Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area

The neck often reveals signs of aging earlier than other areas. Sagging skin, muscle banding, and fullness beneath the chin can create an aged appearance that doesn't reflect your energy. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging by tightening the underlying tissues, sculpting away fat, and reducing excess skin for better tone and firmness.
At Michael Spann, MD, we offer neck lift surgery as a standalone procedure or combined with additional procedures like a facelift or neck liposuction. Dr. Spann customizes every neck lift procedure to refine your natural anatomy and help you feel confident from every angle. If you're frustrated by a "turkey neck," double chin, or lax skin, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Spann to learn more about your options.

Smooths skin and refines the angle between the chin and neck for a sharper contour

Patients typically return to light activity in 7 to 10 days

Performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical center

Benefits can last 10 years or more with good sun protection and skin care
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A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that addresses sagging neck skin, visible muscle banding, and excess fat deposits around the jawline. Unlike nonsurgical neck lift treatments, which only provide temporary skin tightening, a surgical neck lift repositions deeper layers of muscle and tissue for long-lasting rejuvenation.
This procedure may involve tightening the platysma muscle, removing excess fat cells, and reducing sagging skin to restore a smoother and more sculpted neck contour. Dr. Spann frequently recommends neck lift surgery to patients who want to eliminate a double chin, restore a more defined jawline, or improve the overall appearance of an aging neck.
A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that is typically performed in 1-3 hours. After the administration of general anesthesia, Dr. Spann begins by making small incisions behind the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin. These incision sites allow access to the platysma muscle and deeper tissues.
During surgery, Dr. Spann lifts and repositions the neck's soft tissues, removes excess fat using neck liposuction when appropriate, and trims away loose or sagging skin. Depending on your goals, a neck lift may be performed alone or as part of a comprehensive facial plastic surgery plan that includes other techniques like a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery.
A neck lift treats multiple concerns related to the lower face and neck area, including:


A neck lift can dramatically improve the appearance of the neck and jawline by addressing sagging skin, excess fat, and underlying muscle laxity. This cosmetic procedure creates a firmer, smoother neckline and helps restore a more youthful appearance in a subtle, natural-looking way.
By refining the neck's appearance, patients often find that their profile looks more elegant and their self-image improves. Because a neck lift treats the structural causes of aging, results last longer and age more gracefully compared to nonsurgical options.
Ideal candidates for a neck lift are in generally good health, do not smoke, and are bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck, such as sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat.
During your consultation, Dr. Spann will review your medical history, assess your skin quality, and help determine whether you're better suited for a full neck lift, a combination approach, or a less invasive option.

Following neck lift surgery, most patients experience moderate swelling and bruising that gradually resolves within the first two weeks. Keeping your head elevated, avoiding sun exposure, and wearing a surgical support garment can promote a smoother recovery process.
Patients typically return to light activity within 7 to 10 days, though complete recovery may take several weeks. With advanced options like post-operative lymphatic massage, our team offers attentive care throughout your entire recovery.

Once swelling has subsided, patients can enjoy a more defined jawline, smoother skin, and a younger-looking neck contour. The improvements from a neck lift are subtle yet transformative, often helping patients look years younger without an "operated on" appearance.
Because Dr. Spann's neck lift technique corrects deeper layers and underlying tissues, the results tend to be long-lasting. With proper skincare, good sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits, most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or longer.
Dr. Michael Spann is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. He approaches each neck lift procedure with meticulous attention to anatomical detail, aiming to deliver results that appear natural, balanced, and refined.
Our practice is known for combining advanced facial plastic surgery techniques with personalized care and long-term aesthetic planning. Dr. Spann collaborates closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans that align with their goals, facial anatomy, and lifestyle.
Incisions are typically placed behind the ears and under the chin, where they are hidden in natural creases. Most scars fade significantly over time and are easy to conceal.
Yes. Neck lifts are commonly combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or nonsurgical treatments like skin resurfacing to address multiple dimensions of facial aging.
Neck lift results can last a decade or longer. While the aging process continues, the skin and muscle tone remain noticeably improved compared to untreated areas.
Mild discomfort, swelling, and tightness are common in the first few days after surgery but are generally manageable with prescribed pain medication and rest. We use pain management options like nerve blocks and anti-inflammatory medications to ensure the smoothest possible recovery.
There is no "perfect" age for cosmetic surgery to correct signs of aging in the neck. Most patients who seek neck lift surgery are in their 40s to 70s and have noticed excess skin and muscle banding becoming more visible.
Like any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries some risks, including poor wound healing, bleeding, and infection. There is also a small risk of nerve injury, which may temporarily affect sensation or muscle movement in the neck or lower face. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon and closely following post-op instructions can help minimize these rare complications.
Costs vary depending on the extent of your surgery and whether additional procedures are incorporated. During your initial consultation, we’ll walk you through a detailed quote and discuss any available financing options. At Little Rock Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.