Neck Lift

A neck lift — medically known as platysmaplasty — is surgery performed to tighten loose or sagging skin on the neck and jawline, and to reduce the prominence of bands or cords that run vertically down the front of the neck. These changes often happen gradually with age as skin loses elasticity and the underlying muscles loosen. The result is a softer, less defined jaw, visible vertical bands, or a fullness beneath the chin that no amount of exercise or skincare can reverse.

At Estetica Istanbul, neck lift is one of the most commonly requested standalone facial procedures, especially among patients from the UK, Ireland, North America, and Australia who want a refreshed profile without undergoing a full facelift. Platysmaplasty can be performed on its own, or combined with a facelift or other facial procedures for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Mustafa Ekrem Güleş reviews every neck lift consultation to ensure your surgical plan is realistic for your anatomy and concerns.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is surgery designed to address loose skin, excess fat, and weakened muscles in the neck and lower face region. The most common concern is laxity in the platysma muscle — a thin, broad muscle that extends from the collarbone to the jaw — which can separate and create vertical cords or a saggy appearance. A platysmaplasty tightens this muscle by suturing the separated sections back together, and excess skin is carefully removed to restore contour and definition.

The procedure does not address mid-face or upper-face aging; a neck lift targets the lower face and neck specifically. Many patients combine it with a facelift for more comprehensive results, but a standalone neck lift is a legitimate choice for those whose primary concern is the neck and jawline.

Who is a candidate?

A good candidate for neck lift is someone bothered by loose neck skin, visible neck bands, loss of jaw definition, or fullness under the chin. You should be in good overall health, a non-smoker or able to stop at least four semanas before and after surgery, and realistic about what surgery can achieve. Age alone is not a limiting factor; we assess each patient on the basis of skin quality, degree of laxity, and individual goals.

You are bothered by visible neck bands, loose skin, or loss of jaw definition

You have realistic expectations — a neck lift will not eliminate all signs of aging

You are in good general health with no untreated medical conditions

You have stopped smoking for a minimum of four semanas before and after surgery

You are able to stay in Istanbul for seven dias (one night clinic, six nights hotel)

You understand that results continue to refine over three to six meses

How the procedure is performed at Estetica Istanbul

A neck lift typically begins with an incision either under the chin (submental) or behind the ears, depending on the extent of work needed. Through this incision, the surgeon gains access to the platysma muscle and the overlying tissues. The separated muscle sections are identified and sutured back together in the midline, restoring structural support. Excesso de Pele is gently re-draped and removed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes one and a half to two hours. You will spend one night in the clinic for monitoring, and then move to a hotel for the remainder of your stay. The first post-operative check is usually around day three, and you will be cleared to fly home after day seven.

Recuperação: what to expect week by week

Inchaço and bruising are most noticeable in the first five to seven dias. By day seven, when you attend your post-operative check, most of the visible bruising will have faded enough to make a public appearance possible with light makeup. Light office work is typically manageable after two semanas, though a high collar or scarf is often appreciated during the first month.

Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports should be avoided for four semanas. Full resolution of swelling takes two to three meses, and the final result — with smooth contours and a crisper jawline — becomes apparent around three to six meses as all inflammation resolves.

Riscos and realistic expectations

Like all surgery, a neck lift carries risks of bleeding, infection, and reaction to anaesthesia. Specific to this procedure, there is a small risk of temporary weakness in the lower lip or chin region from nerve stretch, though full recovery of sensation is the norm. Seroma — a collection of fluid under the skin — occasionally occurs and may require a small needle drainage; this is almost never a serious problem.

The most important realistic expectation is this: a neck lift cannot replace a full facelift if you have significant mid-face or jowl laxity. It also will not stop ageing; time will continue its work. What it will do is give you a tighter, more defined neck and jawline for many anos. Most patients report being pleased with the result and finding it well worth the modest downtime.

Preço and what is included

A standalone neck lift at Estetica Istanbul is priced at €2,500. This includes the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia, operating theatre charges, one night in the clinic, pre-operative blood work, your first post-operative check, VIP airport transfers on arrival and departure, and an English-speaking patient coordinator. Hotel accommodation for the six additional nights you remain in Istanbul is arranged separately through our partner hotels in Kadıköy and across the European side, at rates that vary depending on your preference.

Why neck lift patients choose Istanbul

The same neck lift procedure in the UK, Ireland, or North America typically costs €5,000 to €8,000 or more, with longer waiting lists and higher accommodation costs. Istanbul offers experienced facial surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and an established hospitality network that makes the journey straightforward. Many of our patients find that the travel is more than offset by the savings and the quality of care.

Estetica Istanbul is transparent about what neck lift can and cannot achieve. If we believe your concerns are better suited to a full facelift or a different procedure, we will recommend that honestly. Our goal is not to sell a procedure; it is to help you make the right choice for your face and your goals.

Ready to restore your neck and jawline?

Send us photos of your neck and profile from the side, and tell us what bothers you most. Our facial team — led by Dr. Mustafa Ekrem Güleş — will review your case and discuss whether a neck lift alone is right for you, or whether combining it with other procedures would serve you better. Consulta is at no charge.