Safe and professional
I felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my very first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the surgery itself, when I was v…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
Loose skin and loss of jawline contour occur because the skin and muscles of the neck relax with age. A neck lift can create more definition between the jawline, neck and face, and reduce and tighten loose skin or tissue that has changed over time. The treatment gives a more defined, harmonious and youthful appearance.
At Caolín, the treatment is always tailored to you, with a focus on natural proportions and on results that support your natural facial features.
At a glance
- Price
- On request
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Duration
- Approx. 2 hours
- Hospital stay
- Depends on extent
- Downtime
- 1–2 weeks
- Socially presentable
- Approx. 2–3 weeks
- Final result
- After 3–6 months
The two techniques: Deep plane neck lift and Direct neck lift
At the heart of a neck lift is tightening the platysma, the broad, flat muscle covering the front of the neck, and removing any excess skin. Both techniques do this, and both give a more defined jawline and a smoother, firmer neck. However, the two techniques differ markedly in approach, incision placement and who they are best suited to.
Deep plane neck lift
Through a discreet incision under the chin and an incision behind the ears, the platysma muscle is released at a deep level and tightened. Any fat deposits are removed, and the skin is repositioned and tightened. If an even more defined jawline and neck is desired, the submandibular salivary glands and the digastric muscle can be partially removed. In general, the tissue is lifted and repositioned in the deeper layers for a very long-lasting result. The result is a defined jawline, a smooth neck contour and removal of the bands on the front of the neck. The incisions are placed so that they are naturally hidden behind the ears, plus a small, discreet incision under the tip of the chin. There are no incisions on the neck itself.
Direct neck lift
Here the incision is placed on the front of the neck, excess skin is removed and the platysma muscle is tightened. A direct neck lift can remove a double chin and what many people call a 'turkey neck'. The incision can be oriented vertically or horizontally as needed. Because the skin and muscles along the jawline cannot be tightened, jowls and the jawline are not treated to the same extent with a direct neck lift as with a deep plane neck lift. The skin on the neck heals well, so the scars are usually very discreet.
When is a neck lift relevant?
A tendency towards loose skin on the neck can be congenital or develop as a result of ageing or significant weight loss. With the changes below, a neck lift can create more definition and a more youthful appearance:
Vertical bands on the neck
Caused by separation of the platysma muscle along the midline.
Sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline
What many experience as a double chin or a 'turkey neck'.
Loss of jawline sharpness and definition
Which gives the face and neck a less distinct contour.
Fat deposit under the chin
Fat that does not respond to weight loss.
Reviews
What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
Here you will find the whole process step by step — from consultation to the first weeks at home. If there is anything you cannot find an answer to, bring it up at your consultation.
No. A neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure, but it is often combined with a facelift. The reason is anatomical: the two procedures naturally address overlapping structures, and the effect on the neck is enhanced when the tissues of the face are also lifted upwards. In many cases, the combination gives a more harmonious and longer-lasting result than a neck lift alone.
The platysma is the broad, flat muscle that covers the neck from the jawline down towards the chest. When it becomes lax and separates along the midline, the characteristic vertical bands and sagging appearance under the chin develop. By bringing the muscle together and tightening it, the bands are eliminated and the definition of the jawline is restored. This is what sets a surgical neck lift apart from treatments that only address the skin.
Liposuction removes fat, but treats neither loose skin nor lax muscles. In younger patients with good skin elasticity and mainly a fat deposit under the chin, liposuction alone can give a good result, possibly combined with Renuvion. In patients with loose skin and bands, a neck lift is the right solution. This is assessed individually at your consultation.
With a deep plane neck lift, the incision is placed discreetly behind the ears and possibly under the chin. A direct neck lift leaves a scar on the front of the neck. The scars are usually barely visible once healed and continue to fade over 12–18 months.
The result develops gradually over 3–6 months as the swelling subsides and the tissue settles. Many people see a clear, positive difference within the first few weeks.
The result is long-lasting, but the tissue continues to age depending on lifestyle and genetics. A stable weight and good sun protection are the most important factors in maintaining the result.
Stopping smoking for at least 4–6 weeks is absolutely essential, as smoking significantly increases the risk of complications and poor healing. Blood-thinning medication and certain herbal remedies are paused. You will be guided thoroughly through all the preparation advice once your surgery date has been set.
Yes, neck bands and loss of jawline definition affect men and women alike. At Caolín, the technique is tailored to the natural proportions of the face and neck, and for men we always work with a masculine appearance as the starting point.
− Facelift: The most common combination. The facelift addresses the lower face and cheeks, while the neck lift extends the effect down the neck. Together they give a complete and harmonious rejuvenation from cheek to neck.
− Liposuction under the chin: Removing fat deposits under the chin combines naturally with a neck lift and gives a sharper jawline and a more defined neck profile.
− Caolín Signature Babylift: Lifts the upper face and brows, while the neck lift takes care of the neck and jawline, a harmonious lift from the eye area to the neck.
− CO2 laser: Improves skin quality and reduces fine lines, scars and pigmentation. CO2 laser can often be performed at the same time as the neck lift, or otherwise a few weeks afterwards.
A neck lift is a well-established procedure with few serious complications. The most relevant are bleeding, infection and temporary nerve effects with reduced sensation in the neck area.
For the first few days, the neck is typically sore and stiff, and it may feel tight to turn your head. This is to be expected and gradually eases over 1–2 weeks.
− Compression bandage: Worn as instructed by your surgeon for the first days to weeks.
− Time off work: 1–2 weeks.
− Socially presentable: Most people are ready for social situations after 2–3 weeks.
− Sport and strenuous activity: Take a break for 4–6 weeks.
− Sun on the scars: Avoid for at least 12 months, and use at least SPF 50.
− Final result: Seen gradually over 3–6 months.
A successful neck lift lasts a long time. A stable weight and sun protection significantly prolong the result.
Every treatment journey at Caolín starts with a thorough, no-obligation consultation, where the surgeon assesses your anatomy and gives you honest advice on the best approach, either alone or in combination with other procedures.
You are welcome to bring someone with you, and you can always contact us with questions along the way.
The process
What to expect at Caolín
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Consultation
The process starts with a thorough consultation, where you meet your plastic surgeon in calm, reassuring surroundings. Here we talk about your wishes, your expectations and the changes you would like to achieve.
The surgeon assesses the quality of your skin, the elasticity of the tissue and the anatomy of your neck to find the technique that suits you best. Together you will also go through the surgical process, scar placement, expected healing and the things that are important to know before you make your decision. It is important to us that you feel well informed, at ease and met with both expertise and understanding throughout the entire process.
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Before the surgery
Once your treatment plan is in place, we guide you thoroughly through all the preparations leading up to the day of surgery. You will receive advice on medication, supplements, smoking and fasting, among other things, as these factors can affect safety, anaesthesia and healing.
On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed by our team, and you will meet the nurse, the anaesthetist and the surgeon. Before the surgery, the plan is reviewed with you one last time, so that you feel calm, at ease and well prepared.
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During the surgery
During the surgery, the skin and underlying structures are tightened to create a more defined transition between the neck and jawline.
Depending on your anatomy, the scars may be placed around the ear, behind the hairline or, in some cases, directly on the neck. In some cases, a drain may be placed temporarily to support healing. When the surgery is complete, the skin is closed carefully and a compression bandage is applied. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of the treatment.
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After the surgery
After the surgery, you will be monitored by our staff until you are ready to go home. In the early period, it is normal to experience swelling, tightness and bruising in the area, which is a natural part of the healing process.
We recommend that you take it easy, keep your head slightly raised and avoid activities that increase blood pressure or put strain on the area.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelift without visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction using stem-cell-enriched fat grafting and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat grafting and body contouring. He is among the Nordic region's leading experts and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
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Financing your treatment
We offer financing, so you can spread the cost of your treatment. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is indicative. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.