The neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging, yet it’s also one of the most overlooked in facial rejuvenation. Sagging skin, banding, and excess fat beneath the chin can make even a youthful face appear older or less defined. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC in Atlanta, GA, we understand that achieving a balanced, youthful appearance often requires addressing the neck just as carefully as the face.
Led by Dr. Benjamin C. Stong, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery offers a range of advanced procedures for neck rejuvenation — from neck liposuction and neck lift surgery to combined techniques for a complete transformation. The right approach depends on your anatomy, age, and goals, and Dr. Stong’s expertise ensures your results look natural, refined, and in harmony with your features.
Understanding the Aging Neck
Over time, the skin and tissues of the neck lose elasticity, while fat accumulates under the chin. The platysma muscle, which spans the front of the neck, also weakens, creating vertical bands. These changes can result from genetics, weight fluctuations, or simply the natural aging process.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 22,000 neck lift procedures are performed annually in the U.S., highlighting how popular neck rejuvenation has become among both men and women seeking to restore a youthful contour.
At Kalos, we personalize each treatment plan — whether surgical or non-surgical — to match your aesthetic goals and address specific issues such as:
- Double chin or submental fullness
- Loose or sagging neck skin
- Muscle banding or “turkey neck”
- Lack of jawline definition
Neck Liposuction: Ideal for Younger Patients or Mild Sagging
For patients in their 20s to 40s who still have good skin elasticity but are bothered by fullness beneath the chin, neck liposuction is often the best choice. This minimally invasive procedure removes localized fat deposits that create a “double chin” or undefined jawline.
Benefits of neck liposuction include:
- Minimally invasive with tiny incisions under the chin or behind the ears
- Short recovery — most patients return to normal activities within a few days
- Creates sharper jawline definition
- Permanent fat reduction when paired with a healthy lifestyle
Because liposuction only addresses fat and not loose skin or muscle laxity, it’s most effective when the skin can naturally contract after fat removal.
Neck Lift Surgery: The Gold Standard for Skin and Muscle Tightening
When skin laxity and muscle banding become more pronounced — typically in patients over 45 — a neck lift (platysmaplasty) may be recommended. This surgical procedure tightens the underlying platysma muscle, removes excess skin, and repositions tissues to restore a smoother, more youthful neck contour.
Key benefits of a neck lift:
- Eliminates sagging “turkey neck” appearance
- Tightens underlying muscles and removes excess skin
- Improves jawline definition and smooths neck banding
- Results can last 10–15 years or longer
Dr. Stong uses precise, hidden incisions (often behind the ears and under the chin) to ensure minimal visible scarring. The procedure can also be combined with a facelift or chin augmentation for balanced, natural-looking results.
Combination Approach: Liposuction + Neck Lift for Comprehensive Rejuvenation
Many patients benefit from a combination of neck liposuction and a neck lift — especially those with both excess fat and sagging skin. This approach allows Dr. Stong to sculpt the neck while also tightening underlying structures for a firm, youthful contour.
When to consider a combination:
- Presence of both submental fat and skin laxity
- Platysma banding combined with fullness under the chin
- Desire for dramatic, long-lasting improvement
This combined method provides complete rejuvenation from every angle, ensuring both definition and smoothness.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Mild Neck Aging
For patients not ready for surgery, non-surgical neck treatments can offer noticeable results with little to no downtime. Options may include:
- Kybella® for dissolving small fat deposits under the chin
- RF Microneedling to stimulate collagen and tighten skin
- Injectable treatments for subtle contour enhancement
While these non-invasive methods can improve tone and texture, they may not achieve the same dramatic, lasting results as surgery for those with significant sagging or excess tissue.
Trust Your Neck to an Expert
Dr. Benjamin C. Stong is among Atlanta’s most trusted facial plastic surgeons, known for his natural results and meticulous attention to detail. As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he brings a deep understanding of facial and neck anatomy, allowing him to deliver results that rejuvenate without altering your unique features.
Whether you’re looking to refine your jawline, smooth sagging skin, or completely transform your profile, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC offers the expertise and artistry you can trust.
