The neck is often the first area of the face to show meaningful signs of aging—and one of the most difficult to address through non-surgical means alone. Loose neck skin, visible banding from the platysma muscle, and the loss of the jaw-to-neck angle that defines a youthful profile are among the most common concerns that bring patients to McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Landon McLain, board certified in cosmetic surgery and oral & maxillofacial surgery, performs neck lift procedures as both a standalone surgery and as a complement to facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures.
What Causes Neck Aging?
The neck ages for several interconnected reasons:
- Loss of skin elasticity—the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin causes skin to become loose and crepey
- Platysmal banding—the platysma muscle, which runs vertically through the neck, can separate and become visible as prominent vertical bands
- Fat accumulation—submental (under chin) and neck fat deposits can blur the jawline and create the appearance of a double chin
- Descent of facial soft tissues—jowling at the jawline affects the neck appearance by disrupting the clean jaw-to-neck transition
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure that addresses these changes by tightening the underlying platysma muscle, removing excess neck skin, and restoring a cleaner, more defined neck contour and jaw-to-neck angle. Depending on whether submental fat is present, liposuction of the neck may be performed as part of the same procedure.
Neck Lift vs. Facelift: What’s the Difference?
A standalone neck lift specifically targets the neck—from below the jawline to the clavicle. A facelift addresses the lower face (jowls, midface) and the neck simultaneously. Many patients who have neck concerns also have jowling or lower face laxity that would benefit from a facelift; Dr. McLain evaluates both areas during the consultation and recommends whether a standalone neck lift or a combined facelift/neck lift procedure would better serve the patient’s goals.
What Does Neck Lift Surgery Involve?
Neck lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation as an outpatient procedure. Incisions are placed behind and in front of the ears (to allow access to the neck skin) and, if submental liposuction or platysma muscle work is needed, a small incision is made under the chin. The platysma muscle is tightened and sutured (platysmaplasty), excess neck fat is removed, and excess skin is repositioned and trimmed. Incisions are closed in a way that keeps them hidden within the natural contours of the ear and hairline.
Who Is the Right Candidate for a Neck Lift?
- Adults with visible neck banding from platysma muscle separation
- Patients with loose, crepey neck skin that has not responded to non-surgical treatments
- Individuals who have lost the clean jaw-to-neck angle definition
- Patients with submental fat that has not responded to diet or non-surgical fat reduction
- Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations
Recovery from a Neck Lift
Most neck lift patients take one to two weeks off work. A compression garment worn around the neck and chin is worn for the first one to two weeks to reduce swelling and support healing. Most visible bruising and swelling resolves by week two to three, and most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by week two. Final results—including complete resolution of swelling and full scar maturation—are visible at three to six months.
Dr. McLain frequently combines neck lift procedures with facelift surgery for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation. Explore facial procedures at mclainsurgicalarts.com.
Dr. McLain provides neck lift procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, and throughout North Alabama. Schedule a consultation at McLain Surgical Arts.
Contact McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, AL to Schedule a Consultation
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.
For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.
Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.