The neck is one of the earliest places to show signs of aging — and one of the most frequently overlooked when people consider facial rejuvenation. If you’ve noticed a softening jawline, excess skin beneath the chin, or vertical bands running down the front of the neck, a neck lift can deliver a remarkable and lasting transformation.
Dr. Melih Canlı performs neck lift surgery at Emre İlhan Clinic in Istanbul — with online consultations available so you can plan your treatment from wherever you are.
WHAT IS A NECK LIFT?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline by addressing excess skin, fat deposits, and lax underlying muscle (the platysma). It can be performed alone or in combination with a facelift for full lower-face and neck rejuvenation.
What a Neck Lift Corrects
– Loose, hanging skin beneath the chin
– Vertical muscle bands along the front of the neck
– Submental fat — often called a “double chin”
– Loss of a defined jawline and neck angle
– Skin laxity and wrinkling along the neck
NECK LIFT VS FACELIFT: DO YOU NEED BOTH?
A facelift addresses the mid-face, cheeks, and jowls but stops at the jaw. A neck lift extends the rejuvenation downward, sharpening the neck angle and smoothing everything beneath the chin. Many patients combine both in a single session, which reduces overall recovery time and delivers a more seamless result. Dr. Melih Canlı will advise — online or in person — whether a combined or standalone approach suits you best.
THE PROCEDURE
During Surgery
Neck lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Incisions are placed discreetly under the chin and behind the ears, allowing Dr. Canlı to:
– Remove or redistribute excess fat
– Tighten the platysma muscle to eliminate neck bands
– Redrape and trim excess skin for a smooth, defined contour
Recovery
– Days 1–3: Some swelling and bruising; rest with head elevated
– Days 5–7: Drain removal; compression garment worn
– Days 7–10: Sutures removed; significant improvement already visible
– Weeks 2–4: Return to daily activities
– 6–12 weeks: Final contour clearly visible
RESULTS
A well-performed neck lift produces a sharper, cleaner neck-to-jaw angle — what surgeons call the cervicomental angle. This single change can dramatically refresh the entire lower face. Results typically last 7 to 10 years.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long does neck lift surgery take?
A: A standalone neck lift takes 2 to 3 hours. Combined with a facelift, expect 4 to 6 hours.
Q: Will there be visible scarring?
A: Incisions heal discreetly in the natural creases behind the ears and under the chin — difficult to detect within a few months.
Q: Can I consult with Dr. Melih Canlı before travelling to Istanbul?
A: Yes — online consultations are available. Share your photos and concerns and receive a detailed assessment before committing to travel.
Q: Is a neck lift different from chin liposuction?
A: Yes. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin or address muscle bands. A neck lift corrects all the structural causes of an aging neck in one procedure.
For more results and information: 📍 Instagram: @drmelihcanli 📞 Contact & WhatsApp: +90 555 545 27 55 👨⚕️ Op. Dr. Melih Canlı – Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon