Redefine your profile with a neck lift in Gulf Shores that treats sagging skin, excess fat, and visible banding. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS—our triple board-certified plastic surgeon—uses precision techniques to sculpt and restore your neckline. It’s about refinement, not change—empowering you to look and feel like your best self.
Redefine the neck and improve your contours
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses common signs of aging in the neck and jawline—such as loose skin, muscle banding, and stubborn fat deposits. Dr. Morris uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to sculpt and redefine the neck with natural-looking results. Whether performed alone or alongside other procedures like a facelift or laser liposuction, a neck lift can create a smoother, more youthful contour. It’s ideal for those seeking long-lasting refinement without looking “overdone”—just a refreshed, more confident version of yourself.
Actual Patient
A Neck Lift Treats:
- Loose, sagging skin beneath the chin or jawline
- Visible neck banding caused by weakened muscles
- Excess fat under the chin (double chin)
- Blurred or undefined jawline
- “Turkey neck” or wrinkled neck appearance
- Skin laxity following weight loss or aging
- Imbalance between facial and neck aging
Neck lift vs. lower facelift
Neck lift
A neck lift focuses on the neck and jawline to address sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding beneath the chin. This procedure is ideal if your main concern is below the jawline, especially if you’re experiencing a “turkey neck” or a loss of definition under the chin. It offers dramatic yet natural-looking results without altering the appearance of the mid or upper face.
Lower facelift
A lower facelift targets the lower third of the face, including the jowls, corners of the mouth, and jawline. It repositions and tightens deeper facial tissues that contribute to sagging and volume loss, providing a more youthful and lifted appearance. When paired with a neck lift, it creates a seamless transition from face to neck—restoring harmony across the lower face and neckline.
How a neck lift is done
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, involves surgical repositioning of the platysma muscle, removal of submental fat, and redraping of the skin to improve neck contour. Dr. Morris begins by making small incisions behind the ears and sometimes a short incision beneath the chin. Through these access points, she performs a platysmaplasty—tightening the separated or lax platysma muscle in the midline using sutures. If there is significant submental fullness, liposuction is used to emulsify and remove fat while stimulating collagen production.
After the deeper structures are addressed, Dr. Morris re-drapes the skin to eliminate redundancy and create a firm, defined neckline. She meticulously excises excess skin and closes the incisions with fine, layered suturing techniques to minimize visible scarring. Surgical drains may be placed temporarily. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your needs.
Benefits of a Neck Lift:
- Tightens loose, sagging skin along the neck and jawline
- Defines and enhances the natural contour of the chin and jaw
- Reduces or eliminates neck banding caused by platysma laxity
- Removes stubborn submental fat resistant to diet and exercise
- Improves the appearance of a “turkey neck” or crepey skin
- Provides long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation
- Restores harmony between the face and neck
Neck Lift + Neck Liposuction
Combining a neck lift with neck liposuction enhances definition by tightening loose skin and removing excess fat for a more sculpted, youthful profile. Dr. Morris often recommends this pairing for patients who want to address both skin laxity and fullness beneath the chin. Using laser-assisted liposuction (Smartlipo® Triplex®), she gently contours the neck while stimulating collagen for smoother, firmer results. Together, these procedures restore harmony between the face and neck—offering refined results that still feel natural to you.
Neck lift FAQs
Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?
You may be a great candidate if you have loose or sagging neck skin, visible neck bands, or excess fat under the chin that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are in good general health, non-smokers (or willing to quit before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations. Dr. Morris will conduct an evaluation to determine the best approach for your goals, whether that’s a neck lift alone or in combination with other treatments.
What is recovery like after a neck lift?
You’ll likely experience some swelling, tightness, and bruising for the first one to two weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work or social activities within 10 to 14 days. Dr. Morris provides a detailed aftercare plan, including how to care for your incisions, what to avoid (like heavy lifting or excessive turning of the head), and when you can resume normal activity. You’ll also wear a compression garment for a few days to help reduce swelling.
Will a neck lift leave visible scars?
Dr. Morris uses advanced surgical techniques to ensure any scarring is minimal and well hidden. Incisions are typically placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, where they blend naturally into your skin folds or hairline. Over time, these scars fade significantly. With proper care and the use of medical-grade scar treatments—something we can guide you through during recovery—they often become nearly imperceptible.
How long does a neck lift last?
A neck lift can provide long-lasting results—often 10 to 15 years—depending on your skin quality, age, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin post-procedure. While the procedure can’t stop the natural aging process, it can significantly turn back the clock. Most patients enjoy a more youthful neckline for over a decade. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using medical-grade skincare, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help prolong your results.
Prioritize yourself… do what feels right
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience and a reputation for delivering results that feel natural and empowering. Her approach blends surgical mastery with an artistic eye—ensuring every neck lift is tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, refinement isn’t about vanity—it’s about showing up for yourself with intention. If you’re ready to redefine your profile, schedule your consultation for a neck lift in Gulf Shores, AL, today.
