Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty)
Recover a defined neck and eliminate the "turkey neck" with a natural and lasting result.
Starting from: 7500€
Duration of surgery:
1-3 hours
Social recovery
10-14 days
Pain-free surgery:
Unique in the world.
Duration of the result
8 – 12 years
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also called cervicoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to correct signs of aging in the cervicofacial region: sagging skin, accumulation of submental fat (the "double chin"), vertical bands of the platysma muscle (the typical "turkey neck"), and loss of the cervicomandibular angle.
Unlike non-surgical treatments that only improve skin quality or reduce volumes, the neck lift acts on the three layers responsible for the problem: skin, fat, and platysma muscle. It is the only procedure that repositions the cervical structure as a whole and restores the 90° angle between the neck and chin that defines a youthful profile.
Specific problems solved by the neck lift
Loss of the cervicomandibular angle:
The angle between the chin and neck, which in a youthful profile is 90-105°, opens up to 120-140°. The neck loses definition and "merges" with the chin, creating the appearance of a double chin.
Excess submental fat (double chin):
Accumulation of fat under the chin that does not respond to diet or exercise. It can be treated with isolated liposuction when the skin is elastic, but if there is sagging, a lift is required.
Sagging cervical skin (turkey neck):
The skin of the neck loses elasticity and appears sagging, with marked horizontal wrinkles and an "aged" appearance of the neck that contrasts with a maintained face.
Loss of mandibular definition (cervical jowls):
The descent of the platysma drags the submandibular tissues and erases the jawline, creating lateral "jowls" that break the facial oval.
What does a neck lift involve?
The process begins with a personalized evaluation with the surgeon who will operate. This principle, where the same surgeon evaluates, operates, and reviews, is one of the pillars of the Instituto de Benito model and is especially relevant in cervicofacial surgery, where fine anatomical reading determines the choice of technique.
Medical evaluation of the neck lift:
Analysis of the static and dynamic profile, evaluation of the platysma in "force" position (tightening the neck), assessment of the submental and subplatysmal fat compartment, skin quality, and condition of the lower facial third. To book the appointment, a prepayment of €80 is required.
Preparation for the intervention
Preoperative blood tests, ECG, anesthesia consultation, suspension of antiplatelet agents as per guidelines, and cessation of smoking at least 3 weeks before. Written dossier with day-to-day instructions.
The intervention
Surgery lasting 1.5 to 3 hours under general anesthesia or deep sedation. In isolated neck lift for young patients, outpatient can be considered; when combined with SMAS, 24-hour admission with monitoring.
Comfortable recovery
Cervical compression bandage for the first 48-72 hours, check-up at 7-10 days for suture removal and scheduled follow-ups at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months with the same surgeon.
Start seeing yourself as you want to feel.
The change in profile is visible from the first 2-3 weeks. Consolidated result at 3-6 months, definitive at 12 months when the cervical scar matures.
Pre and postoperative in the neck lift
What is the price of a neck lift?
The indicative price of brow lift at the Instituto de Benito starts from 4000€, and can vary depending on various clinical factors that determine the final cost of the procedure.
As specialists in facial surgery, at the Instituto de Benito each procedure is planned with high standards of quality, safety, and surgical precision. The final cost depends on the technique used, the patient's anatomy, the degree of lift required, and the surgical time needed.
Preoperative medical tests, the technology used, and complete postoperative follow-up also influence the cost, thus configuring a fully personalized budget for each patient.
Are you suitable for neck surgery?
It is especially indicated for people with:
- 01
People with "turkey neck" (marked platysmal bands):
Platysmaplasty is the only technique that eliminates the vertical bands of the neck when they are already established. No aesthetic medicine treatment corrects them.
- 02
Loss of cervicomandibular angle:
When the angle between the chin and neck has opened and the neck "merges" with the chin, the neck lift restores the youthful angle.
- 03
Patients with a double problem (face and neck):
The natural indication when facial lower third laxity and neck sagging coexist. It is combined with [SMAS lift](/cirugia-facial/lifting-facial/lifting-smas/) in the same procedure.
- 04
After significant weight loss:
The neck skin is among the first to become redundant after a significant weight loss. The neck lift restores definition without the need to operate on the entire face.
- 05
Chin liposuction that was not enough:
Patients who underwent submental liposuction years ago discover that the real problem was laxity (not fat) and now need complete correction.
- 06
Patients who prioritize the neck over the face:
Unlike traditional lifts that focused on the face, there are patients whose main complaint is exclusively the neck. The isolated neck lift caters to this profile.
Before and after photos of the neck lift
Antonio, patient from Barcelona
Neck lift and jawline contouring
Marcela, patient from Madrid
Neck lift
Hugo, patient from Barcelona
Neck lift and mentoplasty
Marga, patient from Madrid
Neck lift and jawline contouring
Risks and possible side effects of neck lift
The neck lift is a surgery with a very good safety profile when performed with rigorous criteria. We work with an accredited operating room, certified anesthesiologist, complete monitoring, and admission when the procedure justifies it. The neck is an anatomically complex region due to the proximity of vascular and nerve structures, which requires specific technical experience.
Go to the emergency room immediately if after surgery you experience: increasing cervical hematoma with a feeling of pressure in the throat, difficulty breathing or chest pain, difficulty swallowing, fever above 38 °C, or sudden asymmetry of the smile or lip corner.
Expected and mild reactions (most self-limit in 7-14 days)
- Marked cervical and submental swelling.
- Hematomas in the neck, mandibular angle, and retroauricular area.
- Feeling of tightness when speaking or swallowing for the first 2 weeks.
- Transient submental and retroauricular numbness for 2-6 months.
- Hardening of cervical tissues for weeks.
Less frequent effects
- Mild transient asymmetries that resolve with maturation.
- Hypertrophic scarring in predisposed patients (cervical is a risk area).
- "Pollybeak" or visible submental irregularity requiring adjustment.
Infrequent complications (preventable with rigorous practice)
- Significant cervical hematoma (1-3%): may require urgent surgical drainage due to risk of airway compromise.
- Transient injury to branches of the facial nerve (marginal mandibular branch): temporary weakness of the lower lip commissure, usually reversible.
- Injury to the greater auricular nerve: sensory alteration of the auricle.
- Wound infection (rare with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis).
- Retroauricular skin necrosis: extremely rare, associated with smoking.
- Cervical keloid scarring (in predisposed patients).
- Early recurrence of platysmal bands: uncommon with properly executed corset technique.
Our medical group in cervicoplasty
The Instituto de Benito is a world leader in facelift and advanced mid-face rejuvenation techniques, with over 35 years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients.
Our team combines surgical artistry, maximum technical precision, and emotional care, ensuring natural, safe results in perfect harmony with each face.
Dr. Javier de Benito | IdB
Dr. David Neagu, specialist in facial and maxillofacial
Dr. Álvaro Sada Malumbres, specialist in facial, oral and maxillofacial
Dr. Antonio Martínez Murillo, specialist in facial, body, and breast surgery
Medical guarantees and certifications for your neck lift
We have a solid track record backed by over 35 years of experience in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Our team participates in continuous training through SECPRE and ISAPS, and maintains a postoperative follow-up protocol.
Where to have a neck lift surgery
Related treatments
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Lift
How much does a neck lift cost at Instituto de Benito?
From €7,500 for an isolated neck lift. The exact budget is provided in writing after the evaluation. It includes fees, anesthesia, operating room, stay, and first-year check-ups.
How long do the results last?
Between 8 and 12 years. Aging continues its course, but the neck will always look more defined than without the intervention.
How does it differ from a facelift?
The neck lift exclusively works on the cervical region (skin, submental fat, and platysma muscle). The facial SMAS lift works on the middle and lower third of the face. When both problems coexist, they are combined in a single intervention.
What if I only have a double chin?
If the problem is exclusively fat and the skin is elastic, isolated [double chin liposuction](/cirugia-facial/liposuccion-papada/) may be sufficient and much cheaper. A neck lift is indicated when there is also sagging, platysmal bands, or loss of cervicomandibular angle. The indication is defined in consultation.
Are the scars visible?
The incisions are hidden in the submental fold (3-4 cm below the chin) and in the retroauricular fold extended into the hair. After 6-12 months, they are practically imperceptible even in updos.
How long does recovery take?
Social and work reintegration occurs in 10-14 days. Light sports can be resumed in the 4th week. Results are consolidated at 3-6 months.
Is the postoperative period painful?
The predominant sensation is tightness when speaking and swallowing during the first 2 weeks, not intense pain. It is controlled with oral analgesia.
Is hospitalization required?
In isolated neck lifts for young patients, outpatient care may be considered. When combined with SMAS, a 24-hour hospitalization is scheduled.
Can I combine a neck lift with other surgeries?
Yes. The most common combinations are: SMAS lift, genioplasty (chin surgery), and blepharoplasty. All are performed in a single intervention.
At what age is it recommended?
It depends on anatomy, not age. The usual range is 40-65 years, with a peak around 50-55, but there are younger patients with genetic cervical laxity who benefit and older patients who do not need it yet.
What if the laxity is mild?
In incipient cervical laxity, alternatives such as focused ultrasound, deep radiofrequency, or tensors are considered. We only propose surgery when the anatomical indication justifies it.