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Muscles below the face lose strength and firmness as we age, increasing skin laxity. The result is sagging, wrinkling, and loose skin on the neck. This can be corrected by neck lift surgery at Dr. Ostad’s New York office. The technique removes and repositions tissue, restoring smooth and youthful contours to your neck.

When you look good, you feel good. Now, you can improve the look of your jawline and neck with solutions such as neck lift surgery. Located in New York, Dr. Ariel Ostad incorporates traditional surgery with a skilled, artistic hand to achieve dramatic yet natural results.

What Is Neck Lift?

A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that aims to remove excess fat and skin along the neck area. Patients considering a neck lift are searching for ways to treat the visible signs of aging. Common goals or reasons for choosing this procedure may include:

  • Eliminating the turkey neck or excess, sagging skin
  • Removing the jowls caused by excess fat and skin in the lower face
  • Getting rid of fat deposits beneath the chin
  • Smoothing the skin to get rid of wrinkles or creases on the neck
  • Minimizing the appearance of neckbands

Neck lifts are often recommended for men and women past their 40s, possibly their 50s, who want to eliminate the “turkey neck” look. This transformative surgery stretches and tightens the skin in the area, which is often ignored during the skincare routine. 

How Neck Lifts Work

The aging process leads to the loss of youthful contours and volume. In addition to age, volume loss and sagging skin can be the result of heredity, gravity, environmental factors, and stress. When cosmetics and non-invasive skin tightening procedures are no longer enough to reduce skin laxity, a neck lift can help sculpt the area and offer a more proportionate aesthetic. 

The neck muscles and tissues are tightened using a small incision behind each ear and possibly under the chin. Excess, sagging skin is removed, and fat is also suctioned out. Dr. Ostad’s attention to detail produces a youthful appearance of the neck. The skin becomes smooth and firm once again, so if you want a more youthful, better-contoured neck, this procedure is an excellent choice.

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Common Treatment Areas

Neck lifts have one obvious treatment area: your neck. That said, Dr. Ostad will strategically create incisions in different places based on your goals and the level of skin sagging. These include the following:

  • Behind the Ears: Dr. Ostad can make an incision in the natural crease of the ear, offering access to the underlying structure of the neck. This placement ensures that the scar remains unseen.
  • Under the Chin: A neck lift can also include incisions under your skin if you have a double chin. This helps reduce muscle laxity while removing stubborn fat underneath the chin.

Thanks to these strategic placements, the incisions should heal well, and lingering scars should be less noticeable. When combined with a facelift, Dr. Ostad could slightly extend the incision to the hairline, allowing additional access to the tissue.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

Treatments and procedures can be combined or altered depending on each patient’s unique needs. While some patients may only require a traditional neck lift, others may benefit from adding liposuction to remove excess fat under the chin. BOTOX® Cosmetic or fillers may be used to smooth the skin, adding to a more youthful appearance. 

Patients needing more comprehensive facial rejuvenation may benefit from a combined face and neck lift. During your consultation with Dr. Ostad, make sure to discuss your desired outcome to ensure your surgery is tailored to your specific goals.

The Neck Lift Process

A neck lift is often customized based on a patient’s needs, depending on their goals and how many incisions they need. Having said that, some stages are standard, with Dr. Ostad carefully executing them to ensure natural results. These steps include the following:

Initial Consultation: Dr. Ostad will assess the existing skin laxity issues and muscle quality, determining whether or not a neck lift is an appropriate choice for your needs. Your aesthetic goals and medical history will also be considered, reducing the risks of complications. 

Anesthesia: Depending on your preferences, you can be placed under general or local anesthesia. The former is usually recommended if you experience very high discomfort with the idea of surgery. That said, the incisions are small, which means that you can get away with local anesthesia and sedation. 

Incisions and Skin Tightening: Now that you are comfortable, Dr. Ostad will make a few discreet incisions, their placement depending on your anatomy. With the incisions made, Dr. Ostad will lift the tissue underneath, tightening it so it’s no longer sagging. Excess skin might also be removed during the process. 

Liposuction: This step in the process is optional, but Dr. Ostad could also use liposuction to remove excess fat in the neck area. This can help provide a better-sculpted appearance, especially if you are dealing with a double chin. 

Suturing: Now that all the pieces have been brought together, it is time to close the incisions using sutures. At this point, drains can also be placed to prevent fluid buildup and minimize swelling. Compression garments can be applied for this purpose, promoting proper skin healing.

You should expect a bit of recovery and side effects after the procedure, including swelling, mild pain, and bruising. Dr. Ostad can recommend pain medication to manage discomfort and swelling, but most signs disappear after a few weeks. That said, the skin might take some time to settle into place, so it could take a few months for you to make the most of your results.

Benefits of Neck Lift

Create a More Defined and Smoother Jawline

As we age, our body loses its ability to create collagen and elastin, causing the skin on the lower area of our face to start sagging. Excess skin and fat can start drooping into the neck as the jowls grow deeper, disrupting facial harmony. A neck lift can wrap the skin on the underside of the jawbone, restoring a clean and defined look to your jawline and helping you look more youthful.

Quick Recovery Time

Compared to other surgical procedures, the recovery time is quite short with a neck lift. The side effects are minimal; even so, they are in areas that are easy to conceal. You should be able to get back to your daily routine soon enough, although you may still want to lay low for a couple of days. This is particularly important if you have a job that involves intensive labor.

Eliminate Folds of Tissue Along the Neckline

The neck area is among the first to lose its elasticity, as it does not have oil glands like the face. You can sweat, but since there’s no oil coming out there, the neck tends to dry and lose its elasticity fast. This is why we notice fine lines along the neckline, looking similar to a neck ring. A neck lift can pull on the skin enough that it no longer sags as much, reducing the intensity of your neck wrinkles. 

Improve Muscle Tone and Reduce Lower Facial Sagging

We have platysma muscles in the neck, which tend to lose their strength as we age. This can contribute to lower facial sagging, mainly because the neck muscles no longer hang on as well as they did in the past. A neck lift can tighten these muscles and restore their hold, improving the structural support of your lower face and neck. Jowls should also become less pronounced, offering a more lifted appearance.

Remove the Fat and Tissue that Causes a Double Chin

Fat underneath the skin is usually the most stubborn, as we can’t exercise it away as fast as we could with abdominal fat, for instance. This is why even those with a healthy weight can end up with double chins, which won’t budge despite their best efforts. Dr. Ostad often includes liposuction to remove the excess fat, offering a slimmer and better-contoured profile. 

Before & After

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Reviews

Neck Lift for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Neck lifts are primarily employed for cosmetic concerns, but Dr. Ostad can also recommend them for certain medical conditions. For instance, patients dealing with platysmal banding (a condition that can reduce neck mobility) can benefit from the muscle-restoring properties of neck lifts. Excess skin in the neck area that creates overlapping folds can also lead to infection and irritation, with the neck lift procedure allowing you to maintain better hygiene. 

Success Stories

“Another wonderful visit to Dr Ostad today. A ‘tune up’! I continue to marvel at hsi artist’s eye and deft surgeon’s hands. I feel so lucky to have found him. It’s not inexpensive but I’d rather invest in my face than in passing fashion. Dr Ostad is wonderful in every way – an extraordinary physician with an artist’s eye and a surgeon’s skill. He is also a kind and caring person who is responsive to your questions and concerns. He did a successful Mohs surgery on my husband and an equally successful CO2 laser treatment on me (which surpassed my high expectations)!” –  Ellen G. 

“Dr. Ostad is amazing! He helped our family during difficult times, thank God. We trust him and we will recommend him to anyone! Don’t even hesitate to go see him if you are in need! He has the most amazing staffs – Martha, the nurses, all of them are just amazing!” – C

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Neck Lift?

The strength and tone of the muscles below the face are reduced as we age. This leads to wrinkling, sagging, and loose skin on the neck. This sagging can be corrected through a method that will restore a smooth and youthful contour to your neck.

The neck lift procedure involves using a technique that deep-lifts the tissue beneath the muscle before trimming the extra tissue. Double chins can be treated with the help of micro liposuction, and the outcome is a well-defined neck.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery?

Although downtime and recovery vary from one patient to another, most can resume normal social activities within a week. Side effects vary but may include bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the neck. As the skin heals, the effects will subside to show off your beautifully contoured neck and jawline.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results of a neck lift are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying them for up to 10 to 15 years. After that, the aging process restarts, so the neck will age naturally, giving patients lasting results from their procedure.

Protecting your skin from the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prolong your outcome. These proper measures include: not smoking, a healthy diet, and a proper skin care routine.

Who Is Considered a Qualified Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A surgical neck lift or lower rhytidectomy is an appropriate solution for patients looking to get rid of sagging or loose skin on the neck. A neck lift may also be called a cervicoplasty, which is performed to remove excess skin, or platysmaplasty to tighten the neck muscles.

Depending on an individual’s need, a single procedure may be needed, or both may be performed to create a smoother, firmer, more defined neck and jawline. The upper part of the face and the neck may age at different rates, causing an aesthetic disruption. A neck lift can help balance your youthful appearance.

Where Is the Procedure Performed?

Our facility is certified by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), and neck lift procedures are performed here in our office. The procedure generally takes less than two hours, and you can count on our fantastic team to ensure your comfort.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ostad is a triple-board-certified cosmetic professional specializing in both surgical and non-surgical beauty procedures. With more than 20 years of experience in his domain, he can perform effective procedures that require minimal downtime, including neck lift procedures. As a recognized leader in his field, Dr. Ostad can offer personalized treatment plans to bring his patients closer to their aesthetic goals. Dr. Ostad is committed to providing the highest care standards, using the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results.

Neck lift procedures are available at Dr. Ostad’s practice in New York, where he offers top-quality treatments and personalized patient care.

Have More Questions?

If you have any other questions we did not address in this FAQ, we invite you to contact us at any time. We are dedicated to offering the best guidance so you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Expert Answers

What is a neck lift, and what does it improve?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. It addresses sagging skin, excess fat, muscle banding (platysmal bands), and loss of definition in the jawline.

How is a neck lift performed?

The procedure typically involves:

  • Incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin
  • Removal or repositioning of excess skin and fat
  • Tightening of the underlying muscles (platysmaplasty)
  • Liposuction may be included to remove excess fat

What are non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?

For patients not ready for surgery, alternatives include:

  • Radiofrequency treatments (e.g., Morpheus8)
  • Injectables (Botox for platysmal bands, Kybella for fat reduction)
  • Thread lifts (temporary lifting effect)

Combining Neck Lift with Other Procedures

Complementary Procedures

Neck lifts can be quite effective when restoring the contour and profile of your neck. However, Dr. Ostad might suggest combining multiple treatments to obtain comprehensive rejuvenation. This can enhance not only the aesthetics and functionality of the neck but could extend those benefits to the face. 

For that purpose, Dr. Ostad frequently combines a neck lift with a facelift, restoring balance to your features while halving the recovery time. For better skin tightening effects, Dr. Ostad might choose to follow up with procedures like RF microneedling, triggering the body to produce more collagen. For significant volume loss in the neck. Dr. Ostad could also use dermal fillers to smooth out the skin. 

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Dr. Ostad believes in a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, so he focuses on integrating numerous treatments. After evaluating your features, he will create a comprehensive plan that involves lasers, fillers, facial treatments, and medical-grade skincare. This ensures that the results look natural and are easily balanced with the rest of your body in the long term.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

The field of cosmetic surgery is continuously evolving, which means that Dr. Ostad consistently updates his technique to keep up. Nowadays, neck lifts use advanced techniques focusing on efficiency and safety, with the patients enjoying less-invasive methods. For instance, Dr. Ostad may use endoscopic techniques or smaller incisions to pull the skin in place, reducing the recovery time. Laser therapy is also frequently used alongside the surgical procedure, as it promotes healing and tissue tightening.

Innovative Uses

Neck lifts have previously been used to treat sagging skin on the neck and the appearance of a “turkey neck.” That said, the procedure has also become popular to correct skin sagging after weight loss and strengthen the weakened muscles in the neck area. 

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ostad is one of the few cosmetic specialists in New York to hold not one, not two, but three board certifications to attest to his skill. Whether you need facial cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, or want to treat potential skin cancer, the doctor has the authorization and skill to offer top-quality services. Numerous patients have crossed his practice over the past 20 years, and each left with a smile on their face.

The doctor firmly believes that a patient’s comfort is most important, so he ensures everyone has their questions answered. When he is not offering personalized treatments to his clients, he teaches residents how to perform flawless surgeries at NYU, his involvement leading to him receiving numerous awards. 

List of Credentials: 

  • Triple Board Certification in Mohs Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
  • Top Neck Lift Surgical Specialist
  • Received Specialist Training at Harvard, UCLA, and NYU
  • Top Doctor, Listed by Castle Connolly (2012-2024)
  • New York Super Doctor (2014-2024)
  • Receiver of NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year (3 times)
  • Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Department of Dermatology

Commitment to Safety

At Dr. Ostad’s practice, the focus is not just on aesthetics but on safety, as well. This is why the office was designed to meet strict sanitation and cleanliness standards, offering peace of mind to all visiting clients. Over time, he has invested in numerous therapeutic devices, such as lasers, to improve the results. He has also perfected his surgical skills to keep up with the times.  

Dr. Ostad performs neck lift surgeries in just under two hours in the office certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Our friendly, professional staff works to ensure patient comfort. Patients will be given specific post-treatment instructions to care for their incisions as well as recovery expectations.

Awards and Certifications

Educational Resources

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Treatment Video

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service, including BOTOX in NYC, from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

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Medical-grade skincare products that will help maintain and enhance your results

These skincare products combined with your treatment plan customized by Dr. Ostad will help enhance your results and improve your overall skin texture. Click on a product below to learn more.

NECK REFINING CREAM

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Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

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