Neck Lift Surgery: Elegant Definition, Natural Confidence

Imagine looking down and seeing a smooth, elegant neckline instead of loose skin or heaviness. Imagine a defined jawline that frames your face beautifully. Not dramatic. Not artificial. Just you—refreshed, balanced, and confident.

What draws people to a neck lift is the emotional shift. It’s the relief of no longer hiding behind scarves or high collars. It’s standing taller, smiling easier, and feeling proud of your reflection again. The change is subtle, but the impact can be powerful—like a weight lifted that you didn’t realize you’d been carrying for years.

A neck lift isn’t just about changing how you look—it’s about how you feel when you look at yourself.

For many people, the neck becomes a quiet source of frustration. You catch it in photos. You notice it in the mirror. It doesn’t reflect your energy, your confidence, or the way you feel inside. A neck lift offers the chance to finally let that tension go.

A neck lift doesn’t try to turn back time—it helps your outer appearance finally match the strength, vitality, and self-assurance you already have inside. For those who feel ready, it can be an emotional reset as much as a physical one—a step toward feeling fully comfortable in your own skin again.

At Bruno Plastic Surgery in Scranton, Dr. Bruno plans neck lift surgery with the philosophy of Enhancing Your Natural Beauty. Every procedure is individualized, with meticulous attention to preserving a natural contour and graceful proportions.

Anthony D. Bruno, II, MD is double board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. After six rigorous years of general surgery training and successfully passing his General Surgery board examination, he went on to complete 3 additional years of advanced plastic surgery training at Duke University Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier programs.  He then passed his Plastic Surgery board exam.  This exceptional level of training along with his God given talents is what enables his meticulous planning, technical mastery, precision, and expert refinement in the most complex Neck Lift Surgery.

A Refined, Natural Philosophy

Dr. Bruno’s approach to neck lift surgery is guided by one principle: results should look effortless, not surgical. Rather than simply tightening skin, Dr. Bruno addresses the deeper structures of the neck—muscle, fat, and underlying support—so the outcome looks smooth, defined, and natural from every angle.

The goal is not an artificially tight neck, but a graceful jawline and youthful transition from face to neck that looks like it has always belonged to you.

Precision Matters in Neck Surgery

The neck is an unforgiving area—small details make a significant difference. Successful neck lift surgery requires precision, anatomical expertise, and an experienced hand. Every patient’s anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals are unique, which is why Dr. Bruno designs each procedure individually.

Whether addressing:

– Neck banding

– Excess skin or fullness beneath the chin

– Loss of jawline definition

– A “heavy” or aged neck appearance

Each surgical plan is specifically customized to achieve balance, harmony, and longevity. Patients often express their trust with the phrase “Only Dr. Bruno,” reflecting years of careful, detail-focused care.

What a Neck Lift Can Improve

A neck lift focuses on the area from the jawline to the collarbone. It can help address:

– Loose or sagging neck skin

– Vertical neck bands

– Fullness or a “double chin” appearance

– Blurring of the angle between the jaw and neck

– Early “turkey wattle” changes

For many patients, refinement of the neck and jawline creates a significant overall change, often making the entire face appear more rested and refined.

Is Neck Lift Surgery Right for You?

Neck lift candidates are often bothered more by their profile than by their facial features. Common concerns include:

– Feeling that the neck looks older than the face

– Noticing banding or loose skin in photos or video calls

– Difficulty finding clothing or jewelry that flatters the neckline

– A sense that the jawline has lost definition despite overall good health

Ideal candidates are in good general health, at or near a stable weight, and nonsmokers or willing to pause smoking to support healing. Age varies widely; some patients notice early neck changes in their 40s, while others seek surgery later. During consultation, Dr. Bruno evaluates your anatomy, reviews your medical history, and talks through what you hope to achieve, then explains whether neck lift surgery is appropriate and how it might be tailored for you.

Neck Lift vs. Facelift

Neck lift and facelift procedures are often mentioned together, and many patients are unsure which they need. A neck lift focuses on the neck and the underside of the jawline, addressing loose skin, vertical bands, and fullness under the chin. A facelift focuses on lifting and reshaping the midface and lower face, including the cheeks and jowls.

For some patients, a neck lift alone can provide the desired improvement, especially when facial features still look relatively youthful. For others, the most natural and comprehensive result comes from combining a neck lift with a facelift so the face and neck age appear synchronized. During consultation, Dr. Bruno examines both areas and explains which approach best matches your anatomy, goals, and tolerance for change.

Dr. Bruno’s Approach to Neck Lift Surgery

The neck is a region where small changes can create a substantial visual impact. Anthony D. Bruno, II, MD approaches neck lift surgery with the same meticulous care and structural focus that define his facial procedures.

Key aspects of his philosophy include:

– Addressing underlying muscle and structural changes, not just tightening the skin

– Respecting natural contours so the neck looks refined, not overly tight or hollow

– Balancing the jawline, chin, and neck profile to create harmony from all angles

– Individualizing the degree of tightening to match age, skin quality, and goals

Planning begins with a detailed examination of skin laxity, muscle position, fat distribution, and jawline shape, along with photographs and a conversation about what bothers you most.

The Neck Lift Procedure

Neck lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The exact technique depends on the specific concerns and whether the procedure is combined with a facelift or chin augmentation.

In a typical neck lift, Dr. Bruno may:

– Make incisions discreetly placed around the ears and, in some cases, a small incision under the chin

– Tighten or reposition the thin neck muscle (platysma) to reduce banding and support a smoother contour

– Remove or redistribute excess fat under the chin or along the jawline when appropriate

– Redrape and refine the neck skin, removing excess while preserving a natural slope and angle

Incisions are closed in thin layers with attention to scar placement and tension. A light dressing and supportive garment are placed to protect the area and support early healing.

Submental Fullness and Chin Definition

Many patients seeking neck lift surgery are also concerned about fullness under the chin, sometimes called a “double chin,” whether from aging, genetics, or weight changes. In selected cases, carefully planned liposuction under the chin and along the jawline can be combined with a neck lift to improve contour.

For patients with a naturally recessed or small chin, chin augmentation may also be considered. A well-proportioned chin can enhance neck lift results by creating a more defined angle between the jaw and neck. During consultation, Dr. Bruno evaluates the relationship between the chin, jawline, and neck and explains whether combined or staged procedures may offer the best long-term balance.

Recovery and Healing After Neck Lift Surgery

After Necklift Surgery  you will have detailed instructions on post operative care and restrictions. You will be closely followed by Dr. Bruno for monitoring of healing, adjustments to your activity plan, and time to address any questions. The goal is a safe recovery that sets the foundation for a long-lasting, natural-looking result

Recovery after necklift surgery is a gradual process. Typical experiences include:

– Fullness, tightness, and swelling for several days to weeks

– Bruising, most noticeable in the first 7–10 days

– A sensation of firmness or numbness along the cheeks and ears as tissues heal

Keeping the head elevated, avoiding twisting or bending the neck, and following instructions regarding dressings and garments help support early healing. Light walking begins early to promote circulation. Most patients plan about one to two weeks away from public-facing work, depending on the extent of surgery and personal comfort.

Over several weeks, swelling subsides and the neck gradually looks more natural and refined. The jawline becomes clearer, and the angle between the chin and neck sharpens. Sensations of tightness and numbness typically improve over months as tissues soften.

Scars and Incision Placement

Neck lift incisions are planned to be as discreet as possible. When combined with facelift procedures, incisions often follow natural contours around the ears and may extend slightly into the hairline. When a small incision under the chin is used, it is typically placed in a natural crease.

Early scars are pink and more noticeable at close range. Over six to twelve months, they generally soften and fade. Dr. Bruno’s meticulous closure techniques, along with guidance on silicone therapy, gentle massage when appropriate, and sun protection, support the development of thin, flat lines. Most patients find that once healed, scars are subtle and overshadowed by the improvement in neck and jawline contour.

Long-Term Results and Aging

A neck lift offers long-lasting improvement, but it does not stop the natural aging process. Years after surgery, the neck will continue to age, but often from a more refined starting point. Most patients feel they still look more defined and uplifted than they would have without the procedure.

Lifestyle choices play an important role in maintaining results. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting the skin from sun exposure, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking support skin quality and long-term neck definition. If changes over time become bothersome again, minor refinements or complementary treatments can be discussed later as part of a thoughtful, long-term aesthetic plan.