Neck Lift in Istanbul

What is Neck Lift?

The neck often shows age early. The thin platysma muscle can separate at the front, forming vertical bands, the skin loosens and fat can accumulate under the chin. Weight change and genetics also influence how the neck looks, and some younger women have fullness under the chin despite a healthy weight.

A neck lift may include tightening the platysma muscle through a small incision under the chin, removing or reshaping fat, and lifting and redraping skin through incisions around the ears. When there is little skin laxity, liposuction alone may be enough; when the lower face is also descending, a combined facelift and neck lift is often more appropriate.

Who may be suitable?

• Loose skin or a "turkey neck" appearance
• Visible vertical bands at the front of the neck
• Fullness under the chin that does not respond to diet or exercise
• Good general health, with blood pressure well controlled
• Non-smoker or willing to stop nicotine before and after surgery
• Realistic expectations about what a neck lift can achieve

What can this procedure address?

• Loose or crepey neck skin
• Platysmal bands
• Submental fullness (under-chin fat)
• A blunted jaw-to-neck angle
• Loss of jawline definition where it relates to the neck

Consultation & assessment

In your online assessment you share photographs confidentially, including profile views with your head in a neutral position, along with your medical history and medications. The surgeon gives an initial view on whether a neck lift, liposuction, a combined facelift or a non-surgical option seems suitable.

Your surgeon examines you in person in Istanbul before surgery is confirmed, assessing skin quality, muscle bands, fat distribution and chin projection. Sometimes a weak chin contributes to the appearance of the neck, and chin aesthetics may be discussed. Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed during consultation.

How the procedure is performed

A small incision is usually made in the natural crease under the chin. Through this, the surgeon can remove or sculpt fat and bring together the edges of the platysma muscle to smooth bands and improve contour.

If skin is loose, incisions continue around and behind the ears so that the skin can be lifted and redraped. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed carefully. A compression garment or dressing is usually worn for a period afterwards.

Anaesthesia

A neck lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on its extent and whether it is combined with other procedures. The anaesthetist will review your health and medications with you beforehand.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Swelling, tightness and bruising are most noticeable. A chin strap or compression dressing is worn and you rest with your head elevated.

2. Week 1

   Sutures are removed and bruising starts to fade. Turning the head may still feel stiff.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Most women feel comfortable returning to daily routines. The neck may feel firm or numb.

4. Week 6

   Strenuous exercise can usually resume with surgeon approval. Firmness continues to settle.

5. 3–6 months

   Swelling resolves and the neck contour becomes more defined.

6. 12 months

   Scars mature and fade.

What to expect during the first week

• Wear your compression garment as instructed
• Keep your head elevated and avoid bending your neck forward for long periods
• Avoid heavy lifting and sudden head movements
• Report rapidly increasing swelling, especially on one side, or any difficulty breathing or swallowing immediately
• Avoid nicotine and blood-thinning supplements unless your surgeon agrees

Scars

The scar under the chin sits in a natural crease and is usually discreet. Scars around the ears follow natural contours and are generally well hidden by hair. They fade over 6–12 months, although individual healing varies.

Results

A neck lift typically produces a smoother neck and a cleaner jawline. Your surgeon may show you consented before and after photographs during consultation. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

Results are often long-lasting, but the skin continues to age. Maintaining a stable weight and protecting your skin from the sun can help preserve the result.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Haematoma, which may need urgent drainage; raised blood pressure increases the risk
• Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve, which can cause temporary or, rarely, lasting asymmetry of the lower lip
• Numbness of the neck and around the ears
• Irregularities, dimpling or over-correction from fat removal
• Recurrence of muscle bands
• Infection or delayed wound healing, more likely in smokers
• Visible or widened scars
• Residual skin laxity requiring revision
• General surgical risks including anaesthetic reactions and deep vein thrombosis

Choosing a surgeon

• Specialist training in plastic and aesthetic surgery or facial plastic surgery
• Registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant society membership that you can verify
• Experience with neck lift and combined face and neck procedures
• Consented before and after photographs reviewed with you
• Hospital privileges and a clear aftercare plan after you return home

Our specialists

Neck Lift in Istanbul

Women choose Istanbul for neck lift surgery because of the availability of experienced facial surgeons, modern private hospitals and coordinated care for international patients. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

A stay of around 7–10 days is usually recommended, allowing for suture removal and a check before you fly. If combined with a facelift, plan for longer.

The cost of a neck lift in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, the complexity of the procedure, whether it is combined with a facelift or other surgery, hospital stay and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Continue wearing the chin strap or compression garment as advised
• Protect scars from the sun
• Keep remote follow-up appointments with your surgeon
• Seek local medical attention for swelling, discharge, fever or changes in lip movement

Our aftercare pathway