What a Neck Lift Addresses
Neck lift surgery can correct a broad range of cosmetic concerns, including:
- Sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline that doesn't respond to exercise
- Excess fat, often referred to as a "double chin," which can affect even thin patients due to genetics or aging
- Turkey wattle — loose skin and platysmal banding that creates a vertical, sagging appearance
- Loss of definition in the chin and jawline, including jowling
A neck lift can take both pounds and years off your appearance, and for many patients it's the single most impactful step in a facial rejuvenation plan.
How a Neck Lift Works
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, works by repositioning the tissues beneath the neck skin and tightening the underlying platysma muscle. Excess fat may be redistributed from the jowls and neck, and in some cases liposuction is used to refine the contour under the chin. Excess skin is then trimmed away or redraped over the new, lifted contours.
Your procedure begins with anesthesia for your comfort — Dr. Schaffer may use IV sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of your surgery. Incisions are carefully placed in the hairline and around the ear, where they're naturally hidden. Once contouring is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue. Many patients return to their normal routines within 3–4 days after surgery.
Incisions and Scarring
Dr. Schaffer takes great care to place incisions in areas that are naturally concealed — typically along the hairline, in the natural ear crease, and sometimes a small incision under the chin. This strategic placement, combined with meticulous closure technique, means scarring is minimal and fades significantly over time.
Healing varies by patient. Genetics and skin type both play a role, and Dr. Schaffer will review your individual healing profile during your consultation. He has also received advanced training in sub-mandibular gland resection, which addresses the rare issue of certain neck glands appearing to bulge after surgery — another factor that contributes to a refined, natural-looking result.
Combining a Neck Lift With Other Procedures
A neck lift is an excellent standalone procedure, but it pairs naturally with other facial rejuvenation treatments. Many patients combine a neck lift with a facelift to address lax neck tissues and sagging cheeks together. Chin augmentation can further refine the jawline, and non-surgical options like injectables, laser, and microneedling can complement your surgical results.
Neck Lift Revision Surgery
Patients who had a previous neck lift elsewhere and aren't satisfied with the result can pursue a revision procedure with Dr. Schaffer. A revision can address visible scarring from a previous surgery, correct results from improper surgical technique, refine an outdated outcome as tissues continue to age, or align your appearance with updated personal goals. Both surgical scar revision and laser scar removal are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neck Lift Cost & Financing
Schaffer Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It allows you to pay for treatments through convenient monthly payments. Apply today.
State-of-the-Art Surgery Center
Your neck lift will be performed at Schaffer Plastic Surgery's private, state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Located across from Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, the center features ample parking and a comfortable family waiting area. Yours will be the only surgery taking place that day, ensuring you receive the undivided attention of Dr. Schaffer and his team.
Visit our photo gallery to see real results from neck lift surgeries performed by Dr. Schaffer, then schedule your consultation today to learn how a neck lift can refine your jawline and restore a more youthful appearance.
