Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery can be a great way to address sagging skin and laxity in the neck and beneath the chin, enhancing neck and jaw contours to create a more youthful aesthetic. During your consultation with Nacogdoches plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Wittpenn, he will review your medical history and assess whether a neck lift can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and eliminating fat deposits. It addresses concerns like sagging skin, jowls, and neck bands, providing a smoother, more youthful contour. While a neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure, it is often combined with other facial procedures—such as a facelift or platysmaplasty—for more comprehensive rejuvenation, resulting in a more defined and balanced profile.
Who Is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
In general, men and women who undergo neck lift surgery should be in good health and should not smoke. Depending on what you hope to accomplish with cosmetic surgery, Dr. Wittpenn may also suggest other lower face and neck contouring procedures in addition to or instead of a neck lift.
Neck liposuction or chin surgery is sometimes used along with a neck lift to further improve contours if a double chin or a weak chin is contributing to a patient’s lack of definition in the neck and lower face. If minor neck wrinkles are the only concern, BOTOX® injections for neck bands may be recommended instead of neck lift surgery in younger patients.

Patient Results
How Is Neck Lift Surgery Performed?
A neck lift may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation depending on what Dr. Wittpenn thinks is the best option for you. Depending on your problems and cosmetic goals, the procedure may involve removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat, as well as muscle tightening. Small, well-hidden incisions may be placed in the natural creases under your chin and behind your ears. If your neck lift is performed along with a facelift, additional incisions may also be necessary.
What is Recovery From a Neck Lift Like?
Following neck lift surgery, most patients are up and about within 24 hours but need 1-2 weeks to completely recover. Bruising and swelling should mostly resolve in this time frame, along with any discomfort. After three weeks, all normal activity including exercise can be resumed and the results of your neck lift should be apparent.
Will I Have Visible Scars After Neck Lift Surgery?
While all surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring, neck lift incisions are placed in discreet, hidden locations and most scars fade significantly over time. Initially, scars may appear pink or slightly firm, but they typically soften and lighten to some extent as healing progresses over the next several months.
During a traditional neck lift, incisions are typically made behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. When placed behind the ears, the incisions follow the natural contours and creases of the skin, allowing them to blend in seamlessly once healed. If a small incision is made beneath the chin to address excess fat or tighten underlying muscles, it’s usually well-concealed in the natural shadow under the jawline. For those undergoing a less extensive procedure, such as a limited-incision neck lift, even smaller and more discreet incisions may be used.
The exact placement and length of your incisions depend on the degree of correction required. Fortunately, neck lift incisions are carefully planned and strategically placed to minimize visibility. Following post-operative care instructions, such as protecting incisions from sun exposure and using recommended scar lightening treatments, can help optimize healing.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
Neck lift surgery is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals, so pricing varies from person to person. The cost of a neck lift in Nacogdoches depends on several factors, including:
- The extent of correction necessary
- The surgical technique used
- The surgeon’s expertise
- The geographic location of the practice
Fortunately, neck lift surgery in Nacogdoches is usually significantly more affordable than other major cities in the country, such as Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Dallas, and other metropolitan areas. When evaluating cost, it’s essential to consider a surgeon’s credentials and experience. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in facial rejuvenation helps ensure safety and the best quality of results during the procedure. While insurance doesn’t typically cover cosmetic surgery, Dr. Wittpenn accepts plastic surgery financing through CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit for approved applicants who prefer to pay over time.
Contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery
If you’re seriously considering neck lift surgery to reduce jowls or improve lower face and jawline contours, contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery at (936) 564-3744 to schedule a consultation and find out if a neck lift is right for you. Dr. Wittpenn is an expert Nacogdoches neck lift surgeon serving patients throughout eastern Texas and western Louisiana, including residents of Lufkin, Huntsville, Tyler and Shreveport.

