NEW YORK CITY · PARK AVENUE

Neck Lift NYC: Platysmaplasty in Manhattan, New York

Neck lift surgery corrects loose skin, visible platysma bands, excess fat beneath the chin, and sagging below the jawline. Most patients need one of three approaches: liposuction alone, platysmaplasty to repair the muscle, or a combined lift with skin removal behind the ears.

Which one is right depends on whether your concern comes from fat, muscle laxity, loose skin, or a combination of all three. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, and most patients return to work between one and two weeks later.

At your consultation, we evaluate neck anatomy, jawline definition, skin quality, and overall facial balance before recommending an approach. Joel Kopelman, MD, FACS, has spent more than 35 years performing facial and oculoplastic rejuvenation across New York, New Jersey, and Palm Beach.

35+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

1,000+

PROCEDURES PERFORMED

Top

RANKED OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON, NY

5.0 ★

125 PATIENT REVIEWS

Dr. Joel Kopelman

OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON

Why Choose Dr. Kopelman for a Neck Lift in New York City

Joel Kopelman, MD, FACS, is a facial plastic and oculoplastic surgeon with more than 35 years of experience. He meets neck lift patients at his office at 1112 Park Ave #1A in New York City.

His training covers both facial plastic surgery and oculoplastic surgery, the fine work around the eyes. For a neck lift, that shapes how he plans the incisions. He places them under the chin and behind the ears so they settle into natural creases, and he treats the jawline, lower face, and neck as one connected area.

See his neck lift before and after photos or read more about Dr. Kopelman’s background.

Who Is a Candidate for Neck Rejuvenation Surgery

Good candidates are non-smokers in stable general health who are bothered by fullness under the chin, crepey or creased skin, or a neck profile that reads older or heavier than the rest of the face. Weight-loss patients often fall into this group, since skin frequently fails to retract after significant weight loss.

Sometimes the neck ages faster than the rest of the face. In these cases, a targeted procedure addresses the concern without the scope of a full facelift.

Ideal Candidate

Excess fat below your chin
Wrinkling of your skin
Visible vertical bands when the neck muscles contract
Loss of definition along the jawline

Benefits

Removal of excess skin
Tightening of muscles of the neck
A sharper, better-defined jaw and neckline
Improvement that lasts for years as aging continues

Techniques

Necklift with liposuction
Neck with platysmaplasty
Classical lift with skin excision

Platysmaplasty in New York City: How the Muscle Repair Works

Our approach involves tightening the deeper tissues beneath the platysma rather than pulling on the skin alone. Skin-only tightening is what produces the swept, unnatural look that ages poorly; repositioning the deeper layer is what holds.

By tightening the neck muscles on both sides and at the midline, it is possible to restore a more youthful neck position and a cleaner angle beneath the jaw. This is typically accomplished through two small incisions, one below the chin and one behind the ear.

Incisions are placed within natural creases below the chin and behind the ears. Over several months, they settle and become inconspicuous, which is why placement matters as much as the muscle work itself.

Where the chin is somewhat weak or set back, a chin implant can complement the result by accentuating the jaw and neckline. We will discuss whether that applies to you during your evaluation rather than assuming it does.

Neck Lift Techniques and What Each One Corrects

There is no single version of this operation. The technique is matched to the degree of laxity present, and the difference between them is significant in both procedure length and downtime.

In the mildest cases, where excess fat predominates and skin elasticity is still good, liposuction alone through a tiny incision beneath the chin may be enough to restore the contour. Excess neck fat sits in either the pre-platysma or sub-platysma fat pad, and reducing these deposits can sharply improve the neckline on its own.

When the muscle has separated and formed visible vertical bands, platysmaplasty NYC patients typically need muscle repair rather than fat removal alone. The dropping or banded edges of the platysma are released, then retightened toward the midline to rebuild a defined cervicomental angle.

For more advanced laxity, the classical approach adds well-concealed incisions behind the ears so that excess skin can be trimmed and redraped rather than simply tightened. This version is frequently combined with a facelift when mid-facial descent is present alongside the neck concern. Not sure whether you need a neck lift or a full facelift? Dr. Kopelman compares the two in his guide to face lift vs neck lift.

Neck lift techniques compared: scope, duration, and downtime
Technique	Best suited for	Procedure length	Incisions	Back to work	Return to exercise
Liposuction only	Excess submental fat with good skin elasticity and no muscle banding	About 1 hour	One small incision beneath the chin	4 to 7 days	Light activity at 7 to 10 days
Platysmaplasty, with or without liposuction	Visible vertical neck bands with mild to moderate skin laxity	About 2.5 to 3 hours	Beneath the chin, occasionally behind the ears	7 to 10 days	Moderate exercise at 3 to 4 weeks
Classical lift with skin removal	Significant laxity, jowling, and loose skin that will not redrape on its own	About 3 hours	Beneath the chin and behind both ears	10 to 14 days	Strenuous exercise at about 6 weeks
Combined with facelift or laser	Neck laxity alongside mid-facial descent or surface wrinkling	4 to 5 hours	Facelift incision pattern	14 to 21 days	Strenuous exercise at about 6 weeks

Timelines above are typical ranges and vary with individual healing, the extent of correction, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time.

— PATIENT STORIES

Necklift NYC: Before & After.

These Necklift before and after pictures represent actual patients from Dr. Kopelman. They will help you to set realistic goals for your own surgical outcome.

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“Dr. Kopelman, I love my neck and jawline thanks to you. The investment in myself was worth it. I had been so unhappy with my saggy neck and double chin for years. You helped me to restore a sense of confidence in my image! I am so happy I found you on the internet.”

Rebecca H.

Recovery After Neck Lift Surgery in NYC

Patients go home the same day. A gauze dressing is applied under the chin and behind the ears and removed the following morning, when you are examined by our surgical and nursing staff.

If a drain was placed during surgery, it is typically removed within 24 to 48 hours. A compressive elastic strap is then worn around the neck to control swelling and support the healing tissues, usually for about two weeks.

Expect mild discomfort with some swelling and bruising for roughly two weeks. Most patients need nothing stronger than over-the-counter pain medication. Sutures come out 5 to 7 days after surgery.

Light daily activity resumes within about a week, with return to work most commonly between 10 and 14 days depending on the technique used. Final shape and feel are reached approximately two to three months later, as swelling fully resolves and tissues settle.

Sometimes the neck ages faster than the rest of the face. In these cases a targeted neck lift will do the trick.

Risks and Realistic Expectations

As with any operation, there are risks. These include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and delayed or visible scarring, which is why blood thinners and smoking must be stopped well in advance.

Temporary dry skin, tightness, numbness, and a burning or tingling sensation along the neck are common during healing and typically resolve. There is a small risk of injury to a branch of the facial nerve, which can cause temporary weakness in nearby muscles.

These complications are uncommon, but they are the reason the choice of surgeon matters. We review your specific risk profile against your medical history before scheduling, and we monitor recovery at regularly scheduled intervals rather than at a single follow-up.

Results are long-lasting and continue to serve you as you age, though no surgical procedure stops the aging process itself.

— COMMON QUESTION

What Determines the Cost of Neck Lift Surgery

Cost varies considerably because the operation itself varies. A suction-only correction, which takes about an hour, and a classical lift performed alongside a facelift are different procedures with distinct surgical, anesthesia, and facility components.

The main drivers are the required technique, the time spent in the operating room, the type of anesthesia used, and whether complementary procedures are performed during the same session.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery performed purely for cosmetic reasons. We provide a written estimate covering all components of your procedure before anything is scheduled, so there are no surprises afterward.

A neck lift with Dr. Kopelman typically costs $40,000 to $50,000. Your quote depends on the technique, time in surgery, anesthesia, and whether you combine the neck lift with another procedure, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. You receive a written estimate before anything is scheduled. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by insurance.

Consultations cost $350, in person or virtual. The fee covers a full year of visits with Dr. Kopelman, as many as you need, and does not apply toward the cost of surgery.

What changes the investment for neck rejuvenation surgery
Factor	Why it affects your estimate
Technique required	Liposuction alone is the least involved option; muscle repair and skin excision each add surgical time and complexity.
Operating room time	Procedures range from roughly one hour to four or five hours when combined with a facelift.
Anesthesia type	Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation differs in cost from general anesthesia.
Combined procedures	Chin implant, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or laser resurfacing performed in the same session change the total.
Post-operative care	Overnight nursing care, garments, and follow-up visits are factored into a full estimate.
Insurance coverage	Cosmetic procedures are not typically covered, so the estimate reflects out-of-pocket investment.

Neck Lift Patient Reviews in New York City

★★★★★

80+ Verified Reviews Google · RealSelf · Healthgrades

Hee Jung

Dr. Kopelman performed a face lift with a neck lift on me about 3 months ago and I must say I look and feel incredible! I look rejuvenated, youthful, yet so natural. He is the absolute master at not over doing your face and making you look just perfect. During consultation, he first asked me what was bothering me and then shared with me what he saw. He took a completely holistic approach to my face and explained thoroughly what he saw. He walked me through what a face lift and neck lift entails, and I left feeling so confident about him, his skills, abilities and knew I was really in the hands of the best facial plastic surgeon. The surgery day went very smoothly and his follow up care is absolutely suburb. I’ve honestly never met a doctor like him. I’m thrilled with my results and I can’t say enough good things. Thank you for taking great care of me and for giving me a youthful and fresh appearance.

Kim Song

Knowledgeable, staff is friendly, easy to communicate and make appointment. Great doctor!

Logan Carter

Dr. Kopelman is an absolute treasure. He is kind and caring, efficient and most importantly, accomplished + capable. I would send anyone to his practice without hesitating. His staff is communicative and pleasant, and the offices are particularly luxurious. I’m so excited to have a go-to doctor, instead of hedging my bets on whatever deal my friends have found. Reach out – you’ll definitely be glad you did!

Dr. Joel Kopelman Educates
Patients Every Day

Dr. Joel E. Kopelman is both a facial plastic and oculoplastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience in cosmetic rejuvenation of the face, neck, and eyes. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and maintains membership in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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— COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for neck lift surgery?

We review your medical history along with any prescription and non-prescription medications you take. Blood thinners such as aspirin, Motrin, fish oil, and Vitamin E must be stopped at least two weeks before surgery to reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

If you smoke, you must stop for two weeks beforehand. Smoking compromises healing and raises the likelihood of visible scarring.

What can you expect during the procedure?

The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia with intravenous twilight sedation. The goal is to elevate and tighten sagging soft tissue through short incisions.

Fat below the chin and neck is recontoured, sagging muscle is repositioned and tightened, and excess skin is trimmed behind the ear. Incisions are hidden within natural creases so they become inconspicuous over several months.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients are back to daily activities within a week and back at work between 10 and 14 days, with the classical technique sitting at the longer end of that range. Exercise resumes progressively, starting with light cardio at around one to two weeks.

You will be seen the morning after surgery, again for suture removal at 5 to 7 days, and at scheduled intervals afterward so healing can be monitored properly.

Can I combine a neck lift with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Depending on your concerns, we may recommend complementary procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), fat grafting, endoscopic brow lifts, chin augmentation, and laser skin rejuvenation.

Combining procedures in a single session often produces a more balanced overall result and consolidates recovery into one period rather than several.

How much does neck lift surgery cost in NYC?

A neck lift with Dr. Kopelman typically costs $40,000 to $50,000, depending on technique, operating time, anesthesia, and any procedures combined with it. Consultations cost $350, in person or virtual, and cover a year of visits. The consultation fee does not apply toward surgery. We do not offer financing.

Where will my neck lift take place?

Your neck lift takes place at our New York office, 1112 Park Ave #1A. Consultations are available in person or virtual.

Still have questions?

To schedule a private consultation with the best necklift surgeon in NYC, please call the office or request an appointment online. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday

New York

(212) 831-8333

New Jersey

(201) 444-4499

Palm Beach

(561) 803-0160

1112 Park Ave #1a, New York, NY 10128

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