Neck Lift Surgery
Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan is an EBOPRAS-certified Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist based in Antalya, Turkey, performing neck lift surgery (cervicoplasty / platysmaplasty) for both Turkish and international patients. Neck lift surgery addresses loose skin, platysmal banding, and submental fat as a single procedure — comprehensively rejuvenating the lower face and neck. It is frequently combined with deep plane facelift surgery, but can also be performed as a standalone procedure.
"A neck lift is not simply tightening the skin. The real work is addressing the platysma muscle in the correct anatomical plane and restoring the cervicomental transition. A neck where the skin is pulled from the surface but the muscular base is left uncorrected will descend again within a short time."
— Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, Antalya
Note: This page is for patient information purposes. The surgical decision and technique selection must be determined by individual clinical assessment.
1. What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
Neck lift surgery (cervicoplasty / platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure that corrects the signs of ageing in the neck region. It targets three distinct anatomical components: loose and sagging skin, platysmal banding and laxity, and submental (under-chin) fat accumulation.
Neck lift surgery can be performed using two approaches:
Cervicoplasty (Skin-focused)
Removal and tightening of excess neck skin without direct platysma intervention. Suitable for milder cases with shorter recovery time.
Platysmaplasty (Muscle-focused)
Suturing the platysma muscle at the midline or re-tensioning it. Preferred for significant banding and advanced laxity. Delivers lasting, comprehensive correction.
In most moderate to advanced neck ageing cases, both components are addressed together: submental liposuction removes fat, platysmaplasty repairs the muscular base, and the skin is re-draped with minimal tension.
2. How the Neck Ages — Anatomy
The neck is particularly vulnerable to the ageing process. According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, understanding neck ageing requires distinguishing three separate anatomical components:
Skin laxity
The neck skin sags as it loses elasticity. Skin tightening from the surface is possible but longevity is limited if the muscular base is not corrected.
Platysmal banding
The platysma is a dual-layer muscle; when midline adhesion loosens, vertical bands form. The so-called "turkey neck" or gobbler deformity originates from the platysma — not the skin.
Submental fat
Fat accumulation under the chin blunts the cervicomental angle and makes the neck appear disproportionate. Addressed by liposuction or direct excision.
Cervicomental angle
A youthful neck has a sharp chin-to-neck angle (~105°). Ageing and fat accumulation blur this angle — restoring it is a primary aesthetic goal of neck lift surgery.
Genetic factors
Some patients develop platysmal banding and submental fat accumulation in their 30s due to genetic predisposition — candidacy is not limited to older age groups.
Weight changes
Significant weight loss can leave excess neck skin. In these cases, both skin excision and platysma intervention may be required.
3. How Is the Surgery Performed?
Neck lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2–3 hours. When combined with facelift surgery, the duration extends accordingly. Patients stay one night for post-operative observation.
Incision planning
Incisions are placed under the chin (submental area) and/or behind the ear. These locations conceal scars within natural folds, making them imperceptible over time.
Submental liposuction
Fat tissue under the chin is removed by liposuction or direct excision. The cervicomental angle is defined and sharpened.
Platysma repair
Where midline banding is present, the two edges of the platysma muscle are sutured together (platysmaplasty). This step is the anatomical foundation of a long-lasting neck lift result.
Skin re-draping
The neck skin is re-draped with minimal tension. Because the structural load is carried by the muscular base, the skin bears no excess tension.
Meticulous closure
Careful closure along natural skin folds. Drains are removed on days 1–2.
4. Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Platysmal banding
Vertical bands or gobbler deformity visible in the neck — strong candidates for platysmaplasty.
Loose neck skin
Skin laxity caused by ageing, genetics, or weight loss.
Submental fat accumulation
Under-chin fat that has not responded to diet and exercise — can occur in younger patients due to genetics.
Undefined cervicomental angle
Loss of the sharp chin-to-neck angle, making the face appear older or heavier than it is.
Good general health
No uncontrolled systemic conditions affecting anaesthesia or healing.
Non-smoker / willing to stop
Smoking impairs tissue blood supply; cessation at least 4 weeks before surgery is required.
5. Advantages of Neck Lift Surgery
Sharp cervicomental angle
Fat removal and platysma repair restore the sharp chin-to-neck angle characteristic of a youthful profile.
Elimination of platysmal bands
Vertical neck bands corrected by platysmaplasty — a condition Botox can only improve temporarily but surgery addresses permanently.
Long-lasting results
When the platysmal base is repaired, results can last 7–10 years or longer.
Minimal scarring
Incisions placed under the chin and behind the ear; scars are concealed within natural folds and fade over time.
Natural appearance
Skin is re-draped with minimal tension — the neck does not look tight or artificial.
Standalone or combined
Performed alone for isolated neck ageing, or combined with facelift for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation.
6. Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Peak swelling and bruising. Head kept elevated. Drains removed on days 1–2. Neck movement is limited — this is normal and expected.
Days 4–7
Bruising begins to yellow and fade. Neck mobility improves. Compression garment is typically removed during this week.
Week 2
Sutures removed (days 7–10). Most international patients are cleared to fly home this week. Light concealing make-up is possible.
Weeks 3–4
Most swelling has resolved. Return to desk work and light social activities is feasible.
Months 2–3
Final result is visible. Scars mature and become imperceptible in daily life.
7. Combined with Facelift Surgery
When neck lift is combined with deep plane facelift surgery, it produces the most comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation available. According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, this combination is clearly superior to either procedure alone — because the lower face and neck are an anatomical unit, and addressing them together in a single session delivers the most natural and harmonious result.
Neck Lift Alone
Suitable for patients with isolated neck ageing and no significant lower face laxity. The neck contour is restored without facial surgery.
Deep Plane + Neck Lift
The most comprehensive option when both lower face and neck are involved. Single anaesthetic, single recovery, harmonious all-over result.
For detailed information on deep plane facelift surgery: Deep Plane Facelift Antalya →
8. Other Combination Procedures
Seamless lower face-to-neck rejuvenation in one session. + Brow Lift
For full-face rejuvenation including the upper face. + Facial Fat Transfer
Restores cheek and temple volume during the same session. + Eyelid Aesthetics
Upper and lower eyelid correction in the same session.
9. Cost in Turkey — Why Antalya?
The cost of neck lift surgery varies depending on the technique used (skin-only, platysmaplasty, submental liposuction combination) and any combination procedures. In the USA, the total cost of neck lift surgery typically ranges from $8,000–$20,000 USD. In Western Europe, the equivalent is €6,000–€15,000 EUR.
In Turkey — and specifically in Antalya — the same board-certified expertise and accredited hospital infrastructure is available at a significantly lower cost. The package typically includes:
Surgeon's fee
EBOPRAS-certified surgeon, chosen technique
Anaesthesia & theatre
Specialist anaesthetist, accredited hospital
1-night hospital stay
Post-operative observation and nursing care
Post-operative follow-up
Drain removal, dressing changes, 10–14 day monitoring
Coordination service
English-speaking team, transfers, 24/7 contact
Fit-to-fly clearance
Final check-up and travel clearance 10–14 days post-surgery
For a personal quote: Pricing is prepared individually based on your neck anatomy and the procedures planned. Send photographs via WhatsApp or email to request a complimentary pre-assessment.
📞 +90 533 200 2664 |
✉️ info@drnecdeturhan.com |
💬 WhatsApp
10. Why Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan?
Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan is an EBOPRAS-certified Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist based in Antalya, Turkey. His practice is focused exclusively on facial aesthetics — with neck lift surgery forming one of the core procedures alongside facelift. A significant proportion of his patients travel from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia specifically for facial rejuvenation surgery in Antalya.
EBOPRAS Certified
European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery — the highest board certification in European plastic surgery.
ISAPS Member
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery member.
Facial Aesthetics Only
A practice focused exclusively on facial surgery — not a generalist aesthetic clinic.
Identity-Preserving Philosophy
To refresh, not transform. Natural neck contour and facial identity are always preserved.
11. Potential Risks
Potential risks of neck lift surgery include: swelling, bruising, temporary numbness or altered sensation, scar maturation, asymmetry, infection, haematoma, and — rarely — the need for revision. These are discussed in detail during the pre-operative consultation. An experienced surgical team, an accredited facility, and thorough post-operative follow-up all contribute to minimising these risks.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Appointment & Contact
Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan's clinic is located in Muratpaşa, Antalya — easily accessible from Antalya International Airport and the city centre. A fully English-speaking patient coordination team is available for pre-operative consultation, hospital logistics, accommodation guidance, and post-operative follow-up throughout the stay.
Contact Information
📞 +90 533 200 2664
✉️ info@drnecdeturhan.com
💬 Message on WhatsApp
📍 Yeşilbahçe Mh. Metin Kasapoğlu Cd. Gökhan İş Mrk. B Blok Kat:3 D:14, Muratpaşa / Antalya, Turkey
Related Pages
Medical Note: This page has been prepared by Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan's clinic for patient information purposes. Information available on the internet is not a substitute for a personal clinical examination; the surgical decision and technique selection must be determined by a physician assessment. Reviewed by Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan — Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, EBOPRAS-certified, ISAPS Member, Antalya, Turkey.
