Many people notice changes in their neck before more significant aging appears in the face. Loose skin, banding, or a double chin can cause the jawline to lose its youthful definition even when the rest of the face still looks relatively firm. At Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery, a Castle Connolly Practice Center of Excellence in Sarasota and Tampa, our board-certified surgeons help patients determine whether a standalone neck lift can achieve their goals or whether combining it with a facelift will provide a more balanced outcome. Here’s what you should know about neck lifts on their own.
How a Neck Lift Works
A neck lift focuses on improving definition and contour beneath the chin and along the jawline. Depending on your needs, the procedure may involve:
- Laser-assisted lipolysis: Removing small pockets of fat with heat-based technology such as AccuSculpt or SmartLipo.
- Submentoplasty: Tightening the platysma muscle and removing excess fat under the chin.
- Traditional neck lift: Repositioning loose skin and deeper tissues for a smoother, firmer appearance.
Each approach is customized to the individual, with the goal of creating a naturally refined profile that restores harmony to the lower face and neck.
When a Neck Lift Alone May Be Enough
For patients who are primarily bothered by changes in the neck and not the face, a neck lift can often be performed on its own. A neck lift alone may be right for you if you have:
- Fullness beneath the chin without sagging in the cheeks
- Visible neck banding or mild to moderate skin laxity
- Strong overall skin elasticity in the face
- A desire for sharper jawline definition without changes to the midface
Candidates often include younger patients, men who want a stronger jawline, or anyone whose main concern is an aging or heavy-looking neck.
When to Consider Adding a Facelift
If laxity extends into the cheeks, jawline, or midface, a facelift may be recommended along with the neck lift. The lower face and neck are structurally connected, and addressing only one area can sometimes lead to less natural results. A facelift lifts jowls, smooths deep folds, and restores midface volume, while the neck lift refines the jawline and tightens loose skin. When performed together, results are more seamless and long-lasting.
Recovery and Results
Most neck lift procedures at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery are performed under IV sedation in our QUAD A (formerly AAAASF)-accredited outpatient surgical center. Patients return home the same day; initial recovery typically lasts about two weeks. During this time:
- Bruising and swelling are most noticeable during the first few days
- Stitches are generally removed within the first two weeks
- Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities in 10–14 days
- Final refinements in contour and skin texture continue to develop over several months
Whether performed alone or with a facelift, the procedure creates a more defined profile and restores confidence with natural-looking results.
Begin Your Neck Rejuvenation Journey
If you’re wondering whether a neck lift without a facelift is the right choice for you, the team at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery is here to guide you. With more than 75 years of combined surgical experience and recognition as a Castle Connolly Practice Center of Excellence, our surgeons provide personalized recommendations in a safe, accredited setting. Schedule your private consultation at our Sarasota or Tampa location today and take the next step toward restoring a refined, youthful look.