The goal of a neck lift is to redefine the jawline and neck contour by restoring the deeper support structures. Determining candidacy requires evaluating each patient’s unique anatomy, skin quality, and expectations.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. Candidacy and planning require direct examination.
1) Visible Changes in Neck Contour
Common candidates are individuals who experience skin laxity, platysmal banding, or submental fullness (“double chin”). These may occur due to aging, genetics, or weight changes. Evaluation focuses on which structures contribute most — skin, fat, or the platysma muscle — to determine whether a superficial or deeper surgical approach is appropriate.
Patients with early, mild laxity may benefit from limited approaches, while more pronounced sagging often requires deeper correction involving the platysma muscle and subplatysmal fat layer.
2) Age, Skin Quality, and Elasticity
Chronological age is less important than tissue condition. Thinner skin with reduced elasticity or extensive sun exposure often benefits from combined skin and muscle correction. Conversely, younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin and localized fat accumulation may achieve improvement through less extensive techniques.
3) General Health and Lifestyle
Overall health significantly affects surgical planning and healing. Smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, or clotting disorders may compromise recovery. Nicotine impairs wound healing; therefore, cessation before surgery is strongly recommended. Additionally, patients with very high BMI may experience limited predictability of results and require individualized planning.
4) Jawline Balance and Chin Projection
The harmony between the chin and neck defines aesthetic proportion. In cases of insufficient chin projection, contour improvement through neck lift alone may be limited. For some candidates, combining the procedure with chin augmentation or fat grafting provides a more balanced lower-face profile.
5) Expectations and Realistic Outcomes
The purpose of neck lift surgery is not to change facial identity but to restore natural definition. Swelling and bruising are normal during the early recovery period. The final contour becomes apparent over several weeks. Longevity depends on addressing not only the skin but also the underlying platysma and fat compartments.
6) When Surgery May Not Be Suitable
Active infection, uncontrolled systemic disease, or recent significant weight fluctuations may postpone surgery. In certain situations, non-surgical options such as energy-based skin tightening or injectables may serve as interim steps, though their effect remains limited compared to surgery.
7) What I Assess During Consultation
During evaluation, I analyze skin thickness, subcutaneous and subplatysmal fat distribution, platysma activity, chin projection, and the cervicomental angle. These parameters help determine the most appropriate technique and whether it should be combined with facial procedures for optimal balance.
