Male Neck Lift Procedure

Just like women, men are prone to showing signs of aging, particularly in the neck region and around the eyes. Historically, it has not been common for men to seek cosmetic surgery. However, increased acceptance of cosmetic procedures and more competitive work environments have led many men under the knife to reverse signs of aging. Sagging skin in the neck area (turkey neck) drastically shows signs of male aging due to decreased elasticity and excess fat. A male neck lift procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of the neck region.

Male Neck Lift Surgery

The male neck lift procedure is less invasive than a facelift, but provides the same dramatic, long-lasting results in the neck and jowl region. The primary difference between a male neck lift and a facelift is the scar location: facelift scars run in front of and behind the ear into the hairline, while male neck lift incisions are located directly on the neck. Direct excision of the neck skin allows for a more powerful reversal of the aging neck. Benefits include:

Elimination of loose neck skin
Reduction of fat under the chin, jawline
Tightening of the neck muscles for improved contour and shape of the neck

The neck scar heals extremely well due to the high blood flow in hair-bearing male facial skin. Click here to see before/after photos of male neck lift patients.

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Steele, he will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the neck lift. A male patient who is considering a neck lift should be in good mental and physical health, without any chronic illness, and at a healthy BMI. This is the time to ask any questions you may have and discuss your expectations for the procedure and its outcome.

This preliminary meeting will begin with taking your complete medical history, assessing your needs and treatment goals, and designing the ideal surgical strategy for your neck lift. Next, Dr. Steele will review the neck lift procedure with you, including its risks, expected results, and recovery time, taking care to ensure you are well prepared for your surgery and recovery. If he concludes you are not a suitable candidate for a surgical facelift, we can recommend alternative, non-surgical procedures to help you achieve your goals.

When men opt for a neck lift, Dr. Steele will also make healthy lifestyle recommendations, including abstaining from smoking, drinking, recreational drugs, and blood-thinning medications.

Why Men Consider Neck Lift Procedures

Men typically consider a neck lift for a variety of reasons, but primarily it is to address the signs of aging or significant weight loss that may manifest in the neck and jawline. Neck lift procedures can significantly improve the appearance of the jawline and chin by tightening loose skin, removing excess fat, and enhancing the jaw contour.

This leads to a more youthful and refreshed appearance, which can play a significant role in professional and social settings. For some men, it can help advance their careers and personal lives. Combined, these improvements boost self-confidence and self-esteem for men who are self-conscious about sagging skin or a lack of definition in their neck and jaw.

Sometimes, men consider a neck lift procedure as part of a broader commitment to health and wellness. After improving diet and exercise habits, a neck lift can be a final step in achieving their desired appearance. Decisions to undergo any cosmetic procedure are highly personal and can be influenced by many factors.

During/After Surgery

Male neck lift procedures are typically performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. You should expect bruising and swelling. A small drain is typically placed and removed within the first week. A bulky dressing is applied for gentle pressure and removed in a few days. Sutures are removed around one week, at which time you can resume shaving. Dr. Steele may ask you to wear a compression garment for 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Work activities can generally be resumed within a few days; however, you may wish to take 7-14 days off from work to allow the swelling and bruising to dissipate. It will take up to 3 months for all of the swelling to resolve. Cardio activities can be resumed around 3-4 weeks and gradual return to weight training can be resumed between 4-6 weeks. Dr. Steele will recommend Biocorneum for optimal scar management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Male neck lift or full facelift?

Most men are primarily concerned with their saggy neck skin. For these patients, a male neck lift will provide significant improvement in the neck. However, for those patients who desire improvement in the middle face, jowling, and neck, a full facelift should be considered. Because of differences in hair patterns between men and women, Dr. Steele will alter the incision placement in male facelift patients for optimal camouflage.

Can I combine other procedures with a male neck lift?

Certainly. Because aging changes around the eyes are prominent as well, many men will combine a blepharoplasty procedure with their neck lift.

Are male neck lifts painful?

Generally, no. Most patients tell us they need very little pain medicine postop. There can be significant swelling and bruising, but usually patients are back to their normal routine by 10-14 days.

How long will my results last?

A male neck lift should last 7-10 years and can be repeated in the future if necessary. Many patients will continue with optimal skin care and non-invasive treatments to help extend their results.

What can I do to improve my appearance without surgery?

While only a facelift or neck lift can provide the most dramatic improvements, other forms of facial rejuvenation can delay surgical intervention. Minimally invasive options such as Botox® and dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, and Restylane® can ease the appearance of wrinkles and lines. A good skin care regimen will also improve the skin appearance by minimizing the appearance of very fine lines and wrinkles. Kybella®, a new injectable agent, is also available for nonsurgical reduction of fat below the chin.

What can I do to prolong my results?

Results from facial plastic surgery are not permanent, but there are plenty of ways you can prolong the results and minimize recurring signs of aging. These include the following:

Sun Protection:
Good sun protection is especially important for optimal scar healing. Prolonged sun exposure increases and prolongs scar redness. Regular sunscreen use will also help maintain healthy skin, decrease the presence of fine lines, and decrease your risk of skin cancer.

Skin care:
A good skin care regimen including gentle cleansing, moisturizing, sun screen, and retinoid use is very helpful for maintaining a healthy skin appearance while minimizing fine lines. Topical antioxidants and a healthy diet are also very helpful.

Diet and Exercise:
A good diet and exercise regimen is vital to healthy skin. Proper nutrition is important to ensure the necessary vitamins and antioxidants are available for healing and maintenance of healthy skin. A stable weight will prevent fluctuations that may result in skin laxity.

Tobacco-free lifestyle:
Smoking has a significant impact on wound healing and accelerates facial aging. Nicotine causes restricted blood flow which results in wound infections, open wounds, and bad scars. It also causes premature ageing and a sallow, discolored appearance. Best to quit smoking one month before and after surgery, and even better for your health to discontinue entirely. This applies to all nicotine products including chewing tobacco, vape cigarettes with nicotine, and nicotine patches/gums.

Scar care:
Dr. Steele will recommend topical scar therapy postoperatively for optimal scar healing.

Male Neck Lift Surgery

Your Initial Consultation

Why Men Consider Neck Lift Procedures

During/After Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Office