The neck is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat beneath the chin can create what many patients describe as a “turkey neck” or loss of jawline definition — even when the face itself still looks youthful.
This leads to a common and important question:
“Am I a candidate for a neck lift only — without a facelift?”
The answer is yes — for the right patient.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the Tampa Bay region, Dr. Kailash Narasimhan frequently evaluates patients who want to improve their neck appearance without altering the mid-face or undergoing a full facelift.
This guide explains who qualifies for a neck lift alone, how it differs from a facelift, anatomical considerations, age factors, recovery expectations, and how to know if this procedure is right for you.
A neck lift, medically referred to as lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to:
Unlike a facelift, a neck lift focuses solely on the neck and jawline, not the cheeks, nasolabial folds, or mid-face.
A neck lift alone works best when facial aging is minimal, but the neck shows disproportionate laxity.
You may be an excellent candidate if:
If the face appears youthful but the neck looks older, a neck-only approach may provide a balanced, natural result.
Neck lift candidates often experience:
These changes commonly occur due to:
The platysma muscle runs vertically from the jaw to the collarbone. As it weakens and separates, visible bands appear.
If your primary concern is:
A neck lift with platysma tightening can correct this without a facelift.
Many neck-only candidates fall in this age group:
Younger patients often benefit from:
Skin quality matters.
Ideal candidates have:
Patients with very thin or severely damaged skin may need a more comprehensive approach.
Patients who have:
Often develop:
A neck lift alone may effectively restore contour without altering facial appearance.
Neck lift-only candidates often say:
This procedure is ideal for natural-looking refinement, not dramatic facial change.
You may need a facelift in addition to a neck lift if you have:
In these cases, a neck lift alone may:
Dr. Narsimhan will assess facial balance during consultation.
Depending on anatomy, Dr. Narsimhan may use:
The goal is a natural neck contour, not an over-pulled appearance.
Neck-only recovery is generally shorter and easier than a full facelift.
Neck lift results include:
When performed on the right candidate, results are natural and highly satisfying.
Yes. Many patients are excellent candidates for a neck lift alone if facial aging is minimal.
Most neck-only patients are between 40 and 60, but candidacy depends on anatomy, not age.
Mild jowls may improve, but significant jowling often requires a facelift.
For properly selected patients, a neck lift alone can deliver dramatic improvement with less surgery.
Choosing the right procedure is just as important as choosing the right surgeon. Dr. Kailash Narsimhan carefully evaluates:
This ensures results that look refreshed — not surgical.
If you are considering a neck lift and wondering whether you need a facelift, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kailash Narsimhan, Plastic Surgeon serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
📍 Precision facial rejuvenation 📍 Honest, anatomy-based recommendations 📍 Natural, long-lasting results
Contact our office today to learn whether a neck lift only is right for you.
