How Neck Lift Surgery Is Performed: Procedure, Methods, and Recovery

Age-related changes often appear early in the delicate décolleté area: the skin becomes loose, wrinkles become more visible, folds may appear, and a double chin can develop. Platysmaplasty (neck lift surgery) is an effective solution to address these concerns. The procedure helps restore skin firmness and freshness, creating a more youthful appearance by visually reducing signs of aging by 5–10 years. Age-related changes are especially noticeable after the age of 50, when many women consider surgical correction.

Indications for Surgery

The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. This is related to the unique structure of the platysma — a thin subcutaneous muscle located beneath the skin. Unlike other muscles, it has limited blood supply, no significant fat layer, and is connected directly to the dermis rather than attached to bone.

The platysma is a facial expression muscle that is not actively involved in regular movements, except during strong emotional expressions. Due to limited muscle activity and reduced tissue nourishment over time, the skin gradually loses hydration and elasticity.

This can lead to changes in the skin structure, sagging tissues, and drooping corners of the mouth. Rapid weight loss may further worsen these changes.

Platysmaplasty can effectively address:

• Loose and sagging skin in the neck area
• Reduced muscle tone
• Horizontal neck wrinkles, also known as “Venus rings”
• Double or multiple chins
• Loss of a defined facial contour

Platysmaplasty may be recommended at different ages, including younger patients with specific anatomical features or early signs of tissue laxity.

Watch the Video: Neck and Face Lift Surgery & Recovery

Watch a video showing how face and neck lift surgery is performed and what the recovery process looks like after the procedure. The video demonstrates the main stages of preparation, the surgical process, and the patient’s recovery during the first weeks after surgery.

latysmaplasty – Advantages and Disadvantages

Benefits of Platysma Neck Lift:

The main advantages of platysmaplasty include:

• Long-lasting correction of wrinkles and skin laxity, as well as removal of a double or triple chin.
• Minimal visible signs of surgical intervention.
• Low level of potential risks when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Despite the many benefits, there are temporary disadvantages:

• The final result becomes fully visible after several months.
• Swelling and discomfort may occur during the healing period.
• A special compression bandage must be worn during the first period after surgery.

Before-and-after photos of platysmaplasty clearly demonstrate the transformation: the face appears younger, more defined, and refreshed.

Neck Lift Surgery Methods

Neck lift surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure, but in most cases it is combined with other lifting procedures. Age-related changes usually affect not only the décolleté area but also the lower third of the face. Cases where the neck skin is sagging while the lower face remains completely unaffected are uncommon.

To achieve a balanced and natural result, surgeons often recommend combining platysmaplasty with:

• Facelift surgery
• SMAS facelift
• Neck liposuction

A comprehensive approach allows for a more harmonious rejuvenation effect and longer-lasting results.

There are two main techniques of platysmaplasty: medial and lateral neck lift. The best results are often achieved by combining both techniques to create an attractive and well-defined neck-chin angle.

Platysmaplasty can be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the surgical technique and the extent of correction required.

Medial Platysmaplasty

Medial platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at tightening the platysma muscle and improving the skin contour of the neck area. This technique focuses on the central part of the neck.

During the procedure, the muscle edges are brought together and sutured toward the center. The incision is usually placed under the chin. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and typically takes up to 2 hours.

The final stage includes closing the incisions and applying a compression dressing.

Lateral Platysmaplasty

During lateral platysmaplasty, the surgeon lifts the subcutaneous tissues and repositions the muscle outward and upward. The edges of the muscle are tightened horizontally.

The surgeon makes incisions in front of the ears and behind the ears. This technique is effective for patients with more pronounced signs of aging, as it helps correct imperfections of the lower face and neck.

In most cases, this procedure is performed together with a facelift. The scars are usually barely noticeable because they are hidden around the ears and within natural skin folds.

Often Combined with Other Procedures

Platysmaplasty is rarely performed as an isolated procedure. More often, it is performed together with a neck lift and as part of a facelift procedure to rejuvenate not only the neck but also the lower third of the face.

This combined approach helps achieve a more natural and harmonious result, reduce sagging tissues, improve facial contours, and provide a more significant rejuvenating effect.

Want to Know If Platysmaplasty Is Right for You?

If you are interested in neck lift surgery (platysmaplasty), fill out the form on our website. Our specialists will contact you, answer all your questions, and help create the most suitable rejuvenation plan.

After submitting the form, you will receive a preliminary assessment based on photos, recommendations regarding possible correction methods, information about the procedure cost, and assistance in arranging a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Preoperative Stage

During the preparation stage, the surgeon evaluates:

• Excess skin and soft tissues
• Skin elasticity level
• Size and location of the salivary glands
• Neck-chin angle
• Condition of the platysma muscle, including the degree of sagging, deformation, and possible asymmetry

After the evaluation, the plastic surgeon develops an individual correction plan based on the patient’s anatomy and goals.

Before surgery, patients may need to undergo:

• Blood and urine tests
• Biochemical blood analysis
• Coagulation tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray

Two weeks before surgery, patients are advised to stop smoking, avoid alcohol, and discontinue certain medications such as blood-thinning drugs and antibiotics (only according to the doctor’s instructions).

On the day of surgery, food and water restrictions may apply. Before the procedure, the surgeon marks the treatment area.

Postoperative Period

Neck and chin plastic surgery is performed in a hospital setting. During the first few days, swelling and discomfort may occur, and the doctor may prescribe pain medication if needed.

Sutures are usually removed approximately 10–14 days after surgery.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery after neck lift surgery usually takes 3 to 5 weeks. Physiotherapy procedures aimed at improving lymphatic drainage and blood circulation may help speed up the healing process.

During the first 4 weeks after surgery, patients should avoid:

• Swimming pools
• Saunas and steam baths
• Solariums
• Cosmetic procedures in the treated area

After surgery, patients receive personalized recommendations from their surgeon based on their overall health, healing speed, and individual recovery process.