Neck Lift
A neck lift is one of the most elegant ways to restore definition along the jawline and smooth visible signs of aging. At Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, neck lift surgery is performed exclusively by Dr. Sauerhammer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon known for her fine-detail approach, warm bedside manner, and beautiful, natural results.
We offer this procedure to help patients look refreshed, not different, and to bring harmony back to one of the most defining areas of the face and profile.
A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to tighten loose skin, refine the jawline, reduce fullness beneath the chin, and smooth vertical neck banding. As the neck ages more quickly than many other areas, this procedure is an ideal option for patients seeking a natural yet noticeable rejuvenation.
Some patients pair a neck lift with a facelift or chin liposuction for comprehensive lower-face enhancement.
Your procedure begins in our private, AAAHC-certified surgical suite. You will be under general anesthesia for your neck lift procedure. Before your surgery, you will need medical clearance from your regular physician to confirm that you are healthy enough to be under general anesthesia. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Sauerhammer creates carefully placed incisions, typically around the ears and sometimes beneath the chin, to access and tighten the underlying platysma muscles.
Once you are fully asleep, Dr. Sauerhammer will begin the neck lift process by making an incision that runs along the back of your ears. She will remove the excess skin and lift the remaining skin upward into a tighter, higher position. This action smooths out deep wrinkles on the neck and creates a smoother appearance.
Neck lift surgery usually takes two to three hours to complete, and you’ll recover in a quiet, comfortable environment designed for privacy and ease.
Have you developed loose or sagging skin on your neckline?
These are common signs of aging that a neck lift procedure can address. Neck lift surgery removes excess skin from the neck and creates a smoother, more youthful appearance overall.
A neck lift can improve:
A neck lift focuses on the neck, chin, and jawline region, addressing skin, muscle, and underlying structures to create smoother contours and younger-looking definition.
As you age, collagen and elastin production decrease within your skin, which can cause your neck to appear loose and saggy. You may be a good candidate for a neck lift procedure if you have excess hanging skin on your neck.
After surgery, you will move to a recovery area for observation until you wake up from the anesthesia. Once fully alert, you should be able to return home.
You will have small sutures over your incisions and bandages along your neck to support the skin. The sutures and bandages typically come off one to two weeks after surgery.
You should avoid activities that can strain your neck for four to six weeks after your procedure. The Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your skin, incisions, and more.
Many improvements can be seen within a few weeks, with final results emerging as swelling resolves over several months. With healthy habits and sun protection, the results of a neck lift typically last about 10 to 15 years. Over time, age-related changes can affect the outcome of your neck lift. Collagen decline and loss of elasticity may cause new wrinkles, loose skin, and sagging to develop. However, a neck lift effectively resets the clock, slowing this progression of signs of aging.
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
The first part of the neck lift process is your initial consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Sauerhammer will examine the skin on your neck to assess any signs of aging. You will also discuss your expectations to ensure that a neck lift can achieve your desired aesthetic goals.
Your consultation will prepare you for the procedure by addressing any questions or concerns. Dr. Sauerhammer will review the entire neck lift process to ensure that you are comfortable with the procedure and know what to expect throughout treatment.
Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and noninvasive cosmetic treatment. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
A neck lift is often combined with a facelift and blepharoplasty to create a more youthful appearance and achieve a more significant transformation. Dr. Sauerhammer can also improve your breast volume and contour by combining your neck lift with a breast augmentation. You can also opt for non-invasive options such as injectables to address signs of aging on the face in addition to your neck lift treatment.
Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery offers neck lift surgery to deliver a more youthful appearance with smoother, tighter skin on your neckline. We can help you feel like the best version of yourself. If you would like to begin your rejuvenation journey, please contact us at (920) 380-9890.
Most neck lift surgery patients are in their 40s and older, but younger patients can also have the procedure. In general, you must be at least 18 years old.
Most procedures last between 2–3 hours, depending on the extent of correction.
Incisions are placed discreetly around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Once healed, most scars are minimally visible.
Yes. Many patients combine a neck lift with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or chin liposuction for harmonious results.
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients feel significantly better after the first few days.
Most people resume light activities within a week and more vigorous exercise after 4–6 weeks, based on surgeon guidance.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
