What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is performed to address common signs of aging that can disrupt the contours of the neck and jawline – including sagging skin and deep creases. Also known as platysmaplasty and lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift can restore a youthful appearance by making the neck appear smooth, wrinkle-free, and firm.

  • Average Cost: Surgical fee starts at $9k (not including facility and anesthesia)
  • Typical Recover Period: approximately 2 weeks until return to work/social
  • Discomfort Level: Mild 
  • Anesthesia Options: General/heavy sedation 

What Can a Neck Lift Do for You?

Neck lift surgery in Nashville offers the potential to achieve the following benefits for you:

  • Tighten Loose or Sagging Skin: With age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles, often resulting in the common concern known as turkey wattle neck. A neck lift can effectively tighten loose skin, providing the neck with a smoother and firmer appearance.

  • Remove Excess Fat: Stubborn fat deposits under the chin or along the jawline can create the appearance of a double chin or jowls. A neck lift can remove excess fat to redefine the jawline and create a more youthful contour. Eliminating the "turkey neck" effect.

  • Improve Muscle Definition: Muscle banding, where the platysma muscles in the neck become more prominent, can contribute to an aged appearance. A neck lift can address this by tightening or repositioning the muscles, creating a smoother neck profile.

  • Reduce the Appearance of Neck Wrinkles: Fine lines and wrinkles on the neck, often referred to as necklace lines or tech neck, can be minimized through a neck lift procedure.

  • Enhance Jawline Definition: A neck lift can also improve the definition of the jawline, creating a more defined and youthful appearance overall.
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Dr. Moran's Guide to Neck Lifts!

Dr. Moran's Guide to Neck Lifts!
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The Neck Lift Procedure

Dr. Moran performs neck lifts as outpatient procedures, meaning you can safely return home the same day. The surgery takes a few hours to complete, depending on the corrections that are needed.

To begin, Dr. Moran will administer an anesthetic to ensure your comfort during surgery. She will then make small incisions around the ears and beneath the chin. Through those openings, she will lift the skin and muscles, tightening and suturing the platysma muscle to correct neck banding and a turkey wattle appearance. 

She will then trim away excess skin and gently elevate the remaining tissue. This lifting will be done in a gentle, vertical direction to ensure a natural result that doesn’t appear operated on. From there, she will close the incisions and bandage the area.

Planning Your Neck Lift Transformation

Your neck lift will be tailored to your needs and goals. During your private consultation at our Nashville area office, Dr. Moran will collect information about your medical history, current medications, past cosmetic procedures, your expectations for the surgery, and more. All of these details, combined with a physical examination of your neck, will help her determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure.

“I went to see Dr. Moran about my neck. She spent about an hour with me, which is almost unheard of these days, as most doctors give you ten minutes at best. She was so kind, knowledgeable, and caring. I felt very comfortable, never rushed. She took time to educate me about the procedure, and showed me before and after pictures of her patients. I was extremely impressed with how natural her results are. I highly recommend Dr. Moran."

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Neck Lift Recovery

Full recovery from a neck lift in Nashville can take several weeks. After surgery, Dr. Moran will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care. A pressure dressing will be applied and stitches will be removed after ten days. Although you can return home the same day, you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you. Once home, be sure to rest and avoid strenuous activity during the recovery period.  Most of our patients are able to return to work and their normal activities, including exercise, in five to ten days.

The Results

A neck lift improves the appearance of the neck and chin by tightening sagging skin, reducing excess fat, and smoothing muscle bands. This procedure restores youthful contours, and when combined with other treatments like a facelift or dermal fillers, it enhances the entire face for a refreshed, rejuvenated look. While the results are long-lasting, the neck will continue to age naturally over time, but the improvements can provide years of satisfaction and a more youthful profile.

Enhancing Your Results with Complementary Procedures

Many of our patients choose to combine their neck lift with complementary corrective procedures for comprehensive results that meet their expectations. For example, a facelift, neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, and dermal fillers are all popular options that patients may have performed alongside their neck lift in Nashville.

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Discover Your Options

Dr. Mary Lynn Moran is a renowned, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their aesthetic goals. If you’re interested in learning more about a neck lift in Franklin, TN, contact our office to schedule your plastic surgery consultation in Nashville  today.

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Mary Lynn

Moran MD

Meet Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, M.D.

As the only female double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Tennessee, Dr. Moran has over 28 years of experience helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals in her private practice. Trained at Boston University, Tufts, and the University of Michigan, she is one of the most credentialed plastic surgeons in the nation – and a trusted resource for patients in Nashville and beyond. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Moran was elected as the first female president of the AAFPRS and is an assistant clinical professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

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Neck Lift FAQs

Is neck contouring surgery effective for individuals with early signs of aging who want to maintain a youthful neck appearance?

How long do the results of a neck lift last?

Can I expect a noticeable change in my neck and jawline?

Can neck contouring surgery target the platysmal bands for a smoother and more youthful neck appearance?

Is neck contouring surgery effective for individuals with early signs of aging who want to maintain a youthful neck appearance?

Neck contouring surgery can be particularly effective for individuals in their 40s or 50s who are noticing early signs of aging, such as slight sagging or loss of definition. This procedure can help maintain a youthful neck appearance by addressing these issues before they become more pronounced.

How long do the results of a neck lift last?

The results of a neck lift can last as long as 10 years, depending on factors like genetics, lifestyle, and aging. While the neck will continue to age naturally, many patients find the improvements still noticeable years after the procedure.

Can I expect a noticeable change in my neck and jawline?

Yes, most patients report a significant improvement in the appearance of their neck and jawline following the procedure, resulting in a more youthful and defined profile.

Can neck contouring surgery target the platysmal bands for a smoother and more youthful neck appearance?

Yes, neck contouring surgery can specifically address prominent platysmal bands, which are the vertical bands that can develop with age. By tightening and repositioning these muscles, the surgery smooths out the neck, contributing to a more youthful neck appearance and refined profile.

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