Neck Lift in Austin

Do you have loose and sagging skin on your neck? For many people, the neck can be a concern, developing a prominent wattle, folds, or vertical bands. A neck lift can rejuvenate your neck, restoring youthful definition by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the neck muscles.

Woman with Dark Curly Hair and Red Shirt

For most patients, the excess neck skin is also associated with lower face sag and so a lower facelift is normally done at the same time. Similarly, normal facial aging results in central volume loss and fat grafting is also done to replenish lost volume.

A more defined and youthful neck

As we age, our skin loses elasticity. Eventually this leads to loose skin and wrinkles. The neck is often one of the first places to show visible signs of aging. This is seen as an ill-defined neck and jawline and often prominent jowls as well. Some people feel that their neck looks older than their face does and are dismayed at the appearance of their neck.

While wrinkles and loose skin are a natural part of the aging process and are completely normal, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you are self-conscious about your neck and wish you could restore its youthful contours, a neck lift may be a good solution for you.

What does a neck lift do?

Skin tightening of the neck, by our board-certified plastic surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, is the primary technique used during neck lift surgery. In certain patients, liposuction is part of the process. Patients with thick necks may require the removal of the subcutaneous fat layer, as well as the tissue beneath the neck muscle.

A neck lift removes loose skin and excess fat from the neck to create a stronger contour and more youthful appearance. If you have lost a considerable amount of weight, this procedure treats the hanging skin that can sometimes resemble a “turkey neck.” It also removes localized fat pockets and softens the appearance of wrinkles and lines. To find out which procedure is best for your neck skin condition, call today for a consultation at our Austin, TX office.

Honesty, integrity and expertise

At the Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, our entire team is focused on helping you achieve your goals. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we are personally involved in every aspect of your treatment. Our doctors are all board-certified with years of experience in their craft. We are truly interested in hearing about what results you envision for yourself, and helping you get there. Our doctors are happy to go over your options with you, walking you through each procedure and advising you. We are here for you, always a text or a phone call away.

Surgical technique

A neck lift will address several issues including the removal of excess fat, the recruitment of hanging skin laterally to define the neck and jawline. Your surgeon may make an incision under the chin and/or behind or in front of the ears. If fat removal is part of this surgery, liposuction will be the first step. Next, the neck muscles (platysma) are pulled tight, and the overlying skin is stretched and re-draped to achieve the desired definition. Sutures are placed deep within the neck to highlight the neck and jawline.

How much time will I have to take off from work?

A neck lift is considered an outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia at our accredited surgical facility. This surgery typically takes 2-4 hours to complete, but that will depend on your unique circumstances. After surgery, you can expect some bruising and swelling.

You will feel some tightness and a pulling sensation as your neck adjusts to its new position. You should be able to return to work within 7-10 days. It can take several months for the optimal results to appear and for your neck to look and feel natural.

Explore our Gallery

Explore before & afters

Neck lift FAQs

Is there a non-surgical alternative?

For those with minimal laxity and good skin quality, FaceTite and Morpheus8 might be a good alternative. This is a much less involved procedure that lasts about one hour. For those with a lot of loose skin within the neck, this can only be removed through surgery. For those with tremendous laxity, this is the only true way to redefine a person’s neck and add the necessary definition needed to improve the contour and profile. In either case, adding fat grafting to replenish lost volume is very helpful to restore a more youthful look.

Will I have visible scars?

A neck lift may be done through an incision under the chin and/or one at the base of and behind the ears. However, these are placed inconspicuously (within the hairline on the ears and under the chin) so looking straight ahead you will not see them. We make every effort during surgery to minimize visible scarring as much as possible.

What is the average age?

Individuals in their 40s may begin to see early signs of laxity and loss of neck and jawline definition. If the skin quality is good and there is not a lot of redundancy, FaceTite and Morpheus8 might be a great option. Those in their 60s and over likely would need a face and neck lift, especially those who have experienced a massive weight loss or a hereditary predisposition to loose and sagging skin on the neck.

Neck or chin?

Some patients will have issues with their neck, but these problems may be the result of a “weak chin.” Without the proper support of the chin bone, the neck can’t have a defined contour. A chin implant may be recommended to improve the projection of the chin and make it stronger. This can have a great impact on the neck for many patients. This surgery requires the skill of an experienced surgeon. A neck lift may still be needed once the chin has been corrected.