Neck Lift Before & Afters
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Charlotte, NC
Jowls, neckbands, a double chin, or loose, hanging neck skin can make you look older than you would like.
At Premier Plastic Surgery Center a neck lift is used to help remove excess skin, wrinkles, and fat on the chin and neck to help you look 10-15 years younger. This procedure is also known medically as platysmaplasty.
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A neck lift is a surgical procedure that helps tighten and smooth the skin around your neck and jawline. Over time, it’s normal to notice loose skin, a bit of sagging, or fullness under the chin that just won’t budge, no matter how many serums or workouts you try. A neck lift can help with that by removing extra skin, tightening muscles, and gently lifting everything back into place.
The procedure usually involves small incisions around the ears and sometimes under the chin. From there, Dr. Ferrari carefully adjusts the muscles and removes or repositions fat to create a cleaner, more defined shape. Every neck lift surgery is customized based on your face shape, skin, and goals, so it never looks “done,” just refreshed. It’s often done with general anesthesia and can be part of a larger plan that includes other procedures, depending on what you’re looking for.
Excess neck skin, neck wrinkles, and chin fat are a common complaint as patients grow older. Loose jowls and a turkey neck only worsen with age as the skin continues to lose elasticity. Submental fat (chin fat) also accumulates on the jawline, causing a loss of jawline definition. While losing weight may slim the neck to a degree, once the skin has stretched, it does not always return to its original position.
A neck lift removes stubborn chin fat, tightens loose neck skin, and it reduces the wrinkles. Tightening the skin and neck muscles provides a dramatic lifting effect for a more youthful, contoured jawline and chin. This procedure will:
The right neck lift depends on what is causing the change beneath the chin and along the jawline. Loose skin, excess fat, stretched platysma muscles, and early jowling require different levels of correction. Dr. Ferrari examines each layer before recommending a full neck lift, a mini neck lift, or a neck lift that includes liposuction.
A full neck lift offers the broadest correction for moderate to advanced neck aging. Through incisions placed around the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin, Dr. Ferrari can remove excess skin, tighten the platysma muscles, address vertical neck bands, and improve the transition between the jaw and neck.
This approach may be appropriate for patients with a turkey neck, pronounced bands, loose skin extending across the neck, or jowls that blur the lower face. A full neck lift requires more recovery than a limited procedure because it addresses more tissue.
A mini neck lift uses a limited-incision approach for early changes along the neck and jawline. It may suit patients with good skin elasticity, a small amount of fat beneath the chin, and mild to moderate looseness along the jaw. The shorter incision pattern can mean less swelling and a shorter recovery than a full neck lift.
The tradeoff is a narrower range of correction. A mini neck lift does not tighten pronounced platysmal bands or remove a large amount of hanging skin. If the muscle and skin have both weakened, a full neck lift may create a cleaner contour and a result that holds up better over time.
Some patients have excess fat beneath the chin in addition to loose skin or muscle bands. Dr. Ferrari may add liposuction to remove localized fat before tightening the deeper tissue and redraping the skin. This combination can improve jawline definition and reduce fullness that would remain after skin tightening alone.
Liposuction by itself does not tighten stretched muscle or remove excess skin. Younger patients with strong elasticity may need fat removal alone, while patients with laxity tend to benefit from liposuction as part of a neck lift.
Preparation begins with a review of your health, medications, previous procedures, and goals for the neck and jawline. Dr. Ferrari will examine skin elasticity, fat distribution, jowling, platysma bands, chin projection, and the relationship between the lower face and neck. This assessment determines the incision pattern and shows if fat removal or another facial procedure belongs in the plan.
You may need medical clearance, lab work, or medication adjustments before surgery. Tell Dr. Ferrari about every prescription, over-the-counter medication, vitamin, and herbal supplement you take. Some products can increase bleeding or interfere with anesthesia. Do not stop a prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician and surgical team approve the change.
Nicotine raises the risk of poor healing, skin loss, and visible scarring. Patients must stop smoking, vaping, and using nicotine products for the period Dr. Ferrari specifies before and after surgery. Follow his instructions rather than substituting a nicotine patch, gum, or pouch without approval.
Plan for an adult to drive you home and stay with you after surgery. Fill approved prescriptions, prepare soft meals, and set up a place where you can rest with your head and shoulders elevated. Shirts that button or zip in front are easier to put on without pulling clothing over the incisions. Arrange help with children, pets, errands, and lifting during the first stage of recovery.
Most Charlotte neck lift patients undergo general anesthesia. Dr. Ferrari’s neck lift surgery generally takes between 1 to 2 hours. The surgery is fully customized to each patient, as not all patients have the same signs of neck aging. The most common neck concerns we treat are excess fat, sagging skin, jowls, turkey neck, and vertical neckbands. Neck lift surgery is a three-part procedure that is designed to correct these issues.
Fat Removal: The surgery often begins with liposuction to remove excess neck fat and double chin fat. Most patients have fat both above and below the neck muscles. A combination of surgical fat removal and liposuction may be used to remove unwanted fat for a more contoured jaw. Dr. Ferrari will gently suction away the fat for a slim, youthful neck.
Neck Muscle Tightening (Platysmaplasty): Many neck lift patients have vertical neckbands. These two muscle bands are located on either side of the neck. As the neck muscles stretch due to wear and tear from age, vertical necklines form. Neck lift surgery tightens the loose platysma muscles to remove unsightly vertical neck bands with corset platysmaplasty. Note that a mini neck lift does not include platysmaplasty.
Neck Loose Skin Removal (Cervicoplasty): Finally, cervicoplasty is performed to tighten loose skin on the neck. This easily corrects loose jowls and the appearance of a turkey neck that hangs below the chin area. After the excess neck skin is removed, Dr. Ferrari will close the incision, which has a nice skin tightening effect to reduce neck wrinkles.
Neck lift scars are permanent, but Dr. Ferrari places the incisions where the ear contours, hairline, and natural creases help conceal them. A full neck lift may require incisions that begin near the sideburn, pass around the ear, and extend into the hairline behind it. A short incision beneath the chin may provide access for liposuction or platysma repair. A mini neck lift uses a more limited incision pattern.
Scars can look pink, raised, or firm during early healing. They flatten and fade as the tissue matures, a process that can continue for a year or longer. Final visibility depends on the procedure, skin type, genetics, tension on the closure, sun exposure, nicotine use, and how the incision heals.
Follow Dr. Ferrari’s incision-care instructions and protect healing scars from the sun. Once the skin has closed, he may recommend silicone gel, silicone sheets, or another scar-care plan. Contact the office if an incision becomes more red, warm, swollen, painful, or begins to drain.
Most people start to see changes within a couple of weeks after surgery, but it takes time for everything to fully settle. Swelling and tightness go down gradually, and the final result usually shows up around the six-month mark. Once you’re healed, you’ll notice a smoother neck, a sharper jawline, and skin that looks firmer and more toned.
Neck Lift results can last a long time, often 10 to 15 years, especially if you take care of your skin. Things like sun protection, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking can help your results hold up even longer. A neck lift won’t stop the natural aging process, but it does set the clock back in a way that lets you age more gracefully.
The average neck lift recovery time is 1-2 weeks after the procedure, although this can vary based on the extent of surgery. As a less extensive surgery, the mini neck lift recovery time may be shorter.
Following a neck lift Charlotte patients may experience swelling. Most swelling will subside in the first 10-14 days. Bruising may also occur, and the incisions will need a few weeks to heal. Fortunately, the area below the chin and neck is easy to hide with scarves or a turtleneck, so no one will be the wiser. Dr. Ferrari may recommend wearing a compression bandage for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
The goal of compression garments is to reduce swelling, improve skin retraction, and protect the incision from contamination. Neck lift incisions will be discreetly hidden under the chin and behind the ears so it will not be obvious to others that you had the procedure. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments. This way, Matthews neck lift provider, Dr. Ferrari can monitor your healing. Your safety always comes first at Premier Plastic Surgery Center.
Recovery depends on the extent of skin removal, muscle repair, and fat reduction. A mini neck lift may settle sooner than a full neck lift with platysmaplasty. The timeline below gives a general view; Dr. Ferrari’s instructions and your follow-up findings determine when you can resume each activity.
Rest with your head and shoulders elevated and keep the neck in a neutral position. Light walking helps circulation, but bending, straining, and lifting should wait. A compression wrap may be worn as directed. Tightness, swelling, bruising, numbness, and mild drainage can occur. An adult should remain available to help with meals, medications, and movement around the home.
Swelling and bruising may become more noticeable before they begin to improve. Continue incision care and wear compression for the schedule Dr. Ferrari provides. Short walks are encouraged. Do not drive while taking sedating pain medication or until you can turn your head and react without discomfort.
Many patients feel ready for desk work and routine social activities within one to two weeks. Visible bruising may remain, and the neck can still feel tight or numb. Dr. Ferrari will monitor the incisions and remove any nondissolving sutures or drains according to the surgical plan.
The jawline and neck contour become easier to see as swelling decreases. Most daily activities feel more comfortable, but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and movements that strain the neck may remain restricted. Residual firmness and altered sensation are common during this stage.
Charlotte neck lift provider Dr. Ferrari may clear you to resume more demanding exercise. Return in stages rather than going straight back to full intensity. Incisions continue to strengthen, and swelling can fluctuate after activity or late in the day.
Residual swelling, tightness, and numbness continue to settle. The scars soften and the neck contour gains definition. Most of the result is visible before six months, but subtle refinement can continue as the tissues heal.
A neck lift focuses on loose skin, fat, and muscle changes beneath the jaw. If aging also affects the cheeks, jowls, eyelids, or brow, treating the neck alone may leave an imbalance between the upper and lower face. Dr. Ferrari can evaluate the face as a whole and recommend the smallest combination that addresses the patient’s concerns.
A facelift addresses descent through the lower face and jowls, while a neck lift sharpens the area beneath the jaw and removes loose neck skin. Combining them can create a smoother transition from the cheeks to the jawline and neck. Some incision access may overlap, which can make a combined plan more efficient than staging the surgeries.
Patients with neck laxity and tired-looking eyes may combine a neck lift with blepharoplasty. A brow lift may be considered when brow descent contributes to upper-face heaviness. These procedures address separate areas but can be completed during one anesthetic and one coordinated recovery for suitable patients.
Liposuction can reduce fat beneath the chin and along the jawline before the skin and platysma are tightened. Fat removal must be conservative enough to preserve a smooth contour. Dr. Ferrari bases the plan on skin quality, muscle position, fat location, and chin projection rather than treating every double chin the same way.
Combining procedures lengthens the operation and may change recovery needs. Dr. Ferrari will consider health history, anesthesia time, support at home, and the amount of work required before recommending a combined surgery.
Because no two necks are exactly the same, the cost of a neck lift can vary. The final price depends on things like the technique used, how complex the surgery is, and whether it’s being combined with another procedure, like a facelift or liposuction.
When you get a quote from Charlotte neck lift surgeon, Dr. Ferrari’s office, it usually includes everything: the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, the surgical facility, follow-up visits, and any supplies you’ll need during recovery. You won’t be handed a list of unexpected fees later. During your consultation, you’ll get a breakdown that’s clear and easy to understand so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
When it comes to looking and feeling your best, choosing a board-certified surgeon with experience in neck lifts and fat removal is critical for a good result. As a Charlotte plastic surgeon with ample experience performing platysmaplasty and cervicoplasty, Dr. Ferrari will be pleased to help you get the body makeover you are looking for.
Charlotte neck lift surgeon, Dr. Ferrari comes highly recommended. In addition to his board-certification, advanced fellowship training, and professional memberships in plastic and reconstructive surgery, he provides personalized attention to each patient. The neck lift is tailored to your exact needs. You will also have the advantage of 24/7 access to Dr. Ferrari, both before and after the procedure. Our team works closely with every patient to deliver the best results possible.
Yes, it’s actually one of the more popular facial procedures, especially for people in their 40s to 60s who are noticing changes around the chin and neck.
There’s some tightness and soreness at first, but most people say it feels more uncomfortable than painful. Any pain is usually managed easily with medication.
Like with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection, bruising, or nerve sensitivity. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Ferrari helps keep those risks low.
Neck lift results aren’t technically permanent, but they are long-lasting. You may choose to touch things up years down the line, but most people don’t need repeat procedures anytime soon.
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