Neck Lift
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
The neck is frequently the earliest and most visible sign of facial aging. Persistent neck laxity, vertical platysmal banding, and submental fullness can undermine an otherwise youthful facial appearance. Dr. Pierce Janssen performs various variations of neck lift surgery depending on your anatomy. His surgical philosophy is rooted in addressing the structural anatomy of the neck, not simply trimming skin, producing a jawline and cervical contour that is sharply defined and naturally proportioned.
Corrects platysmal banding, neck skin laxity, submental fullness, and poor jaw-neck angle definition.
Platysmaplasty (platysmal muscle repair and tightening), cervicoplasty (skin excision and repositioning), and strategic deep structural contouring when indicated. Frequently combined with deep plane facelift.
Most patients return to social activities within 10 to 14 days. Final results continue to refine over 3 to 6 months.
Provides a crisp, long-lasting neck and jawline and a smoother neck surface.
The neck ages through a predictable combination of changes:
A comprehensive neck lift addresses each of these components. The approach depends on your specific anatomy and goals.
Neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. For patients with isolated anterior neck concerns and excellent skin elasticity, an anterior-only approach uses a single small incision concealed in the submental crease, allowing Dr. Janssen to address the platysmal separation and selective liposuction without the need for posterior incisions. For comprehensive neck rejuvenation — particularly when combined with facelift surgery — incisions are placed discreetly behind each ear and a small incision hidden in the submental crease beneath the chin. In both approaches, once the internal structures are secured, skin is carefully redraped, any excess is trimmed, and all incisions are closed in layers with meticulous attention to produce scars that are imperceptible over time. This multi-layered structural approach ensures results that look natural and avoid the "pulled" appearance of less comprehensive techniques.
For patients with more significant or complex neck aging, Dr. Janssen offers advanced deep structural contouring techniques that address the deeper anatomic layers beneath the surface muscle. These advanced techniques (e.g. subplatysmal lipectomy, aneterior digastric reduction, mylohyoid plication, perihyoid fascia resection, and submandibular gland reduction) are performed through the same neck lift incisions when indicated by your anatomy — adding meaningful structural improvement without additional scarring.
If you are bothered by visible neck bands, loose or crepey neck skin, or a poorly defined jaw-to-neck transition that does not respond to non-surgical treatments, a neck lift may be an excellent option for you. Dr. Janssen will evaluate your anatomy during a private consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your goals.
A neck lift provides a more youthful, fit appearance by restoring the sharp angle of the jaw. It eliminates the appearance of a "double chin" and smooths out the wrinkled, "crepey" skin that often develops with age or weight loss.
Swelling and tightness are most prominent in the first five to seven days after surgery. If placed, drains and hemostatic net sutures are typically removed two days after surgery. Most patients feel comfortable going out in public by the end of the second week. Strenuous activity is restricted for four weeks. Dr. Janssen and his team provide continuous post-operative support through every stage of recovery.
Dr. Janssen places all incisions within natural anatomic landmarks — the submental crease beneath the chin and the creases behind each ear — where resulting scars are discreet and typically become imperceptible over time. Meticulous closure technique and post-operative scar care contribute to optimal healing.
