Neck Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Neck Lift Synergi Facial Surgery, Dr. Rob Cristel

A neck lift is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and jawline by tightening sagging skin, reducing excess fat, and tightening the neck muscles. (1)

The neck plays a central role in overall facial aesthetics, and even minor changes can dramatically impact how youthful a person looks. Over time, factors such as aging, genetics, sun exposure, and fluctuations in weight can create loose skin, vertical banding, and the loss of a defined jawline. A neck lift directly addresses these concerns to restore a smoother, firmer, and more refined profile.

At Synergi Facial Surgery, Dr. Rob Cristel and his expert team specialize in providing tailored surgical treatments that produce natural-looking, lasting results. Dr. Cristel is highly regarded for his precision and commitment to individualized care, helping patients throughout Missouri achieve renewed confidence in their appearance.

If you are ready to explore how a neck lift can rejuvenate your appearance, call Synergi Facial Surgery at (314) 523-5738 or schedule a personal consultation online at one of our four locations in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield, Missouri.

About Neck Lift Procedures

Neck lifts are cosmetic treatments that aim to address the underlying causes of visible aging in the neck. Rather than simply trimming away loose skin, neck lifts improve multiple layers of the neck to achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results.

Face and neck rejuvenation procedures have contributed to the overall growth in demand for plastic surgery in recent years. Among these, neck lifts experienced the highest increase in demand in 2024. (2)

One of the key steps involves tightening the platysma muscle, which runs vertically along the front of the neck. As this muscle weakens or separates with age, it creates visible vertical bands. By tightening and repositioning the platysma, Dr. Cristel restores a smoother, more youthful contour. In addition to muscle repair, excess skin is removed and carefully redraped to address sagging, while localized fat deposits under the chin or along the jawline may be removed with liposuction to further refine definition. This combination of techniques allows patients to achieve a firmer neck, a sharper jawline, and a more balanced overall profile. (3)

Benefits

At Synergi Facial Surgery, commonly reported benefits include:

  • Reduction of vertical neck bands
  • Smoother and firmer skin texture
  • Reduction of sagging or drooping skin
  • Sharper jawline definition
  • Removal of a double chin or excess fat
  • Restoration of youthful neck contours
  • Long-lasting improvements compared to nonsurgical alternatives
  • A natural, refreshed appearance without looking “overdone”

If you are interested in experiencing these benefits for yourself, call (314) 523-5738 or contact Synergi Facial Surgery online to schedule a consultation.

Ideal Candidates

Neck lifts are often best suited for individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their neck and seek long-lasting improvements. Ideal candidates usually have:

  • Loose or sagging skin on the neck
  • Vertical muscle banding
  • Excess fat under the chin or jawline
  • Wrinkles or creases on the neck
  • A poorly defined jawline or profile

Interested patients should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be looking for long-lasting improvements rather than temporary fixes. During your consultation, Dr. Cristel will determine whether a neck lift is the best treatment option for you.

Personal Consultation

Scheduling a personal consultation is the first step toward achieving a rejuvenated neck. During this visit, Dr. Cristel will evaluate your medical history, examine your neck anatomy, and discuss your concerns in detail. He will explain the techniques best suited to your goals, whether that involves tightening the platysma muscle, removing excess skin, or combining fat reduction with skin redraping.

This appointment is also your opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. Dr. Cristel values patient education and ensures you feel comfortable and fully informed before moving forward. With the information gathered in this meeting, Dr. Cristel and his team will then create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs.

Schedule this personal consultation with Dr. Cristel today by calling (314) 523-5738 or contacting us online. Appointments are available at all four Synergi Facial Surgery locations in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield.

Preparation

Following your personal consultation, Dr. Cristel and his team will give you detailed instructions to prepare for surgery. These guidelines may include:

  • Avoiding medications and supplements with blood-thinning effects
  • Discontinuing nicotine use before and after surgery
  • Arranging for transportation home after the procedure
  • Planning time away from work and social responsibilities
  • Preparing a comfortable recovery space with essentials at home

Following these steps closely will help support your safety, healing, and overall outcome.

Procedure

Dr. Cristel begins each neck lift by making discreet incisions, usually hidden behind the ears and beneath the chin, to gain access to the underlying structures. After the necessary incisions are made, Dr. Cristel then begins tightening the platysma muscle to address vertical bands and improve neck definition. If necessary, excess fat deposits are removed through liposuction. Loose skin is then carefully trimmed, and the remaining skin is redraped for a smooth, natural result.

Once the necessary corrections are made, Dr. Cristel closes the incisions meticulously to minimize visible scarring, and all sutures are placed with precision to ensure optimal healing. The entire procedure generally lasts several hours, after which patients can often return home the same day to begin recovery.

Recovery

Every patient and procedure is different; therefore, the recovery phase following a neck lift varies for each person, but most experience temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first week. These effects are typically manageable with medication prescribed by Dr. Cristel. Patients usually resume light activities within 10 to 14 days, although strenuous exercise should be postponed until cleared by Dr. Cristel. Bandages or compression garments may be recommended to support healing and minimize swelling. To allow Dr. Cristel to monitor your recovery and ensure your results develop as expected, you will be encouraged to schedule follow-up appointments.

Results

Neck Lift Synergi Facial Surgery, Dr. Rob Cristel

As with any cosmetic treatment, results from a neck lift will vary from patient to patient. Dr. Cristel’s patients usually begin to see their results as any initial swelling subsides. Results tend to include smoother contours, a more defined jawline, and an overall more youthful appearance. Many patients describe the change as transformative, restoring confidence and enhancing harmony between the face and neck. With proper care, neck lift results are long-lasting, often maintaining a youthful look for many years. While aging will naturally continue, most patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer.

Corresponding and Combination Procedures

Many of Dr. Cristel’s patients choose to combine a neck lift with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. While additional treatments are completely optional, these combinations allow for a balanced, natural look across the entire face and neck. Popular combination treatments include:

Facelift

Combining a facelift with a neck lift addresses sagging skin and wrinkles in both the lower face and neck, often producing a seamless and harmonious outcome.

Brow Lift

A brow lift elevates the brows and reduces forehead lines, complementing the rejuvenation achieved through a neck lift.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, corrects drooping upper eyelids and under-eye bags, further enhancing the refreshed appearance provided by a neck lift.

Facial Fat Transfer

For patients with volume loss in the cheeks or temples, facial fat transfer restores youthful fullness and enhances the overall results of a neck lift.

Cost of Neck Lifts in Missouri

The cost of a neck lift at Synergi Facial Surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure, the techniques involved, and whether additional treatments are performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Cristel will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific treatment plan.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your neck lift possibilities and associated costs. If you have any questions, please call our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield offices at (314) 523-5738.

FAQ

Is a neck lift the same as a platysmaplasty?

Yes. A neck lift is often referred to as a platysmaplasty when the surgery specifically focuses on tightening the platysma muscle. Most neck lifts include platysmaplasty as part of the procedure.

Can a neck lift reduce jowls?

Yes. By tightening the skin and underlying tissues, a neck lift can significantly reduce jowls and sharpen the jawline.

Will I have visible scars after my neck lift?

Incisions are placed discreetly behind the ears or beneath the chin. Scars are well hidden and fade significantly over time.

How long do neck lift results last?

With proper care, neck lift results typically last 10 years or more, making it one of the most durable surgical rejuvenation options.

What is neck lift recovery like?

Most patients return to light activities in about two weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually fade, and results improve as healing continues.

References

  1. Cambiaso-Daniel J, Giordano S, Agnelli B, Bella LL, Gualdi A. Neck Lift to Treat Platysma Bands and Defining Cervical Angle: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Facial plastic surgery : FPS. 2025;41(4):482-490. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1791690
  2. Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563291/
  3. Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/plastic-surgery-statistics