Neck Lift

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Manhattan, New York City and Lake Success, NY

Neck Lift, James P. Breadley, NYC, New York City, NY

A neck lift is a procedure that can restore a more sculpted, slender neck by removing loose, excess skin, sometimes referred to as a “turkey neck.” Many patients undergo this procedure to achieve a more defined jaw and neckline and address the physical effects of aging or weight fluctuations.

At FORMA, Dr. James P. Bradley can perform a neck lift to help you restore a contoured appearance and a seamless transition across your upper body. Dr. Bradley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience. He specializes in craniofacial and cosmetic surgery, which has made him uniquely experienced to manipulate the delicate and complex structures of the face and neck.

To learn more about how you may benefit from a neck lift, we invite you to contact us online or call (212) 324-3777.

About Neck Lifts

A neck lift, or a cervicoplasty, is a surgical procedure that Dr. Bradley can perform to create a smoother, tighter, and more shapely-looking neck. (1)

Several factors wear on the neck over time, causing it to sag and accumulate fat. When this occurs, many patients find it difficult to correct this region through lifestyle changes alone, leading them to seek the transformational effects of a neck lift.

Available Techniques

Dr. Bradley can integrate several techniques into your neck lift. The specifics he recommends will vary according to your individual needs, but he will explain each one during your consultation so you understand the potential paths forward.

  • Platysmaplasty: A platysmaplasty tightens the platysma muscles found in the neck. This approach is ideal for addressing visible neck bands.
  • Cervicoplasty: A cervicoplasty excises loose and inelastic skin.
  • Deep Neck: A deep neck procedure excises excess skin and muscle beneath the chin, removes a portion of the submandibular gland that may protrude unnaturally, and tightens the tissue by anchoring the platysma muscle to the deep supportive tissue.
  • Neck Z-Plasty: A neck Z-plasty is a specialized technique that Dr. Bradley performs on older men who are bothered by a “turkey neck.” It removes sagging skin from the central region beneath the chin. (2)

Benefits

You can enjoy several advantages when undergoing a neck lift. Several of them include:

  • Tighter Skin: A neck lift removes lax and sagging skin to restore a smoother and tighter look and feel.
  • Restored Definition: This procedure can remove any loose or bulging skin that may have been concealing your natural neck contours.
  • Improved Muscle Strength: Dr. Bradley can perform a neck lift to tighten weakened or lax neck muscles.
  • Elevated Confidence: Resculpting your appearance can heighten your sense of self-esteem and body positivity.
  • Lasting Results: The results of a neck lift can last for several years, especially when you uphold healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Tailored Solutions: Dr. Bradley personalizes the details of each neck lift according to your concerns and existing anatomy to ensure seamless, natural-looking results.

Candidates

It may be time to consider a neck lift if you are interested in correcting sagging skin and tightening inelastic muscles across your jawline and neck to restore a more slender and defined appearance.

To undergo this treatment, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine completely. Dr. Bradley will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is fundamental to creating your tailored treatment plan. During this meeting, Dr. Bradley will explain what a neck lift entails, review your medical history, and converse with you about your concerns. He will also assess your neck’s natural anatomy, your muscle strength, and your skin quality.

Dr. Bradley will use this information alongside your goals to confirm your candidacy and create your personalized treatment plan. He will determine which surgical techniques to perform and how much skin to remove. Depending on your goals, he may also recommend pairing your neck lift with another procedure.

If you are ready to schedule your first visit with Dr. Bradley, we invite you to contact us online. You may also call (212) 324-3777 if you have further questions or would prefer to talk with a member of our team.

Preparation

Dr. Bradley will give you a set of preparation instructions once you have scheduled your procedure. These instructions will help you optimize your procedure, recovery, and results. They consist of:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Under the proper medical guidance, discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Coordinating Your Care: Have a trusted friend or relative transport you home after your procedure and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery.
  • Arranging Time Off: Prepare to take time away from your career and professional responsibilities to give yourself time to heal.
  • Running Errands: Fill your prescriptions and rearrange your home so anything you need for your recovery is within reach.
  • Ceasing Certain Substances: Stop consuming nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as these substances can lead to certain complications.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of the FORMA team will help check you in and lead you to a private treatment room. You will then receive anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout your experience.

Dr. Bradley will place an incision beneath your chin and/or behind the ears to access the necessary tissues. He will then lift and elevate your skin and soft tissues to a higher and more youthful-looking position before removing any excess. If you also receive a platysmaplasty, he will tighten any weakened muscles you are interested in correcting. He will then close your incisions using sutures before transporting you to a recovery room to rest.

Recovery

After your neck lift, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the treated areas. These effects will subside on their own, but you may also manage them using prescribed medications, a cold compress, and resting with your head elevated. Dr. Bradley will also have you wear a compression garment to minimize additional swelling and maintain your new contours as you heal.

You will be able to return to nonstrenuous activities after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from demanding tasks or heavy lifting for several more weeks, or until Dr. Bradley has cleared you to return.

Dr. Bradley will give you a detailed set of written instructions when meeting with you in person. You will need to follow them closely to avoid developing any complications as you recover.

Results

The results of your procedure will vary, but you can expect a more defined, slender, and sculpted appearance across your neck, as well as smoother and tighter skin. You will also be able to enjoy a sharper and more chiseled jawline as the procedure eliminates any fullness beneath the chin.

Neck lifts yield lasting results that you can enjoy for several years to come, but it is important to understand that the natural effects of aging will continue to affect your appearance with time.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Bradley can integrate several other procedures into your treatment plan alongside your neck lift to help you address additional concerns or enhance your results. Liposuction and facelifts are two notably effective pairings, but you can inquire about any additional procedures that can enhance your outcomes during your consultation.

Liposuction

Liposuction uses a suctioning cannula to remove fat from different regions of the body. Dr. Bradley can integrate this procedure into your neck lift to address significant amounts of fat found around your chin or neck or to resculpt the surrounding areas to create smoother transitions and contours.

Facelifts

A facelift is a procedure that Dr. Bradley can perform to soften and eliminate visible signs of aging across the middle and lower face. It consists of elevating and tightening your facial skin, soft tissues, and underlying structures, allowing you to restore a more youthful-looking appearance that blends seamlessly with your renewed neck.

Cost of Neck Lifts in New York City

The cost of your neck lift will vary depending on each factor influencing your treatment plan. This may include the surgical techniques Dr. Bradley performs, the extent of your corrections, and whether you choose to combine it with another procedure. Once Dr. Bradley has discussed these details with you, he will provide you with an inclusive pricing estimate.

FAQ

What concerns can a neck lift correct?

Dr. Bradley can perform a neck lift to restore a more defined and proportionate neck by eliminating sagging skin and tightening weakened neck muscles.

How will I know which neck lift is right for me?

Attending a personal consultation is the best way to determine what type of neck lift is right for you. During this visit, Dr. Bradley will be able to converse with you about your concerns and evaluate your neck in person.

Can I undergo a neck lift if I am a younger patient?

Your needs, not your age, determine your candidacy. If Dr. Bradley finds you to be a suitable candidate for a neck lift, you may receive one.

How long will it take to recover from a neck lift?

Many of Dr. Bradley’s patients can return to nonstrenuous activities after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to avoid engaging in strenuous or demanding activities.

How long will the results of my neck lift last?

The results of a neck lift are long-lasting. When you preserve them properly, they can last for several years.

Can Dr. Bradley combine my neck lift with another facial contouring procedure?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their procedure with another to address several concerns at once and achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. If you are interested in combining your procedure, Dr. Bradley can give you tailored recommendations during your consultation.

References

  1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. 2021. Accessed September 22, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
  2. Borab ZM, Fisher S, Rohrich RJ. The 7-Step Neck-Lift Z-Plasty. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2024;155(2):316e-318e. doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000011403