Neck Lift Surgery in Istanbul: Before, During & After
A neck lift addresses three layers — skin, muscle, and fat. Best candidates are 45–70 with moderate-to-significant neck laxity, vertical platysma bands, or excess submental fat. Surgery takes 2–3 hours, with incisions hidden behind the ears. Recovery: 1–2 weeks of compression garment, social return at week 2–3, full activity at week 6. Results last 8–12 years. Cost in Istanbul: €4,000–€7,500.
The neck ages quickly — often faster than the face it sits beneath. By the mid-forties, many patients begin to notice loose skin under the jaw, vertical “bands” of platysma muscle, and a softening jawline that no amount of skincare seems to fix. Neck lift surgery — formally called lower rhytidectomy — is the procedure that addresses these changes.
What a neck lift does
A neck lift addresses three layers: skin (excess and laxity), muscle (the platysma muscle that creates vertical bands), and sometimes fat (excess submental fat under the jaw). The surgeon tightens the platysma in the midline (called platysmaplasty), removes excess skin, and reduces fat as needed.
Who is a candidate?
Most patients are between 45 and 70 with moderate to significant neck laxity. Younger patients with strong genetic banding or excess submental fat may also benefit, sometimes via a less extensive procedure called a “mini neck lift.”
How the surgery works
Neck lift is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Incisions are placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, where they fade well. The surgeon tightens the platysma, removes excess skin, and performs liposuction if needed. The operation typically takes 2–3 hours.
Recovery
You'll wear a soft compression garment around the neck for 1–2 weeks. Bruising and swelling peak in the first week and resolve substantially over 2–3 weeks. Most patients return to public-facing life at week 2–3 and to full activity at week 6. Final results emerge over 3–6 months.
Scar care
Behind-the-ear scars heal beautifully in most patients — they're hidden in the natural crease and fade to nearly invisible. The under-chin scar is small and usually invisible at conversational distance. Sun protection on these scars for 12 months is essential.
Combined procedures
Neck lift is frequently combined with a face lift, eyelid surgery, or laser skin resurfacing for a comprehensive rejuvenation. International patients sometimes combine it with rhinoplasty if both are planned, though this depends on the surgeon's assessment.
Costs and longevity
Neck lift in Istanbul typically costs €4,000–€7,500. Results last a long time — generally 8–12 years — though normal aging continues from there.
A neck lift is one of the most rewarding facial procedures because the change is dramatic but quiet — the face doesn't look “done,” it just looks rested.
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Request Appointment Message on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Will the scars be visible?
Behind-the-ear scars hide in the natural crease and fade to near-invisible by 12 months.
How long do results last?
Typically 8–12 years. Normal aging continues from there but the result remains.
Can a neck lift be combined with a face lift?
Yes — they are commonly combined for full lower-face rejuvenation.
Is the surgery painful?
Discomfort is moderate and easily managed with simple analgesics for the first few days.
