The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Loose skin, vertical banding, and wrinkles can develop over time, making the neck look older than the face. These changes are often due to a loss of collagen, sun exposure, or natural aging.
Dr. Will offers neck lift surgery in Chicago, IL, to smooth and tighten the skin while maintaining natural contours. This procedure can remove excess skin and redefine the jawline for a more youthful look. The goal is to achieve results that complement your facial features without looking overdone.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles to create a smoother, more defined neckline. It can address sagging, deep creases, and banding that develop with age. During the procedure, small incisions are made to access and reposition the tissues. Loose skin is trimmed, and the muscles may be adjusted to improve contour. The goal is to restore a natural, youthful shape without making the neck look tight or overcorrected.
What Causes Sagging and Loose Skin on the Neck?
Aging
As the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, it becomes thinner and less resilient. The muscles in the neck can also weaken which may exacerbate sagging and visible banding. These changes happen gradually, but they can make the neck look older over time.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can leave behind loose skin that doesn’t retract fully, especially in areas like the neck. Fat loss in this area can also make wrinkles and bands more noticeable. Once the skin stretches beyond a certain point, it may not tighten on its own.
Genetics
Some people naturally develop sagging skin on the neck earlier than others due to inherited traits. If family members have loose skin or excess fullness in this area, it’s more likely to happen. Genetics also influence how quickly collagen breaks down, affecting skin firmness over time.
Stress
Chronic stress can accelerate collagen loss and contribute to skin laxity. Repeated tension in the neck and jaw muscles may also lead to deeper creases. While stress alone won’t cause sagging skin, it can make existing aging signs more pronounced.
What Can a Neck Lift Treat?
- Sagging Skin Under the Chin: Loose skin can create the appearance of a “turkey neck” or an undefined profile. By securing the skin in a more lifted position, the neck appears firmer and better supported.
- Submental Fat: Even after weight loss, fat beneath the chin can be difficult to get rid of. Some patients develop fullness in this area due to genetics, while others notice it increasing with age. A neck lift can include strategies to remove this fat.
- Creased and Crepey Neck Skin: Thin, fragile skin in this area can develop deep lines and a crinkled texture over time. The neck lift benefits patients by smoothing out excess folds and tightening the skin to improve texture.
- Lack of Jawline and Neck Definition: A poorly defined jawline can make the lower face and neck blend together, especially when the skin begins to droop. Some patients also benefit from additional contouring in the chin area.
- Neck Bands and Visible Platysma Muscles: The platysma muscles run vertically down the neck and can become more prominent with age. These bands may appear as visible ridges or tight cords under the skin. A neck lift can modify or tighten the muscles to soften their appearance and create a smoother neckline.
Types of Neck Lift Surgery
Traditional Neck Lift
A traditional neck lift addresses loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat throughout the entire neck. Incisions are placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin to allow for lifting and repositioning. This approach is ideal for patients with moderate to severe sagging who want comprehensive correction.
Mini Neck Lift
A mini neck lift is a less invasive option that focuses on mild to moderate skin laxity. The incisions are smaller, usually placed behind the ears, and the recovery time is shorter compared to a traditional neck lift. This technique primarily tightens the skin without extensive muscle repositioning. It can be a good option for those looking for a subtle improvement with minimal downtime.
Common Additions to Neck Lift Surgery
Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat deposits in patients who have more unwanted fat in the submental area. This can be performed on its own or combined with a neck lift for more dramatic results.
Face Lift
A facelift and neck lift are often performed together to create a seamless transition between the lower face and neck. A facelift focuses on lifting sagging skin and tissue in the cheeks and jawline. Patients with noticeable jowls or deep folds around the lower face often benefit from addressing both areas at once.
Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery
Making a few adjustments before your anti aging surgery can help the recovery process go more smoothly. If you take medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory drugs, these may need to be paused before surgery to reduce bruising. Smoking should also be avoided in the weeks leading up to the procedure. Plan ahead by arranging for time off work and asking a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you for the first day to help you with basic tasks. Prepare your recovery space with essentials like extra pillows for elevation, ice packs for swelling, and any prescribed medications within easy reach. Keeping soft foods, comfortable clothing, and plenty of water nearby can make the first few days more manageable.
What to Expect From a Neck Lift Procedure
Consultation
The consultation is the first step in determining the best approach for your neck lift. During this visit, we examine the skin’s elasticity, muscle tone, and fat distribution to see what adjustments will provide the most natural results. We also discuss whether additional procedures, like liposuction, would improve overall neck contouring.
Anesthesia
A neck lift can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb while allowing you to remain awake but relaxed. General anesthesia is for surgeries that are more involved. We’ll discuss the best option based on the complexity of the surgery and your comfort level.
Making the Incisions
Small incisions are placed in areas where they can be easily concealed. An incision under the chin provides access to the platysma muscles for tightening and allows for fat removal when needed. Incisions behind the ears help lift and secure the skin in a natural position. These placements allow for effective correction while keeping any visible marks minimal.
Removing Excess Skin and Tightening Muscles
Loose skin is carefully trimmed, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother, firmer appearance. If the platysma muscles have separated or become loose, they are tightened with sutures to improve neck definition and reduce banding.
Recovery and Healing After a Neck Lift
It’s normal for the neck to feel tight and slightly swollen after surgery. This happens because the skin and muscles have been repositioned, and the tissues need time to settle. Keep the treatment area elevated for a few days as you heal. Most patients wear a supportive bandage for the first few days to minimize swelling and help the skin conform to its new shape. Bruising and mild discomfort are expected but improve significantly within the first two weeks. While many people feel comfortable returning to work within 10 to 14 days, more strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks to allow for proper healing.
What Results Can You Expect From a Neck Lift?
Initial improvements are noticeable as soon as the swelling begins to subside, but the final results develop gradually. As the swelling continues to decrease over the next few months, the contours become more refined, and the skin settles into a natural position. Full results are typically seen around three to six months after surgery, once all residual swelling has resolved. The improvements from a neck lift are long-lasting, especially when paired with good skincare and sun protection to maintain skin elasticity.
Before & After Photos
Explore our before and after gallery to witness the remarkable transformations that have left our clients feeling more confident and beautiful than ever. From subtle enhancements to dramatic makeovers, our gallery showcases the artistry of transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s common to have questions about neck lift surgery. You can trust Dr. Will to give you a thorough and thoughtful answer to your queries.
The most frequently asked questions about neck lift surgery include the following:
A neck lift typically takes between one to three hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. When combined with a facelift or other procedures such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty, the overall surgical time increases. Every procedure is carefully planned to achieve the most natural outcome while keeping surgery time as efficient as possible.
The incisions for a neck lift are placed in discreet locations which allows for effective lifting while keeping scars well-hidden. However, these scars will still be present. Over time, the scars fade and become less noticeable, blending into the natural contours of the skin. Proper aftercare, including sun protection and scar management techniques, can help minimize their appearance.
A neck lift can reduce the appearance of a double chin, especially when excess skin and fat are contributing to the issue. However, if a double chin is caused by underlying structural factors, such as a recessed chin, additional procedures like chin augmentation may be recommended for optimal results.
There isn’t a set age for getting a neck lift, but most patients consider it when they start noticing sagging skin, deep creases, or prominent neck bands. Some choose to undergo a neck lift procedure in their 40s or 50s to address early signs of aging, while others wait until more significant changes develop. The best time depends on individual concerns and the degree of correction desired.
Non-surgical treatments like lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, and injectables can provide mild improvements in the neck area. Some treatments work by stimulating collagen production or relaxing neck muscles to soften lines. We also offer PDO thread treatments which are a minimally invasive way to lift the skin of the neck while also stimulating collagen. During this procedure, dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin along the jawline. The threads immediately lift the tissue while promoting collagen in the area as they dissolve over the next few months. While these treatments don’t replicate the results of a surgical neck lift, they can be a good option for those with minimal sagging or those looking to maintain previous surgical results.
Maintaining results starts with good skincare, including daily sun protection and a regimen that supports collagen production. A healthy lifestyle, including hydration and a balanced diet, is also important for the health, elasticity, and vibrancy of your skin. As you seek to maintain the elasticity of your skin, you can schedule many of the non-surgical treatments we have mentioned above. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the results of your neck lift for many years.
Why Choose Us for Your Neck Lift?
Dr. Neena Will brings specialized expertise as a facial plastic surgeon, focusing on procedures that enhance natural features. With a background in head and neck surgery, she applies precise techniques to refine the neck’s contours while maintaining harmony with the face. Her approach is detail-oriented, and she makes sure each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy for balanced, long-lasting results. Dr. Will offers facial plastic surgery along with her sister, Dr. Tripti Burt, who is a general plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body rejuvenation. Together, they offer comprehensive solutions for their patients in Hodgkins, Willowbrook, Darien, Palisades, Hinsdale, Bridgeview, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, and more.
Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation in Chicago, IL
A neck lift can smooth sagging skin, refine the jawline, and restore a more youthful neck contour. Dr. Neena Will uses precise techniques to create natural-looking results that complement the face. To schedule a consultation at Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Chicago, IL, call (815) 267-0231 or contact us through the online form.