In the very mildest form, where fatty excess predominates with mild skin laxity and good elasticity, a "suction neck lift", incorporating liposuction alone, may be appropriate.

For moderate skin laxity with "banding" of the muscles, a neck lift with platysmaplasty (where muscles of the neck are tightened) with or without liposuction may be appropriate.

For more significant skin laxity, the classical neck lift procedure, most often in conjunction with a facelift is performed. The underlying muscles are tightened, and excess skin is trimmed producing a sharper more youthful neckline. These neck lift techniques aim to produce a more accentuated jaw line as well as a more youthful appearance.

Ideal Neck Lift Candidate

• Excess fat beneath the chin and neck
• "Bands" created by the aging neck muscles
• Laxity or droop of the jowl area and neck
• Mild or moderate wrinkling of the skin only

Neck Lift Techniques

• Necklift with liposuction only
• Necklift with platysmaplasty, with or without liposuction
• Classical necklift

Neck Lift Surgery

Many individuals with good skin elasticity are candidates for a suction assisted neck lift technique that is performed through the very tiny incision beneath the chin. The platysmaplasty (tightening of neck muscles) procedure is performed through incisions concealed beneath the chin. For those with mild or moderate neck skin laxity and banding of the platysma muscle, a neck lift with a platysmaplasty is performed. Liposuction or direct fat removal may be performed with this type of neck lift if needed.

In cases with more substantial excess and laxity, facelift incisions that are well concealed in front and behind the ears may be used. Excess skin is trimmed and redraped, tightening of the deep tissues and muscle is carried out, producing a more accentuated neck line with a more youthful look.
If the chin is weak or retrusive, a chin implant may be used in the neck lift as well, accentuating the jaw and neckline. Dr. Unal will select the individual neck lift technique that suits best with you. A neck lift in Istanbul is performed in accredited hospitals.

The suction neck lift procedure takes approximately one hour. The neck lift with platysmaplasty with incisions beneath the chin only takes approximately two to three hours. A classical neck lift procedure combined with a facelift takes approximately four to five hours.

Recovery After Neck Lift Surgery

Following neck lift procedure, you will spend the night at the hospital, and go home on the morning following your surgery with a friend or family member. Most patients experience only mild discomfort after a neck lift, which is more a feeling of "tightness" beneath the chin from the correction of the neck muscles.

Swelling and bruising are expected after a neck lift, and they generally resolve after two weeks. If combined with a facelift or fat grafting, the period of swelling and recovery will be slightly longer. A compressive elastic chin and neck strap is often applied following a neck lift with liposuction, and occasionally after a neck lift with platysmaplasty or a classical neck lift; compression is most often maintained for two to three weeks depending on the surgical technique.

It usually takes 4-7 days to go back to work with liposuction only, 7 to 10 days with platysmaplasty (tightening of neck muscles), 10 to 14 days with a classical necklift, 14 to 21 days with classical neck & facelift with the addition of fat graft.

It is possible to start light exercising in 2-3 weeks, and more strenuous exercise in 4-6 weeks after surgery.

The final shape and feel is reached approximately three months after neck lift. Dr. Unal will see you often through the first weeks and months following your neck lift, and will advise you on all matters in your recovery such as skin fitness and health including diet, skin care, retinols, antioxidants, and sun blocks to maximize and preserve the rejuvenative effects of your neck lift procedure.