Neck lift surgery for men is an increasingly common procedure that helps restore definition, reduce sagging, and improve the jawline. Though some may hesitate to consider facial plastic surgery, understanding what a neck lift involves can help clarify whether it’s the right choice.
What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin while tightening underlying muscles in the neck and jawline. It addresses concerns like loose neck skin, fatty deposits under the chin, and muscle banding that can affect a masculine profile.
The procedure enhances the contours of the neck and lower face, creating a firmer and more youthful look. It can also be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or platysmaplasty, for a more comprehensive result.
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery for Men
A neck lift offers more than just cosmetic enhancement—it can improve confidence, create facial balance, and restore a stronger, more masculine profile. Whether you’re preparing for a career move or simply want to look as youthful as you feel, these benefits often make a lasting difference.
- Sharper jawline definition: A neck lift removes excess fat and tightens loose skin, giving men a more angular, well-defined jawline. This feature is often associated with strength and vitality.
- Reduction of sagging skin: The procedure helps eliminate the ‘turkey neck’ look that can develop with age. Tightening the skin smooths the neckline and enhances a firm, youthful appearance.
- Improved profile and symmetry: Smoothing the area under the chin and along the neck creates better harmony with the rest of the face. This can be especially helpful if one side of the face or neck appears heavier or looser than the other.
- Boost in confidence and self-image: Looking younger and more refreshed often improves how men feel in both personal and professional settings. Many patients report feeling more confident after seeing their results.
- Long-lasting results with minimal scarring: While non-surgical treatments may offer short-term fixes, a neck lift can deliver results that last up to a decade or more. Incisions are placed discreetly, and scars typically fade over time.
How Does It Differ for Men and Women?
While neck lifts improve appearance for any gender, the aesthetic goals often differ depending on how men and women typically want to shape their jawline and neckline. Men usually aim for a sharper, more angular definition from the chin to the neck, enhancing a masculine and structured look that reinforces strength and maturity.
For men, this usually involves reducing bulk under the chin, tightening the muscle structure, and removing sagging skin. For women, the focus often leans toward restoring smooth, youthful curves in the neck and jawline, sometimes in tandem with a facelift to create an overall balanced appearance.
Is It Safe for Men?
Neck lift surgery is generally safe when performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh. During your consultation, he will review your medical history, evaluate your anatomy, and determine if you’re a good candidate.
If surgery poses too much risk or isn’t the best match for your needs, he may recommend other facial rejuvenation options. Dr. Azizzadeh’s personalized treatment plans prioritize safety, aesthetics, and long-term satisfaction.
In addition to traditional surgical and non-surgical choices, fat grafting is often suggested for men who are hesitant about synthetic fillers. This natural method can restore subtle volume and improve skin texture using your own fat, which is less likely to cause complications. It’s a versatile technique that can be used alone or alongside a neck lift for more complete facial rejuvenation.
How Effective Is the Procedure?
Neck lift surgery effectively corrects issues that contribute to an aged or tired appearance, including fat accumulation under the chin, sagging skin, and muscle laxity. Patients often report a more confident, refreshed look after recovery.
These improvements can help maintain a youthful, masculine neckline and support a balanced facial profile. Whether you’re noticing jowls or struggling with a ready for a neck lift neckline, a surgical solution may offer long-term improvement.
Fat grafting can also be added to the procedure to subtly restore volume in areas where aging has caused hollowness or contour changes. This approach allows for more natural-looking results while avoiding the use of synthetic fillers. When paired with a neck lift, fat transfer can further enhance harmony between the lower face and neck.
What to Expect From the Procedure
The surgery is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your treatment plan. Incisions are discreetly made behind the ears or under the chin to access the platysma muscle and underlying fat.
In some cases, a skin-SMAS-platysma lift is performed to tighten both the skin and muscle structure. For those with significant fatty deposits or neck fullness, a platysmaplasty may be more appropriate, repositioning fat and tightening deeper tissues to achieve a cleaner neckline.
Recovery Timeline
Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected in the first week. You may be advised to wear a compression garment and keep your head elevated to support healing.
Some men also experience temporary numbness or tightness in the neck area, which gradually resolves as tissues settle. It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions closely to reduce the risk of complications and support proper healing. Gentle movement and hydration can also support circulation and help ease residual swelling.
The full neck lift recovery timeline typically spans two to four weeks, with final results appearing gradually over the following months. Scars are hidden in natural creases and fade with time.
ALT Text: Side profile of a young man with a defined jawline
Are There Risks?
Like any surgical procedure, a neck lift comes with a set of potential risks. Understanding these helps patients make more informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
- Bleeding or hematoma: This refers to a collection of blood under the skin, which may require drainage if it occurs. Surgeons take careful precautions to minimize this risk during and after the procedure.
- Infection: Though rare, any incision can potentially lead to infection if not properly cared for. Patients receive post-op care instructions and antibiotics to help prevent this.
- Nerve injury: Some patients may experience temporary numbness or changes in sensation around the surgical site. These symptoms usually resolve over time, though permanent changes are possible in rare cases.
- Unsatisfactory results: As with any cosmetic procedure, outcomes may not meet expectations if goals are not aligned or healing doesn’t go as planned. This is why clear communication during consultation is critical.
- Scarring or poor wound healing: Scars are typically discreet, but individual healing responses vary. Proper aftercare and avoiding smoking can support better healing and minimize visible scarring.
Dr. Azizzadeh carefully screens each patient to reduce surgical risks and will never recommend a neck lift if a non-surgical alternative would be safer or more effective.
In some cases, men concerned about using synthetic fillers may find that fat grafting offers a more natural approach to volume restoration. It can be paired with neck lift surgery or performed on its own, depending on the patient’s needs. This option provides subtle enhancement using your own fat and is particularly useful for addressing contour irregularities or age-related volume loss.
Cost of Neck Lift Surgery for Men
Costs vary depending on factors like surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees. Dr. Azizzadeh provides a detailed estimate and discusses financing options during the consultation.
Because each procedure is custom, the total price reflects the complexity and whether additional treatments are involved.
For example, combining fat grafting with a neck lift may increase the cost but can lead to more comprehensive and longer-lasting results. Some patients may also opt for adjunct treatments like skin resurfacing or eyelid surgery to enhance the overall outcome. During the consultation, Dr. Azizzadeh explains these options and helps prioritize based on your goals and budget.
Is There an Ideal Age?
While most male patients fall between 40 and 70 years old, age isn’t the only factor. Skin elasticity, overall health, and specific aesthetic goals matter more than the number on your ID.
For younger men experiencing early signs of aging or weight loss-related skin changes, a neck lift can still be a beneficial option. Older men in good health with realistic expectations may also achieve excellent outcomes. The focus should always be on how the neck and jawline look and feel, not just the patient’s age.
If sagging skin or muscle laxity makes you look older than you feel, it could be the right time to consider surgery. Whether or not you pursue a neck lift, Dr. Azizzadeh helps each patient identify realistic, age-appropriate solutions.
Related: What Can a Neck Lift Do for Me?
Is a Male Neck Lift Right for You?
The decision to undergo a neck lift is personal, but the benefits can be significant. For men who want to avoid synthetic fillers or are concerned about how they’ll look or feel over time, fat grafting offers a natural alternative. It uses your body’s own fat to restore lost volume and soften deep folds—often working well alongside neck lift surgery to create smoother, more balanced results.
During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized evaluation and honest feedback about whether a neck lift—or a combination of neck lifts and non-surgical treatments—aligns best with your goals.
If you’re ready to explore facial rejuvenation options, contact our Beverly Hills practice to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re considering fat grafting, a neck lift, or both, we’re here to help you look and feel your best.
Conclusion
Neck lift surgery for men offers a safe, long-lasting way to restore a youthful jawline, eliminate sagging, and improve overall confidence. With the guidance of an expert surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh, you’ll receive a customized plan based on your needs and anatomy.
Whether you’re just beginning to notice signs of aging or looking to enhance previous treatments, a consultation can help you make the most informed decision.
Schedule a Male Neck Lift Surgery Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to meet with men to discuss neck lift surgery and other facial rejuvenation treatment options. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.