As we age, the skin gradually loses its ability to stay firm and supported. This is largely related to a reduction and weakening of key structural components such as collagen and elastin, which normally help the skin remain tight and elastic. Over time, the firmness of the underlying muscle and fat tissues may also decrease, leading to visible loosening in the skin.
In addition, the supportive tissues beneath the skin may diminish. This can increase the space between the skin and deeper anatomical layers, contributing to a more "detached" and sagging appearance. As a result, the skin may begin to look looser, less tight, and more affected by gravity-creating a downward pull and a softer contour.
This is often most noticeable in the face and neck, where gravitational changes can become more prominent with time. In the neck region, the most common areas patients tend to be concerned about include:
- the area under the chin (submental region)
- the central neck line
- the double chin area
- sometimes the area behind the ears
In the face, aging changes may include not only deeper wrinkles, but also soft tissue descent. Depending on individual characteristics, sagging may become noticeable in the cheeks, mid-face / cheekbone area, and eyelids.
Based on where the main concern is located, treatment can be planned as:
- a face lift only
- a neck lift only
- or a combined face and neck lift approach for more comprehensive rejuvenation
This personalized planning helps achieve a more balanced improvement in the jawline definition, neck contour, and overall facial harmony.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
In face and neck lift surgery, surgeon selection is a key factor in both safety and long-term satisfaction. While surgery can achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance, it is important to understand that the natural aging process continues over time.
For that reason, modern techniques are planned with a long-term perspective: procedures should be repeatable when needed and designed in a way that does not prevent future corrective or rejuvenation options. A well-planned approach helps preserve anatomy and allows for potential future interventions if necessary.
Neck Lift Surgery (Neck Tightening)
With aging, the skin may loosen and the body's metabolism may slow down, which can contribute to weight gain and increased subcutaneous fat. As a result, the neck may appear thicker, and neck sagging may become more noticeable. In many cases, these changes can indicate that a person may be a suitable candidate for neck lift surgery.
The neck plays an essential role in creating a youthful and elegant facial profile. In some individuals, aging-related changes may blur the jawline and neck contours, making the neck definition less noticeable. Neck lift surgery is performed regardless of gender, and many male patients also consider this procedure to improve neck contour and achieve a more defined appearance.
A neck lift is often performed as part of a face lift, but it can also be carried out as an isolated neck lift, depending on the patient's needs.
Submental (Double Chin) Area Considerations
The skin in the submental region (double chin area) differs from other body regions. For this reason, liposuction alone may not always be sufficient, and in some cases it may lead to unwanted skin laxity afterward. (In selected male patients, liposuction may provide partial improvement depending on skin structure.)
For patients who have neck fullness and sagging but do not require a full face lift, a neck lift can be performed using carefully planned incisions designed to follow natural anatomical folds under the chin and around the ear region.
If the patient smokes, discontinuing smoking several weeks before surgery may be advised, as smoking can negatively affect healing and anesthesia-related safety.
Anesthesia and Hospital Stay
A neck lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and is not painful during the procedure. Depending on surgical planning, small drains may be placed temporarily after surgery. In such cases, the patient may stay in the hospital for approximately 2 days before discharge.
After recovery begins, patients often notice:
- clearer separation between the jawline and neck
- improved contour in the submental area
- a more defined and youthful neck profile
Combined Face and Neck Lift
In some patients, facial and neck aging concerns may occur together. In these situations, face lift and neck lift procedures can be performed within the same operation.
During combined surgery:
- incisions used for face lift surgery can be extended behind the ear toward the hairline
- the skin and underlying neck structures are lifted upward
- excess skin is removed if necessary
- incisions are closed carefully to keep scars discreet
If submental fat accumulation is also present, liposuction may be included as part of the same surgical plan where clinically appropriate.
Suspension Technique (Thread Lift)
In recent years, medical suspension threads have also been used in face and neck aesthetics for selected patients. These are biocompatible medical threads with small anchoring features that help hold tissue.
With thin needles, threads are placed beneath the skin, and the tissue is gently repositioned upward, which can create a tighter appearance. These threads are often made from biodegradable materials and typically dissolve within approximately 8 to 12 months.
Important Clinical Note
As threads dissolve, the effect may gradually decrease, and sagging can slowly return over time. Therefore, thread-based lifting is generally considered a temporary technique and may require repeat procedures.
Additional points:
- threads are generally not visible or easily felt from outside
- the procedure often takes about 30 minutes
- after short observation (approximately 1-2 hours), patients can usually return to daily life
- thread lifting may improve mild-to-moderate sagging, but it may not be sufficient alone in patients with significant submental fat accumulation
A face and neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped hospital setting and usually takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the surgical plan and individual anatomy.
To help prevent fluid or blood accumulation beneath the neck skin and to support proper wound healing, a surgical drain may be placed under the skin. This drain is usually removed 1 to 2 days after surgery. Following drain removal, patients are commonly discharged from the hospital.
During the early healing period, while the skin adapts to its new position, patients may be advised to use a supportive bandage/compression dressing. This bandage is typically recommended for approximately 7 to 10 days, based on the surgeon's guidance and the patient's recovery process.
After surgery and as swelling gradually subsides, patients generally notice a more refreshed and firmer appearance, with improved contour in the lower face and neck area. Final outcomes continue to refine over time as healing progresses.
With aging, significant weight gain, sudden weight changes, certain skin conditions, soft tissue disorders, or some systemic diseases, the skin may lose firmness and elasticity. As a result, skin laxity and sagging can develop. The normal tight connection between the skin and the underlying fat tissue may weaken, allowing the skin to shift downward under the effect of gravity. In other cases, an increase in subcutaneous fat may become more prominent in the area.
These changes may indicate that a patient could be a suitable candidate for neck lift surgery, either alone or combined with a face lift, depending on the location and severity of concerns.
A neck lift is often performed together with a face lift, but it can also be carried out as an isolated neck lift procedure. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia in operating room conditions. If the patient also has increased fat accumulation in the neck or submental region, liposuction may be combined with the procedure. In such cases, excess fat can be reduced, and the contours of the jawline and neck can be refined to create a more defined and youthful profile.
Incisions are planned carefully-often near the hairline or around natural folds-so that scars remain as discreet as possible. During the procedure, the skin and underlying muscle structures may be lifted to improve neck contour and support long-term results.
The operation typically lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. To reduce the risk of blood or fluid accumulation in the treated area, a drain may be placed temporarily after surgery. In addition, a bandage or supportive dressing may be recommended for around 7 to 10 days to help the skin and soft tissues adapt to their new position.
In recent years, if there is no significant fat accumulation in the neck (and liposuction is not needed), a suspension/thread lifting technique may be considered in selected patients. In this method, specially designed medical suspension materials are placed under the skin using fine needles. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
One of the main advantages is that, after approximately two hours of observation, patients can typically return to normal daily activities. However, as the threads dissolve over time, the effect is temporary. For this reason, the procedure may need to be repeated after about one year, depending on the individual case.
After face or neck lifting procedures, patients often notice improved neck definition and a clearer separation between the neck and jawline, which may contribute to a more refreshed appearance.
To learn more about neck lift surgery and to receive detailed information, you can contact the clinic via the website communication details.
