Neck Lift Surgery in Turkey

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to correct sagging skin, fat deposits, and muscle laxity in the neck area. It is also known by its medical term, “platysmaplasty.” With this procedure:

• The jawline is defined
• Sagging skin in the chin area is tightened
• The neck muscles are tightened
• Excess skin is removed
• The skin surface is made smooth and youthful

A neck lift is a comprehensive cosmetic procedure that positively affects not only appearance but also a person's overall posture and self-confidence.

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

Neck lift surgery is an ideal solution for individuals who experience aesthetic deformities in the neck and jawline. This procedure is perfect for people who appear youthful in the upper part of their face but have an unbalanced appearance due to signs of aging in the neck area.

Ideal candidates:

• Individuals aged 40 and above
• Those with sagging and fat accumulation in the chin area
• Those with loose or banding neck muscles
• Those with noticeable wrinkles or loss of elasticity in the neck skin
• Those with skin suitable for surgical intervention
• Patients with realistic expectations and good overall health

Pre-operative suitability assessment should be performed by a specialist aesthetic surgeon, and a personalized plan should be developed based on the individual's needs.

What causes aging in the neck area?

Aging in the neck area is caused by a combination of natural biological factors and environmental influences. These effects become more pronounced over time.

Main causes:

• Loss of collagen and elastin: The skin loses its elasticity.
• Gravity: The tissues of the face and neck are pulled downward.
• Genetic predisposition: Early sagging in the neck area may be observed in some families.
• Weight fluctuations: Weakens the skin structure and increases the formation of jowls.
• Harmful effects of the sun: Damages skin cells and accelerates aging.
• Muscle weakness: Sagging occurs, especially due to the loosening of the platysma muscle.

Neck lift surgery targets aesthetic problems resulting from these causes and aims to rejuvenate the area.

Preparation Process Before Neck Lift Surgery

Preparation is crucial for the successful completion of the surgical process. During this stage, doctor-patient communication, examination, and individual planning are carried out.

The preparation process includes the following steps:

1. Face and neck analysis
   • Skin quality, muscle structure, and degree of sagging are evaluated.
2. Health check
   • Chronic diseases, medications, allergies, and anesthesia suitability are determined.
3. Lifestyle adjustments
   • Smoking should be stopped at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
   • Blood thinners should be discontinued under the supervision of a doctor.
   • Alcohol consumption should be limited, and the immune system should be supported.
4. Photography and planning
   • Photos are taken of the patient before and after the procedure for comparison.

The preparation process should be planned individually for each patient, and each step should be explained in detail by the surgeon.

How is a neck lift performed?

Neck lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and the operation time varies between 2 to 4 hours on average.

The surgical process proceeds with the following steps:

1. Placement of incisions
   • Aesthetic incisions are made in front and behind the ears and hidden in the scalp.
   • In some cases, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
2. Platysma muscle correction (platysmaplasty)
   • The platysma muscle, which is the neck muscle, is tightened from the center or sides and repositioned.
   • If the muscle bands are separated, they are reconnected to give the neck a smoother appearance.
3. Fat removal (liposuction)
   • If there is fat accumulation in the neck area, this fat is removed via liposuction.
4. Removal of excess skin
   • Sagging skin is carefully removed and the skin is tightened to align with natural contours.
5. Sutures and Dressing
   • The incision is closed with aesthetic sutures.
   • A special bandage or neck brace is used to reduce post-operative swelling.

During this procedure, muscles that affect facial expressions are not damaged, so the results are natural and facial expressions are preserved.

Post-Neck Lift Recovery Process

The recovery process may vary from person to person, but generally proceeds as follows:

First 3 Days:

• Swelling, tightness, and mild bruising may occur.
• The head should be kept elevated, and rest is recommended.
• Cold compresses are recommended.

1st Week:

• Stitches are typically removed within 5–7 days.
• A neck brace is recommended.
• Light daily activities may be resumed.

2–3 Weeks:

• Most swelling subsides.
• Facial and neck contours begin to become more defined.
• Return to social activities is possible.

1–2 Months:

• Final results become apparent.
• Tissue healing is complete.
• Surgical scars begin to fade.

Precautions:

• Protect yourself from the sun
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Use skin care products as recommended by your surgeon
• Avoid movements that strain the neck area for the first 3–4 weeks

Advantages of Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift procedure offers numerous advantages to the patient, not only from an aesthetic perspective but also from functional and psychological standpoints.

Main advantages:

• Elimination of neck sagging
• Sharpening of the jawline
• Reduction in the appearance of the double chin
• Significant reduction in skin wrinkles
• A younger and tighter neck appearance
• Achievement of facial-neck aesthetic balance
• Increased self-confidence

This procedure completes the overall facial aesthetics and results in a more youthful profile.

How Long Do the Results of Neck Lift Last?

The effects of neck lift surgery are long-lasting and generally last between 7 and 10 years. However, this period may vary depending on personal factors.

Factors affecting permanence:

• Skin type and genetic factors
• Lifestyle (diet, smoking, stress)
• Skin care habits
• Level of sun exposure

With proper post-operative care and a healthy lifestyle, the aesthetic appearance achieved can be maintained for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a neck lift be performed on its own?

Yes. If aging is more pronounced in the neck area, only a neck lift procedure can be performed.

Will there be scars after a neck lift?

Since the incisions are hidden in natural creases and along the hairline, scars fade over time and become imperceptible.

Will there be pain after the surgery?

No severe pain is expected other than a slight feeling of tightness. Pain can be controlled with simple painkillers.

Can you lose weight with a neck lift?

No. A neck lift is not a weight loss method. It corrects sagging skin and tissues.

What is the recovery time?

You can usually return to social life and light work within 7–10 days.

Can neck lifting be done again?

Yes. As the aging process continues, a second procedure may be necessary in later years.