Neck Lift
Serving patients in: Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, Old Tappan, and surrounding areas.
Age, heredity and simple gravity can take their toll on the appearance of the face and neck. In the neck, individuals may develop excess fat deposits and excess or sagging skin which many refer to as a “turkey neck” or “turkey wattle”. Neck “banding” may also develop when the neck muscle separates, forming vertical bands beneath the skin. The neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure which can address these concerns for a tighter, more youthful neck contour. Individuals who are looking to improve excess neck fat, neck skin and/or neck banding may be good candidates for the neck lift in Paramus.
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These aging signs may be present in combination or separately. As such, the surgery is individualized for each patient to address their specific concerns. Our Paramus neck lift is often performed on its own but it may also be combined with a full facelift.
It is important that isolated neck lifts only be performed on patients with aging changes that are limited to the neck otherwise the rejuvenated neck may appear unnatural or obvious against the aging face.
The Breslow Center for Plastic Surgery typically performs the neck lift in an operating room setting under sedation or general anesthesia. Procedures involving just liposuction to the neck can be performed in a minor procedure room setting with local anesthesia. With a neck lift Paramus patients should know it typically takes one to three hours to perform. Incisions are made in the crease beneath the chin and occasionally behind each ear. Working through the incisions, excess fat is removed with liposuction or, less commonly, with direct excision.
Neck banding is addressed by suturing the muscle back together in the midline and, if necessary, tightening the muscle by pulling it back behind the ear. If excess skin is present, it is removed from behind the ear. Recovery from the neck lift takes approximately seven to ten days. Patients often experience a “tight” feeling in the neck, but this generally resolves within a few weeks. Discomfort or pain can be alleviated with pain medication. Swelling and bruising are common but will also fade within a few weeks.
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging beneath the chin and throughout the neck by addressing loose skin, excess fat, and weakened or separated neck muscles. The procedure creates a firmer transition from the lower face through the jawline and neck without changing the character of your appearance.
Every neck lift is customized because aging doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some patients primarily have excess skin, while others need fat removal, muscle tightening, or a combination of techniques.
A neck lift addresses structural changes that develop in the neck as skin, fat, and underlying muscle change with age.
It may improve:
Because these concerns can appear independently or together, the surgical plan is based on what is actually contributing to your appearance.
Neck lift surgery can create a noticeable improvement without making your face appear pulled or overly altered. Dr. Breslow’s approach focuses on restoring clean, natural contours that remain harmonious with the rest of your features.
Potential benefits include:
A neck lift is generally best suited for patients whose primary concerns are concentrated beneath the jawline and throughout the neck.
You May Be a Good Candidate If…
You have loose neck skin, muscle banding, excess fat beneath the chin, or a loss of definition that cannot be adequately addressed with nonsurgical options. Good candidates are also healthy enough for elective surgery and have realistic expectations about healing and results.
A Neck Lift May Not Be the Right Fit If…
Your aging changes extend significantly into the cheeks, jowls, or lower face. In that situation, treating the neck alone can create an imbalance between the rejuvenated neck and the untreated face. Dr. Breslow may recommend combining your neck lift with a facelift when a more comprehensive approach will create a more natural result.
Before surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions based on your health history and treatment plan. This may include temporarily adjusting certain medications or supplements, stopping nicotine use, arranging transportation home, and preparing for several quieter days during the early recovery period.
The Breslow Center for Plastic Surgery typically performs the neck lift in an operating room setting under sedation or general anesthesia. Procedures involving just liposuction to the neck can be performed in a minor procedure room setting with local anesthesia. With a neck lift Paramus patients should know it typically takes one to three hours to perform. Incisions are made in the crease beneath the chin and occasionally behind each ear. Working through the incisions, excess fat is removed with liposuction or, less commonly, with direct excision.
Neck banding is addressed by suturing the muscle back together in the midline and, if necessary, tightening the muscle by pulling it back behind the ear. If excess skin is present, it is removed from behind the ear. Recovery from the neck lift takes approximately seven to ten days. Patients often experience a “tight” feeling in the neck, but this generally resolves within a few weeks. Discomfort or pain can be alleviated with pain medication. Swelling and bruising are common but will also fade within a few weeks.
Step-By-Step:
The procedure generally follows several steps:
The entire procedure commonly takes between one and three hours.
Swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort are expected during the first stage of recovery. These gradually improve as the tissues settle.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and routine social activities after approximately 7–10 days, although some residual swelling may remain.
Strenuous exercise and activities that increase pressure or swelling around the surgical area will need to wait until you’re cleared by your surgical team.
An ace wrap or neck garment is worn for up to seven days and non-dissolvable stitches are removed after one week.
Most patients are able to resume their normal routine after seven to ten days. The neck lift is a very safe procedure but as with any surgical procedure there are potential risks which may include bleeding, infection, and a small risk of nerve injury.
If you would like more information about neck lift procedures, contact our Paramus, New Jersey office today.
Keep your head elevated as directed, protect your incisions, attend scheduled follow-up appointments, and avoid pushing your activity level too quickly. Following your postoperative instructions closely plays an important role in both healing and scar quality.
You’ll notice a change in your neck contour early in recovery, although swelling initially hides some of the final definition. Your final result develops gradually as swelling resolves and the neck settles into its new contour.
Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| First week | Swelling, bruising, and tightness are most noticeable |
| 7–10 days | Many patients return to normal routines |
| Several weeks | Swelling continues to fade and definition becomes clearer |
| Following months | Tissues settle and scars continue to mature |
Neck lift results are considered long-lasting because excess skin and fat that are surgically removed do not simply return. Your neck will continue to change naturally with the aging process, and factors such as skin quality, heredity, weight fluctuations, and sun exposure can influence how your results age over time.
Incisions are intentionally positioned in less conspicuous locations, including the natural crease beneath the chin and, when required, around or behind the ears. Scars are initially more visible and gradually soften and fade over several months.
Good scar care, sun protection, and careful adherence to postoperative instructions can help support optimal healing.
A consultation helps determine how much correction is appropriate without doing more surgery than your anatomy requires.
Treatment | Best Suited For |
|---|---|
| Neck Lift | Loose skin, neck bands, excess fat, and structural aging |
| Neck Liposuction | Localized fat with good skin elasticity |
| Nonsurgical Treatments | Mild skin laxity or early contour concerns |
| Facelift + Neck Lift | Aging that extends through the lower face, jawline, and neck |
Yes. A neck lift is frequently performed in conjunction with facelift surgery when aging affects both the lower face and neck. It may also be paired with procedures such as chin augmentation, facial fat grafting, or other facial rejuvenation treatments when they support better overall balance.
Dr. Gary D. Breslow is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent more than two decades caring for patients in Paramus and throughout Bergen County. His approach combines advanced surgical technique with artistic judgment and an emphasis on results that look refined rather than overly operated.
He is known for taking the time to understand what each patient actually wants to change, then building the surgical plan around their anatomy instead of applying the same technique to everyone. That individualized philosophy is particularly important with neck surgery, where skin, fat, muscle, facial aging, and natural proportions all influence what will produce the most pleasing result.
If changes beneath your chin or along your neck are affecting the definition of your profile, schedule a private consultation at The Breslow Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, NJ. Call (201) 444-9522 or request an appointment online to discuss your options with Dr. Breslow.
Neck lift cost varies depending on the extent of correction, anesthesia, surgical technique, and any procedures performed at the same time. You’ll receive personalized pricing after Dr. Breslow evaluates your concerns and develops your surgical plan.
Most patients experience tightness, swelling, and manageable discomfort rather than severe pain. Medication can be prescribed to keep you comfortable during the early recovery period.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, changes in sensation, and a small risk of nerve injury. Dr. Breslow will review the risks, benefits, and safety considerations with you before surgery.
It can work when excess fat is the main concern and your skin has enough elasticity to contract afterward. If loose skin or muscle banding is also present, liposuction alone may leave those concerns untreated.
Some patients do well with an isolated neck lift. If sagging extends into your jowls, jawline, or lower face, combining procedures may create better continuity and a more natural-looking result.
Many patients return to non-strenuous work within about 7–10 days. Your exact timeline will depend on swelling, bruising, your occupation, and the extent of surgery.
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