Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

Why the neck shows age first

The neck is covered by the platysma, a thin flat muscle that runs like a sheet under the skin of the front and sides. With time its two inner edges separate and hang down, producing the vertical bands that become obvious when you speak or tense the neck. At the same time skin loses tightness and fat collects under the chin, so the clean line from jaw to throat blurs.

Creams and exercises rarely change this, because the cause sits in the muscle and in the skin itself, both of which need surgical correction.

What the operation corrects

Platysmaplasty addresses the muscle: the surgeon brings the separated edges back together, which removes the cords. Depending on the plan, excess fat under the chin is removed, loose skin is redraped and trimmed, and the chin-neck angle is rebuilt. The work goes through small incisions under the chin and behind the ears; the scars are small and usually hard to notice once healed.

Who it suits

The operation fits people whose main complaint is the neck: bands under the skin, a soft angle under the chin, or loose skin after weight loss, while the face itself still looks fresh. When jowls are pronounced as well, treating the neck alone can look unfinished, because the platysma continues upward into the deep facial layer; in those cases the surgeon will suggest combining the neck lift with a lower face lift in one operation.

There are contraindications, and the doctor decides whether surgery suits you at the free consultation, after examining the skin quality and the muscle.

How the operation is performed

At our centre surgical lifts are done under general (inhalation) anaesthesia. The surgeon works through the small incisions, tightens the platysma, removes fat where the plan calls for it and redrapes the skin. The extent, the incisions and the price are written into the contract before the operation.

Recovery after a neck lift

• Days 1–10. Rest, a compression bandage and reduced physical activity.
• Weeks 2–3. Swelling and bruising usually fade over two to three weeks.
• About 10–14 days. The typical point of return to office work.
• About 2 months. Full recovery.
• Months 3–6. The contour takes on its final look.

During the first weeks you keep the head movements moderate and sleep with the head raised; the surgeon gives the full aftercare plan before discharge.

The muscle repair and the removal of excess skin change the anatomy, not just its appearance, so the correction holds for years; at our centre the effect of a surgical SMAS lift is described as lasting 7–10 years, and a neck lift works on the same deep layer. Ageing continues after any procedure, and the surgeon will tell you honestly what to expect from your skin quality at the consultation.

Neck lift price

The price of a neck lift at our medical centre is set individually and depends on whether the platysma, the skin or both need work, and whether the operation is combined with a face lift; a lower face and neck SMAS lift starts at $2,400. The exact figure is fixed in the contract after the free consultation. Coordinators answer in Telegram and WhatsApp around the clock and will pass your photos to the surgeon.

Neck lift: the sequence from consultation to the final contour

1. Step 1. Free consultationThe surgeon examines the platysma, skin and fat under the chin, agrees whether the neck alone is enough and fixes the price in the contract.
2. Step 2. Work-upPre-operative tests and booking of the surgery date.
3. SurgeryGeneral inhalation anaesthesia; the platysma edges are tightened, excess fat and skin are corrected through small incisions.
4. Days 1–10Rest, compression bandage, reduced activity.
5. Days 10–14Return to office work for most people.
6. Weeks 2–3Swelling and bruising fade.
7. Months 2–6Full recovery, then the final contour settles.

Frequently asked questions

What is a platysmaplasty?

An operation on the platysma, the thin muscle sheet under the skin of the neck. Its separated edges are the cause of vertical bands; the surgeon brings them back together and can remove excess fat and skin through small incisions.

How much does a neck lift cost?

The price is individual and depends on whether muscle, skin or both are treated, and whether the operation is combined with a face lift. A lower face and neck SMAS lift starts at $2,400; the exact figure is fixed in the contract.

Where are the scars?

Under the chin and behind the ears. They are small and usually hard to notice after healing; the surgeon shows their position before the operation.

How long is the recovery?

Swelling and bruising fade over two to three weeks, and most people return to office work after about 10–14 days. Full recovery takes about two months.

Can a neck lift be combined with a facelift?

Yes, and it is often the right plan: the platysma continues into the deep facial layer, so pronounced jowls and a loose neck are better corrected in one operation.

How long does the result last?

The correction changes the anatomy and holds for years; at our centre the effect of a surgical SMAS lift is described as 7–10 years. Your skin quality sets the personal outlook, which the surgeon discusses at the consultation.

Related procedures

• Mini facelift of the lower face
• Deep plane facelift
• Facelift: techniques and prices