Necklift Secrets: The Art of Neck and Jawline Rejuvenation 

By Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS
Founder & Medical Director, Clevens Face and Body Specialists
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

When it comes to facial aging, the neck often tells the story long before the face does.

While many patients initially focus on facial lines or eyelid drooping, I frequently find that the neck and jawline are the true culprits behind an aging or tired appearance.

The good news? Neck rejuvenation isn’t one-size-fits-all, and today, more than ever, we can tailor your treatment to suit your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle with precision.

If you notice subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in your neck and jawline, this blog is for you.

Why the Neck Ages First—and Fast

The neck’s delicate structure makes it especially vulnerable to aging. Unlike the face, it has fewer oil glands and thinner skin, which means it tends to lose elasticity more quickly.

Over time, we start to see:

• Vertical neck bands from separating platysma muscles
• Submental fullness (aka under-chin fat or “tech neck”)
• Crepey skin that lacks firmness
• Loss of jawline definition due to sagging tissues

Factors like sun exposure, weight changes, and our modern screen-heavy posture only accelerate these concerns.

Gold-Standard Surgical Solutions

A neck lift—also known as a lower rhytidectomy—is a surgical procedure designed to restore youthful definition to the neck and jawline. It removes excess skin, tightens the underlying platysma muscles, and reduces unwanted fat beneath the chin. The result is a smoother, firmer neck contour that enhances overall facial harmony.

At Clevens Face and Body Specialists, our facial plastic surgeons specialize in creating elegant, natural-looking outcomes that help you look refreshed, never overdone. We also offer:

The Profile Necklift

• Developed by Dr. Ross A. Clevens, our Signature Profile Necklift offers a focused solution for patients with prominent platysma bands or loose skin limited to the central neck
• This in-office procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves a discreet incision beneath the chin
• Through this access point, the underlying muscle is tightened and excess skin is removed, restoring a clean, youthful neckline with minimal downtime and no general anesthesia required

Chin and Neck Liposuction

• For patients with good skin elasticity and localized fullness under the chin, liposuction alone can be a powerful tool to sculpt the jawline and redefine the profile
• This minimally invasive surgical technique targets excess fat without altering muscle or removing skin, making it ideal for younger individuals seeking a subtle yet noticeable contouring effect
• Recovery is typically quick, and results are long-lasting with a healthy lifestyle

Minimally Invasive: Options Without the Downtime

Not quite ready for a surgical facelift? At Clevens Face and Body Specialists, we offer a range of minimally invasive treatments designed to restore youthful definition to the neck and jawline, with less downtime and no general anesthesia required.

The Laser-Assisted Weekend Neck Lift™

• Created by Dr. Ross A. Clevens, this innovative technique combines laser energy with radiofrequency
• It melts unwanted fat, tightens underlying muscles, and “shrink-wraps” the skin
• Most patients are back to their normal routine within just a few days, making it an ideal choice for those seeking noticeable improvement with a quick recovery

MyEllevate®

• Using a light-guided suture suspension system, MyEllevate lifts and supports the jawline and neck without the need for traditional incisions
• This elegant, in-office procedure is perfect for younger patients or those with early signs of laxity who want subtle, natural enhancement

BOTOX for Platysmal Bands

• For patients beginning to notice vertical neck bands, strategically placed BOTOX injections can relax the platysma muscles and smooth the neck’s appearance

Nonsurgical Neck Rejuvenation: Subtle Enhancements, No Surgery Needed

Our nonsurgical treatments offer a seamless entry point into facial rejuvenation, ideal for maintaining your natural beauty and delaying the need for surgery.

Laser Skin Tightening and Resurfacing

• Using advanced technologies like laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling, these treatments stimulate collagen production to firm the skin, soften fine lines, and improve texture over time
• They're perfect for patients seeking gradual, natural-looking improvement

Medical-Grade Skincare

• Customized skincare regimens, designed by our expert aestheticians, help protect and strengthen the delicate skin of the neck
• Targeted ingredients can improve tone, hydration, and elasticity, supporting your results long-term

Preventive Care with Injectable Solutions

• BOTOX and dermal fillers can offer a subtle lift and smoothness when strategically placed in the lower face and neck, extending youthful contours without surgical intervention

Achieve Harmony Through the Power of Combining Treatments

Combining a neck lift with other procedures, such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or chin augmentation, can provide a more comprehensive transformation to achieve the most natural and balanced facial rejuvenation.

Since the neck and face age together, addressing both areas simultaneously creates a harmonious, youthful look that’s more refined and cohesive. In addition, many of my patients benefit from medical-grade skincare or laser treatments following surgery to further enhance and prolong their results.

These treatments can help improve skin texture, tone, and firmness, ensuring that your rejuvenated appearance lasts for years to come.

Rejuvenation That Reflects the Real You

Not every neck needs a traditional lift. And not every patient wants one.

With so many customized options—from in-office procedures to complete surgical solutions—you have the power to choose the right path forward. Our experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeons are here to guide you through each step, ensuring safety, artistry, and beautiful, natural outcomes.