It may be a little controversial, but the neck lift is often the most important part of the facelift. Too often, the neck is a mere afterthought in facelift surgery. However, at Pitt Aesthetic Surgery, we give the neck the focus and attention it deserves. The result is beautiful, elegant, natural results.
At Pitt Aesthetic Surgery, our Pittsburgh-based team of board-certified plastic surgeons specializes in advanced facial rejuvenation. With extensive experience in the entire spectrum of techniques, we help patients achieve balanced, youthful contours using safe, evidence-based methods.
If you’ve noticed:
Then a Deep Plane Neck Lift may be the solution.
Unlike surface-level treatments, this advanced approach redefines the neck and jawline by lifting deeper tissues for natural, long-lasting results.
A Deep Plane Neck Lift with platysmaplasty is one of the most powerful and effective ways of restoring youthful definition of the jawline. By both sculpting and repositioning the deeper layers of the neck, it targets the anatomic source of the problem, creating natural contours that match how vibrant you feel.
Terminology and marketing can be confusing, but we are here to help. In general, a preservation deep plane neck lift takes the deep plane approach a step further by leaving the skin attached to the platysma muscle at key locations in the neck. The dissection is instead carried more extensively under the platysma muscle where it is released from retaining ligaments. As the platysma is repositioned and resuspended, the overlying skin moves with it. Because the skin and muscle remain attached, it creates a supple, smooth, natural contour which can prevent many of the surface irregularities seen in other types of neck lifts. As an added bonus, it often results in less swelling and faster recovery.
Patients love this procedure because it creates long-lasting, natural-looking results that restore confidence without changing who they are. It allows us to sculpt your neck the way you want, whether that be subtle improvement or a stunningly crisp and natural looking jawline. By working in the deeper layers, we are able to refine the neck with subtlety and precision.
Common benefits include;
The best candidates are people in good health with:
Most patients are in their 40s to 70s, though younger individuals with early changes can also benefit.
During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, overall skin condition, and personal goals to confirm the best treatment plan. We will help you come up with a pre- and post-operative optimization plan to make sure you get the most out of your surgery.
Sometimes diet and exercise can’t improve a double chin. By removing fat, sculpting the deep neck, and tightening the underlying tissues, this procedure creates a natural and refined neckline.
As you age, your skin and platysma muscle lose tone and elasticity, becoming lax. This allows tissues to descend into the neck and blurs the transition between the chin, the jawline, and the neck. Surgery helps to restore youthful contours and balance without overtightening.
When the jawline softens with age, you also lose definition at the angle of the mandible, making the entire lower face look heavier. A Deep Plane Neck Lift sharpens and defines this angle, offering patients a more youthful appearance and improved facial contours.
Your consultation is a chance to share your concerns and goals openly. We will evaluate your facial tissue, skin elasticity, and overall medical history. We’ll explain how this outpatient procedure works, review risks, and provide guidance on preparing, like avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and arranging for a friend or family member to help during the early recovery period.
This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours. Depending on what type of neck lift you have, we will use a small incision hidden under the chin alone or in combination with a well-hidden facelift incision. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, but with certain types of deep neck contouring, we recommend an overnight hospital stay.
Costs vary depending on surgical complexity, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether other procedures like fat grafting, facelift, or brow lift are combined for comprehensive rejuvenation. Your custom quote will include all associated costs: surgeon fees, anesthesia, and post-op care. We also offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit to make treatment accessible.
Pitt Aesthetic Surgery is part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Plastic Surgery, ranked #1 nationally and affiliated with UPMC. Our practice brings together some of the most respected Pittsburgh plastic surgeons, each with extensive experience in aesthetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons is recognized internationally for developing and refining advanced techniques. Patients choose us for the combination of surgical expertise, personalized care, and a welcoming environment where your safety, comfort, and well-being always come first.
If you’re considering a neck lift or want to restore or enhance your neckline, now is the time to act. Call our office or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation today.
Yes. The goal is natural-looking results that refresh your appearance without changing who you are.
The initial recovery period lasts one to two weeks. Final results settle within six months to one year.
As with any facial surgical procedure, risks include swelling, bruising, and changes in facial tissue or sensation, but serious complications are rare. We will discuss risks in detail during your consultation as well as what steps we take to reduce those risks.
Results are very durable and long lasting, but you will continue to age. Even if we “turn back the clock,” it will continue to tick forward. However, with proper skin care and lifestyle you can protect your investment and age more slowly and gracefully.
Scars are skillfully hidden beneath the chin and around the ear if a facelift is also performed. They fade well over time with proper care and are generally very subtle and difficult to find after scar maturation.
