Neck Lift & Chin Liposuction

Over time, the skin under the chin and along the neck begins to lose elasticity, which compromises its ability to conform to connective tissue and other underlying structures. This skin laxity can create the appearance of a double chin or saggy neck in even the most health-conscious individuals. Fortunately, neck lift surgery can often be an excellent solution for both women and men troubled by these aesthetic concerns. In addition, Dr. Steven Holzman offers chin liposuction to address excess submental fat and further improve the contour of the neck.

• What Is a Neck Lift?
• Neck Lift Candidates
• Neck Lift Procedure
• Neck Lift Recovery
• Neck Lift Results
• Neck Lift Scars
• Neck Lift Longevity
• Neck Lift Alternatives
• Chin Liposuction
• Additional Neck Lift FAQs

With over two decades of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Holzman is exceptionally skilled in tailoring neck lift procedures to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual he treats. Using his artistic eye, extensive anatomical knowledge, and seasoned approach to surgery, he is always focused on creating natural-looking results while optimizing patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

What Makes a Good Neck Lift Candidate?

Men and women who qualify as good candidates for neck lift surgery are generally seeking to improve one or more of the following concerns:

• Loose, sagging skin below the chin
• Localized fat accumulation(s) beneath the chin and/or on the neck
• Visible vertical banding in the neck
• Lax neck musculature

Individuals undergoing a neck lift should also be in good overall health with no uncontrolled medical issues, as well as have realistic expectations for the outcome of surgery. Dr. Holzman can review all candidacy requirements in complete detail during a consultation at our practice, ultimately determining whether a neck lift or another cosmetic procedure would be the best option for your specific case.

How Is the Neck Lift Procedure Performed?

An isolated neck lift (without a facelift) is usually performed on an outpatient basis, taking approximately three hours to complete. The procedure begins with a few small incisions along the underside of each ear and beneath the middle of the chin to reveal the muscles of the neck. At this point, the skin is separated from the underlying tissue, and fat deposits are removed using liposuction techniques. The muscles of the neck are then tightened and sutured into place to ensure long-lasting results before the skin is lifted and any excess is removed. Lastly, the incisions are closed carefully to minimize visible scarring.

What Is Recovery from Neck Lift Surgery Like?

Directly following neck lift surgery, a bulky dressing with a neck support is applied and is to remain in place for several days until the first postoperative visit. Thereafter, a special garment will need to be worn nightly to provide support to the neck during the extent of the healing phase. Minimal to moderate swelling and bruising can be expected initially, but these symptoms are temporary and should dissipate with time (swelling typically resolves over the course of 12 weeks, though most patients look better at around 10 days).

While some degree of soreness throughout the treatment region is common at first, any discomfort is generally described as mild and can be effectively managed with medication. You will likely be able to resume non-strenuous activity and office-based work within about seven to ten days, with all postoperative restrictions being lifted after approximately one month.

What Neck Lift Results Can I Expect?

Patients who receive a neck lift from Dr. Holzman often emerge looking years younger—the neck appears tighter and longer, revealing a smooth jaw line and lean contours. Generally speaking, the results of neck lift surgery tend to last at least 10–15 years before signs of aging manifest to a degree that some form of touch-up treatment might be desired. That being said, patients will always look younger at this period in time than if they never received a neck lift in the first place.

It is important to note that while a neck lift does an excellent job at re-sculpting the neck and removing excess skin, it does not do much for the texture of the skin itself. This requires the use of topical agents designed to improve the appearance of the skin on the neck and face. Following your procedure, Dr. Holzman can recommend particular medical-grade skin care products based on your unique needs, enabling you to enjoy the full benefits of neck lift surgery for years to come.

Will I Have Neck Lift Scars?

In most cases, neck lift incisions can be carefully concealed in the creases behind the ears, underneath the chin, and/or in the natural contours of the lower face, allowing for the residual scars to be quite discreet. During your consultation, Dr. Holzman can demonstrate where the incisions are likely to be placed so you have a better idea of what type of scarring to expect based on the unique details of your treatment plan.

How Long Do the Results of a Neck Lift Last?

With proper care, the results of a neck lift can endure for many years—sometimes over a decade. Dr. Holzman encourages patients to follow several postoperative care guidelines to get the most of their results, including using high-quality or medical grade skin care and sun protection products, abstaining from smoking, and avoiding weight fluctuations, which can stretch skin and muscles and lead to the development of new fatty tissues. Committing to a healthy lifestyle with nutrient-rich foods, regular exercise, recommended sleep, and plenty of water are all excellent ways to preserve your rejuvenated neck lift results over the long-term. During your consultation, Dr. Holzman will review all recommendations for post-procedure care and recovery as well as additional treatments that may support your aesthetic outcome into the future.

Are There Any Neck Lift Alternatives?

Although there is no direct substitute for the results achieved with a surgical neck lift—especially when it comes to addressing sagging skin and loose musculature—there are a few less invasive treatments that may still accomplish some of your aesthetic goals. Dr. Holzman offers several minimally-invasive and non-surgical neck lift alternatives, including:

KYBELLA^®

For patients whose main concern is accumulated or increased fat under the chin (submental fat) and in the upper neck, KYBELLA^® may be recommended to eliminate those unwanted fat cells. KYBELLA^® is an injectable product that breaks down and metabolizes targeted fat cells over a period of four to eight weeks, until the body safely reabsorbs the destroyed fat pockets. Overall, the treatment takes about 30 minutes but may need to be repeated up to four times to achieve the desired outcome for leaner, sculpted chin and neck contours.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic

BOTOX^® injections can help patients with dynamic wrinkles and muscle banding achieve a smoother, more refreshed aesthetic. BOTOX^® Cosmetic works by relaxing the muscles around the injection site. When injected into the neck, this helps smooth wrinkles and creases caused by repetitive muscle movements while also diminishing the appearance of neck bands. The results of BOTOX^® Cosmetic typically last three to six months, at which point touch-up appointments can be scheduled to help maintain your results.

Dermal Fillers

Patients looking to smooth the appearance of neck bands and rebuild jaw definition may be able to achieve their desired results with injectable dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM^® or Restylane^®. These treatments are made with a form of hyaluronic acid (HA) that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore lost volume. In addition to reducing neck wrinkles, fillers can also be used to restore definition to the jaw and cheekbones, enhancing overall facial definition for a more youthful look.

Chin Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)

Many people complain about how their neck looks in photographs. Despite their weight, they see a double chin and tend to stick their chin out to make this look go away. For individuals who do not need a full neck lift, chin (submental) liposuction performed alone may be a good choice.

Liposuction has been around for many years and is an effective fat reduction procedure that works particularly well for this area. The amount of fatty tissue is limited in the submental region, but it has a tremendous effect on the contour of the neck. Chin liposuction requires about 30 minutes of operative time as an outpatient, followed by a relatively easy recovery period. Usually, there is a day or so or downtime with minimal pain. For the first few days, a compression neck strap is worn continuously to help stop the initial bruising and swelling, but after about four days, patients are typically able to return to work without the garment and just use it at home and while sleeping. The entire period of healing lasts about 12 weeks, which represents the time it usually takes to resolve all swelling.

The majority of Dr. Holzman’s chin liposuction patients see improvement in the appearance of a double chin almost immediately. There are no long-term negative effects of fat removal from the submental region, and the results should be long-lasting when a relatively stable weight is maintained.

Before

After

If you are considering chin liposuction for submental fat reduction, you can feel comfortable knowing it is straightforward, minimally painful surgery that results in a leaner, more defined jawline and under-chin contour.

Additional Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maintain my neck lift results?

You can maintain long-lasting neck lift results by protecting your skin and supporting overall facial health. Consistent sun protection, such as using sunscreen daily and avoiding excessive UV exposure, can help prevent premature aging and laxity. Maintaining a stable weight can also keep the neck contours smoother and more defined. A good skin care routine, including moisturizer and medical-grade products, can enhance skin quality over time. Many patients choose periodic non-surgical treatments, such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, or skin tightening procedures, to prolong their results. Attending regular follow-up appointments ensures Dr. Holzman can monitor your progress and recommend personalized maintenance strategies.

How do I know if I need a neck lift, a facelift, or both?

A neck lift may be ideal if your main concerns are neck banding, excess fat under the chin, or loose skin along the jawline. A facelift is often better suited for sagging cheeks, deep folds, and jowls in the lower face. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures to achieve smoother, more youthful contours from the cheeks to the collarbone. A consultation with Dr. Holzman is generally the best way to determine which approach matches your anatomy, concerns, and goals.

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a neck lift can be safely combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Common combinations include a facelift to address sagging in the lower face, eyelid surgery or a brow lift for upper-face aging, and chin or cheek augmentation to enhance facial balance. Non-surgical treatments, such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, or skin resurfacing, can further refine the outcome. Dr. Holzman and our team can recommend the best combination based on your goals and overall health.

How do I choose the right plastic surgeon for a neck lift?

Choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and has extensive experience performing neck lift surgery, as this ensures advanced training and a strong understanding of facial anatomy. Review before-and-after photos to assess the quality and consistency of their results, and read patient testimonials to learn about others’ experiences. During your consultation, look for a surgeon who listens closely to your concerns, explains your options clearly, and offers a personalized treatment plan. It’s also important to feel comfortable with their communication style and confident in their recommendations. Selecting a surgeon who operates in an accredited facility can further enhance your safety and peace of mind.

Contact Our Practice

To learn more about neck lift surgery and/or chin liposuction, please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holzman. We would be thrilled to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

Medical Resource

¹American Society of Plastic Surgeons – How much does a neck lift cost?