Neck Lift Surgery: Complete Guide to Jawline and Neck Rejuvenation

A sagging neck, loose skin, and undefined jawline can make you appear significantly older than your actual age, even when your face looks youthful and refreshed. A neck lift (also called a lower face and neck lift or cervicoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck region, tightens underlying muscles, and restores definition to the jawline, creating a more sculpted, youthful neck and lower face appearance.

At Dr. Metin Kerem’s Istanbul practice, we perform both mini neck lifts for limited concerns and comprehensive neck lift procedures for extensive rejuvenation. Whether you’re struggling with a double chin, loose neck skin, or loss of jawline definition, we can help you achieve a more defined, youthful lower face and neck profile that harmonizes with your overall facial aesthetics.

Understanding Neck Lift Surgery: What It Is and What It Does

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses aging and laxity in the neck and lower face region. The procedure removes excess skin and fatty deposits, tightens the underlying platysma muscle (the broad muscle that extends from the chin to the collarbone), and repositions remaining tissues to restore jawline definition and neck contour.

The result is a more defined, sculpted jawline, a smoother neck contour, and elimination of the double chin or “turkey neck” appearance that develops with age.

The Problem It Solves

As we age, several changes occur in the neck area:

Skin Laxity and Sagging: The skin loses elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin production. This causes the skin to become loose and saggy, particularly around the neck and lower face.

Fat Accumulation: Fat deposits accumulate under the chin and along the jawline, creating the appearance of a double chin or submental fullness. This becomes more pronounced as skin loses elasticity.

Muscle Descent: The platysma muscle descends and stretches over time, creating vertical “bands” in the neck and loss of the clean neck-jaw angle.

Loss of Jawline Definition: Combined effects of skin sagging, fat accumulation, and muscle descent result in loss of the sharp, defined jawline that characterizes youth.

Who Benefits Most from Neck Lift Surgery?

Patients who benefit most from neck lift procedures typically experience one or more of the following:

• Double chin or submental fullness
• Loose, sagging neck skin
• Poorly defined or blurred jawline
• Vertical bands or wrinkles in the neck
• Overall heaviness or fullness in the lower face and neck region

Types of Neck Lift Procedures: Mini vs. Comprehensive

Dr. Metin Kerem offers both limited and comprehensive neck lift options, depending on the extent of your concerns.

Mini Neck Lift: Limited Approach for Targeted Concerns

A mini neck lift addresses more limited concerns, particularly isolated submental (under-chin) fullness or mild skin laxity in the neck.

Mini Neck Lift Incision: A single small incision is placed under the chin, hidden in the natural submental crease.

Mini Neck Lift Technique: Through the submental incision, excess fat is removed, and minimal skin tightening is performed. The procedure addresses the area directly under the chin without extending incisions to the ears.

Mini Neck Lift Best For:

• Younger patients with minimal skin laxity
• Patients with isolated submental fat or mild double chin
• Those seeking minimal incisions and faster recovery
• Patients who don’t require comprehensive jawline rejuvenation

Mini Neck Lift Recovery: Slightly faster recovery than comprehensive neck lift, typically returning to work around day 7-10 post-operative.

Full Neck Lift: Extensive Approach for Total Lower Face Rejuvenation

A full or extended neck lift addresses more extensive concerns involving significant skin laxity, fat distribution across the entire jaw and neck, and loss of jawline definition.

Full Neck Lift Incisions: Incisions are placed behind the ears (similar to facelift incisions) and extend down toward the neck, allowing access to the entire jawline and neck region. A small submental (under-chin) incision may also be used.

Full Neck Lift Technique: Through these incisions, excess skin is removed, excess fat is eliminated, the platysma muscle is tightened and repositioned, and skin is redraped for a more defined jawline and smooth neck contour. In some cases the submandibular glands may be reduced to gibe a better jawline definition. This comprehensive approach allows addressing the entire lower face-neck unit.

Comprehensive Neck Lift Best For:

• Patients with significant skin laxity and sagging
• Those with extensive fat accumulation across the jawline and neck
• Patients seeking comprehensive lower face rejuvenation
• Older patients or those combining neck lift with facelift or mid-facelift procedures

Comprehensive Neck Lift Recovery: Slightly longer recovery than mini neck lift due to more extensive incisions, but patients typically return to work around day 10-14 post-operative.

Am I a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

Ideal Candidate Profile

You may be an excellent candidate for neck lift surgery if you:

Experience Visible Neck Aging Signs:

• Double chin or submental fullness
• Loose, sagging neck skin
• Loss of jawline definition
• Vertical neck bands or wrinkles
• Heaviness or lack of definition in the lower face-neck region

General Health Qualifications:

• Good overall health with stable medical conditions
• Stable body weight for at least 6 months prior to surgery
• Realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
• Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery
• Commitment to pre- and post-operative care guidelines

Lifestyle Factors:

• Healthy lifestyle without excessive smoking or alcohol use
• Ability and willingness to maintain stable weight post-operatively
• Commitment to sun protection and skincare
• Realistic understanding that aging continues naturally

Weight Stability: Critical for Success

Why Weight Matters: Your weight at the time of surgery becomes your baseline. Significant weight gain or loss after surgery stretches or loosens the skin, potentially reversing results. Weight fluctuations are the primary reason patients lose satisfaction with neck lift results over time.

Weight Stability Guidelines:

• Maintain stable weight for at least 6 months before surgery
• Plan to maintain your current weight long-term after surgery
• Discuss weight management strategies with Dr. Metin Kerem during consultation
• Understand that ongoing weight changes will compromise results

Why Realistic Expectations Matter

A neck lift dramatically improves your neck and jawline appearance but doesn’t:

• Stop the natural aging process
• Address significant facial jowling (full facelift may be more appropriate)
• Correct weight-related fullness (weight loss combined with surgery yields better results)
• Completely reverse decades of aging

During your consultation, Dr. Metin Kerem will honestly discuss what results are realistic for your specific anatomy and concerns.

Before Neck Lift Surgery: Comprehensive Preparation Guide

Initial Consultation with Dr. Metin Kerem

Your neck lift journey begins with a thorough consultation where you and Dr. Metin Kerem will:

Discuss Your Goals and Concerns: Clearly communicate what bothers you about your neck and jawline and what results you hope to achieve.

Medical History Review: Discuss your complete medical background, current medications, previous surgeries, and any health conditions that might affect surgery or recovery.

Facial Anatomy Assessment: Dr. Metin Kerem will carefully examine your neck, jawline, and lower face, evaluating skin quality, fat distribution, muscle tone, and overall anatomy to determine the ideal surgical approach for your specific needs.

Procedure Recommendation: Based on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Metin Kerem will recommend whether mini neck lift or comprehensive neck lift is ideal for you.

Honest Results Discussion: Dr. Metin Kerem will explain realistic results, what can be achieved and what cannot, ensuring you have clear expectations before proceeding.

Important Questions to Ask Your Surgeon:

• Where exactly will my incisions be placed?
• Will you use a mini neck lift or comprehensive approach for my anatomy?
• What realistic results can I expect?
• What’s involved in recovery, and when can I return to work?
• What activities should I avoid during recovery?
• Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar cases?
• How do you handle potential complications?
• Will this procedure be combined with other procedures for my best outcome?

Pre-Operative Medical Testing and Clearance

Standard pre-operative tests ensure you’re medically cleared for surgery under general anesthesia. These may include blood work, EKG (heart assessment), and chest X-ray depending on your age and medical history.

Medication Management

Certain medications and supplements interfere with healing or increase bleeding risk. Discontinue at least 1-2 weeks before surgery:

• Aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
• Blood-thinning medications (warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban)
• Herbal supplements (St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, ginseng)
• Vitamin E supplements (high doses)
• Anticoagulants (as directed by your surgeon)
• Birth control medications

Continue all other medications as prescribed unless Dr. Metin Kerem advises otherwise. If you take blood pressure or heart medications, discuss these specifically during your consultation.

Critical Lifestyle Adjustments

Smoking Cessation: Smoking severely compromises healing by restricting blood circulation and increasing infection risk. Quit smoking as early as possible and stop at least 1-2 weeks before surgery. Ideally, be smoke-free for several weeks.

Alcohol Avoidance: Stop all alcohol consumption at least 1 week before surgery. Alcohol increases bleeding risk and interferes with anesthesia.

Healthy Nutrition: Eat nutrient-rich foods starting at least 2 weeks before surgery. Adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals support optimal healing. Antioxidant-rich foods are particularly beneficial.

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated in the days before surgery, but stop all food and liquid intake 6 hours before your procedure as instructed by your anesthesiologist.

Weight Stabilization: Ensure your weight is stable for at least 6 months before surgery. Discuss any weight management concerns with Dr. Metin Kerem.

Sleep Quality: Get quality sleep the night before surgery. Your body heals during rest, and adequate pre-operative sleep supports optimal recovery.

Arranging Post-Operative Support

You can arrange someone to care of you during the first 3-5 days after surgery. You’ll need assistance with personal care, meal preparation, wound care, and transportation during early recovery. Although many patients arrive alone as well.

 What to Pack for Surgery Day

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t irritate incisions
• Passport
• Any necessary medical documentation
• No makeup or jewelry
• Entertainment for your recovery period

The Neck Lift Procedure: Step-by-Step Surgical Process

Pre-Operative Preparation (Surgery Day)

Arrive early for final preparations. The surgical team will:

• Verify your vital signs
• Establish an IV line
• Review your surgical plan with Dr. Metin Kerem
• Address any last-minute questions or concerns
• Mark the surgical area indicating incision locations and planned adjustments

Anesthesia Administration

Neck lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will:

• Introduce themselves and explain the anesthesia process
• Administer medications intravenously
• Monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure
• Manage anesthesia depth for your comfort and safety
• Prepare you for recovery

You’ll have no awareness or sensation during the procedure. You’ll simply fall asleep and wake in recovery.

Incision Placement

Once you’re under anesthesia, Dr. Metin Kerem makes carefully planned incisions:

Mini Neck Lift Incision: A single small incision (approximately 1-1.5 inches) is placed under the chin in the natural submental crease, where it becomes virtually invisible once healed.

Comprehensive Neck Lift Incisions: Incisions are placed behind both ears (similar to facelift incisions) and extend inferiorly toward the neck. A small submental incision under the chin may also be used. These strategic placements hide incisions within natural facial contours and the hairline.

Surgical Technique: Fat and Tissue Management

Fat Removal: Through the incisions, Dr. Metin Kerem carefully removes excess fatty deposits from the submental area (under the chin) and along the jawline. This directly addresses double chin appearance and restores jawline definition.

Skin Assessment: The surgeon assesses remaining skin and determines how much needs to be removed to achieve smooth, properly contoured results without over-tightening.

Muscle Tightening and Repositioning: The platysma muscle (the broad muscle that extends from the chin to the collarbone) is carefully tightened and repositioned to a higher level. This eliminates vertical neck bands and creates a more defined neck contour. The muscle is typically sutured in the midline to create a smooth appearance.

Skin Redraping: Remaining skin is carefully redraped over the newly contoured underlying structures. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is secured in its new position.

Incision Closure and Dressing

Once the surgical work is complete, incisions are carefully closed with sutures (typically absorbable in most cases). Sterile dressings are applied to protect incision sites and support healing. You’ll typically wear a compression garment around the lower face and neck to support tissue contouring and minimize swelling.

Procedure Duration

A mini neck lift typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. A comprehensive neck lift generally takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of work needed and individual anatomy.

Hospital Stay and Recovery Initiation

After surgery, you’re taken to recovery where you’ll wake from anesthesia under close monitoring. You’ll spend the first night at the hospital for observation and initial recovery support. This allows the medical team to monitor your healing, manage initial post-operative concerns, and ensure your safety before discharge the following morning.

Neck Lift Recovery: Timeline and Expectations

Immediate Post-Operative (Day 1)

You’ll wake from anesthesia with compression garments around your lower face and neck. Some grogginess, dizziness, and mild nausea are normal as anesthesia wears off. You may feel mild discomfort, tightness, or a slight pulling sensation around the incision areas.

Day 1 Activities:

• Rest as much as possible
• Keep your head elevated (use 2-3 pillows)
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time if directed
• Take prescribed pain medication as needed
• Wear your compression garment as instructed

You’ll be discharged the following morning once Dr. Metin Kerem or our nurse confirms your healing is progressing well.

Days 2-3: Swelling and Bruising Begin

Swelling and bruising intensify as your body’s natural healing response begins. The under-chin area, jawline, and lower face may be significantly swollen and bruised. You may experience some discomfort or tightness.

Days 2-3 Activities:

• Continue head elevation at all times
• Continue prescribed pain medication
• Wear compression garment continuously
• Avoid strenuous activity

Day 3: First Post-Operative Check-Up

You’ll have your first check-up with Dr. Metin Kerem’s team. They’ll assess your healing, check incision sites, provide additional care instructions, and answer any questions.

Day 3 and Beyond:

• Swelling and bruising may actually peak around day 2-3, then gradually improve
• Continue compression garment use as directed
• Head elevation remains important
• Begin gentle facial movements as tolerated

Week 1: Bruising Peaks, Initial Improvement Begins

By day 3, bruising reaches its peak and begins fading noticeably. The underside of your chin and jaw may show yellow-purple bruising..

Week 1 Activities:

• Continue head elevation while sleeping
• Apply warm compresses after day 3 if directed
• Gentle facial movements and light stretching
• Return to light daily activities if comfortable
• Light walking is acceptable
• Compression garment may be removed as directed (typically day 7-10)

Week 2: Bruising Resolves, Swelling Continues

Most bruising is gone or significantly faded by week 2. Swelling remains but is less pronounced. You can typically return to work at this point if your job doesn’t require strenuous activity. Final check-up appointment occurs around day 7 (with next check-up at 1 month).

Week 2 Activities:

• Return to work if comfortable
• Gentle exercise like walking and easy stretching
• Continue avoiding strenuous activity
• Mild tightness and numbness may persist. This is normal
• Incision sutures may be removed if they aren’t absorbable

Weeks 3-4: Visible Improvement

Swelling gradually decreases week to week. You can see the improved jawline definition and smoother neck contour becoming increasingly apparent. Swelling around the jaw and neck continues improving significantly.

Weeks 3-4 Activities:

• Light cardio exercise like walking and swimming (if cleared by your surgeon)
• Gentle yoga and stretching
• Return to all normal activities except heavy lifting
• Sensation around incisions continues normalizing
• Tightness diminishes gradually

Month 2: Major Milestone

By 6-8 weeks post-operative, most active healing is complete. Swelling has decreased substantially. You can appreciate your improved jawline definition and smoother neck contour. Most restrictions lift, and you can resume all normal activities.

Month 2 Activities:

• Return to all exercise including weight training
• All restrictions typically lifted
• Scar improvement continues
• Final results becoming increasingly clear
• Continue sun protection vigilantly

Month 3: Approaching Final Results

By month 3 post-operative, swelling has completely resolved and final results become fully apparent. Your jawline is now clearly more defined, your neck is smoother and more contoured, and the double chin bulge is gone. This is the appropriate time to assess your satisfaction with your results.

Months 3-12: Continued Improvement

Scars continue fading and improving for up to 12 months post-operative. Any residual firmness or tightness continues softening. Your results stabilize and remain consistent.

Post-Operative Care: Supporting Optimal Healing

First Week: Critical Healing Phase

Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, using 2-3 pillows to maintain your head at least 45 degrees above your heart. This minimizes swelling and promotes healing.

Compression Garment Use: Wear your compression garment continuously during the first week (or as directed). This supports tissue contouring and reduces swelling. You can typically remove it for short periods for showering after day 3.

Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours post-operative to reduce swelling. Wrap ice in a clean cloth and apply for 15-20 minutes at a time with breaks between applications.

Wound Care: Keep incision areas clean and dry. You can shower after day 3, but keep your face and incision areas dry. Pat gently (don’t rub) when drying.

Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Most discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications. Report severe pain to your surgeon.

Activity Restrictions:

• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting until at least 6-8 weeks
• No bending forward excessively
• No swimming until at least 1 month
• No facial massage for at least 1 month
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• No smoking or alcohol

Weeks 2-4: Progressive Recovery

Return to Activity: Light desk work can resume around day 7-10. Most patients return to full work duties by week 2-3. Light exercise like walking can resume around day 10-14. Moderate cardio and swimming can resume around week 4-6.

Scar Care: Once incisions have fully closed (typically day 10-14), gentle massage of scars can begin to support scar softening. Ask Dr. Metin Kerem when to begin this.

Makeup Application: Makeup can typically resume once incisions are fully closed, usually around day 7-10.

Sun Protection: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. UV exposure accelerates skin aging and can compromise results.

Ongoing Long-Term Care

Sun Protection (Most Important): Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily without exception. This is the single most important factor in maintaining results long-term. UV damage accelerates aging and reduces result longevity.

Weight Stability: Maintain your current weight. Weight fluctuations stretch skin and compromise results. If weight loss is needed, lose weight before surgery for optimal results.

Healthy Skincare: Use quality skincare products appropriate for your skin type. Retinoids, vitamin C serums, and hydrating moisturizers support skin health.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep. These factors support overall skin health and result in longevity.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both accelerate skin aging and compromise results.

Risks and Complications: Understanding the Facts

Like all surgical procedures, neck lift surgery carries potential risks. However, serious complications are rare when procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons using proper techniques.

Temporary Side Effects (Most Common)

Swelling and Bruising: Expected and normal. Bruising typically resolves within 2 weeks; swelling gradually decreases over 4-6 weeks.

Numbness and Tingling: Temporary nerve irritation around incision sites is common. Sensations typically normalize within weeks to a few months as nerves recover.

Tightness and Discomfort: Facial and neck tightness during healing is normal as tissues adapt. This gradually improves during recovery.

Less Common Complications

Temporary Hair Loss: Small amounts of temporary hair loss around incision sites can occur. Hair regrows as healing completes.

Hematoma (Blood Collection): Rarely, blood may accumulate under the skin. Small hematomas reabsorb on their own; larger ones may require drainage.

Infection: Rare when patients follow wound care instructions. Strict adherence to post-operative care minimizes this risk. Dr. Metin Kerem uses preventive antibiotics to further reduce infection risk.

Nerve Injury: Temporary nerve irritation is more common than permanent damage. Permanent nerve injury is extremely rare with experienced surgeons.

Scarring: Scars are permanent but fade significantly over 12 months and typically become barely visible. Proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and following post-operative instructions support optimal scar healing.

Asymmetry: Temporary asymmetry from uneven swelling is common during healing. As swelling resolves, asymmetry typically decreases. Minor permanent asymmetry may exist due to natural facial anatomy variations.

Minimizing Complication Risk

Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon: Board certification indicates specialized training and commitment to patient safety and excellent outcomes.

Follow All Pre-Operative Instructions: Stopping smoking, discontinuing blood-thinners, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly reduce complication risk.

Strict Post-Operative Adherence: Following wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up schedules is critical for optimal healing and minimal complications.

Maintain Open Communication: Keep your surgeon informed of any concerns during recovery. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.

Attend All Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.

Expected Results and Result Longevity

What to Realistically Expect

Immediate Results (Days 1-7): Significant swelling and bruising obscure true results. You’ll notice initial improvement in overall contour despite the swelling.

Early Results (Weeks 2-4): As bruising fades, noticeable improvement becomes apparent. Jawline definition improves, double chin bulge is significantly reduced, and neck smoothness improves.

Progressive Results (Weeks 4-12): Swelling gradually decreases. Jawline definition becomes increasingly clear. Neck contour smooths. The final appearance emerges.

Final Results (Month 3 Onward): By month 3 post-operative, complete final results are visible. Your jawline is clearly more defined, your neck is smooth and well-contoured, and the double chin is eliminated. This is the accurate timeframe for assessing your satisfaction.

Specific Results You Can Expect

Double Chin Elimination: The fullness or bulge under your chin is substantially reduced or eliminated, restoring a more defined submental contour.

Improved Jawline Definition: Your jawline becomes sharper, more sculpted, and more defined. The angle between the jaw and neck becomes more acute and youthful.

Smoother Neck Contour: Loose, sagging neck skin is tightened. Vertical bands or wrinkles in the neck are eliminated or significantly reduced.

Better Facial Proportions: The relationship between your chin, jaw, and neck becomes more harmonious and youthful.

Enhanced Confidence: Looking in the mirror, you see a more youthful, defined lower face and neck, which translates to increased confidence and improved self-image.

How Long Do Results Last?

Neck lift results are relatively permanent, the procedure permanently removes excess skin and fat and tightens muscles that don’t return to their original position. However, natural aging continues. Results typically remain excellent for 10-15 years, with longevity depending on:

Skin Quality: Better skin elasticity and quality support longer-lasting results.

Weight Stability: Maintaining your current weight is critical. Weight fluctuations stretch skin and compromise results.

Lifestyle Factors: Sun exposure, smoking, and overall health significantly affect result longevity.

Genetics: Your natural aging process influences how long results persist.

Maintaining Results Long-Term

Daily Sun Protection (Most Important): Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily without exception. UV exposure is the primary accelerator of skin aging and directly reduces result longevity.

Maintain Stable Weight: Avoid significant weight gain or loss. Weight fluctuations stretch skin and compromise the procedure’s benefits. If weight management is a concern, discuss strategies with Dr. Metin Kerem.

Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, manage stress, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

Quality Skincare: Invest in professional-grade skincare including retinoids, vitamin C serums, and hydrating moisturizers.

Realistic Expectations: Remember that while your neck lift results remain excellent, natural aging continues. Your neck will age more gracefully than if you hadn’t had the procedure, but you won’t look exactly the same at 70 as you did at surgery.

Combining Neck Lift with Other Procedures

Neck lift surgery is frequently combined with other facial procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation. Common combinations include:

Neck Lift + Facelift (Full Face Lift): The most common combination, addressing the entire lower face and neck for complete lower facial rejuvenation.

Neck Lift + Mid Facelift: Extends rejuvenation upward to address cheeks, nasolabial folds, and under-eye area, creating comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Neck Lift + Chin Implant: Adds chin projection while improving neck definition, creating enhanced facial balance and jawline prominence.

Neck Lift + Brow Lift + Mid Facelift: Provides comprehensive upper and lower facial rejuvenation, addressing aging throughout the face.

Neck Lift + Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift): Combines neck rejuvenation with eyelid surgery for comprehensive lower face and eye area improvement.

By combining procedures, you achieve facial harmony across multiple regions while minimizing overall anesthesia exposure and allowing coordinated healing. Dr. Metin Kerem will recommend ideal combinations based on your comprehensive facial assessment.

Choosing Your Surgeon: Essential Qualifications

Selecting the right surgeon is absolutely critical. Your choice directly impacts your safety, healing experience, and final results.

Non-Negotiable Surgeon Qualifications

Board Certification: Verify your surgeon is board-certified by recognized credentialing bodies (American Board of Plastic Surgery, European Board certifications, or equivalent). This is non-negotiable.

Specialization in Facial Surgery: Choose a surgeon who specializes specifically in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with extensive experience in neck lifts.

Proven Track Record: Ask how many neck lift procedures your surgeon has performed. Experience directly correlates with superior results and lower complication rates.

Accredited Facility: Ensure your surgery will be performed in an accredited surgical facility meeting international safety and hygiene standards.

During Your Consultation

Assess Comfort and Communication: You should feel heard, respected, and confident in your surgeon’s recommendations. Don’t proceed with someone you don’t feel completely comfortable with.

Review Extensive Before-and-After Photos: Request photo galleries of previous neck lift patients. Verify photos are taken at consistent angles, with similar lighting, and without filters or digital enhancement.

Discuss Detailed Surgical Plan: Have your surgeon explain your specific surgical plan in detail. Understand which technique will be used and why it’s appropriate for your anatomy.

Ask About Complication Management: Inquire about how your surgeon handles potential complications and what your recourse would be if you’re not satisfied with results.

Review Patient Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients on independent platforms. Look for patterns regarding results, professionalism, and patient care.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Surgeons who can’t provide extensive before-and-after photo galleries
• Facilities that appear unsanitary or poorly equipped
• Pressure to book surgery immediately without adequate consultation
• Unrealistic promises about recovery time or results
• Unwillingness to discuss potential complications
• Poor communication or dismissal of your concerns
• Significantly lower prices than other qualified surgeons (quality matters infinitely more than cost)

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift Surgery

What is the best age for neck lift surgery?

There’s no “best age.” Generally, patients aged 40-60 most commonly have neck lifts. However, younger patients with genetic neck laxity or older patients seeking comprehensive lower face rejuvenation can also be excellent candidates. Your anatomy, not your age, determines candidacy.

Is mini neck lift better than comprehensive neck lift?

Neither is inherently better—they address different concerns. Mini neck lift works for isolated submental fullness and mild skin laxity. Comprehensive neck lift addresses extensive skin laxity, fat distribution across the jawline, and significant aging signs. Your surgeon will recommend which is ideal for your specific anatomy.

How is neck lift surgery performed?

Mini neck lift uses a small submental (under-chin) incision. Comprehensive neck lift uses incisions behind the ears extending toward the neck, often with a small submental incision. Through these incisions, excess fat is removed, skin is tightened, and muscles are repositioned to create a defined jawline and smooth neck contour.

Is neck lift surgery painful?

Most patients experience discomfort and soreness rather than severe pain. Prescribed pain medications effectively manage discomfort. Sensations of tightness and pulling are normal and gradually improve during recovery.

How long is the recovery for neck lift surgery?

Acute recovery (when most swelling and bruising subside) takes about 2 weeks. Complete healing and final results take about 3 months. Most patients return to work around day 10-14 post-operative, though swelling will still be visible.

Am I a good candidate for neck lift surgery?

This should be determined through consultation with Dr. Metin Kerem. Generally, good candidates have visible neck aging signs, stable weight, good overall health, and realistic expectations. Schedule a detailed face-to-face consultation for a personalized assessment.

How long does the neck lift procedure take?

Mini neck lift typically takes 1.5-2 hours. Comprehensive neck lift generally takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of work needed.

What is the recovery timeline?

Most bruising resolves within 10-14 days. Swelling gradually decreases over 4-6 weeks. Final results are apparent by month 3. Healing continues subtly for up to 12 months.

How soon can I return to work after a neck lift?

Most patients return to desk work around day 10-14 post-operative, though facial swelling will be visible. Physical jobs requiring strenuous activity should wait until at least 3-4 weeks.

When can I resume exercise after a neck lift?

Light walking can resume around day 10-14. Moderate exercise like jogging and swimming can resume around 4-6 weeks. Heavy weight training should wait until 6-8 weeks.

When can I fly home after a neck lift?

Most international patients can fly home around day 10 post-operative. Discuss your specific timeline with Dr. Metin kerem.

Contact Us

Email: contact@metinkerem.com

WhatsApp: +90 533 426 32 26