Is it standard procedure to cut off excess skin when performing a neck lift only (not lower face lift)?

Here's the problem.  The terminology is so varied for facelift and necklift that patients end up getting completely confused. The simple explanation is that if there is loose skin excess in the neck, then the most appropriate procedure WILL involve some skin excision.  This is often best performed laterally at the side of the neck by the hairline behind the ear.  Sometimes a small amount of skin can also be removed around the submental incision (just below and behind the chin).  This method above with skin excision +/- fat removal and platysmaplasty is by far the best way to substantially improve the neck.  Patients must also be aware of the importance of considering doing a more thorough procedure to lift the cheeks and jowls at the same time.  For most patients that (facelift with necklift) ends up being a more appropriate choice than an isolated necklift.Liposuction by itself without anything else really should not be called a necklift.You could have neck liposuction with a platysmaplasty WITHOUT skin excision and still call that a necklift.  This option would only be for patients with minimal loose skin and enough elasticity to allow the skin to retract after the procedure and enhance the newly improved contour.Any neck procedure without removing skin is only an option for younger patients with good skin elasticity.

What needs to be done in surgery in regards
to the removal of the skin will depend in the capacity of the skin to
contract. Every individuals have different
elasticity. Also if you have already
loss skin that skin needs to be removed particularly if you are having liposuction
since is going to empty your neck and leaving loss skin

Like most areas of plastic surgery, there are many ways to address the neck, and the procedure must be tailored to fit an individual patient's needs. One of the reasons you are receiving varying reports is because of the uniqueness of the neck in its ability to redistribute tissue. When the skin is mobilized around the neck for a neck lift, and fat removal and/or tightening procedures are performed underneath the skin, the skin often redistributes in a way where excision may not be necessary to tighten the tissue and accomplish great results. For patients with significant true skin excess, or very thin, redundant skin, skin excision may be necessary.  I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, and he or she will evaluate you, and help you to select the best procedure to meet your goals.