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Reclaim a Youthful, Sculpted Neck

A saggy, wrinkled neck is virtually impossible to disguise with any type of clothing or treat with creams or serums. No matter what skincare products you apply that promise skin-firming effects, an aging neck appearance persists and worsens. A neck lift in Chicago is the definitive solution for an aging neck – when performed with the most advanced techniques. 

Neck Lift Table of Contents

What is a Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that tightens and reshapes the jawline, submental (under-chin) area, and neck column. Over time, skin loses elasticity, fat shifts, and the central neck muscle, the platysma, separates and sags. This leads to vertical neck bands, a double chin, jowls, and a "turkey neck."

During a neck lift in Chicago, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. George Moynihan tightens the underlying platysma muscle, removes localized excess fat, and trims sagging skin to restore a sharp, youthful chin-to-neck angle.

Key Issues Addressed:

  • Platysmal Banding: Vertical muscle cords running down the neck.
  • Submental Fullness: Stubborn fat under the chin ("double chin").
  • Cervical Skin Laxity: Loose, drooping, or "crepey" neck skin.

Deb's Lower Face and Neck Lift Testimonial at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

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What can a neck lift do for my look?

As the skin and tissues of the neck are constantly in motion, it is one of the first areas to begin to show your age. A custom neck lift can treat the following aesthetic issues:

  • Sagging jawline and jowls
  • Excess under-chin fat
  • Sagging skin and folds 
  • “Turkey neck”(wrinkled, sagging skin from under the chin to neck)
  • Visible neck skin creases
  • Crepey neck
  • Vertical neckbands
  • Excess fat on the neck
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Types of neck lift surgeries: What’s right for you?

Your individual condition will determine the surgical approach necessary to restore a youthful, defined jawline and upper neck.

Lower neck lift

This form of neck lift is fairly invasive, treating the entire chin area. It involves liposuction to remove under-chin and upper neck fat in addition to removing excess skin. The incisions are placed in the front of the ear, continue to the back of the hairline, and may vary in length. 

Platysmaplasty

This surgery is performed to reduce the appearance of vertical neck bands, which can give the neck an aged appearance.

Submentoplasty

This surgical approach is far less invasive, and Dr. Moynihan often uses this technique to restore a firm, defined appearance to the chin and jawline. The procedure is focused on removing a double chin that won’t disappear despite regular exercise and diet. Fatty deposits along the jawline can leave you looking heavier, even when in good physical shape, and may be an inherited physical trait. A submentoplasty requires only about an hour or less to complete and comes with smaller incisions and a faster recovery time. The incisions are placed around your ears, with another small incision made under the chin, all of which are virtually invisible once healed. 

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Before & After Facelift Photos

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Should You Get a Neck Lift or a Facelift?

It is common for patients inquiring about a neck lift to wonder whether a neck lift alone will deliver their desired outcome or if a facelift is necessary.

Neck Lift Alone: Ideal for younger patients or individuals with isolated neck aging, such as submental fat deposits, neck bands, or skin laxity restricted entirely below the jawline, who still maintain good cheek and mid-face volume.

Facelift + Neck Lift Combination: Because the facial muscles and neck tissues are structurally continuous, neck aging is frequently accompanied by sagging jowls and mid-face descent. Combining a deep plane or SMAS facelift with a neck lift ensures seamless, balanced rejuvenation of the lower face and neck, avoiding an unnatural contrast between a smooth neck and an aged jawline.

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Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for a neck lift?

Dr. Moynihan is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, credentialed by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and is known for his ability to perform facial plastic surgeries with nuanced, personalized results. 

For nearly two decades, Dr. Moynihan has been one of Chicago’s premier facial plastic surgeons, often leading complex facial reconstructive surgeries and correcting a wide array of cosmetic and medical concerns. He was trained at Villanova, Loyola, and the world-renowned Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Center. Today, Dr. Moynihan is a recognized leader in his field and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. When under his care for a neck lift, you can expect artistry, professionalism, and expertise, and results that cannot be distinguished as being the result of surgery.

Learn More About Dr. Moynihan

Privacy, discretion, and natural results – you deserve it.

When your neck lift is performed at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery in Chicago, you can expect the highest level of privacy and discretion. Your surgery will be performed in our private, AAAASF-certified surgical suite rather than in a busy, impersonal hospital or outpatient surgery center. 

What is the recovery time?

Every neck lift in Chicago is customized, and the recovery time will reflect the extent of the corrections needed in your case.

Typically, for a lower rhytidectomy procedure, you can expect bruising and swelling, which fades in about two weeks. You may experience a numb sensation around the incision sites, which, as your recovery continues, will begin to itch. You can expect a full recovery to be achieved in about four to six weeks. You should plan on one to two weeks off from your work or regular schedule and you must avoid all strenuous activities until fully healed. 

If the surgery was a submentoplasty, which is a much less invasive neck lift, you can expect a few days of swelling and soreness, side effects that can be well-managed with prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable in the early stages of healing. You must avoid intense physical activities, including exercise for about three weeks. Most people feel ready to return to work or other activities in two weeks.

If you had surgery to correct vertical neck bands (platysmaplasty), swelling and bruising are to be expected for about one week. It is important that your skin and tissues fully heal before you resume vigorous physical activities or exercise, which may take four to six weeks. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, we will be monitoring your progress and will schedule you for several follow-up appointments.

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Neck Lift FAQ

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Neck Lift?

How Long Does A Neck Lift Procedure Take?

Can A Neck Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Are The Results Of A Neck Lift Permanent?

Will A Neck Lift Leave Visible Scars?

What Is The Difference Between A Neck Lift And A Submentoplasty?

What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of A Neck Lift?

How Soon Can I Resume Normal Activities After A Neck Lift?

How Does A Neck Lift Improve Jawline Definition?

How Do I Choose The Right Type Of Neck Lift For My Needs?

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Neck Lift?

A good candidate for a neck lift is someone experiencing visible signs of aging in the neck, such as sagging skin, excess fat, or vertical neck bands. Candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and desire a more youthful and defined neck and jawline.

How Long Does A Neck Lift Procedure Take?

The length of the procedure depends on the type of neck lift being performed. A submentoplasty may take about an hour, while a lower neck lift or platysmaplasty may take two to three hours.

Can A Neck Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes, a neck lift is often combined with a facelift, chin augmentation, or liposuction to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation and harmonized facial appearance.

Are The Results Of A Neck Lift Permanent?

While a neck lift provides long-lasting results, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Most patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for 10-15 years, especially when maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine.

Will A Neck Lift Leave Visible Scars?

Dr. Moynihan uses advanced techniques to place incisions discreetly, often around the ears or beneath the chin. With proper care, scars typically fade over time and are virtually undetectable.

What Is The Difference Between A Neck Lift And A Submentoplasty?

A neck lift addresses more extensive concerns, including sagging skin, jowls, and vertical neck bands. A submentoplasty is less invasive and focuses on removing under-chin fat and tightening the jawline, which is ideal for patients with minimal skin laxity.

What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of A Neck Lift?

Risks are minimal when performed by an experienced surgeon but may include swelling, bruising, numbness, or temporary tightness. Rare complications include infection or asymmetry, which can often be addressed with follow-up care.

How Soon Can I Resume Normal Activities After A Neck Lift?

Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 1-2 weeks. To allow for full healing, strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

How Does A Neck Lift Improve Jawline Definition?

A neck lift tightens sagging skin and repositions underlying tissues, enhancing jawline definition by removing excess fat and restoring a youthful contour to the lower face and neck.

How Do I Choose The Right Type Of Neck Lift For My Needs?

Dr. Moynihan will assess your unique concerns during a consultation and recommend the most suitable procedure—whether it’s a lower neck lift for more extensive aging, a platysmaplasty for neck bands, or a submentoplasty for localized fat and laxity.

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