Neck Lift in
Bryn Mawr &
Philadelphia, PA

Main Line Plastic Surgery offers neck lift procedures for our patients in Bryn Mawr, & Philadelphia, PA helping them rejuvenate their appearance and regain confidence. People typically notice the first signs of aging on their face when they see fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and between the brows, but we often forget about the neck area. A neck lift is a highly effective option that eliminates sagging skin, giving patients a youthful appearance. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Raymond Jean, offers traditional surgical neck lifts and minimally invasive laser neck lifts.

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What Is a Neck Lift?

Several methods are available to reverse signs of aging in the neck. A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, addresses wrinkled skin and vertical neck bands. This procedure involves tightening the underlying muscles, removing loose tissue, and redraping the skin on the new contours.
A neck lift also eliminates excess fat, correcting a double chin and providing a more defined profile. Incisions are hidden in front and behind the ear. For patients with early signs of aging, a laser neck lift offers a minimally invasive approach to address excess fat and remove moderate sagging while defining the jawline. Neck lifts are outpatient procedures but require some downtime for recovery.

Types of Neck Lift

Full Neck Lift
A full neck lift is the most comprehensive neck rejuvenation procedure for moderate to severe sagging. It targets loose skin, vertical bands, and fat deposits under the chin and neck. During this operation, Dr. Jean makes incisions in front and often behind the ears to reposition the underlying muscle. He also removes excess fat and tightens the remaining skin. Recovery usually takes 2-3 weeks.
A mini neck lift is a less invasive procedure that targets mild to moderate sagging. The surgeon makes a smaller incision under the chin to deal with loose tissue. In some cases, the platysma neck muscle is tightened to improve the results and address vertical bands in the neck region. This procedure can provide subtle improvements for lower face and neck laxity. The mini lift has a faster recovery time of about 1 week.
This surgery specifically addresses visible vertical bands and cords on the neck, which occur as the platysma muscle stretches with age. Dr. Jean makes small incisions just under the chin and uses them to release the fibrous cords. The surgeon also sutures or removes portions of the platysma muscle to smooth vertical bands. There are no cuts behind the ears. Recovery takes around 2 weeks.
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Neck Lift Techniques

Surgical Neck Lift
Cervicoplasty
Cervicoplasty is a surgical technique for treating sagging skin in the neck. During this operation, excess tissue is removed, helping to eliminate the double chin or “turkey neck.” Incisions are made under the chin and often behind the ears to tighten the skin and remove fat. Cervicoplasty aims to create a smoother and more youthful jawline and neck contour.
Platysmaplasty focuses on tightening the platysma muscle located in the neck. During this procedure, incisions are made under the chin, and non-dissolvable sutures are used to tighten, stitch, and overlap this muscle. It eliminates banding in the neck and creates a smoother, firmer look. Like a cervicoplasty, this technique also removes excess fat deposits. However, its major focus is on muscle tightening.
A laser neck lift involves using a laser fiber to melt fat and heat the dermis (middle layer of the skin). This procedure promotes skin tightening by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It works so well because laser energy is delivered directly to the deeper layer of skin. External lasers that target the skin surface do not achieve dramatic skin tightening because they cannot heat the dermis to the desired temperature without burning the overlying skin. Precision TX™ avoids this problem by delivering laser energy directly to the deep skin layer, which makes the skin look younger and more toned.

Consultation & Preparation
for a Neck Lift

After the initial consultation, Dr. Jean performs a physical examination and discusses the details of the procedure with the patient. Preparation for a neck lift sets the stage for achieving the best results and having a smooth recovery:
  • Patients should avoid alcohol and over-the-counter medications that may thin their blood, such as ibuprofen and Aleve, for a week to 10 days before surgery.
  • It is crucial to have someone to drive home after the procedure and stay for the first 24 hours.
  • Make sure that there are enough supplies for the recovery period; prepare and freeze meals that are easy to cook and eat.
  • People who consume nicotine need to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after their surgery. The longer they do not smoke, the better the recovery and healing.
Patients should tell Dr. Jean about their medications/supplements and any allergies during the initial consultation.

Consultation & Preparation
for a Neck Lift

After the initial consultation, Dr. Jean performs a physical examination and discusses the details of the procedure with the patient. Preparation for a neck lift sets the stage for achieving the best results and having a smooth recovery:
  • Patients should avoid alcohol and over-the-counter medications that may thin their blood, such as ibuprofen and Aleve, for a week to 10 days before surgery.
  • It is crucial to have someone to drive home after the procedure and stay for the first 24 hours.
  • Make sure that there are enough supplies for the recovery period; prepare and freeze meals that are easy to cook and eat.
  • People who consume nicotine need to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after their surgery. The longer they do not smoke, the better the recovery and healing.
Patients should tell Dr. Jean about their medications/supplements and any allergies during the initial consultation.
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Neck Lift Procedure

Our facial plastic surgery tightens the muscles and removes loose skin, restoring a youthful appearance in the neck and making the jawline more defined. A surgical neck lift is the gold standard for neck rejuvenation in patients with significant signs of aging. Here is the typical procedure:

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Anesthesia

Neck lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia to make patients as comfortable as possible. They do not experience any painful sensations or remember anything about the actual surgery.
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Incisions

The incision site may vary, depending on the areas that require improvement. Traditionally, the incision for a neck lift starts in front of the bottom of the ear, continuing down around the ear and under the hair behind your neck. This allows Dr. Jean to tighten the neck muscles and remove excess skin. The cuts may also be made under the chin or in the natural creases of the neck.
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Tightening Muscles

Through the incisions, Dr. Jean can view the underlying muscle layer. He tightens or stitches it as needed, which provides support and definition. This procedure helps achieve a smooth, youthful neck profile after healing.
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Removing Excess Fat

Excess fat deposits on the neck can cause wrinkles or banding. The surgeon contours the neck into a more aesthetically pleasing shape using liposuction or directly excising (cutting out) excess fat through the incisions.
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Removing Sagging Skin and Redraping

After the underlying tissues have been addressed, the surgeon redrapes the skin to fit its new neck contour. Any excess tissue is removed to ensure that there is no sagging.
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Closing Incisions

Dr. Jean closes the incisions with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives. Proper closure promotes optimal healing and minimizes visible scarring. Patients can return home on the same day after surgery.

Add-On Procedures

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Facelift

Face and neck lifts often go hand in hand. When performed together, these procedures can achieve remarkable results by reducing signs of aging and rejuvenating the patient’s appearance. People who choose only to treat one area may return for additional surgery, saying that the other area now looks less appealing next to their younger-looking face or neck. For this reason, Dr. Jean recommends doing both procedures simultaneously to provide the best possible results.
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Chin Augmentation With Fat or Filler

Chin augmentation is sometimes performed with a neck lift for improved facial balance and proportions. Excess skin and fat are removed from the neck and jawline to create a smoother appearance. However, a small or recessed chin can make these effects less impressive. By augmenting it with a dermal filler injection or a patient’s own fat, we can build up the chin to better complement the rejuvenated neck and jawline. Combining procedures creates overall facial harmony.

Neck Lift Recovery

Patients may experience some swelling and bruising, which will resolve with time. It is crucial to relax for at least the first week after the procedure and avoid strenuous activity or lifting. We recommend sleeping with the head elevated on a few extra pillows, as this will help to decrease swelling.
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Here are some recommendations for a smooth recovery:

  • Take any prescribed pain medications as directed to help manage discomfort. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help.

  • To reduce swelling and pain, apply cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the neck in the first 48 hours. Do not put ice directly on the skin.

  • If Dr. Jean recommends it, wear a chin strap or compression garment over the neck to provide support and minimize swelling.

  • Use caution when showering in the first few days, and gently clean the incisions with mild soap and water. Do not soak the neck or take baths while sutures or drains are present.

  • Clean and inspect incisions daily according to Dr. Jean’s wound care instructions. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and oozing.

  • Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and protein to aid the healing process.

  • Avoid sun exposure until all swelling has resolved and the incisions have fully healed. If necessary, wear a scarf or hat outside

Most swelling and bruising after a neck lift resolves within 2-3 weeks. Mild symptoms can persist for a month or longer. While initial improvements are visible early on, the contour and tone of the neck may take 3-6 months to fully refine as swelling continues to go down and the tissues heal. Patients can enjoy the final results at around 6 months after the operation. 

Candidates for Neck Lift Surgery

When considering a neck lift, candidates should schedule a consultation with Dr. Jean to determine if they are eligible. They must be in good overall health and near their ideal body weight. Skin laxity is also a crucial factor. Here are the main characteristics of patients who typically undergo this surgery:
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  • Individuals with excess neck skin and fat that creates a “turkey neck” appearance

  • Patients who lost some muscle tone, which caused neck bands or vertical cords

  • People who have excess fat or loose skin under the chin, resulting in a double chin

  • Those with early jowls or sagging along the jawline that starts to blur the angle between the chin and neck

  • Patients who want to restore a more youthful neck contour or better-defined jawline

  • In some cases, people who undergo a facelift may also be eligible for a neck lift to achieve better facial harmony.

Candidates are selected based on the specific concerns that should be addressed and factors like skin elasticity. Discussing personal goals with Dr. Jean helps to determine if a neck lift is appropriate for each individual.
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Benefits of Neck Lift

Our patients can achieve dramatic improvements with neck surgery. Dr. Jean will tighten the skin and remove excess fat to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. The main benefits of a neck lift include:

  • Removes excess neck skin

  • Smoothes out sagging skin and wrinkles on the neck

  • Defines a sharper jawline

  • Tightens neck muscles for an overall rejuvenated look

  • Diminishes vertical bands on the neck

  • Reduces excess fat under the chin

  • Results in a more youthful side profile

  • Boosts self-confidence due to enhanced appearance

  • Long-lasting results, often 5-10 years or longer

  • Minimal scarring since incisions are made under the chin

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Cost of Neck Lift in Philadelphia

Neck lift cost in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. The final price depends on many factors, such as the extent of treatment, the type of technique, add-on procedures, and other aspects.

Our plastic surgeries are customized to suit each person’s needs. We pride ourselves on treating patients as individuals because no two people are the same, which means that the cost of procedures will vary. Patients are given personalized prices at their initial consultations with Dr. Jean.

Main Line Plastic Surgery also offers many options for financing cosmetic procedures. We accept major credit and debit cards, cash, and checks. Our friendly team helps patients apply for CareCredit® medical financing.
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What Makes Our Neck Lift Different From Others?

Patients seeking a neck lift should consider Main Line Plastic Surgery due to Dr. Jean’s extensive experience, research background, and patient-centered approach. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he combines professional skills with an artistic eye to provide customized treatment plans and achieve aesthetic goals. Dr. Jeans’ expertise and personalized care help patients enhance their appearance and confidence through transformative neck lifts.
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What our patients are saying

5 out of 5 stars
Dr Jean has the surgeon trifecta! He is knowledgeable and skilled and has an amazing, kind bedside manner. He takes his time to explain procedures and options so you are comfortable. Lynn is super organized, caring, and helpful especially with the financial options. I would 100% recommend this office because of their care and expertise!!
ERIN SCHNEIDER
"I must say I am only 8 days post op and my family members are already unbelievably surprised by my tummy tuck results. I know someone who did her tummy tuck 1 month ago and is now wishing she had gone with Dr. Jean instead. Lynn, you are absolutely amazing and the entire office made me feel like a person and not just another patient. Dr. Jean and staff are accessible and I could not have asked for better treatment. I absolutely love my results so far and can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold in store as I continue to heal. Thank you guys!!"
R.W.
Such an amazing office with amazing staff! I had a tummy tuck in June. Every step of the way has made me feel so taken care of and comfortable. And so certain of my decision! Kristin is the ultimate hype girl, love her! Dr. Jean and his staff are absolute angels in every way. And the icing on the cake is I couldn’t be any more in love with my body. Dr. Jean did such an amazing job, I can hardly believe when I look in the mirror! I cannot recommend Main Line enough.
Jamie Farney
I must say I am only 8 days post op and my family members are already unbelievably surprised by my tummy tuck results. I know someone who did her tummy tuck 1 month ago and is now wishing she had gone with Dr. Jean instead. Lynn, you are absolutely amazing and the entire office made me feel like a person and not just another patient. Dr. Jean and staff are accessible and I could not have asked for better treatment. I absolutely love my results so far and can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold in store as I continue to heal. Thank you guys!!
Rudy Watson