If you’re noticing sagging skin, vertical bands, or a double chin when you look in the mirror, you’re not alone. The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging.
Loose skin, weakening neck muscles, and fat accumulation under the chin can affect your facial appearance and make you look older than you feel. While there are many facial rejuvenation options out there, nothing tightens the neck and sharpens the jawline quite like neck lift surgery.
Whether you’re dealing with excess skin, a turkey neck, or deep creases along the neck and jawline, a neck lift offers long-term results that nonsurgical treatments simply can’t match. In Houston, patients turn to plastic surgeon Dr. Casso for this very reason—to achieve smoother, firmer, and more youthful neck contours through expert surgical technique.
What Causes Neck Aging?
Aging in the neck happens for several reasons. The tissues and skin naturally lose collagen and elastin over time. The platysma muscle—a thin sheet of muscle that spans your neck—begins to loosen. You might also notice fat collecting under your chin or along the jawline. These changes contribute to an aged appearance that often doesn’t match how youthful you feel inside.
• The loss of skin elasticity makes the neck appear saggy and wrinkled
• Weakening of underlying muscles causes vertical bands and laxity
• Fat deposits create a double chin or soften the once-sharp jawline
This combination of factors—skin, fat, and muscles—all affect the neck’s appearance. That’s why treatment needs to address multiple layers, not just the surface.
Why Neck Lift Surgery is the Gold Standard
When you want dramatic, lasting neck tightening, surgery is often the most effective option. A neck lift doesn’t just remove skin—it repositions underlying muscles, removes excess fat, and redrapes the tissues for a smooth, natural-looking result.
Dr. Casso performs neck lift procedures in his surgery center in Houston using techniques tailored to your facial structure, muscle condition, and aesthetic goals. Every neck is different, and so is every neck lift.
Unlike temporary treatments that focus on superficial tightening, a surgical neck lift targets deeper layers for more durable outcomes. It’s a highly customizable cosmetic surgery that often includes liposuction, muscle tightening, and skin excision depending on your needs.
Benefits Skin of Skin Tightening with a Neck Lift
Choosing a surgical neck lift comes with several clear advantages. If you’re bothered by creases, sagging skin, or neck banding, this neck rejuvenation procedure can completely transform your appearance.
• Smooths out deep wrinkles and creases along the neck
• Removes excess skin and tightens the underlying platysma muscle
• Enhances the definition between your neck and jawline
• Reduces fat under the chin and addresses double chin concerns
• Restores a youthful transition between your head and shoulders
Many patients also experience an improvement in overall facial rejuvenation, as the neck lift complements the face and brings better balance to your facial features.
What to Expect From Surgical Neck Lift Procedures
Dr. Casso offers both traditional neck lift and combinatin procedures depending on your anatomy and goals. A traditional neck lift typically involves an incision behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. Through these incisions, the underlying muscles are tightened, excess fat is removed or repositioned, and the skin is trimmed and redraped.
Other procedures may be combined, such as a facelift or brow lift, to further enhance your appearance. Many patients also choose to have liposuction of the neck and jawline at the same time, which helps to contour the lower face and improve the final outcome.
In general, neck lift surgery focuses on:
• Tightening neck muscles, including the platysma, for lasting support
• Removing fat through liposuction to contour the chin and jaw
• Eliminating sagging tissues that create a turkey neck look
• Reducing visible signs of aging in both the neck and jawline
These procedures are performed under general anesthesia or local anesthetic with sedation. You’ll discuss the best anesthesia approach during your consultation.
Neck Liposuction vs. Full Neck Lift for Neck Laxity
If your skin is still relatively firm but you’re noticing fat buildup under the chin or along the jaw, neck liposuction might be all you need. Liposuction removes excess fat deposits and creates a slimmer profile. However, it doesn’t address muscle banding or excess skin.
In contrast, a full neck lift is better suited for patients with:
• Significant sagging
• Muscle and skin laxity
• Excess skin and crepey skin texture
• Neck wrinkles and deep neck creases
During your appointment, Dr. Casso will evaluate your facial structure, tissues, and overall skin condition to determine the right procedure or combination of treatments for you.
Surgical Techniques and Incisions
Your facial plastic surgeon will place the incisions in discreet areas, such as behind the ears or under the chin. These small incisions allow the plastic surgeon to access the platysma muscle, tighten underlying muscles, and remove or reposition fat as needed.
• Sutures are used to secure the lifted muscles and prevent recurrence of banding
• Incisions are carefully closed with stitches to minimize scars
• Skin is redraped smoothly over the newly shaped contours of your neck
Advanced surgical techniques allow for natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with the rest of your face and neck.
Neck Lift Recovery Time and What to Expect
Recovery from neck lift surgery usually takes about two weeks, although most bruising and swelling subside within the first 10 days. You may experience tightness, mild pain, or swelling in the neck and lower face during the initial healing phase. These are normal signs of the healing process.
You’ll receive detailed post-op instructions to follow at home, including how to care for incisions, manage bruising, and reduce swelling.
• Most patients return to work and daily activities within two weeks
• Stitches are removed within 7–10 days
• You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and keep your head elevated
• Minor scars will fade over time and are hidden near the hairline or under the chin
It’s important to follow all recovery guidelines to optimize your results and minimize complications.
Long-Term Neck Lift Results
A neck lift can dramatically enhance your facial appearance, especially when combined with a facelift or brow lift. You’ll notice firmer skin, better neck definition, and fewer wrinkles or creases. The tightened platysma muscle and removal of excess fat give your neck a smoother, more youthful contour.
While the natural aging process continues, your surgical results can last many years, especially if you maintain healthy habits and take care of your skin.
• Results typically last 10 years or longer
• Neck lift results age naturally with the rest of your facial features
• Sun protection and skincare can help prolong your outcome
Is a Neck Lift the Right Treatment for You?
If you’re looking for real, lasting improvement in the neck area, surgical options will deliver the most comprehensive results. Non-invasive treatments may offer minor surface changes, but they can’t match the power of surgical lifting, muscle tightening, and contour correction.
