Overview
The neck is often where aging shows first and most dramatically — loose, crepey skin, visible banding from platysma muscles, and submental fullness that softens the once-sharp jaw. A neck lift directly addresses each of these components in a way that no injectable or device can replicate. Performed alone or as part of a lower facelift, Dr. Fern's neck lift technique produces results that are among the most gratifying in the field.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for neck lift typically present with one or more of the following:
- Visible neck banding (platysmal bands)
- Loose skin hanging below the jawline
- Excess submental fat creating a double chin
- Loss of the cervicomental angle (angle between chin and neck)
- Patient who has already had a facelift but neck has re-laxed
The Procedure
Dr. Fern's approach to neck lift proceeds through the following steps:
- Small incision under the chin for direct access to neck fat and muscles
- Liposuction of submental and submandibular fat if needed
- Platysmaplasty: suturing platysmal bands together at the midline
- Post-auricular incisions for skin removal if excess skin is present
- SMAS manipulation extended into the neck from the facelift incision if combined
Recovery
A compression garment is worn for 1–2 weeks. Swelling and bruising subside over 10–14 days. The defined angle between the chin and neck becomes increasingly visible as swelling resolves over 2–3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can liposuction alone address my double chin?
In younger patients with good skin elasticity, submental liposuction alone may be sufficient. In patients with loose skin, liposuction without lifting will worsen laxity. Dr. Fern will advise the right approach at consultation.
Is a neck lift always combined with a facelift?
Not always. Many patients have isolated neck concerns — particularly those in their 40s whose mid-face has held up well. A standalone neck lift is a less invasive operation with focused results.