The neck and jawline play a central role in how youthful and balanced your profile appears. Over time, skin laxity, muscle banding, and excess fullness beneath the chin can soften definition and create a heavier look. Dr. Moriyike Akinosun performs neck lift surgery in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, with a precise, detail-oriented approach, creating natural-looking results that enhance your overall facial harmony.

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, she focuses exclusively on the face and neck, providing highly specialized care.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift improves the appearance of the neck and jawline by addressing loose skin, excess fat, and underlying muscle laxity. It is commonly performed to treat concerns such as:

  • Sagging or loose skin beneath the chin
  • Vertical neck bands (platysmal banding)
  • A poorly defined jawline
  • Fullness or heaviness in the upper neck

Rather than simply tightening the skin, Dr. Akinosun focuses on repositioning deeper structures to create a smoother, longer-lasting result.

Combining a Neck Lift With a Facelift

Whether a neck lift is performed on its own or combined with a deep plane facelift depends on your unique facial anatomy and goals. Dr. Akinosun carefully evaluates both to recommend the most appropriate approach for achieving balanced, natural-looking results.

Standalone Neck Lift

If your primary concern is the neck, a standalone neck lift can effectively restore contour and definition. This approach focuses on tightening the platysma muscle, removing or repositioning excess fat, and refining the skin for a smoother appearance.

Neck Lift With Deep Plane Facelift

Because the face and neck age together, many patients benefit from combining a neck lift with a deep plane facelift. This combination results in comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck, addressing both skin laxity and deeper structural changes.

By treating these areas together, Dr. Akinosun can create a more seamless, natural transition between the jawline and neck.

Combination With Other Procedures

A neck lift may also be combined with procedures such as facial fat grafting, neck liposuction, or eyelid surgery, depending on your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Akinosun will recommend a plan that aligns with your anatomy and desired outcome.

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Surgical Approach and Technique

Dr. Akinosun’s approach to neck lift surgery emphasizes structural support and natural-looking results. Small, carefully placed incisions, typically around the ears and sometimes beneath the chin, provide access to the underlying tissues.

From there, she refines the platysma muscle, removes or contours excess fat, and repositions the skin without creating an overly tight or pulled appearance. The outcome is a smoother, more defined neck that still looks like you.

What To Expect During Recovery

Recovery after a neck lift is a gradual process, with noticeable improvements in the first few weeks and continued refinement over time.

First Week

Swelling, tightness, and mild bruising are most noticeable during the first several days. A bandaged dressing helps minimize swelling and enhances healing. Most patients return to light activities within about a week.

Weeks 2-3

You’ll notice swelling and bruising continue to improve, and the neck begins to appear more defined. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities during this time.

Weeks 4-6

The jawline and neck contour become more refined as healing progresses. Most normal activities, including exercise, can gradually resume with Dr. Akinosun’s guidance.

Months 3-6

It takes about 6 months for residual swelling to resolve and the final results to develop.

Dr. Akinosun provides detailed recovery instructions and ongoing follow-up care, guiding you through each stage of healing to ensure optimal results.

Frequently
Asked Questions

How long do neck lift results last?

Neck lift results are long-lasting, especially when deeper structures are addressed. Although aging continues, patients typically enjoy a more defined neck for many years.

Will I look natural?

Yes. Results are designed to look smooth, natural, and in harmony with your other facial features. To achieve this, Dr. Akinosun uses techniques that restore definition without creating an overly tight or unnatural appearance.

Is a neck lift painful?

You’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure with either general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation. During recovery, most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort, often feeling more tightness than pain. This discomfort is typically well managed with medication.

When can I return to work?

Many patients return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their comfort level with swelling or bruising.

Do I need a facelift with a neck lift?

Not always. Some patients benefit from a standalone neck lift, while others achieve more balanced results by combining it with a deep plane facelift. This is determined during your consultation.

Meet With
Dr. Akinosun

A neck lift consultation is the first step in understanding what’s possible and creating a plan tailored to your features and goals. From the beginning, Dr. Akinosun’s calm demeanor puts patients at ease, while her thoughtful, individualized approach guides you through each stage of the process. Patients visit from Oakbrook Terrace, Naperville, and surrounding Chicagoland communities to experience her personalized care.

Moriyike Akinosun, MD