Neck Lift

gif animation of a face and the description of leading-edge plastic surgery in DFW

UT Southwestern Medical Center is nationally known for its expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery, including surgical procedures such as neck lifts. Our plastic surgeons, nurses, and clinical teams work together to help patients seeking a neck lift achieve a refreshed appearance.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that addresses loose neck skin, a double chin, “jowls,” and other issues. It aims to reduce age-related wrinkling and creasing, resulting in a smoother and more defined neck profile.

Our plastic surgeons can perform a neck lift alone or at the same time as other facial procedures, such as a face lift, forehead lift, or chin lift. We use advanced techniques tailored to each patient's anatomy, skin elasticity, and desired goals.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Neck Lift Surgery?

UT Southwestern’s experienced cosmetic and plastic surgeons are experts in advanced techniques for neck lifts. By conducting research studies, we are able to bring the latest advancements from the lab to the bedside for our patients.

We work closely with patients to understand their goals and provide treatment to help meet them.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A neck lift can benefit patients who have:

Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls
Excess fat in the neck
Loose neck skin
Muscle banding in the neck

View neck lift before and after photos.

What Are the Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery?

A neck lift can address multiple concerns, including:

Removing excess skin, reducing wrinkles and creases in the neck area
Enhancing the definition of the jawline and neck
Using techniques such as Z-plasty to remove excess skin and tighten the neck for patients with significant skin laxity
Reducing a double chin and sagging jowls

What Should Patients Expect During Neck Lift Surgery?

A neck lift is an outpatient procedure. Patients can go home the same day.

Our plastic surgeons provide anesthesia options when performing procedures, including:

General anesthesia
Sedation

A neck lift begins with the plastic surgeon making small incisions within the hairline on the back of the neck and behind the ears. Depending on the patient’s goals, one or more procedures are performed, such as:

Redistributing or removing fat from the jowls and neck
Tightening neck muscles
Repositioning the neck skin and underlying tissue
Removing excess neck skin

Sometimes, a small incision is made under the chin to tighten the central muscles in the neck and use liposuction to remove unwanted fat.

In the final step of this procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures or skin adhesives. A drain tube is often placed for most patients.

What Should Patients Expect After Neck Lift Surgery?

During neck lift recovery, patients can expect to:

Receive medication to relieve pain or reduce the risk of infection for a few days after the procedure
Have some swelling and mild bruising for the first few days; most swelling goes away in about two weeks, but some minor swelling can last several weeks
Return to work and most activities within a week
Resume more strenuous activities after a few weeks