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Neck lift (platysmaplasty) in Istanbul
For loose skin, fullness under the chin and visible bands in the neck. Read how a neck lift works on its own or with a facelift, what recovery involves and where its limits are.
- Operation time 2–5 hours with a facelift; alone, set in your plan
- Hospital stay Often same day; usually one night with a facelift
- Time in Istanbul 7–10 days alone; at least 10–14 with a facelift
- Back to work Often about 2 weeks
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift (platysmaplasty, or lower rhytidectomy) is an operation that improves loose skin and excess fat under the chin and in the neck, vertical muscle bands and a blurred jawline. Through a short incision under the chin, often with incisions around the ears, fat is removed or reshaped, the platysma muscle is tightened and excess skin is trimmed. It is done on its own or with a facelift, under general anaesthesia or sedation. Many people return to work at about 2 weeks; swelling settles and scars mature over up to 6 months.
What it can do
- Reduce loose skin under the chin and along the neck
- Tighten the platysma muscle and soften vertical neck bands
- Remove or reshape fat under the chin and beneath the muscle
- Sharpen the angle between chin and neck and define the jawline
- Bring the neck back in line with a face you are otherwise happy with
What it cannot do
- Stop ageing: your neck keeps changing after surgery
- Lift the cheeks or mid-face, which needs a facelift
- Be matched by injections or energy devices, which can delay or complement surgery but do not give the same result
Is it right for you?
A neck lift suits people whose main concern is the neck and jawline, whether or not the face also needs work. Muscle-tightening neck lifts are most often recommended between about 40 and 60; later in life, with marked excess skin, a facelift may need to be added. Suitability is confirmed at an in-person examination.
Usually a good fit if
- You have loose skin under the chin or in the neck
- Fat under the chin comes together with loose skin or muscle bands
- Vertical bands show in your neck, at rest or when you talk
- Your neck skin has loosened after weight loss and your weight is now stable
- You are happy with your upper face, but your neck no longer matches it
Better to wait or consider alternatives if
- Your only concern is fat under a firm, elastic chin: double chin liposuction may be enough
- You smoke and cannot stop, have uncontrolled blood pressure or take blood thinners that cannot be paused; these raise the risk of bleeding and poor healing
- You have a condition that impairs wound healing, or your weight is still changing
- There is marked excess skin in your face as well: a neck lift alone may fall short, and a facelift is often combined
- Your expectations are hard for surgery to meet; an honest conversation, and sometimes counselling, comes first
Techniques
The plan depends on whether the change comes from skin, fat, muscle or a mix. Experts still debate why neck bands form, which affects how surgeons choose to tighten the muscle.
Traditional neck lift
Incisions run from the sideburn hairline around the ear into the hair behind it, usually with a short incision under the chin. Fat is reshaped, the platysma is tightened and excess skin is removed.
Best for
Clear excess skin together with fat and bands
Limited-incision neck lift
Uses only incisions around the ears. The scars are shorter, and so is the effect.
Best for
Milder skin laxity
Corset platysmaplasty
Through the incision under the chin, the inner edges of the platysma are stitched together in the midline, like lacing a corset. Without support from the sides, this alone can fail.
Best for
Vertical bands at the front of the neck
Lateral platysmapexy and slings
The muscle is suspended towards the sides, behind the ear, sometimes with absorbable or non-absorbable (ePTFE) slings, to sharpen the angle between jaw and neck.
Best for
A soft, undefined jaw-to-neck angle
Fat removal under the chin
Liposuction removes fat above the muscle, and fat beneath it can be trimmed where it adds fullness. It is often combined with platysmaplasty.
Best for
Fullness under the chin
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker
Specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
- Specialist training: Dokuz Eylül University
- Medical degree: Trakya University
- Health tourism authorization: ST-2657
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
How Dr. İlker approaches a neck lift
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery trained at Dokuz Eylül University, sees the neck as part of a youthful face rather than an afterthought. In her own words, the consultation first establishes exactly what you need and whether a combined procedure makes sense.
Her own pages describe removing excess fat through an incision of about 3 cm under the chin, tightening the muscles if they have loosened, then lifting the skin and trimming the excess. When sagging is advanced, she generally combines the neck lift with a facelift.
- Each layer assessed Skin, fat above and below the muscle, and the bands at rest and in motion are examined separately.
- Combined only when needed A facelift or chin liposuction is added only when your examination shows it would help.
- Honest about scars Scars sit under the chin and/or around the ears; they start red and fade towards your skin tone over time.
- Consent in writing You receive a written plan and sign consent once your questions are answered.
The operation, step by step
Your plan may include only some of these steps, depending on what your neck needs.
-
Consultation and marking
Excess skin, fat above and below the muscle and the neck bands at rest and in motion are assessed, and the plan is drawn on your skin.
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Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia or intravenous sedation, with local anaesthetic fluid injected into the area being treated.
-
Incisions
A short incision just below the crease under the chin and/or incisions around the ears.
-
Fat and muscle
Fat is removed or reshaped, the edges of the platysma are stitched together in the midline or suspended to the sides, and fat beneath the muscle is trimmed if needed.
-
Skin and closure
Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with stitches and/or skin glue.
-
Drain, dressing and discharge
A small drain is routinely placed to stop blood or fluid collecting, and a head-and-neck dressing limits swelling. Many people go home the same day; with a facelift, one night in hospital is usual.
Your days in Istanbul
If you are travelling, plan the trip around healing rather than flights. Your own dates are confirmed after your examination.
-
Examination and tests
Before surgery
Arrive early enough for an unhurried in-person examination. UK guidance from BAAPS suggests arriving at least 72 hours before an operation under general anaesthesia, with the examination at least 48 hours before surgery.
-
Operation
Surgery day
Follow the fasting instructions you are given. Depending on your plan, you return to your accommodation with a companion or stay one night in hospital.
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Head up, neck straight
The first days
Rest with your head raised and your neck straight, without twisting or bending it. Do not put ice on your neck. The drain comes out once the fluid slows.
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Stitches out and cleared to fly
Before you fly home
ASPS advises waiting 7–10 days after facial surgery before flying, and BAAPS recommends a check by your operating surgeon before you leave. With a facelift, or an operation over 3 hours, plan at least 10–14 days; BAAPS suggests 2–4 weeks.
Recovery, day by day
Typical timelines from ASPS, BAAPS and Cleveland Clinic guidance. Everyone heals differently, and your own instructions come first.
- Day 1
Dressing and drain
Your neck is wrapped in a dressing, with a small drain. Expect swelling and bruising. Keep your head above heart level and your neck straight. Do not put ice on the neck: it can reduce blood flow and damage the skin.
- Days 2–3
Swelling and tightness
Swelling, bruising and a tight neck are normal. The dressing usually comes off after a day or two, and the drain once the fluid slows. Some protocols include painkillers and antibiotics for about a week.
- Week 1
Stitches out
Bruising continues and the neck muscles feel tight. With a facelift, stitches usually come out at 7–8 days. Avoid alcohol, aspirin and pulling clothes over your head.
- Week 2
Back to light routines
Swelling eases, light activity can start and many people plan their return to work. Flying is usually considered after 7–10 days.
- Weeks 3–4
Bruising mostly gone
Bruising has largely faded, though tightness can continue. Strenuous exercise, saunas and massage resume gradually after the first 2 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks.
- Months 2–3
Tightness easing
Tightness in the neck muscles can last a few months and eases gradually. Keep your scars out of the sun.
- Month 6
Swelling settled
Swelling has gone and the scars have matured. If a band is still visible, botulinum toxin injections or a small adjustment can be discussed.
- Month 12
Final result
The result can be assessed from 6–9 months, and scars keep fading over 12–18 months. Protect them from the sun throughout the first year.
Contact us straight away if you notice
- Neck swelling that grows quickly or makes breathing difficult: a haematoma here can press on the airway and needs urgent care
- Bleeding from a wound
- Fever, chills or a wound that becomes unusually painful
- Pain that does not improve with your painkillers
- Unusual swelling in an arm or leg, chest pain or shortness of breath
In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Aftercare at home
- Keep your head raised and your neck straight; avoid twisting and bending it.
- Do not put ice on your neck.
- Wear front-opening clothes rather than pulling anything over your head.
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin and heavy lifting while you heal.
- Protect the incisions from rubbing, pressure and too much movement.
- Keep the scars out of direct sun and protect them for the first 12 months.
Risks and how they are reduced
A neck lift shares most of its risks with a facelift. Your surgeon explains them in person, including how each is recognised and treated.
Stopping nicotine, controlling blood pressure, pausing blood-thinning medicines on medical advice, routine drains and careful aftercare all reduce risk. Report warning signs early rather than waiting.
| Risk | How often |
|---|---|
Swelling, bruising and tightnessExpected. Altered sensation and tight neck muscles can last for months, and hair along the incisions may thin for a while. | Common |
Haematoma and seromaCollections of blood or fluid are the main early problems. Small ones can be drained without an operation; a rapidly growing haematoma needs urgent surgery. In facelift studies, haematoma rates range from 0.2% to 8%. | Uncommon |
Nerve injuryThe nerve most often affected gives feeling to the ear. Injury to the branch that moves the lower lip causes one-sided weakness of the smile; most cases come from stretching and recover with time. | Uncommon |
Infection or salivary gland problemsInfection is possible, and the salivary gland under the jaw can occasionally leak fluid into the area (sialocele) or form a fistula. | Uncommon |
Contour problemsIrregular contours, uneven fat removal, too little or too much correction (an over-hollowed neck) and bands that stay visible can appear later. Some improve with botulinum toxin or a small revision. | Varies |
Skin loss and visible scarsPoor healing, skin loss and thick or prominent scars are possible, and more likely in smokers. | Varies |
Blood clotsAs with any operation under anaesthesia, clots in the legs (DVT) are rare but possible. | Rare |
Results and how long they last
The jaw-to-neck angle looks sharper soon after surgery, but swelling blurs the detail for weeks. Swelling fully settles and the scars mature over up to 6 months, and the final result is assessed from 6–9 months.
A neck lift lasts for years and considerably longer than non-surgical treatments, but your neck keeps ageing. How long the result holds depends on your skin's elasticity, smoking, sun exposure and healing; lifelong sun protection and a healthy lifestyle help.
How long it lasts: Typically many years; the exact span depends on your skin, your lifestyle and how you age.
With any surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. We recommend a detailed consultation with your doctor before any procedure.
Before and after
Before and after photos are shared only with patients’ written consent. You can ask to see examples during your consultation.
Before and afterQuestions to ask at your consultation
Take these to any surgeon you see — including us.
- Are you a specialist in plastic surgery, and will you perform the whole operation yourself?
- Is my problem mainly skin, fat or muscle, and what does that mean for the technique?
- Do I need a facelift as well, or would a neck lift alone be enough?
- Where will my scars be?
- Where does the surgery take place, and who gives the anaesthetic?
- Will I have a drain, and when is it removed?
- What is included in my plan?
- What happens if a haematoma or other problem appears after I fly home?
- When can I return to work, exercise and fly?
What shapes your plan and quote
No prices are published on this site. After your examination, you receive a personal written plan that sets out what it includes.
- Whether skin, fat and muscle all need treatment
- Whether the neck lift is done alone or with a facelift or chin liposuction
- Operation length and type of anaesthesia
- Same-day discharge or a night in hospital
- How long you need to stay in Istanbul before you can fly
We do not publish prices: every plan is personal and is written for you after your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have a neck lift without a facelift?
Yes. If you are happy with your upper face and the change is mainly in your neck, a neck lift can be done on its own. When there is a lot of excess skin, especially later in life, combining it with a facelift may be needed for a balanced result.
How long does a neck lift last?
Results last for years, but ageing continues. How long they hold depends on your skin's elasticity, genetics, smoking, sun exposure and healing. Protecting your skin from the sun and not smoking help the result last. A neck lift lasts considerably longer than non-surgical treatments.
How long is neck lift recovery?
Bruising and most swelling settle in the first weeks, and many people return to work at about 2 weeks, once bruising has faded. Tightness in the neck can last a few months, and residual swelling and scar maturation take up to 6 months.
Is a neck lift painful?
Pain is usually controlled with medication. For many people, the more noticeable sensation is tightness in the neck muscles, which can last a few months and eases gradually. Follow the positioning advice in the first days: head raised, neck straight and no twisting.
What is the difference between a neck lift and chin liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat only and relies on your skin to tighten by itself. A neck lift can also remove loose skin and tighten the platysma muscle. If your skin is firm and fat is the only issue, double chin liposuction may be enough.
Is a neck lift different from a facelift?
Yes. A neck lift focuses on the area between the chin and the collarbone, while a facelift treats sagging in the face and often includes some neck work too. Many neck lifts are done together with a facelift; your examination shows whether you need one, the other or both.
Will a neck lift leave scars?
Yes, but they are placed where they are less noticeable: a short scar under the chin and/or scars around the ears that sit in the hairline and natural creases. They take up to 6 months to mature and keep fading after that.
When can I exercise after a neck lift?
Light activity usually resumes at about 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise, saunas and massage are avoided for at least 2 weeks, and heavy lifting for a few weeks. If your neck lift was combined with a facelift, strenuous exercise usually waits until after week 3.
Can a neck lift fail?
Later problems are possible: bands can stay visible, contours can be uneven, or the correction can be too little or too much. Some of these improve with botulinum toxin injections or a small revision. This is why skin, fat and muscle are assessed separately before surgery.
What age is right for a neck lift?
Muscle-tightening neck lifts are most often recommended between about 40 and 60. Later in life, with a lot of excess skin and fat, a neck lift alone may not be enough, and a facelift is often combined. Your skin and health matter more than age alone.
Can I put ice on my neck after surgery?
No. ASPS and Cleveland Clinic advise against putting ice on the neck after a neck lift, because cold can reduce blood flow to the lifted skin and lead to skin loss. Keeping your head raised and your neck straight helps limit swelling instead.
Will a neck lift fix loose skin after weight loss?
Loose neck skin after weight loss is one of the reasons people have a neck lift. Wait until your weight has been stable for a while before surgery, so further changes do not undo the result; losing more weight afterwards can loosen the skin again.
How long should I stay in Istanbul for a neck lift?
Plan around 7–10 days after a neck lift alone. If it is combined with a facelift or takes more than 3 hours, plan at least 10–14 days; BAAPS guidance suggests 2–4 weeks for longer operations. ASPS advises waiting 7–10 days after facial surgery before flying.
Medical informationThe information on this page is general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical and interventional procedure carries risks, which will be explained to you in detail during your consultation. Whether this procedure suits you can only be decided after an in-person examination and assessment. We encourage you to also seek independent advice from your own doctor before deciding.
A conversation, at your pace.
Not sure whether you need a neck lift, a facelift or both?
Send your questions, with photos if you wish. Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker will tell you plainly which options are worth discussing at an examination.
- Nef 22 Ataköy, D Blok, Kat 1, Daire 36, Çobançeşme E-5 Yanyol Cad. No:22, Bakırköy / İstanbul
- Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00
- +90 542 280 27 51
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
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