Facial Rejuvenation Surgery

Deep Plane Neck Lift

Redefining the neck angle at the level of the deep muscle and fat to produce a sharp jawline and neck contour.

At a glance

Operating time: 3–4 hours
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Hospital stay: 1 nights
Back to desk work: approx. 12 days
Social recovery: approx. 21 days

About this procedure

BeforeAfter

A deep plane neck lift treats sagging along the jawline and neck not only by tightening the skin, but by reshaping the platysma muscle and the deep ligaments beneath it. The aim is to redefine the jawline and the angle between chin and neck at the level of the deep tissues. Because the tension is placed on the muscle layer rather than the skin, a pulled look is not the aim.

Surgical approach and technique

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 3–4 hours. The incisions are hidden in the natural creases behind the ears; where needed, a short incision is added in the natural crease under the chin. The platysma muscle is released and reshaped with plication techniques, and the vertical muscle bands at the front of the neck are addressed at the same time. It is often planned in the same session as a deep plane facelift; if there is also deep fat beneath the muscle or a descended salivary gland, deep neck sculpting can be added. One night is spent in hospital after surgery.

Who is it for?

Assessed in adults with loose skin on the neck and folds under the chin, prominent vertical bands at the front of the neck and loss of definition along the jawline, whose general health allows general anaesthesia. The final decision is made at examination.

Recovery

A supportive neck garment is worn for the first 1–2 weeks. Return to desk work is usually possible around day 12 and to social life in about the third week. Swelling can take 3–6 months to settle fully as the neck contour finds its final shape.

Who it may not suit

People with uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder
People who cannot stop smoking before and after surgery
People whose only issue is fat under the skin and whose skin is still elastic; a more limited procedure may suit them better

Chin liposuction, deep plane neck lift and deep neck sculpting compared

These three can also be combined in one operation; which ones are needed is decided at examination.

	Chin liposuction	Deep plane neck lift	Deep neck sculpting
Target	Fat under the skin	Loose skin and the platysma muscle	Deep fat beneath the muscle, salivary gland, muscle structure
Suits	Elastic skin, fat is the only issue	Skin and muscle laxity, vertical bands	Fullness coming from the deep layers
Incision	Very small entry points	Behind the ears, under the chin if needed	Under the chin

Preparing for surgery

Smoking and nicotine products must be stopped for a period before and after surgery.
Blood thinners and some herbal supplements are stopped for a period before surgery, under medical guidance.
Blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment are carried out.

Recovery timeline

When	What to generally expect
Day 1	One night in hospital, dressing and check-up
Weeks 1–2	Supportive neck garment
Days 7–10	Stitches removed and pre-flight check-up
Around day 12	Return to desk work
About week 3	Return to social life
Weeks 4–6	Return to strenuous exercise, with the surgeon's approval
Months 3–6	Swelling fully settles and the neck contour finds its final shape

For patients travelling from abroad

We recommend staying in Istanbul for 10–14 nights. The flight home is usually planned for day 7–10, after the final check-up.

Possible risks

Like any surgery, a deep plane neck lift carries risks, and all of them are shared with you in writing before the operation:

Haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
Weakness of lower-lip movement from the facial nerve branch along the jaw, usually temporary
Temporary numbness of the neck and around the ear
Unevenness of the skin surface, which usually settles with time
Neck bands becoming visible again
Infection
More visible scarring
Asymmetry
Risks related to anaesthesia

Back to desk work: approx. 12 days. Social recovery: approx. 21 days. Depending on the scope of surgery you should plan for between 6 and 12 nights. The exact figure is confirmed in writing with your treatment plan.

The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice. Timings and recovery vary between individuals; a definitive plan can only be made after examination.

Frequently asked questions

Can a neck lift be done on its own?

Yes. It can be done on its own if that is what is needed, but it is often planned together with a deep plane facelift.

Will the vertical bands in my neck be corrected?

Reshaping the platysma muscle in the deep plane aims to reduce how visible the bands are.

Wouldn't chin liposuction be enough?

It may be, if the only issue is fat under the skin and the skin is elastic. If the skin or muscle has loosened, liposuction alone may not meet your expectations.

Will there be scars?

The incisions are placed in the natural creases behind the ears and under the chin. Every surgical incision leaves a scar; these usually become less visible over time.

How long will I wear the neck garment?

Usually 1–2 weeks. The exact time is set at your check-up.

How long does the effect last?

Surgery does not stop ageing. How long the effect lasts varies from person to person, depending on tissue structure, skin quality and weight change.

Will swallowing or speaking be affected?

In the first days the neck feels tight and swallowing can be slightly uncomfortable; this usually eases quickly.

How much does it cost?

The fee is given according to the personal plan set after examination. The quote covers the operation, anaesthesia, hospital, medication, transfers and follow-up visits.

A personal assessment for this procedure

Share your photographs and let us plan the right technique and timeline together.

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