco use significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications. Those with uncontrolled medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, active infections, or bleeding disorders may also need to defer surgery. A thorough medical evaluation is part of the consultation process.
Neck Lift risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active infection at the planned surgical site
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or coagulopathy
- Current tobacco or nicotine use (significantly impairs wound healing and increases risk of skin flap necrosis)
- Unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Significant medical conditions that increase surgical risk, such as uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes
- Recent use of blood-thinning medications without appropriate discontinuation
Possible risks
- Hematoma (collection of blood beneath the skin), the most common surgical complication
- Infection at the incision sites
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve injury affecting sensation or motor function
- Skin irregularities, dimpling, or asymmetry
- Scarring, which varies by individual healing response and incision placement
- Skin flap necrosis, particularly in patients who smoke
- Seroma (collection of fluid beneath the skin)
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hair loss at or near the incision sites
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic result requiring revision surgery
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 7 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13