Surgical lifting · Neck and jawline
Neck Lift in Seoul
A neck lift tightens loose neck skin, smooths vertical neck bands and removes excess fat under the chin. The surgeon tightens the platysma muscle and redrapes the skin to restore a clean angle between the chin and the neck.
It suits patients in their 40s to 60s whose main concern is the neck, with results that typically last 8–12 years or longer.
What a neck lift corrects
Under the skin of your neck lies a layer of fat and then the platysma, a thin sheet of muscle that runs from the jaw to the collarbone. With age, the two edges of the platysma separate and slacken, forming vertical bands. Fat collects under the chin and the skin loosens, which blurs the jawline.
Through a short incision under the chin, the surgeon removes excess fat and stitches the edges of the platysma together in the midline, a step called platysmaplasty. Small incisions around and behind the ears let the surgeon draw loose skin back and trim the excess. The result is a firmer neck and a sharper chin-to-neck angle.
Most often chosen for
- Loose or crepey skin under the chin and along the neck
- Visible vertical neck bands
- Fat under the chin that diet and exercise do not shift
- A soft, poorly defined jawline
Often combined with
- Facelift when the jowls and cheeks have also dropped
- Liposuction for extra fat along the jaw and neck
- Chin augmentation to strengthen a small or receding chin
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the neck shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incision
A short incision is made in the crease under the chin, with small incisions around the earlobe and behind the ear.
Where the incisions are made
A neck lift uses a short incision under the chin and small incisions around and behind the ear. These sit in natural creases and in the hairline, where they are hard to see once healed.
- A
Under the chin A short incision of about 2–3 cm in the natural crease, used to remove fat and tighten the platysma.
- B
Around the earlobe A short line that follows the edge where the earlobe meets the cheek.
- C
Behind the ear Runs up the crease behind the ear and back into the hairline, where loose neck skin is drawn back and trimmed.
- →
Lift direction The neck skin is drawn back and up toward the ear, while the platysma is tightened from the midline.
Schematic illustration. If your skin is firm, a neck lift may need only the incision under the chin, which your surgeon decides at consultation.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The chin incision sits in the natural crease under the jaw, where it is mostly in shadow. Move the slider to see the typical progression.
Healing stage
Week 1
Fine sutures are in place and the line is red and slightly raised. Sutures come out at around day 7–10.
Healing varies. Darker and Asian skin can stay pink or brown for longer. Silicone gel, sun protection and avoiding smoking all help the scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first 1–2 weeks, and most patients return to daily activities within 2–3 weeks. The neck contour keeps refining over 1–3 months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 1.5–3 hours under general anesthesia or sedation. Some clinics keep you overnight.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressing changed and drains removed if used. You'll wear a compression garment around the neck and keep your head raised.
- Day 2–4
Peak swelling Swelling and bruising under the chin are at their most visible. Rest, cold compresses and a soft diet help. Expect tightness when you turn your head.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. A scarf or high collar can cover remaining bruising.
- Week 2
Fly home Final review before most international patients fly home.
- Week 2–3
Back to daily life Return to work and social plans. Avoid heavy lifting and bending your neck far forward.
- Month 1–3
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the jawline and neck angle show their final contour.
- Month 6–12
Scars mature Incision lines fade to fine, pale lines.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Are in your 40s to 60s and your main concern is the neck
- Have loose neck skin, vertical neck bands or fat under the chin
- Have cheeks and jowls that are still fairly well supported
- Want a firmer neck with results that last 8–12 years or longer
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Your jowls and cheeks have also dropped: a face and neck lift treats both
- You only have fullness under the chin with firm skin: liposuction may be enough
- Your neck bands are mild: Botox can soften them for a few months
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every neck lift carries risk. Ask your surgeon about bleeding under the skin (hematoma), fluid collection, temporary numbness of the neck and earlobes, temporary weakness of the lower lip from strain on the marginal mandibular nerve, irregular contour or a hollow look if too much fat is removed, visible or thickened scars, slow wound healing (higher in smokers) and the risks of anesthesia.
Neck lift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Neck lift | ₩8,000,000 – ₩18,000,000+ |
| Neck lift + liposuction or chin augmentation | ₩10,000,000 – ₩25,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much loose skin and fat needs correcting, the extent of platysma tightening, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Neck lift vs. face and neck lift
| Face and neck lift | Neck lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Jowls, jawline and neck together | Loose neck skin, bands, chin fat |
| Areas treated | Mid-face, lower face and neck | Neck and under the chin |
| Typical age | Late 40s–60s | 40s–60s |
| Operating time | 4–6 hours | 1.5–3 hours |
| Back to daily life | 3–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Results last | 10–15 years | 8–12+ years |
| Cost | ₩18M–35M+ | ₩8M–18M+ |
Common questions
What is the difference between a neck lift and a face and neck lift?
A neck lift treats the area below the jawline: loose neck skin, neck bands and fat under the chin. A face and neck lift also lifts the cheeks and jowls, with longer incisions in front of the ear and a longer recovery.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incision under the chin sits in the natural crease below the jaw, and the incisions behind the ear are hidden in the crease and hairline. Once healed, usually after 6–12 months, they fade to fine lines that are rarely noticed.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for about 10–14 days. That covers the first check-up, suture removal at day 7–10 and a final review before you fly home.
How long do the results last?
Results typically last 8–12 years or longer, depending on how you age, your skin quality and your lifestyle.
How much does a neck lift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩8,000,000 to ₩18,000,000+, or ₩10,000,000 to ₩25,000,000+ when combined with liposuction or chin augmentation. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe tightness, swelling and numbness under the chin rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medication during the first week.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with a facelift, chin augmentation or liposuction to refine the jawline in one operation.
Other lifting procedures
Gangnam.Health is an independent directory and does not perform surgery. This page is general information, not medical advice. Illustrations are schematic. Prices are approximate ranges at Seoul clinics and vary by case; final pricing and treatment plans are set by the operating surgeon after consultation.
