Treatments and Procedures: Neck Lift

Neck lift (also called platysmaplasty) is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck to address age-related wrinkling and creasing in this area, and provide a smoother, slimmer profile.

Neck Lift Before and After Pictures

Neck lift before and after.
Neck lift before and after.

Neck Lift: Why Choose Johns Hopkins Facial Plastic Surgery? 

  • Our physician’s specialized training in the structure of the head and neck region provides a rare degree of skill and expertise, even in the most complex procedures.
  • Our team includes multiple surgeons who have dedicated their entire careers to focus on plastic surgery of the face, head, and neck.
  • Our approach to neck lifts considers your goals, age and ethnicity, and takes a natural approach to balance and proportion among all your facial features.
  • The team is dedicated to safeguarding each patient’s well-being and health while helping you feel attractive and confident.

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Neck Lift: What to Expect

Getting a neck lift starts with a candid discussion with one of our surgeons. You and our expert will talk about your medical history and your general health, skin condition, scarring tendency and other factors in the context of what you hope to achieve by getting a neck lift.

Your surgeon will take pictures so he or she can study your neck and may discuss other options to augment your procedure, such as chin implants or dermal fillers.

The Neck Lift Procedure

Your neck lift may take place in one of our office-based surgical facilities or at a Johns Hopkins outpatient surgery center.

Your surgeon will ensure you are comfortable during the procedure by using anesthesia.

The procedure takes several hours, during which the surgeon makes small incisions around and behind your ears, and a very small one under the chin. The surgeon carefully lifts the muscles of the neck and removes extra skin and fat, then closes the incisions and applies a pressure dressing around your head and underneath the chin.

After Your Neck Lift

Afterward, your neck may feel tight, and you may notice some bruising, which fades in a couple of weeks. Sutures (stitches) can come out in five to 10 days.

Recovery from a neck lift takes several weeks. Following your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions  is very important. You will receive details on addressing swelling and bruising and managing any discomfort.

The instructions will also advise you when to resume your regular activities and when to call the office in case of any unexpected changes or problems. 


Achieving a Natural-Looking Neck Lift

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Shaun Desai discusses his approach to achieving a natural-looking neck lift. Common questions are answered, such as who is a candidate for surgery and how long does the recovery period last.

Our Physicians

Our doctors are board certified in both otolaryngology—head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, which gives our team a unique and comprehensive level of expertise.