Neck Lift

As you age, the delicate skin and muscles of the neck begin to loosen—often leading to visible banding, excess fullness, and what’s commonly called a “turkey neck.” Even if your facial appearance remains youthful, signs of aging in the neck can make you appear older or feel less confident in your appearance.

A neck lift offers elegant, natural-looking rejuvenation by addressing the root causes of aging in the neck: weakened platysma muscles, skin laxity, and localized fat. Whether your concern is a sagging neckline, poor jaw definition, or neck creases, this surgical solution can help restore harmony between the face and neck—allowing your outer appearance to better reflect how vibrant you feel inside.

How the Neck Lift Procedure Works

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, involves surgical tightening of the platysma muscle—a thin sheet of muscle extending from the jawline to the collarbone. Over time, this muscle can separate or weaken, contributing to banding and sagging under the chin. Dr. Surek skillfully restores this foundational layer by suturing the muscle back into a firmer, more youthful position.

In addition to muscle tightening, excess skin is meticulously trimmed, and submental fat (under the chin) may be removed to further refine the jawline. Dr. Surek often utilizes advanced techniques such as deep-plane access or SMAS-level adjustment to ensure long-lasting, natural results that move harmoniously with your facial expressions.

Every neck lift performed by Dr. Surek is customized to your unique anatomy. As a nationally recognized educator in facial anatomy and surgical technique, he brings a profound level of precision, artistry, and care to each procedure—ensuring that your results look effortlessly natural and beautifully balanced.

Benefits of a Neck Lift

• Reduces sagging and excess skin in the neck
• Smooths vertical neck bands caused by platysma laxity
• Enhances jawline definition and chin-neck angle
• Improves the appearance of a “turkey neck”
• Long-lasting results with a single procedure
• Creates harmony between the face and neck
• Tailored to your anatomy for a naturally refined result

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Surek at his Overland Park office. He will assess your neck anatomy, listen to your aesthetic goals, and walk you through a personalized surgical plan. Photographs may be taken to assist with planning and to document your transformation.

On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at an accredited surgical center where anesthesia will be administered for your comfort—typically general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Surek places incisions discreetly behind the ears and under the chin, ensuring they remain hidden once healed. The platysma muscle is tightened, excess fat may be removed, and skin is redraped for a smooth finish.

Recovery typically involves bruising and swelling for 7–14 days, with most patients returning to social activities within 10–14 days. A supportive garment may be worn temporarily to promote healing. Dr. Surek and his team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and will monitor your progress closely to ensure optimal healing and results.

Procedure Enhancements

Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with other facial rejuvenation procedures for a more comprehensive transformation:

• Facelift: Elevates the mid and lower face to complement a rejuvenated neck
• Chin Augmentation: Enhances jawline projection for improved facial balance
• Lip Lift or Eyelid Surgery: Refines specific facial features for total rejuvenation
• Fat Grafting: Restores volume to areas of facial deflation, enhancing softness

Combining procedures can optimize facial harmony, minimize downtime, and provide a more unified aesthetic result.

Is a Neck Lift Right for You?

Ideal candidates for a neck lift are men and women—typically in their 40s to 70s—who are concerned about sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat in the neck region. You should be in good overall health, a non-smoker (or willing to stop), and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

A neck lift is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Surek will evaluate your skin quality, muscle tone, and facial anatomy to determine whether a full neck lift, mini-lift, or non-surgical approach best fits your goals. Emotional readiness and commitment to the recovery process are also important for a successful outcome.

Neck Lift vs. Alternatives

While a surgical neck lift provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, some patients may benefit from non-surgical alternatives depending on their concerns and anatomy:

• Neck Lift vs. Non-Surgical Tightening: Non-surgical options offer modest tightening but cannot replicate the sculpting or muscle repair of surgery.
• Full Neck Lift vs. Mini Neck Lift: A mini lift involves shorter incisions and recovery, best suited for early signs of aging. Full neck lifts provide more comprehensive correction of deeper concerns.
• Neck Lift vs. Liposuction Alone: Submental liposuction addresses excess fat but does not tighten loose skin or muscles.

Dr. Surek will guide you toward the option that aligns best with your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Why Choose Dr. Chris Surek for Your Neck Lift?

Dr. Chris Surek is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. As a national educator in advanced surgical techniques, he is frequently invited to teach and lecture across the country. His approach is built on natural-looking outcomes, patient safety, and personalized care.

When you choose Dr. Surek, you’re choosing a surgeon who listens deeply, plans meticulously, and delivers results that reflect your individual beauty—not a one-size-fits-all ideal.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your neck lift consultation with Dr. Surek in Overland Park, KS, and discover what’s possible.