Define the jawline and eliminate neck bands for a sleek profile.
A neck lift tightens the neck, improves banding, and sharpens the angle under the chin. By tightening the underlying platysma muscle and removing excess skin, this procedure restores a crisp, youthful angle to the neck and jawline.
InquireThe neck lift procedure begins with a submental incision through which the subplatysmal fat layer is directly visualized and carefully debulked. The platysma muscles are plicated in the midline using a corset suture technique - joining the medial platysmal edges from the hyoid to the mandible to obliterate banding and create a taut, defined cervical contour. Retroauricular incisions extending into the posterior hairline allow elevation of the lateral neck skin, which is redraped and excised without tension. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures. A compression chin strap is applied in the operating room.
A neck lift works best for adults whose main aging concern is the neck rather than the midface. Candidates may have early jowling that can be addressed through the lateral neck incisions. Non-smokers in overall good health with clear expectations and sufficient skin laxity to allow meaningful redraping are best suited for this procedure.
A compression chin strap is worn continuously for one week and then at night for an additional two weeks. Swelling and bruising concentrate in the submental and neck region, peaking at three to five days and resolving substantially within two weeks. Most patients return to work and social activities within ten to fourteen days. Strenuous activity is restricted for four weeks. Final neck contour, including the cervicomental angle, is appreciated at three to six months.
Compression chin strap worn continuously. Swelling and bruising peak at days 3–5. Head elevation recommended.
Chin strap worn at night only. Most return to social and professional activities. Neck contour improving.
Residual swelling and firmness continue to resolve. Cervicomental angle sharpens progressively.
Full result visible. Defined jawline and youthful neck angle sustained. Incision scars imperceptible.
Neck lift risks include hematoma, marginal mandibular nerve paresis (lower lip weakness), skin step-off or redundancy at the lateral incision, and platysmal band recurrence. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve runs in close proximity to the surgical field and is at risk during dissection; meticulous technique and anatomical familiarity minimize this risk. Hematoma risk is reduced by strict blood pressure management and avoidance of anticoagulant medications perioperatively.
Patients with primarily fatty submental fullness and good skin tone may benefit from submental liposuction alone, which is less invasive and carries a shorter recovery. Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injections can reduce submental fat non-surgically but are not effective for platysmal banding or skin redundancy. For patients with significant lower face aging in addition to neck laxity, a comprehensive facelift may address both regions more thoroughly.
Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California