The neck often shows age before the face does: loose skin, vertical bands and loss of the angle beneath the chin. A neck lift restores that outline. In this guide New City Clinic explains what the operation treats and how it differs from a facelift.
What does a neck lift treat?
Three things, alone or together: loose skin, fat beneath the chin, and the platysma, a thin muscle whose edges separate with age and form vertical bands. A neck lift tightens the muscle, removes or reshapes fat and redrapes the skin. If the jowls and lower face have also dropped, a facelift is usually done at the same time, because the two areas age together.
How is it performed?
Incisions are placed behind the ears and often in a small crease beneath the chin. Through the chin incision the platysma edges are stitched together like a corset and excess fat is removed; through the incisions behind the ears the muscle and skin are tightened backwards. The operation takes around two to three hours under general anaesthesia or sedation.
Alternatives and limits
In younger patients with good skin and fat beneath the chin, liposuction alone may be enough. Where the chin is small, a chin implant improves the profile more than tightening does. Non-surgical treatments have a modest effect on loose skin. Risks include bleeding, temporary numbness, tightness and, rarely, weakness of the lower lip from a nerve branch; your surgeon explains these.
A neck lift: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A neck lift with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a neck lift, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First 1–2 days
One night in hospital; a supportive dressing around the chin and neck.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising; sleep with the head raised; avoid turning the neck sharply.
Days 8–10
Stitches removed; most patients fly home.
Months 2–3
Tightness and numbness ease and the result settles.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a neck lift without a facelift?
Yes, if the lower face is still in good position. Your surgeon will tell you if the jowls would look out of balance afterwards.
Where are the scars?
Behind the ears and in the hairline, and often a short one under the chin. They are well hidden once healed.
How long does the result last?
Many years. Ageing continues, but the neck stays better defined than it would have been without surgery.
Deciding on a neck lift is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
