The neck is often one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging. Lax skin, a double chin, and vertical muscle banding can lead to an appearance casually known as “turkey wattle.” Neck lifts and neck liposuction are two surgical procedures that can visibly reverse these signs of aging and restore an elegant, youthful neck profile.
The surgeons at Aeris in Miami provide personalized care and deliver beautiful results that prioritize safety and precision. Our experienced team is dedicated to designing the right treatment plan to help you turn back the clock and fulfill your aesthetic dreams.
To start exploring your potential for neck rejuvenation and request a personal consultation, call our office at (305) 446-7700 or submit our online contact form.
Contents
About Neck Lifts
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance to the lower face and neck. As we age, the skin in the neck loses its elasticity and the underlying platysma muscle, which runs vertically from the collarbone to the jaw, can weaken and separate. (1) This relaxation leads to the common aesthetic concerns patients seek to resolve: sagging skin, vertical bands, and “turkey wattle.”
A neck lift is far more than a simple tightening procedure. It is a structural rejuvenation. During this procedure, our experienced Aeris surgeons create discrete incisions, typically behind the earlobes or under the chin. Through these access points, we can address the underlying tissues. Our surgeons tighten the platysma muscle into a new, firmer position, effectively smoothing the contour of the neck and correcting the banding effect. (2) Simultaneously, we trim excess skin and redrape the remaining skin for a taut, refreshed look.
For patients looking for a dramatic, long-lasting transformation, a neck lift provides the foundational reinforcement that is difficult to achieve through non-surgical means. It is the ultimate solution for treating advanced signs of neck aging.
About Neck Liposuction
While neck lifts address skin and muscle, neck liposuction can effectively treat submental fullness, or a “double chin,” that persists despite adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, stubborn fat deposits accumulate in the neck area due to genetics, and this fat does not respond to traditional weight loss methods.
Neck liposuction is a minimally invasive, highly precise surgical procedure. (3) Using a micro-cannula (a very thin, hollow tube), our surgeons perform controlled suction to remove these specific fat cells. The procedure is prized for its ability to sculpt the jawline and define the chin profile with minimal downtime. At Aeris, our surgeons prioritize an authentic look; we do not just remove the fat, but we artistically contour the area to ensure a smooth transition from the chin to the collarbone. Because incisions are tiny and strategically hidden in the natural crease under the chin, scarring is virtually invisible. It is an ideal procedure for patients who have good skin elasticity but desire a leaner, more sculpted neck silhouette.
Benefits
Choosing to undergo a neck rejuvenation, whether that includes liposuction, a lift, or a combination of techniques, offers significant benefits that extend beyond the enhanced reflection in the mirror.
- Restored Confidence: When the external signs of aging no longer obscure your inner vitality, your self-esteem can soar.
- Defined Jawline: Achieving a clean, sharp separation between the chin and neck is a hallmark of youthful beauty.
- Lasting Results: These surgical procedures provide long-term structural changes, unlike temporary non-surgical treatments that require frequent maintenance.
- Natural-Looking Outcomes: Our priority at Aeris is subtle, elegant rejuvenation that leaves you looking like yourself, only refreshed and revitalized.
- Minimally Invasive Options: Neck liposuction allows for significant aesthetic improvement with quick recovery times.
Candidates
Many patients come to Aeris initially unsure whether their concerns stem primarily from stubborn fat or changes in skin elasticity. If you find that your main frustration is fullness in the upper neck, or a double chin, and your skin still maintains its ability to snap back easily, you may be a good candidate for neck liposuction. Conversely, if you look in the mirror and notice looser, “crepey” skin or vertical bands that have developed over time, your anatomy may respond best to a neck lift. Some individuals may qualify as candidates for a combination procedure.
All candidates should be in overall good health, be non-smokers (or willing to quit nicotine for an extended period), and hold realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Personal Consultation
During this meeting, our Aeris specialists will conduct a thorough physical assessment of your skin elasticity, bone structure, and fat distribution. We will learn about your medical history, concerns, and aesthetic goals. We will explain the details of each neck rejuvenation process and make our recommendations on whether you would most benefit from a neck lift, neck liposuction, a combination thereof, or an alternative procedure. Through this collaborative process, you are encouraged to ask all your questions so that you feel confident and informed as we create your personalized treatment plan.
To get started planning your neck rejuvenation, call the Aeris team at (305) 446-7700 or submit our online contact form.
Preparation
Proper preparation helps ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Your Aeris surgical team will provide you with more detailed information well in advance of your surgery date, but general guidelines include:
- Cease all nicotine use at least six months before and after your procedure.
- Avoid certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
- Fill all necessary prescriptions.
- Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home from surgery and assist you for the first 24-48 hours of recovery.
Recovery
The recovery process varies between the different procedures, but each case requires patience and focused rest. Be sure to attend follow-up appointments so your Aeris team can monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have.
- Neck Lift Recovery: Some initial tenderness, swelling, and bruising is normal and can be managed with prescribed medications and keeping your head elevated. Many patients return to desk work and light activities after 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid intensive exercise until your surgeon clears you to return.
- Neck Liposuction Recovery: Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities after 3-5 days of rest. Mild swelling is normal and will subside over the course of a couple of weeks. Your surgeon may provide you with a compression strap to support your healing tissues and new contours.
Results
The results of these procedures are enduring. Neck liposuction permanently removes the targeted fat cells. A neck lift effectively resets the clock on skin laxity. While the natural aging process will continue, the structural improvements you gain—a smooth, defined, and youthful neck—will be visible for many years. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight and protecting your skin from the sun are the two best ways to preserve your enhancements.
Cost of Neck Lifts and Neck Liposuction in Miami
The cost of a neck rejuvenation at Aeris is highly individualized and will depend on factors such as surgical technique, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. During your personal consultation, your surgical team will provide you with a comprehensive cost breakdown that reflects the unique details of your treatment plan. Qualified patients may also explore available financing options.
To learn more about neck lifts and liposuction and request a consultation with the Aeris team, call our Miami office at (305) 446-7700 or contact us online.
FAQ
Will a neck lift or neck liposuction leave visible scars?
Our surgeons are experts in hidden-incision techniques. For liposuction, the incisions are mere millimeters and are hidden under the chin. For neck lifts, incisions are placed behind the ears and within the natural hairline, making them nearly invisible once fully healed.
Is either procedure painful?
Patient comfort is our priority. During surgery, you will be under either local or general anesthesia. In the recovery period, you can manage any discomfort with prescribed medication.
Can I combine the two procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients find that combining fat removal (neck liposuction) with tissue tightening (neck lift) yields the most comprehensive, dramatic rejuvenation.
Which procedure is “better”?
Neither is inherently better—it depends entirely on your anatomy. Liposuction excels at removing volume; a neck lift excels at removing sagging. The “better” choice is the one that addresses the specific cause of your neck concerns.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
The only definitive way to know is a physical examination. We invite you to schedule a consultation at Aeris. We will assess your skin, muscle, and fat to provide an expert recommendation tailored to your goals.
References
- Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/
- Cambiaso-Daniel J, Giordano S, Agnelli B, Bella L La, Gualdi A. Neck Lift to Treat Platysma Bands and Defining Cervical Angle: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Facial plastic surgery : FPS. 2025;41(4):482-490. doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39406360/
- Jacob CI, Berkes BJ, Kaminer MS. Liposuction and surgical recontouring of the neck: a retrospective analysis. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al]. 2000;26(7):625-632. doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10886268/