Disappointed in neck lift results, do I need to adjust my expectations? Is this as good as it gets for me? (Photos)

Question

I (37F) had a neck lift (incision under my chin, behind my ears, tightening the platysma muscle, lipo) in December 2024, and I’m feeling pretty disappointed with my results. There is definitely improvement, but my profile and amount of skin under my chin is not what I was hoping for after having my neck surgically lifted. I have expressed my concerns to my surgeon, and the plan is to wait a full year for final results before exploring further interventions or revision. I’m okay with that, but it’s hard for me to imagine things looking much better in five months. If I do end up doing a revision with my surgeon, is it possible to get a better result if they weren’t able to get it there initially? My surgeon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with rave reviews. I don’t understand..… advice? Options? Thanks in advance.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

This is a perfect example of why neck lifts by themselves never work in most cases.  You have to do a lower face/neck lift together if you want the jawline and neck to look amazing.  The behind the ear and under the chin never works for anybody.  Yes you do get a little improvement but never ever enough for the patient to  be happy with the results.  That is as good as it is going to get with what you had done. Now go get the real deal and you will look amazing.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

You are before, and after photos demonstrate only very minimal improvement because you have significant residual fat deposits located above and below the platysma muscle in your neck. It does not appear that your deep fat was removed at all. A properly performed neck lift procedure can accomplish significant improvement of your jawline with three small access incisions, including one underneath the chin and two little small incisions behind your ear. Liposuction accomplishes removal of the fat deposits above the muscle, while surgical extraction of the fat deposits below the muscle is accomplished along with a platysma plasty will significantly improve your jawline. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour and a half. At age 37, no skin removal is necessary. It's also important that your BMI be less than 32 to have a successful result.

Disappointed in neck lift results, do I need to adjust my expectations? Is this as good as it gets for me? (Photos)

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Disappointed in neck lift results, do I need to adjust my expectations? Is this as good as it gets for me? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.