Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery

When should I consider a necklift?

Sagging, vertical folds on the upper neck
Localized deposits of fat accumulated under the chin and extending onto the neck.

Anticipated Results:

A more youthful and slender neck contour.
Elimination of excess skin and wrinkling underneath the chin.


Before		After

Occasionally, conservative liposuction with a chin augmentation may avoid the need for a full neck lift. For example, in this patient, most of the submental (under the chin) fat was outside the platysmal (neck) muscle. Therefore, in her case, a chin implant and liposuction with a modified neck lift, limiting the incision to just under the chin, gave her a very nice contour. If the majority of fat is beneath the neck muscle, it is always necessary to make an incision and remove the fat as well as recontour the neck muscle (a modified neck lift). A full neck lift involves incisions behind the ears as well. This is necessary when there is an excess amount of sagging or loose neck skin which must be removed. Full neck lifts are more commonly performed in conjunction with a facelift.

Planning the Surgery:

Time off Work:

You will need to take about 5-7 days off work.

Day of Surgery:

The procedure is generally performed under local with sedation or a general anesthesia, and it is done on an outpatient basis. Incisions are made within the hairline behind the ears, and a small incision is made underneath the chin. Fat can be suctioned or excised. Neck muscles are tightened.