As we get older, it’s normal to notice changes in the neck area—loose skin, excess fat, or that frustrating double chin that just won’t go away. These signs of aging can affect your overall facial appearance and even your confidence. Thankfully, facial plastic surgery offers effective solutions, and two of the most popular are the neck lift and neck liposuction.
While they may sound similar, these are two very different procedures designed to address different concerns. Understanding how they work, when they’re recommended, and what kind of results you can expect will help you decide which one may be the right fit—or whether combining them could give you the best outcome.
What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves the contour and firmness of your neck by removing excess skin (that turkey neck appearance) and tightening the underlying muscles. Often referred to as neck lift surgery or a full neck lift, it’s a powerful way to restore a smoother, more youthful neck profile—especially if you have sagging skin, visible vertical bands, or deep wrinkles in the neck area.
During a neck lift procedure, your plastic surgeon makes small incisions around or behind your ears and sometimes beneath your chin. Through these incisions, the underlying muscles are tightened using a surgical technique called platysmaplasty. Loose neck skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a firmer, more lifted look.
You might be a good candidate for a neck lift if:
- You have significant skin laxity or sagging under the chin
- The muscles in your neck have weakened over time, creating visible banding
- Your neck and lower face no longer match the youthful appearance of your upper face
The goal of the surgery is to enhance the jawline, reduce signs of aging, and improve overall harmony between your face and neck.
What Is Neck Liposuction?
Neck liposuction is a much less invasive procedure that targets unwanted fat deposits in the neck and under the chin. If your primary concern is a double chin or a poorly defined jawline—but your skin is still relatively firm—then neck liposuction may be all you need.
This procedure involves inserting a thin tube, or cannula, through tiny incisions (often hidden under the chin) to gently suction out fat. The technique reshapes the neck and creates a more contoured appearance without removing skin or tightening muscles.
You might benefit from neck contouring with liposuction if:
- You’re dealing with fullness or fat beneath the chin
- Your skin has good elasticity and snaps back after fat is removed
- You want noticeable improvement with minimal downtime and scarring
It’s a common choice among younger patients at our Houston practice who want to enhance their profile without undergoing more involved surgery.
When Would a Patient Need Both?
In many cases, the most natural-looking results come from combining both a neck lift and neck liposuction. This dual approach allows your plastic surgeon to address multiple issues at once—removing excess fat, tightening loose skin, and restoring muscle structure.
You may be a candidate for both procedures if:
- You have a double chin along with sagging skin
- Your neck muscles have weakened and require tightening
- You’re undergoing a full facelift and want consistent results across your face and neck
During your neck lift consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and goals to decide whether one or both techniques are needed. Combining procedures can lead to more comprehensive facial rejuvenation and a smoother recovery compared to spacing them out.
What Happens During a Neck Lift Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon?
Every successful surgery starts with a personalized consultation. Your appointment with Dr. Casso includes a full facial analysis, a medical history review, and a detailed conversation about your desired outcome.
Here’s what to expect during your consultation:
- A close look at your skin quality, neck muscles, and fat distribution
- A discussion about which procedure—or combination—can best meet your goals
- An explanation of surgical technique, anesthesia options, and what recovery will involve
This is your chance to ask questions and understand what’s possible with neck lift surgery, neck liposuction, or other procedures, like facelift or brow lift, that may complement your results.
How Do Different Types of Plastic Surgery Recovery Compare?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure you choose. Neck liposuction typically involves minimal downtime. You may experience mild bruising or swelling for a few days, but most patients return to work within a week. Compression garments may be recommended to help shape the area and minimize swelling.
Recovery from a neck lift is more involved, but very manageable. Since it’s a surgical procedure, you’ll need to take it easy for the first week or two. Bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort are common in the early days after surgery. Sutures are usually removed within a week, and visible scarring fades over time—especially when incisions are placed strategically behind the ears or under the chin.
Here’s a general recovery timeline:
- Days 1–3: Rest and limited activity, some swelling and bruising
- Week 1: Follow-up appointment, sutures removed
- Week 2: Most swelling subsides, results begin to appear
- Weeks 3–4: Return to regular routines, avoid strenuous activity
- Month 2 and beyond: Final results become visible
Your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
The results from both procedures can be transformative—especially when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Casso with experience in facial plastic surgery.
With neck liposuction, you’ll notice improved contour, a more defined jawline, and a reduction in the appearance of a double chin. The changes are often subtle but make a big impact on your overall appearance.
Neck lift surgery offers more dramatic and longer-lasting results. By tightening skin and restructuring the muscles beneath, it effectively reverses visible signs of aging in the neck. Patients often look years younger and enjoy a smoother, firmer profile that blends naturally with the rest of their face.
Most of our patients in Houston find that their self-confidence improves significantly after surgery—especially when the results look natural and refreshed rather than overdone.
Other Procedures to Consider
Depending on your concerns, Dr. Casso may suggest additional procedures to enhance your outcome. A facelift can be combined with a neck lift to address sagging in the lower face and jowls. A brow lift can smooth out forehead wrinkles and elevate drooping brows.
By treating multiple areas at once, you can create a more harmonious, youthful appearance from every angle.
Is It Right for You?
Whether you’re considering a full neck lift, neck liposuction, or both, it’s important to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what each procedure involves. Both treatments are highly effective—but they’re designed for different issues.
Your main concern is a double chin or neck fullness
- Your main concern is a double chin or neck fullness
- You have good skin elasticity
- You want quick results and a shorter recovery
Choose a neck lift if:
- You have sagging skin, visible bands, or wrinkles in the neck area
- Your muscles need tightening
- You want more comprehensive, long-term improvement
In many cases, combining procedures provides the best of both worlds—sculpting and tightening for a complete neck transformation.
