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Neck Lift
Neck Lift
Some of the thinnest, most delicate tissues in the body can be found in the neck, which means that the natural aging process may affect the neck more quickly than other areas of the face and body. Additionally, excess fatty tissue through the upper neck, under the chin and along the lower jaw can make you look much heavier than you actually are. Neck lift surgery removes excess skin and tissue from the jowls and upper neck.
Recognized as some of the top cosmetic surgeons in the Mobile-Pensacola metro area, Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery offer a wide range of facial plastic surgery procedures for both men and women. We are known for our caring commitment to a patient-first approach while achieving absolutely excellent results.
Are You a Candidate?
If you are in good overall physical and emotional health but feel bothered by loose skin, banding, excess fullness or a prematurely aged appearance in your neck, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift. Many patients seek this procedure to address sagging skin, visible muscle bands, a “turkey neck” or a persistent double chin that does not improve with diet and exercise.
A neck lift can be performed on its own or combined with a facelift for men and women who want more comprehensive lower facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your skin quality, jawline definition and underlying muscle structure to determine whether a neck lift alone, or in combination with another procedure, will best achieve your goals.
Before and After Photos
Your Neck Lift Consultation
A consultation that includes a thorough physical evaluation is essential to achieving the best possible results from your neck lift. Your surgeon will carefully assess your skin elasticity, degree of sagging, muscle banding and fat distribution beneath the chin and along the jawline. These factors help to determine whether you would benefit most from neck liposuction alone, a full neck lift with muscle tightening or a combination approach.
During your visit, Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner will review your medical history, current medications and previous facial procedures to ensure you are a safe surgical candidate. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your concerns, what specifically bothers you about your neck profile and what kind of improvement you hope to achieve. Your surgeon will explain the recommended technique, incision placement, type of anesthesia, recovery timeline and realistic expectations for results.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Benefits of a Neck Lift
The skin and muscles throughout the neck and jaw area may seem to age at a different rate, leading to the appearance of premature aging even when your upper face still looks comparatively young. The looseness and loss of elasticity in the neck can lead to embarrassing wattle or “turkey neck,” along with muscle banding that causes irregular contours. To compound these problems, the jaw and chin area can also store excess fat, leading to prominent jowls and a double chin.
Neck lift surgery can tighten the platysma bands (the neck muscles) along with removing excess skin and fatty tissue to restore a smooth, youthful look. In those men and women who are more concerned with fat deposits than skin laxity, liposuction alone may be enough to improve neck contours without the need for additional surgery. This is an option that your surgeon can discuss with you at your consultation.
Common reasons our Alabama patients consider a neck lift include:
- A “turkey neck” appearance despite a youthful face
- Visible vertical neck bands that show in photos
- A persistent double chin that does not respond to weight loss
- Loss of jawline definition
- Feeling that their neck makes them look older than they feel
- Wanting long-lasting improvement rather than temporary injectable treatments
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Neck Lift Techniques
Several surgical techniques can be used to improve the contour of the neck, depending on your specific needs. During your consultation, your surgeon will determine which approach will provide the most natural and effective result.
Mini Neck Lift
In cases of mild to moderate skin laxity or early banding, a less invasive approach, often called a “mini neck lift,” may be appropriate. This technique uses smaller incisions, typically placed discreetly around the ears. It allows for tightening of mild loose skin and subtle contour improvement, generally with a shorter recovery period compared to more extensive surgery.
Full Neck Lift
A full neck lift is recommended for patients with more significant sagging skin, prominent platysma banding or substantial loss of jawline definition. This procedure may involve incisions around the ears and sometimes a small incision beneath the chin. The underlying neck muscles are tightened, excess fat is removed or repositioned and loose skin is trimmed to create a smoother, firmer contour. This technique provides more comprehensive and longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Neck Liposuction Only
For patients whose primary concern is excess fat under the chin, but who still have good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may be sufficient. Through small, strategically placed incisions, excess fat is removed to enhance jawline definition and reduce fullness. Because the skin retains its ability to contract, additional skin tightening may not be necessary in appropriate candidates.
Risks and Complications
The risks associated with neck lift surgery are typically minor, and include common side effects such as fluid accumulation (hematoma), anesthesia risks or poor wound healing. More serious concerns include permanent changes in sensation, irregular contours or unfavorable scarring, although these are rare. We will discuss all the risks and benefits associated with neck lift surgery and neck liposuction during your consultation so you’re fully informed before your procedure.
Neck Lift Recovery
Most people plan to take about one week off from work and regular responsibilities to rest and recover at home after a neck lift. During the first several days, swelling, bruising, tightness and mild discomfort are common. Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping, and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully can help minimize swelling and promote proper healing.
Light walking is encouraged early on to support circulation, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided for several weeks. Many people feel comfortable resuming social activities within 10 to 14 days, depending on how quickly bruising and swelling resolve.
Your New Look
Neck lift surgery and neck liposuction can achieve a similar goal: creating slimmer, more youthful contours along the neck and jawline. By removing excess fat and tightening loose skin and muscle, these procedures help restore definition and reduce the appearance of sagging or fullness beneath the chin.
You should notice an immediate improvement in contour after surgery, though early swelling can temporarily mask your final result. As bruising fades and swelling decreases over the first few weeks, your neck will begin to look smoother and more defined.
Most people see a clear improvement within 3 to 4 weeks, with continued refinement as healing progresses. Final results are typically visible between 3 and 6 months after surgery, once all residual swelling has resolved and tissues have fully settled.
Neck Lift FAQs
How do I find the best neck lift cosmetic surgeon near me?
Start by asking for referrals from friends and family members near you who have had personal experiences with cosmetic surgeons in your area. You can also read reviews online from previous clients, view before and after neck lift photos and double-check the credentials of potential cosmetic surgeons for your procedure. Narrow your search to your top one or two picks and schedule a consultation with each to make your final decision.
How much does a neck lift cost in Alabama?
The cost of a neck lift in Alabama varies depending on the technique used, the surgeon’s experience, anesthesia fees and facility costs. In general, patients can expect pricing to vary based on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with a facelift or other treatments. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed quote that outlines all associated fees.
Does insurance cover the cost of a neck lift?
In most cases, a neck lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Please contact us if you have questions about payment or financing options.
Is a neck lift the best way to fix a sagging neck?
A neck lift could be right for you if you’re bothered by the appearance of significant sagging or loose skin, stubborn pockets of fat or visible platysmal bands in your check and neck area. A neck lift can be an effective surgical solution to correct “turkey neck,” jowls or a double chin.
In some cases, liposuction alone can be enough to correct a double chin or other cosmetic concerns related to excess fat deposits in your submental (under chin) and neck areas. We will work with you to help you decide if a neck lift could be the best fit for your goals.
What’s the best age for a neck lift?
Most men and women who decide to get a neck lift are between the ages of 40 and 60. However, there is no hard-and-fast rule as to what the best age is to get this procedure. Some people choose to start with nonsurgical options such as injectables or skin tightening devices before deciding to get a neck lift or other surgical procedure.
What’s a mini neck lift?
In some cases, a less invasive neck lift technique, sometimes called a “mini neck lift,” can be used to address less significant sagging or banding in the neck area. In a mini neck lift, smaller incisions can be used, leading to a generally shorter recovery period.
How painful is a neck lift?
Most people report only mild to moderate discomfort and tightness in the days following their neck lift procedure. These symptoms, along with swelling and bruising, are typically easy to manage with the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, ice packs, supportive bandages and getting plenty of rest.
How long does it take to recover from a neck lift?
Most people plan to take around one week off work and other activities to recover at home from their neck lift. Though you can start to resume social activities and light exercise in the several weeks after your neck lift, it can take 3 to 6 months to see your final results as swelling continues to dissipate.
How long does a neck lift last?
Neck lift results can last an average of 10 to 15 years before a touch-up procedure may be required in order to maintain your same smooth, youthful appearance. To prolong your neck lift results, choose an experienced, reputable cosmetic surgeon, follow all of the post-surgical guidelines and maintain healthy lifestyle habits like avoiding prolonged sun exposure, eating a healthy diet and managing stress.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives?
While there are nonsurgical treatments that can improve mild neck concerns, these treatments typically provide subtle improvement and are best suited for patients with minimal sagging. They cannot remove excess skin or significantly tighten neck muscles the way a surgical neck lift can. For more dramatic or long-lasting results, surgery remains the most effective option.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: March 4th, 2026
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