Best Neck Lift Surgeons in Turkey

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is an operation that treats loose skin, vertical muscle bands and fullness in the neck. Medically, the muscle part is called platysmaplasty, and the skin part is sometimes called cervicoplasty. The aim is a smoother neck and a clearer angle under the jaw.

With age, the thin neck muscle (platysma) can separate at the front and form visible cords. The skin loses elasticity and fat may collect under the chin. A neck lift can address all of these in one operation. For the wider group of face and neck procedures, see the face and neck aesthetics page.

How is a neck lift done?

A neck lift usually takes about two hours on its own and longer when combined with a facelift.

1. Assessment: The surgeon checks skin laxity, muscle bands, fat under and above the muscle, and the position of the glands under the jaw.
2. Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or local anaesthetic with deep sedation.
3. Incision under the chin: A short cut in the natural crease under the chin gives access to the muscle and fat.
4. Muscle tightening: The edges of the platysma are stitched together at the midline to flatten the bands.
5. Skin redraping: Through incisions around and behind the ears, excess skin is lifted and trimmed.
6. Closure: Incisions are closed, a drain may be placed and a compression garment is fitted.

Who is a neck lift suitable for?

A neck lift suits healthy adults whose main concern is loose neck skin or visible neck bands. It is often chosen by people whose lower face is still fairly firm but whose neck shows ageing earlier.

A neck lift alone may not be enough when:

• There are clear jowls and sagging of the lower face, where a facelift may be added
• Fullness is caused only by fat with good skin tone, where liposuction may be enough
• A small chin affects the profile

Smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure and blood thinners increase risk and need to be addressed first.

What is recovery like after a neck lift?

Most people return to social activities within about two weeks after a neck lift. Swelling, bruising and tightness under the chin are common at first. The neck can feel stiff when turning or bending the head.

• First days: Keep the head raised and avoid bending the neck sharply. Any drain is removed early.
• Weeks 1 to 2: Stitches are removed and the compression garment is worn as advised.
• Months 1 to 3: Firmness and numbness ease gradually.

Avoid heavy exercise and high-collared clothing that rubs the incisions until your surgeon allows it.

What are the specific risks of a neck lift?

The specific risks of a neck lift relate to bleeding under the thin neck skin and to nearby nerves.

• Haematoma: Blood collecting under the neck skin, which may need drainage.
• Nerve injury: A nerve branch near the jaw can be affected, giving a temporary uneven lower lip.
• Irregular contour: Over-removal of fat can leave a hollow or skeletal look.
• Residual or recurring bands: Some bands may remain or return over time.
• Scarring: Scars under the chin or behind the ears may widen.
• Numbness: The neck skin can feel numb for months.

How does a neck lift compare with a facelift and double chin liposuction?

A neck lift tightens the neck, a facelift also lifts the lower face and jawline, and double chin liposuction removes fat only.

What affects the cost of a neck lift?

The cost of a neck lift depends on how much of the neck needs treatment and whether it is combined with other surgery. Factors include:

• Muscle tightening only, or full skin redraping
• Combination with a facelift, chin implant or liposuction
• Length of surgery and type of anaesthesia
• Hospital stay and compression garments
• The surgeon's experience and the city

The exact fee is given after the consultation. Choose a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon who performs neck surgery regularly. You can compare doctors who perform neck surgery by city in the doctor listings.