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Neck Lift
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Restore Definition to Your Neck and Jawline
A defined jawline and smooth neck profile can make all the difference in how confident you feel. Dr. Brian May specializes in neck lift surgery that addresses the signs of aging in these areas to restore a more vibrant and youthful appearance. Whether performed alone or combined with other rejuvenation procedures, Dr. May’s goal remains the same: to create beautifully balanced results that complement your natural features and enhance your overall facial harmony.
General
1-3 hours
4 to 6 weeks
What is
Neck Lift
?
A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the lower face, jawline, and neck. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, fat may accumulate or descend beneath the chin, and the platysma muscles that define the neck can loosen, resulting in jowling, neck bands and a blunted jawline.
A neck lift works to restore a smoother, more refined contour by removing excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and, when needed, sculpting fat deposits or salivary glands for more youthful definition.
Dr. May customizes each neck lift to suit the patient's anatomy and goals. His approach often includes midline and lateral muscle tightening to address both vertical neck bands and horizontal laxity while preserving a natural neckline and avoiding an over-pulled or operated-on look.
In select cases, deeper structures such as submandibular glands or digastric muscles may be addressed for optimal contour. Whether performed on its own or in conjunction with a facelift, Dr. May's neck lift technique is designed to restore a crisp, elegant neckline that enhances the overall harmony of the face.
- Dr. Brian May
What Can a Neck Lift Address?
A neck lift with Dr. May specifically targets the area from beneath the chin and jawline to the clavicle (collarbone). This procedure can address the following concerns:
- Loose, sagging neck skin
- Vertical neck bands (platysmal bands)
- Double chin or submental fullness
- Loss of jawline definition
- "Turkey neck" appearance
The neck is often one of the first areas to show the signs of aging, yet it is frequently overlooked until the changes become more pronounced. Dr. May understands how the neck affects the entire lower facial profile and focuses on restoring the smooth contours and transitions that define a youthful appearance.
The Art & Science of Facial Rejuvenation With Dr. May
There's something uniquely satisfying about solving a complex problem with precision and creativity, a mindset Dr. May developed long before he ever held a scalpel. His undergraduate engineering degree taught him to approach challenges methodically, while his artistic sensibility ensures every solution is as beautiful as it is functional.
This blend of analytical thinking and creative vision shapes how Dr. May approaches every facial rejuvenation procedure, seeing the signs of aging not as separate "issues" but as an interconnected system that needs to be rebalanced as a whole Technical skill gets you halfway there, but Dr. May's artistic eye is what separates good results from truly transformative ones, influencing everything from incision placement to tissue repositioning. He also considers factors like natural facial asymmetries, expression patterns and even how someone's face moves when they smile or laugh to craft each surgical plan.
- Dr. Brian May
Neck Lift Surgery
Procedure Details
At May Plastic Surgery, neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. When done on its own, the surgery usually takes about one to three hours, though it is frequently combined with a facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck.
Dr. May begins by making discreet incisions placed behind the ears and, when necessary, a small incision beneath the chin. These strategic entry points allow him to access and tighten the platysma muscles, address neck banding and remove or reposition fat for a smoother contour. In certain cases, deeper structures, such as the submandibular glands or digastric muscles, may also be refined to create a cleaner, more sculpted neckline.
To complete the procedure, Dr. May redrapes the skin carefully and conservatively, avoiding the over-tightened look that can draw unwanted attention. His goal is always to create a natural, elegant result that restores youthful definition while preserving the individuality of your features.
Recovery & Results
The early recovery period after a neck lift typically involves swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness in the neck and jawline. Keeping your head elevated and avoiding strenuous activity is essential during this time to support optimal healing. Most patients feel ready to return to work and light social activities within one to two weeks, though full recovery continues over the following months as swelling resolves and the tissues settle into place.
As your new contours refine, you'll notice a smoother, more defined neck and jawline that enhances the overall harmony of your facial features. With proper care, these results can last for many years. Dr. May and the team at May Plastic Surgery will guide you every step of the way - providing personalized aftercare instructions, follow-up support and long-term recommendations to help you maintain your results and age gracefully.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Neck Lift
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
A neck lift can dramatically improve your profile, but Dr. May believes it should never leave you looking overdone. By working with your natural anatomy and addressing the root causes of neck aging, he creates natural, long-lasting results that help you reclaim a youthful appearance and enhance your overall facial harmony. If you’re ready to learn what a neck lift can do for you, contact May Plastic Surgery at 704-200-2493 to request your consultation today.
Any questions?
We are here to help. Reach out with any questions about our procedures, recovery process, or how to get started. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and information you need to feel confident moving forward.