Necklift • Brentwood, TN
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses loose skin, visible muscle banding (often called "turkey neck"), and excess fat beneath the chin to restore a firmer, more defined jawline and neck profile. Dr. Ashley Guthrie, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Brentwood, TN, performs neck lift surgery for patients whose neck and jawline changes can no longer be improved with non-surgical treatments. The procedure can be performed on its own or combined with a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, and results typically last ten years or more.
performed by a FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Necklift
Advanced visible signs of aging on the neck may manifest as sagging skin or pockets of excess fat draping the jawline, chin, and neck. To remedy the decline of the aging neckline, neck lift surgery (also known as platysmaplasty or lower rhytidectomy) is performed to refine and restore a firmer, slimmer, and more youthful profile by removing superfluous skin and fat from the neck.
Other cosmetic surgeries may often be administered in conjunction with a necklift procedure, such as a facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), to properly maintain overall facial harmony and achieve natural-looking yet dramatic results. A neck lift may be recommended to address more severe age-related changes in the skin that cannot be corrected by injectable treatments or non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
who is a good candidate for a necklift?
A neck lift is best suited for patients who have developed noticeable changes to the neck and jawline that have not responded to non-surgical options. It is not exclusively an older patient's procedure — significant neck laxity after weight loss, for example, can affect patients in their 30s and 40s. During your consultation, Dr. Guthrie will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine whether a neck lift alone or a combined approach is right for you. Candidates typically include patients who have:
- Visible platysmal bands (the vertical cords that appear on the neck with aging, sometimes called "turkey neck")
- Loose or excess neck skin caused by aging or significant weight loss
- A double chin or submental fullness that has not responded to non-surgical treatments like Kybella or FaceTite
- Jowling that blurs the jawline definition
- Good overall health with no conditions that complicate healing
- Realistic expectations for surgical improvement
A neck lift is frequently recommended alongside a
facelift when both the lower face and neck show signs of descent, as addressing them together produces the most harmonious result.
necklift recovery: what to expect
Understanding what recovery looks like is one of the most common concerns patients bring to their consultation. Here is a realistic week-by-week picture of what to expect after neck lift surgery with Dr. Guthrie.
Days 1 to 2
You will go home wearing a compression garment around the neck and chin. Swelling peaks in the first 48 hours, and some bruising is normal and expected. Rest is the priority during this period, and your head should remain elevated to support drainage and reduce swelling.
Week 1
The compression garment is worn continuously, day and night. Most patients feel comfortable resting at home and managing light movement, but returning to work or social activities is not recommended yet. You will have a follow-up visit with Dr. Guthrie during this week.
Week 2
The garment transitions to nighttime wear only. Bruising fades significantly for most patients, and many feel comfortable going out in public with some light coverage. Light daily activity is generally permitted.
Weeks 3 to 4
Most patients return to light work, errands, and social activities. Avoid strenuous exercise and any activity that raises your heart rate significantly during this period.
Week 6
Dr. Guthrie will typically clear you for all normal activities, including exercise, at or around the six-week mark.
When will I see my final results? The neck and jawline continue to refine as swelling fully resolves. Most patients see a clear picture of their final result between the two and four month mark, with the contour continuing to sharpen through six months.
Neck Lift vs. Non-Surgical Neck Tightening:
Which Is Right for You?
Patients researching neck rejuvenation often want to know whether they need surgery or whether a non-surgical option could deliver comparable results. The honest answer depends on what the neck actually shows.
NECKLIFT
A neck lift becomes the more appropriate option when there is excess skin that cannot be retracted without removal, prominent platysmal banding that requires direct muscle repair, or a double chin caused by both fat and skin laxity that non-surgical tools cannot fully address. Surgery also delivers results that last a decade or more, which non-surgical treatments cannot match.
Dr. Guthrie offers both and will give you an honest recommendation at your consultation based on your anatomy, not a preference for one approach over the other.
NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS
Non-surgical treatments like
FaceTite and
Morpheus8 work very well for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and early signs of softening along the jawline. These treatments stimulate collagen, tighten skin, and can improve overall texture and quality with minimal downtime. They are a strong choice for patients who are earlier in the aging process or who want maintenance between surgical procedures.
how much does a necklift cost in nashville?
The cost of a standalone neck lift in the Nashville and Brentwood area generally ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the specifics of your procedure. A neck lift performed on its own is typically less expensive than a full facelift, reflecting the difference in surgical time and complexity. The three main factors that affect your final cost are the degree of correction needed (excess skin only vs. skin plus muscle repair vs. combined fat and skin concerns), operating room and anesthesia fees, and your surgeon's level of training and experience. When a neck lift is combined with a facelift or other procedures, the overall cost increases, though combining procedures at the same time is generally more cost-effective than staging them separately. Dr. Guthrie will provide a personalized quote during your consultation.
Necklift Before & After Gallery
Patient Before & After
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Frequently asked Questions
necklift Faqs
What does a necklift address?
A necklift targets excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity in the neck and jawline area. It can address turkey neck, loose or sagging skin, prominent neck bands (platysma bands), and submental fullness (double chin).
Can I combine a necklift with a facelift?
Yes — a necklift and facelift are frequently combined for comprehensive lower facial and neck rejuvenation. Most patients seeking surgery for age-related concerns will require both.
Is liposuction part of a necklift?
Depending on your anatomy, submental liposuction may be incorporated into your necklift to remove excess fat beneath the chin and refine the jawline. Dr. Guthrie will outline the best approach during your consultation.
How long is necklift recovery?
Most patients experience swelling and tightness for 1–2 weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. A compression garment is worn for the first 2 weeks to support healing and reduce swelling.
How long do necklift results last?
A necklift provides long-lasting improvement — typically 10 years or more. Results depend on skin quality, age at the time of surgery, and lifestyle factors such as sun protection and weight stability.
