Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
A neck lift tightens loose skin and the muscle beneath the jaw and neck to restore a defined, youthful jawline — often the first area to show ageing. It is frequently combined with a facelift for a balanced result, and at Clinic Elia it is planned and performed by a specialist surgeon.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift (platysmaplasty, often with liposuction) addresses the changes that make a neck look older — sagging skin, vertical muscle bands, and a loss of definition between the jaw and neck (the “jowl” and “turkey neck” look). The surgeon tightens the underlying muscle, removes or repositions excess skin, and where needed refines fat beneath the chin, to recreate a clean jawline and neck contour.
Neck lift, facelift or liposuction — what you actually need
“Neck lift” covers several procedures. The right one depends on whether the problem is loose skin, muscle bands, fat, or all three.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Neck lift (platysmaplasty) | Tightens the platysma muscle and removes loose skin for banding and a slack neck. |
| Submental liposuction | Removes a fatty “double chin” when skin tone is still good — often on its own in younger patients. |
| Neck lift + facelift | Combined when the jowls and mid-face sag as well, for a balanced result. |
| Non-surgical (e.g. Kybella) | Injectables can reduce a small fat pocket only; they do not tighten loose skin or muscle bands. |
Are you a good candidate?
Good candidates have loose neck skin, muscle banding or a heavy jawline, reasonable skin elasticity, good general health and realistic expectations. Non-smokers, or those willing to stop, heal better. A neck lift addresses sagging and contour — it does not change skin quality or fine surface lines, which other treatments target. Your surgeon will advise honestly whether a neck lift alone, or combined with a facelift, suits you.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How it is performed
Under general anaesthesia or sedation, small, hidden incisions are made under the chin and around the ears. The neck muscle (platysma) is tightened, excess skin is removed, and fat is refined if required. The result is a firmer, more defined neck and jawline. It is often combined with a facelift or chin refinement for harmony.
Recovery
Expect swelling and bruising in the first one to two weeks, managed with rest and a support garment as advised. Most people feel presentable and return to a light routine within about two weeks, with strenuous activity avoided a little longer. The final, settled result emerges over the following months as tissues relax.
Risks and safety, honestly
A neck lift is well-established and, in qualified hands at an accredited hospital, safe — but honesty about risk matters. Alongside general surgical risks (bleeding, infection, poor healing) the specific ones are temporary numbness, small differences between sides, and — uncommonly — temporary weakness of a nerve branch that lifts the lower lip. Choosing an experienced surgeon and a proper facility is what changes the odds. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, with honest consent.
Results
A neck lift gives long-lasting rejuvenation of the neck and jawline; results typically last several years, though the neck continues to age naturally. Planned well, the outcome looks refreshed and natural, not “operated.”
Cost in Turkey
A neck lift in Turkey typically costs well below UK, European and North American prices, with a genuine package covering the surgery, anaesthesia, aftercare, hotel, transfers and a coordinator. Your exact quote follows an assessment. See how our packages work.
Your surgeon
Facial procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery with a particular focus on facial rejuvenation.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a neck lift the same as a facelift?
They are related but distinct. A neck lift focuses on the neck and jawline; a facelift addresses the mid and lower face. They are often combined for a balanced result.
Will it look natural?
A well-planned neck lift restores definition without a pulled look. Natural results come from tightening the deeper muscle, not just the skin.
Where are the scars?
Incisions are placed under the chin and around the ears, where they heal discreetly.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to light activity in about two weeks, once bruising fades; strenuous activity a little later.
How long do results last?
Typically several years. The neck keeps ageing naturally, but the improvement is long-lasting.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes — often with a facelift, chin refinement or eyelid surgery for overall facial harmony.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually around 7–10 days for surgery and initial recovery; confirmed in your plan.
Neck lift or facelift — which do I need?
A neck lift targets the neck and jawline; a facelift also lifts the mid-face and jowls. If both sag, they are often combined. Your surgeon advises after examining you.
What are the vertical neck bands (“turkey neck”)?
They are edges of the platysma muscle. A neck lift tightens the muscle (platysmaplasty) to smooth them — something creams and devices cannot do.
Can it fix a double chin?
Yes. If it is mainly fat with good skin, liposuction alone may be enough; with loose skin, a lift is added.
Is there a non-surgical option?
Injectables such as Kybella reduce a small fat pocket only and do not tighten skin or bands. For loose skin, surgery is the reliable answer.
Where are the scars?
Small, hidden incisions under the chin and around the ears, which fade over time.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
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Considering a neck lift?
Send photos on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment and an all-inclusive quote. See also facelift and plastic surgery in Turkey.