Many people who look into neck lift surgery in Turkey are not sure whether they need a neck lift on its own or a combined face and neck lift. The answer depends less on the neck itself than on the jawline and cheeks: if they have also softened, treating only the neck can leave the two areas out of balance. New City Clinic coordinates both operations with specialist plastic surgeons at partner hospitals in Istanbul; this guide sets out the differences so you can discuss the right option with the surgeon.
Neck Lift in Istanbul, Turkey: price, package and planningWhat a neck lift treats
A neck lift addresses loose skin, vertical muscle bands and fullness under the chin. Depending on the cause, the surgeon may tighten the neck muscles (platysmaplasty) through a short incision in the natural crease under the chin, remove fat under the chin and remove excess skin through incisions behind the ears. It suits people whose cheeks and jawline have not sagged significantly.
What a face and neck lift adds
In a face and neck lift the deeper layer of the face is lifted as well, so the cheeks and jawline are repositioned together with the neck, and excess skin is removed in front of and behind the ear. Treating both areas in one operation gives a continuous contour from cheek to collarbone. It is usually performed from the mid-forties onwards in healthy non-smokers.
How the surgeon decides
At the assessment the surgeon looks at the jawline, the jowls, the cheeks and the angle between the chin and the neck. If the jawline is still well defined and the problem sits below it, a neck lift alone is often enough. If jowls have formed and the cheeks have descended, a neck lift alone would tighten the neck but leave the lower face looking heavier, which is why a combined operation is usually recommended. You can send photos from the front, both sides and at an angle for a first opinion before travelling.
When liposuction alone is enough
If the skin is firm and the fullness under the chin is mainly fat, liposuction alone may be enough. Loose skin or visible muscle bands do not improve with liposuction alone and need a neck lift.
The operations compared
A neck lift is performed under general anaesthesia, usually takes two to three hours and involves one night in hospital. A face and neck lift takes about four to six hours and one or two nights in hospital. Both leave scars hidden behind the ear and, if the muscles are tightened, a short scar in the crease under the chin; a face and neck lift adds a scar in front of the ear that follows its natural curve.
Recovery and days in Istanbul
For a neck lift, plan about a week in Istanbul; a compression band is worn around the neck for the first days and most people return to work after about ten days to two weeks. For a face and neck lift, plan about 9 to 12 days; expect about two weeks before you feel ready to be seen socially. Swelling and bruising settle gradually; the final result is usually seen at around four months after a neck lift and around six months after a face and neck lift.
Travelling from the UK, Ireland, the US or Australia
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin take around four hours, and a scarf makes the trip home comfortable. Direct flights also run from several major US cities; from Australia the journey involves a connection. Tell your GP before you go. Your reports are provided in English and follow-up continues with photos and video calls.
Price and what is included
The illustrative package price for a face and neck lift in Istanbul is €4,500, including surgery at an authorised partner hospital, the hospital stay, hotel accommodation and airport transfers. Flights are not included. A neck lift alone is quoted individually after the surgeon has reviewed your photos, as it depends on whether muscle tightening, fat removal and skin removal are all needed. Our UK guide to face and neck lift costs explains the package in more detail.
A neck lift in Turkey 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 in Turkey, 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
Day 1
Surgery under general anaesthesia: 2–3 hours for a neck lift, 4–6 hours for a face and neck lift; one or two nights in hospital.
First days
Neck compression band, head raised when resting, check-ups in Istanbul.
10–14 days
Return to work; about two weeks before feeling ready to be seen socially after a face and neck lift.
Weeks 4–6
Exercise resumes: about four weeks after a neck lift, six after a face and neck lift.
Months 4–6
Final result usually visible.
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 the neck be treated without a facelift?
Yes, when the cheeks and jawline have not sagged much, a neck lift alone is possible.
How do I know whether I need a face and neck lift?
If jowls have formed and the jawline has softened, a combined operation usually gives a more balanced result. The surgeon decides after reviewing your photos and examining you.
Will I have a scar under the chin?
If the neck muscles are tightened, a short scar is hidden in the natural crease under the chin.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a neck lift?
About a week for a neck lift alone, and about 9 to 12 days for a face and neck lift.
When can I go back to work?
Usually after about ten days to two weeks.
Is liposuction under the chin enough?
Only if the skin is firm and the problem is fat; loose skin or muscle bands need a neck lift.
How much is a face and neck lift in Istanbul?
The illustrative package price is €4,500; the final quote follows the surgeon’s assessment. Flights are not included.
Deciding on a neck lift in Turkey 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.
