Aesthetic concern
Neck laxity.
The neck often ages faster than the face and is one of the first areas people notice. Loose skin, vertical bands, and fullness under the chin blur the crisp line between jaw and neck.
Skin & muscle
Both addressed
3D imaging
At every consultation
AAAASF
Accredited surgical suite
Dr. Kirwan
Board-certified surgeon
Overview
Why the neckline softens.
A youthful neck has a defined angle between the jaw and the throat. With time the platysma muscle separates into visible bands, skin loses its spring, and fat can settle beneath the chin — together erasing that angle.
Because these are different problems, the right treatment depends on which one dominates. Dr. Kirwan tailors the approach, from focused submental contouring to a full neck lift that repositions muscle and removes excess skin.
Contributing factors
What blurs the jawline.
Muscle banding
Submental fullness
Skin laxity
Time and genetics
What you might notice
What you might notice.
Profile
- Loss of the jaw-to-neck angle
- Fullness beneath the chin
- “Turkey neck” appearance
Muscle
- Vertical bands when tense
- Cords visible at rest
- Sagging along the midline
Skin
- Loose, hanging skin
- Crepey texture
- Horizontal neck creases
Jawline
- Blurred definition
- Early jowling
- Heaviness along the lower face
Treatment options
Matched to the dominant issue.
Neck lift
Tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin to restore a defined, natural jaw-to-neck angle, often with a facelift.
Procedure detailFaceTite
Radiofrequency contraction tightens mild to moderate laxity through tiny incisions with less downtime than surgery.
Procedure detailSubmental liposuction
Removes localized fullness under the chin when skin quality is still good, sharpening the neckline.
Procedure detailKybella
An injectable that dissolves modest under-chin fat for patients who prefer a non-surgical route.
Procedure detail
Medical content on this page is illustrative and is reviewed with Dr. Kirwan before any treatment is recommended. Images do not represent patient results.
Questions
Common questions.
Do I need a full neck lift or just liposuction?
It depends on your skin and muscle. If skin is elastic and the issue is fat, contouring alone may suffice; if there are bands and loose skin, a neck lift gives a lasting result.
Will the scars show?
Neck-lift incisions are hidden behind and under the ear, with a small one beneath the chin. They are positioned to stay concealed and fade over time.
Can non-surgical treatments tighten my neck?
Radiofrequency and injectables help with early or moderate changes. Once skin and muscle have significantly loosened, surgery is the honest answer for a crisp result.
Is the neck usually treated with the face?
Frequently. The face and neck age together, so combining them avoids a mismatch and gives a balanced, natural outcome.
Next step
Restore the angle.
A consultation identifies whether skin, muscle, or fat is driving the change so you treat the cause and keep the result natural.