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 our Park Avenue practice, 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 Patients Choose Our Practice for Neck Rejuvenation

That dual training matters here. Neck and lower face rejuvenation sits at the intersection of soft tissue repositioning and fine periocular technique, and the same precision that governs eyelid surgery informs how incisions around the ear and beneath the chin are planned and closed.

Renowned for his innovative techniques and meticulous approach, Dr. Kopelman has built a reputation as a trusted expert among patients seeking transformative results that are both beautiful and natural. Our practice holds a 4.9 star average across 125 patient reviews.

His commitment to excellence extends beyond surgery; a warm and compassionate approach provides patients with comfort and trust throughout their treatment journey. Supported by a team of first-class professionals, we continuously work to exceed patient expectations and deliver long-lasting results.

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.

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. Click on a patient to learn more about their necklift surgery.

VIEW FULL GALLERY →

“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.

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.

Testimonials of the Best Blepharoplasty Surgeon in New York City

    
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fine in my opinion.
  
 
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   Stephanie Suskind 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent straight forward consult. Looking forward to booking Dr. Kopelman for fat transfer and upper bleph
  
 
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   Robert Sayour 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a consultation visit with Dr Kopelman yesterday to discuss possible upper & lower eyelid surgery.  Had a good consult and felt the Doctor was quite knowledgeable.  He listened to my concerns and goals and was quite upfront about what he could do and what my expectations were.  This was an initial consultation and I have seen a few other surgeons prior to this consult and have one more to go next week.  So I haven't made any final decisions yet. Only downside for me personally is that the ambulatory center he uses is in Bergen County, NJ - I live in Queens and that might be a bit cumbersome to get to and from for me. I found his proposal a bit higher then the others I secured insofar as price but that is neither here nor there His demeanor, manners and knowledge were very good and I enjoyed the consultation experience with Dr Kopelman I have no further experience to share at this point Robert S
  
 
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   Mike Fields 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr kopelman and his son  worked on my eye lids and eye area and did a really wonderful job. Very family oriented decent people.   The mother was incredibly kind, thoughtfull and always answered my calls. The daughter is also very kind.
  
 
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   Amarys Espinosa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot express how grateful I am to have found Dr. Kopelman. After countless failed attempts at getting real help for my scalp and hair thinning, I felt defeated. I live in an area that doesn’t truly cater to ethnic or textured hair, so finding someone who understood my concerns felt almost impossible. After doing extensive research on specialists experienced with African American hair, I discovered Dr. Kopelman and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I met him, he provided a clear, thorough, and compassionate explanation of what was happening with my hair. For the first time, I felt seen, understood, and taken seriously. He created a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to my needs and even prescribed medications to address the root cause. Walking out of his office, I felt genuine relief. Instead of hearing the usual “there’s nothing we can do,” I finally had answers, a plan, and hope. If you’re struggling with hair loss or scalp issues and want a doctor who truly understands ethnic hair and takes the time to guide you, I highly recommend Dr. Kopelman. His expertise, kindness, and clarity make all the difference.
  
 
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   Kim Tomasino 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Kopelman is incredible. He knew I was worried about a scar forming & in less than a month he cured me with topical cream. He is the real deal! I’m so happy I found him.
  
 
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   Alexa Freed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Kopelman 10/10: I was seeing an ophthalmologist weekly for months to take care of an eye issue I was having. When they couldn’t help me anymore, they told me to find an ocular plastic surgeon. After doing my research, I found Dr. Kopelman who is not only a top plastic surgeon, but has the ocular speciality I was looking for. Right when he saw me at our consultation, he immediately knew I needed a CT scan. He couldn’t believe any other doctor let this situation go on for this long. Dr Kopelman sat there for hours finding me the proper place to get my CT scan, along with making dozens of calls to my insurance company arguing with them on my behalf.  He went above and beyond. Not even a week later, I was in his chair getting an orbital tumor removed! He made me so comfortable and the process was seriously so quick and painless. I did not bruise or swell at all. I went back a week later to get my stitches removed, which was also extremely quick and painless. It looked as if I scratched myself- not that anyone performed surgery on my face. There isn’t even a scar. That being said- Dr. Kopelman (and Kiki) had the best bedside manner, where so attentive, and just all around amazing. If I ever need a surgeon again, this is where you will find me. I truly can not thank this office enough.
  
 
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   Vanessa Taylor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hey! Let me start by saying Doctor kopleman was amazing! He listened to the things I said and understood everything. He was soooo nice and patient and gave me all the time I needed to explain exactly what I wanted and my results are amazing! Thank Doctor kopelman and staff.

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.

What is the difference between neck and facelift surgery?

Sometimes a full facelift is unnecessary because the concerns center on loose neck skin, sagging neck muscles, and bulging fat. Many patients show no significant loss of mid-facial fullness or descent of upper facial soft tissue.
For those patients, the more limited procedure is a good alternative, performed through shorter incisions to restore smooth neck contours. A full facelift remains the better option for moderate to severe aging that includes jowls, extensive muscle and skin laxity, and mid-facial volume loss.
At your initial consultation we review your characteristics and concerns, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine whether you are a candidate for an isolated correction or a traditional facelift.

What is the difference between a necklift and a facelift?

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?

Cost depends on the technique, operating room time, anesthesia, and any procedures performed alongside it. Because cosmetic surgery is not generally covered by insurance, we provide a complete written estimate before scheduling so you can plan with full information.