Is a Neck Lift Painful?

Most say their recovery feels tight or sore, and that any pain is easily managed with prescription medication for the first few days.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Your treatment starts with a full consultation at Dr. Antell’s New York City practice, followed by your surgery and several follow-up visits to monitor your healing. Most people return for routine checkups in the first few weeks, but you can schedule additional appointments if needed.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll see your neck shape improve as swelling goes down, but final results take time. Most will see more noticeable changes within a few weeks, with the best results appearing over the next three to six months as everything settles.

How Soon Can I Travel After Neck Lift?

Most patients can travel locally a few days after surgery. If you plan to fly or go farther, Dr. Antell may suggest waiting about 7 to 14 days, depending on how you’re healing. If you’re coming to New York City for surgery, his team will give you advice before you make travel plans.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Neck Lift?

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries certain risks. Dr. Antell takes appropriate precautions throughout surgery and recovery to protect each patient’s comfort and well-being. Dr. Antell will discuss the possible risks of neck lift surgery with you before your procedure, as well as how complications would be addressed if they occur. Careful surgical planning and incision placement can also help keep scarring as discreet as possible, with incisions typically concealed behind the ears or within the neck’s natural creases. When lower rhytidectomy is performed by an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Antell, surgical risks and side effects are uncommon and typically mild. Dr. Antell will discuss possible risks before surgery, as well as how he would treat them if they occur. Dr. Antell is able to minimize scarring and conceal incisions behind the ears or in the natural creases of your neck.

Neck Lift (Wattlectomy) New York City, NY

Define and Rejuvenate the Neck

Introduction to a Neck Lift

With age, the neck begins to sag, and loose folds or bands of skin and fat may become more apparent. This excess skin can often cause a wattle, turkey neck, or pelican neck to form, which is why a neck lift may sometimes be referred to as a wattlectomy.

Patients in New York City seeking facial and neck rejuvenation may consider a neck lift at Darrick E. Antell M.D., F.A.C.S. if they are looking to lift the loose skin of the neck.

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What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift can help reduce sagging and wrinkling caused by excess loose neck skin resulting from weight loss or aging. Dr. Antell can remove this excess skin and fat to recontour the neck for a more youthful-looking face and profile.

In some cases, neck lift surgery may be performed alongside neck liposuction or other forms of neck fat removal. This is typically done for patients with significant excess skin from weight gain or localized fat deposits. If patients experience predominantly loose neck skin, then skin excision and repositioning may be sufficient to achieve a younger-looking facial appearance.

If you are considering a neck lift in NYC, this section will provide a basic overview of the procedure.

Wattlectomy (Turkey Neck Surgery)

A wattlectomy, also called turkey neck surgery, is a neck lift that removes loose, hanging skin under the chin and along the neck. Aging, weight changes, and genetics can all contribute to a turkey neck, which can make your jawline look less defined.

During the surgery, Dr. Antell removes extra skin, tightens the muscles if needed, and reshapes the neck for a smoother, firmer look. The aim is to give you a natural, refreshed appearance that suits your facial features.

A Deep Plane Neck Lift is Next-Level Rejuvenation

A deep plane neck lift in NYC is a sophisticated surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and lower face by addressing the deeper layers of skin and muscle. Unlike a traditional neck lift, which primarily targets excess skin and some fat, a deep-plane neck lift goes further. It involves repositioning and tightening the underlying muscle structure, the platysma, and the deeper soft tissues. This approach allows for more comprehensive and natural-looking results, especially in the jawline and neck area, by creating a smoother, more defined contour that better supports the skin.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Neck Lift?

An ideal candidate for any plastic surgery procedure is a healthy man or woman with realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can help them achieve. For neck lift surgery, an ideal candidate typically still has some elasticity in the neck skin. Patients choosing to undergo neck lift surgery in NYC with Dr. Antell must be in overall good physical health. Unfortunately, some patients with severe medical conditions may not be appropriate candidates for neck lift surgery. Dr. Antell can help you decide if neck lift surgery is right for you.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

Dr. Antell ensures patients considering a deep plane neck lift understand its benefits and whether it suits their desired aesthetic results. It’s especially suited for individuals seeking a rejuvenated appearance that addresses the skin and underlying muscle and soft-tissue structure for more pronounced and lasting results. Benefits include:

Enhanced Natural Appearance
Long-Lasting Results
Improved Neck Contour
Reduced Jowling
Minimal Scarring
Comparable Recovery Time

Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

Planning your Neck Lift Surgery

During an initial consultation, patients will meet with Dr. Antell at his New York City practice to discuss their concerns and what cosmetic procedures they are interested in. For neck lift surgery, Dr. Antell will perform a quick examination of the neck, jowls, and face. During this evaluation, Dr. Antell will assess your specific condition and determine whether you require a neck lift or a lower rhytidectomy with liposuction.

Dr. Antell may also ask additional questions about your overall health to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for neck lift surgery. Certain conditions Dr. Antell may check for include uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting conditions, and more. It is important to mention to Dr. Antell if you smoke or take any medication regularly.

Preparing for Your Neck Lift

In order to prepare for lower rhytidectomy, certain blood thinners or medications containing aspirin may need to be stopped for a period of time prior to and after neck lift surgery. Dr. Antell may also suggest that some patients temporarily quit smoking before and after a neck lift procedure. Tobacco use can negatively impact your body’s ability to heal and regenerate. Prior to your neck lift surgery, Dr. Antell will provide you with instructions to follow leading up to your neck lift surgery. It is vital that you follow all of Dr. Antell’s instructions before and after surgery to ensure the safest procedure and the quickest recovery possible.

Following a neck lift, patients must arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home after surgery. Some patients may also benefit from having a friend or family member stay with them for the first few days after surgery. Resting is extremely important for proper recuperation, and patients should avoid any strenuous activity that may put excess stress or pressure on the incisions.

Types of Anesthesia for Neck Lift Surgery

Many neck lift procedures are performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Dr. Antell will discuss whether sedation is indicated for your procedure during your consultation.

Where Your Neck Lift Surgery Will Be Performed

Dr. Antell may perform neck lift surgery in a private office-based facility, hospital, or outpatient surgical center. Typically, a neck lift is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients can return home the same day.

What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery

Each neck lift procedure may vary from patient to patient, as Dr. Antell can adjust the specifics of the surgery to meet a patient’s individual goals best. For instance, some patients can achieve sufficient neck rejuvenation with liposuction alone. Other patients may require liposuction with repositioning of the excess neck skin and underlying muscles. In some cases, patients may only need skin excision and repositioning of the neck skin to achieve a more contoured neck.

With advancements in plastic surgery, a neck lift can now be performed with smaller incisions that are more easily camouflaged behind the ears or in the natural creases of the neck. Fat can be removed through these incisions using neck liposuction or with a direct excision of the fatty deposits. After Dr. Antell removes excess skin and fat deposits, reshapes any underlying neck muscles, and repositions the neck skin, he will meticulously suture the incisions. Following neck lift surgery, the incisions and surgical site will be cleaned, bandaged, and kept sanitary to promote proper healing.

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After Your Neck Lift Surgery

Your Guide to Post-Neck Lift Care

Most patients after neck lift surgery take about 7 to 14 days off work to fully recover. Following lower rhytidectomy, patients should rest as much as possible for the first few days and avoid any movements or actions that cause stress or discomfort in the neck.

Patients should generally wear loose, comfortable clothing while recovering and avoid accessories or clothing that may irritate the neck. Button-up shirts are ideal as patients may have difficulty pulling a shirt over their head for a few days after a neck lift.

While patients typically feel much better and can return to work quickly, they should not overexert themselves too soon. Even if a patient feels better, they should avoid labor-intensive activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks while the neck heals.

Recovery time for neck rejuvenation surgery varies by patient and depends on the specifics of each case. Rapid recovery techniques are used to speed the healing process.

Combining My Neck Lift with Other Procedures

A neck lift is often done with some of Dr. Antell’s other facial procedures to give you a more well-proportioned look. If interested, he will recommend personalized treatment combinations during your consultation.

While a neck lift tightens loose skin and muscles below the jawline, a facelift refreshes the cheeks, jawline, and lower face for a better-proportioned look.

Your New Look After a Neck Lift

Patients will notice an overall improvement in their neck after a neck lift. Patients who adopt a healthy lifestyle typically see the best results after a neck lift. After neck lift surgery, a patient’s neck will be tighter, firmer, and more contoured, resulting in a beautiful, youthful-looking facial appearance and profile.

Neck Lift Surgery Results

A neck lift is a long-lasting plastic surgery procedure that can help restore the youthful contours of a patient’s neck. How long neck lift results last varies from patient to patient. While you will continue to age, if you have an identical twin who did not undergo neck surgery, your neck and lower facial profile will age more gracefully than your twin’s.

Dr. Antell has extensively studied the effects of facial plastic surgery on many twins and triplets. His groundbreaking studies have been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Learn more about his twin studies here. Genetics and overall health do play an important role in how long neck lift results will be visible. Patients who maintain a proper diet, exercise, and do not smoke are more likely to experience longer-lasting neck lift surgery results.

Patients who foster unhealthy habits, such as smoking or a poor diet, may not maintain neck lift results as long. Neck lift results may last upwards of 10 years in some patients.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in New York City, NY?

The price of a neck lift in New York City depends on how complex the procedure is, the type of anesthesia, facility fees, and if you have other procedures done at the same time.

At your consultation, Dr. Antell will create a treatment plan just for you and provide a cost estimate.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

A neck lift should define your jawline without making it look too tight or unnatural. In New York City, Dr. Darrick E. Antell takes a personal approach, carefully assessing your features and recommending the best technique to achieve your goals.

Patients choose Dr. Antell for his many years of experience, meticulous work, and focus on natural-looking results. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Antell will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026. From your first visit through your recovery, you’ll receive personal care designed to give you a smoother, more youthful neck that fits your overall look.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Neck Lift (Wattlectomy) FAQ’S

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries certain risks. Dr. Antell takes appropriate precautions throughout surgery and recovery to protect each patient’s comfort and well-being.

Dr. Antell will discuss the possible risks of neck lift surgery with you before your procedure, as well as how complications would be addressed if they occur. Careful surgical planning and incision placement can also help keep scarring as discreet as possible, with incisions typically concealed behind the ears or within the neck’s natural creases.

When lower rhytidectomy is performed by an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Antell, surgical risks and side effects are uncommon and typically mild. Dr. Antell will discuss possible risks before surgery, as well as how he would treat them if they occur. Dr. Antell is able to minimize scarring and conceal incisions behind the ears or in the natural creases of your neck.

“I recommend him with complete confidence”

It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

Giovanni S.
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I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

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I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

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Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

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“Highly recommend”

Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

Eric L.

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