15 Feb Modern Neck Lift Techniques for a Sharper Jawline and Smoother Neck

For many patients, the neck is where aging becomes most noticeable — sometimes even before the face. Loss of jawline definition, under-chin fullness, vertical banding, and skin laxity can create a heavier, less defined profile. A neck lift is designed to restore a clean neck contour and a sharper transition between the chin and neck, using surgical strategies tailored to the specific cause of aging.

Modern neck rejuvenation is not one single technique. A strong surgical plan considers three elements: skin, fat, and muscle support. If under-chin fullness is caused by fat, targeted removal may be part of the solution. If the neck looks “corded” or banded, the platysma muscle may require tightening (often called platysmaplasty) to restore smoothness and definition. If skin laxity is the dominant issue, redraping and removing excess skin is essential to achieve a refined contour.

At PHI Surgery in Montreal, Dr. Perry Gdalevitch evaluates the neck in relation to the lower face, because the most natural outcomes occur when the jawline, chin, and neck are treated as one aesthetic unit. In many cases, combining a neck lift with a facelift produces a more harmonious result — especially when jowling and neck laxity appear together. The goal is not just a “tighter neck,” but a balanced, youthful profile that fits the patient’s facial structure.

Incisions are planned to be discreet, often positioned behind the ears and sometimes under the chin depending on the procedure. This allows access to the structures that actually define the neck’s shape, while keeping scars in low-visibility areas.

Recovery typically involves swelling and tightness that gradually improves. Many patients plan for about 10–14 days away from key social events, with continued refinement over several months. The outcome is a smoother neck contour and clearer jawline definition that looks natural in motion and in real life.