Neck Lift Overview

What Is Neck Lift Surgery?

  • Incision made along the bottom of the ear, extending into the hairline behind the ear
  • Incision is shorter than a facelift and hides within natural creases
  • In some cases, a single incision under the chin is used for a deep neck lift
  • Deep neck lift tightens underlying tissues; often, no skin removal needed
  • Performed under monitored sedation or general anesthesia in an operating room
  • Some cases may be done in-office with local anesthesia
  • Procedure time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on complexity
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Why Choose The Spiegel Center For a Neck Lift Procedure?

Choosing Dr. Spiegel or Dr. Towers for a neck lift surgery places you in the hands of a globally recognized facial rejuvenation expert. Board-certified in both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Spiegel brings a wealth of expertise from his roles at The Spiegel Center, Newton Surgery, and Premier Plastic Surgery Partners, performing over 1200 surgeries annually.

Dr. Spiegel is known for his innovative, patient-focused neck lift techniques that minimize downtime and maximize comfort and results. With numerous awards from top surgical societies, his commitment to excellence ensures transformative, natural-looking outcomes that significantly enhance both appearance and quality of life. The Aesthetic Show has honored Jeffrey Spiegel, MD, founder of The Spiegel Center, with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to plastic surgery, research, innovation, and physician education.

Dr. Jacob Tower brings cutting-edge training in facial plastic surgery to sculpt the neck and jawline with precision and artistry.

Accomplishments

  • Awarded as one of the Top Doctors in Boston 2024
  • Standing professor at Boston University School of Medicine
  • Performs over 1200+ primary and advanced procedures annually
  • Voted Best Recovery Regimens 2024

Neck LiftBefore & After Photos

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What are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

  • Restores a youthful and elegant neck and jawline contour.
  • Eliminates sagging skin, "turkey neck," and double chin for a smoother appearance.
  • Creates a more sculpted, defined profile that enhances overall facial harmony.
  • Reduces visible signs of aging and improves skin elasticity.
  • Provides long-lasting results, often boosting confidence and self-esteem.
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Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Neck Lift?

  • Individuals experiencing sagging skin, excess fat, or muscle banding in the neck area.
  • Patients in good overall health who wish to rejuvenate their neck and jawline.
  • Those feel their neck has aged faster than their face, creating an imbalanced appearance.
  • Anyone seeking a tailored approach to achieve their aesthetic goals is evaluated during a personalized consultation with Dr. Spiegel.
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What Is Recovery From A Neck Lift Like?

Recovery after a neck lift in Boston is relatively easy; patients are free to return home following surgery with the help of an escort. Most patients label the discomfort as minimal for the first week following surgery. It is common to experience some bruising and swelling for the following week around the neck and lower face, and even the upper chest for some patients, as gravity can pull the bruising downward.

Most patients feel well enough to resume work and daily activities about 10 days following surgery. If you have a less physically demanding job, you may be able to return to work sooner. Pain medication is given to patients, although many don’t need it after the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery. 

What Results Should I Expect After a Neck Lift?

After a neck lift, you can expect a smoother, more defined neck contour that enhances your overall appearance. While some mild redness at the incision site is common in the early days of recovery, most patients look and feel well relatively soon after the procedure. Sutures are typically removed around day 8.

Results from a neck lift generally last between 7 and 10 years, though individual outcomes may vary based on factors like skin quality, age, and lifestyle. Even as the natural aging process continues, you’ll benefit from a more youthful baseline than before surgery. Rest during the recovery period is strongly recommended for the best long-term results.

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Are There Any Risks or Complications with a Neck Lift Surgery?

Every surgical procedure comes with risks. For a neck lift, these include bruising, swelling, temporary muscle or nerve weakness, bleeding, patches of numbness, infection, or the need for future revision. In almost all cases, problems are easily treated during a quick office visit. Most importantly, problems after a neck lift are very rare.

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Combining Your Neck Lift With Other Procedures

Combining a neck lift in Boston with other facial rejuvenation measures is a common way to get an overall younger appearance. The Spiegel Center offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical facial procedures including the brow lift, eye lift, and BOTOX injections to complement your neck lift results.

Dr. Spiegel can recommend additional options to help you achieve your desired look during your consultation. Not ready for a neck lift in Boston? You can consider InMode FaceTite (NeckTite), Morpheus 8, or botulinum injections to the neck bands.

Neck Lift FAQs

What's the Difference Between a Traditional Neck Lift and a Deep Neck Lift?

A traditional neck lift typically removes excess skin. It tightens the underlying muscle, while a deep neck lift focuses on tightening the deeper platysma muscle and may avoid removing skin altogether. It is often performed through a single incision under the chin.

Will I Need Drains After a Neck Lift?

Small drains are sometimes placed temporarily to remove excess fluid in the first day or two after surgery, particularly for more extensive procedures. They are removed early in recovery once drainage has slowed.

How Should I Sleep After a Neck Lift?

Sleeping with the head elevated, often using extra pillows or a recliner, is generally recommended for the first week or two to help minimize swelling around the neck and jawline.

Is Numbness Common After a Neck Lift, and How Long Does It Last?

Temporary numbness in the neck or lower face is common as small sensory nerves recover from the surgery, typically improving gradually over several weeks to a few months.

What Non-Surgical Options Exist for Someone Not Ready for a Full Neck Lift?

Energy-based treatments like FaceTite, NeckTite, or Morpheus8, along with BOTOX for visible neck bands, can offer noticeable improvement for patients seeking a less invasive alternative before committing to surgery.

Can a Neck Lift Address Vertical Neck Bands, Not Just Loose Skin?

Yes. Vertical banding, caused by the platysma muscle separating with age, is specifically addressed by tightening and sometimes suturing the muscle together during a neck lift, in addition to any skin removal.

Can a Neck Lift Be Performed on Patients Who Have Significant Skin Laxity but Minimal Fat?

Yes. For patients whose main concern is loose skin rather than excess fat, the surgical approach focuses more on tightening and redraping the skin than on extensive liposuction, which is determined during consultation.

References:

  • Hwang, H. S., & Spiegel, J. H. (2014). The effect of “single” vs “double” eyelids on the perceived attractiveness of Chinese women. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 34(3), 374–382.
    https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/34/3/374/220642 403
  • Spiegel, J. H., & Polat, J. K. (2007). Microvascular flap reconstruction by otolaryngologists: prevalence, postoperative care, and monitoring techniques. Laryngoscope, 117(3), 485–490.
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1097/MLG.0b013e31802d6e66 403
  • Spiegel, J. H., & Rodriguez, G. (2008). Chondrolaryngoplasty under general anesthesia using a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope and laryngeal mask airway. Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 134(7), 704–708.
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/408787
  • Spiegel, J. H. (2019). The modified bullhorn approach for the lip-lift. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 21(1), 69–70.
    https://www.liebertpub.com/abs/doi/10.1001/jamafacial.2018.0847
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