Neck Lift in Turkey

A neck lift in Turkey in 2026 typically costs €2,200–€4,500 as an all-inclusive package — roughly half the price of the same procedure in the UK or Western Europe and a third of US pricing. This complete guide covers every technique (platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, neck liposuction and combined approaches), realistic recovery, honest risks, what an itemised quote should include, and how to choose a surgeon who will give you a defined, natural-looking jawline.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that restores a defined, youthful contour to the neck and jawline. The medical terms vary by what is being treated — platysmaplasty (tightening of the platysma muscle), cervicoplasty (removal of excess neck skin), and submental liposuction (removal of fat under the chin). Most modern neck lifts combine elements of all three.

A youthful neck has three features: a sharp angle between the chin and neck (the cervico-mental angle), a defined jawline without jowling, and smooth platysma muscle bands. Ageing, weight loss and genetics can blur all three — producing a “turkey neck”, visible vertical bands, fat under the chin or simply a heavy, undefined jawline. A neck lift addresses each of these.

It is one of the most rewarding facial procedures because the change is immediate and visually striking — especially in profile. Many patients find that even a “small” neck lift makes a noticeable difference to how rested and defined their face looks.

Neck lift techniques explained

Platysmaplasty

Platysmaplasty is the muscular core of most modern neck lifts. The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that covers the front of the neck. With age, its edges separate in the midline, producing visible vertical “bands” when the neck is contracted. Platysmaplasty repairs this separation by re-suturing the muscle edges in the midline through a small incision under the chin.

Often the surgeon also tightens the lateral edges of the platysma through incisions behind the ear, creating a “platysmal sling” that defines the cervico-mental angle. This is the workhorse of the modern neck lift and the source of most of its lasting improvement.

Platysmaplasty alone takes around 1.5–2 hours under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, with a typical Turkish package price around €2,200–€3,000. It pairs naturally with liposuction in most cases.

Cervicoplasty

Cervicoplasty is the skin component of a neck lift — the removal and re-draping of excess neck skin through incisions behind the ear and, occasionally, along the hairline. It is needed in patients who have significant skin laxity (typically over 50) where simply tightening the muscle would leave loose skin behind.

Cervicoplasty combined with platysmaplasty is what most surgeons mean by a “full neck lift”. It produces dramatic improvement in the cervico-mental angle and jawline definition, and is the right procedure for patients with both muscular laxity and excess skin. Approximate cost in Turkey: €3,000–€4,200.

Incisions are designed to be invisible, hidden behind the ear and within the hairline. Modern cervicoplasty avoids the long under-chin incisions of older techniques.

Neck liposuction

Neck liposuction removes excess fat from beneath the chin (submental fat) and along the jawline through tiny incisions. It is most effective in younger patients (typically 30s–40s) whose skin still has good elasticity, so it will retract smoothly over the new contour.

Performed as a stand-alone procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation, neck liposuction takes around 45–60 minutes and costs approximately €1,800–€2,800 in Turkey. Combined with platysmaplasty in patients who need both, it adds modest extra time and cost.

Liposuction alone is not a true neck lift; in older patients with skin laxity it can actually worsen sagging by removing the volume that had been holding the skin out. An honest surgeon will tell you whether liposuction alone is enough for your anatomy.

Combined neck lift

The “combined” neck lift integrates platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty and submental liposuction in one operation to address all three elements of neck ageing simultaneously. This is the most common technique in patients over 50 with significant signs of ageing and the technique most likely to be paired with a facelift.

Combined neck lift takes 2.5–4 hours under general anaesthesia and sits at the upper end of the Turkish price range (€3,500–€4,500 as a stand-alone procedure; €4,500–€7,500 when combined with a facelift). Recovery is similar to a full facelift.

Am I a good candidate for neck lift in Turkey?

A neck lift is suitable for adults in good general health who have visible neck laxity, platysmal bands, submental fullness or a poor cervico-mental angle, and who have realistic expectations.

Pros: immediate and dramatic improvement in jawline and profile, results that last 8–12 years, very high patient satisfaction. The procedure is shorter and recovery slightly faster than a full facelift.

Cons and limits: a neck lift does not improve the lower face (jowls, marionette lines) — those need a facelift. It cannot fix significantly damaged skin quality. Bony anatomy and a “weak” chin can limit the result; a small chin implant may be discussed.

Contraindications: active smoking (4–6 weeks of complete cessation usually required), uncontrolled hypertension, untreated diabetes, bleeding disorders, recent isotretinoin use, and significant cardiac or pulmonary disease. Patients with very thick, congested neck tissue and a low hyoid bone may have an anatomically limited result regardless of technique.

The most rewarded candidates are those whose primary complaint is neck appearance specifically, rather than overall facial ageing. If your concerns extend to jowls and midface, a combined facelift and neck lift is usually more satisfying than a neck lift alone.

Your consultation: what to ask

1. Which neck lift technique do you recommend for me, and why? Liposuction-only, platysmaplasty, full neck lift or combined facelift–neck lift.
2. How many neck lifts do you perform each year? Volume and consistency matter.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with similar neck anatomy and age? Photos in profile are essential.
4. Would I benefit from a facelift as well, and is it included in the quote? Many patients do, even if they had not considered it.
5. Will I need a chin implant for an optimal result? A small chin can limit the neck-lift outcome; surgeons should discuss this honestly.
6. Where will the operation be performed? Confirm hospital accreditation and anaesthetist credentials.
7. What are the realistic risks for me specifically? Including haematoma, nerve injury and any anatomy-related limits.
8. What does the package include and what is not included? Itemised written quote, please.
9. What follow-up will you provide once I am back home? Distance follow-up matters.
10. What is your revision policy? In writing, before booking.

The procedure, step by step

1. Admission and pre-op checks. Blood tests, ECG and final consultation with the surgeon and anaesthetist.
2. Marking. Surgeon marks incision lines, platysmal band locations and liposuction zones with you upright.
3. Anaesthesia. General anaesthesia for full neck lift or combined procedure; deep sedation with local can be used for liposuction-only or limited platysmaplasty.
4. Liposuction (if planned). Small cannula through a 3–4 mm incision under the chin removes submental fat.
5. Platysmaplasty. Through the same submental incision, the two edges of the platysma are sutured together in the midline. Lateral edges tightened through behind-ear incisions if needed.
6. Cervicoplasty (if planned). Skin lifted from behind the ear and trimmed; re-draped without tension over the new contour.
7. Closure. Fine sutures and skin glue; drains placed for 24–48 hours in full neck lifts.
8. Compression dressing. A soft chin-and-neck strap supports the tissues for the first days; usually overnight in hospital before transfer to the recovery hotel.

Recovery timeline

• Day 1: Compression chin strap in place. Tightness around the neck is more noticeable than pain. Sleep with head elevated.
• Days 2–3: Dressings reviewed; drains removed. Swelling and bruising along the jawline and neck.
• Days 4–7: Bruising peaks then begins to fade. Walking encouraged. Strap worn most of the day.
• Days 8–10: Sutures removed at clinic. Most patients fly home around this point.
• Week 2: Return to office work and quiet social activities. Strap may be reduced to night-only.
• Weeks 3–4: Gentle exercise (walking, stationary bike). External swelling largely resolved.
• Weeks 4–6: Resume cardio and light strength training. Scars still pink behind the ears.
• Months 2–3: Most deep swelling settles; the new jawline becomes visible.
• Months 6–12: Scars fade to fine pale lines and become inconspicuous. Numbness in skin flaps gradually resolves.

Results and realistic expectations

A well-performed neck lift produces a defined jawline, a sharper cervico-mental angle and a smoother neck contour. The improvement is most striking in profile, which is why surgeons take careful three-quarter and side photos before and after.

Results typically last 8–12 years before further laxity becomes apparent — comparable to a facelift. Underlying ageing continues at the same pace as before. Maintenance with skincare, sun protection and weight stability prolongs the result.

Honest limits: a neck lift cannot fully compensate for unfavourable bony anatomy. A weak chin or low-positioned hyoid bone limits the achievable cervico-mental angle no matter how skilled the surgeon. In these cases, a small chin implant or genioplasty may be discussed.

A neck lift also does not improve the lower face. Patients who address only the neck while leaving visible jowls sometimes find the contrast unflattering, which is why combined facelift–neck lift is so popular. See our complementary blog: why do I look tired all the time.

Risks and complications

A neck lift is real surgery with real risks alongside the temporary effects of swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness.

Common transient effects: bruising for 2–3 weeks, swelling for several months, tightness and pulling sensation, temporary numbness of the neck and earlobes (3–6 months to fully resolve), visible pink scars that mature over a year.

More significant risks include:

• Haematoma — collection of blood under the skin, occurring in around 1–2% of neck lifts. May require return to theatre.
• Infection — uncommon (under 1%) but possible, especially in smokers.
• Skin necrosis along incisions, much more likely in smokers.
• Marginal mandibular nerve injury — temporary weakness of the lower lip in around 1% of cases, usually resolving within 3–6 months; permanent injury is rare.
• Great auricular nerve injury causing prolonged earlobe numbness.
• Contour irregularity or visible bands at the platysmaplasty repair, sometimes requiring revision.
• Hypertrophic or keloid scarring, more common in some skin types.
• Submental “puddle” of seroma — collection of fluid that may need drainage.
• Asymmetry, over-correction or under-correction.
• Dissatisfaction with the result, even after technically successful surgery.

Surgeon experience, complete avoidance of smoking and careful blood-pressure control around the operation are the most important protective factors.

How much does a neck lift in Turkey cost?

How to choose a neck lift surgeon in Turkey

• Board-certified plastic surgeon. Registered with TSPRAS and ideally an ISAPS member.
• Specific neck lift / facelift experience. Ask annual volumes; this is a technique-sensitive procedure.
• JCI-accredited or Ministry-of-Health-licensed hospital. Full neck lift should not be performed in a small outpatient clinic.
• Honest assessment of liposuction-only vs full neck lift. A surgeon who declines liposuction-only when it would worsen the appearance is more trustworthy than one who agrees.
• Authentic before/after photos in profile. Same lighting, similar age and neck anatomy, at least 6 months post-op.
• Chin assessment. A serious surgeon discusses chin position and whether a small implant would improve your result.
• Written, itemised quote. Clear technique, hospital, length of stay and what is and is not included.
• Clear revision policy. In writing before booking.
• English-speaking team. Essential for consent and aftercare.
• Independent reviews. Look beyond clinic-controlled review platforms.

For our methodology, see how we review clinics.

Where in Turkey? Istanbul, Antalya and İzmir

Istanbul offers the widest choice of internationally trained facial plastic surgeons and JCI-accredited hospitals. Direct flight connections from across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East make logistics simple. Recovery hotels in upscale districts (Levent, Şişli, Etiler) are tailored to post-surgical patients.

Antalya combines reputable private hospitals with a Mediterranean climate that many patients find pleasant for recovery. Direct flights from many European cities and a compact city layout keep transfers short. Antalya is a popular choice for patients who want surgery combined with a quiet beachside recovery.

İzmir on the Aegean coast has a more relaxed pace and strong university-trained surgeons. Package pricing is often slightly more competitive than central Istanbul. Recovery in the surrounding coastal areas (Çeşme, Alaçatı) appeals to patients who prefer mild weather and a quieter environment.

Combining neck lift with other procedures

Because the neck rarely ages in isolation, many patients combine a neck lift with related procedures in one trip — sharing one anaesthetic, one recovery and one journey to Turkey.

• Neck lift + facelift — by far the most popular combination, addressing jowls, jawline and neck in one operation. See Facelift in Turkey.
• Neck lift + chin implant — a small genioplasty implant balances a weak chin and dramatically improves the cervico-mental angle.
• Neck lift + lower blepharoplasty — addresses the under-eye area and neck together for a refreshed overall look. See Eyelid Surgery in Turkey.
• Neck lift + laser resurfacing — surgery for laxity, laser for skin quality.
• Neck lift + brow lift — for patients with descended brows as well as neck laxity. See Brow Lift in Turkey.

For a wider overview of all facial procedures available, return to our hub: Face Surgery in Turkey.

Non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift

If you have early signs of neck ageing — modest fat or mild skin laxity — non-surgical options can help. None of them replicates a true neck lift for established laxity, but they can defer surgery or maintain a post-operative result.

• Fat-dissolving injections (Kybella-style deoxycholic acid). A series of small injections beneath the chin dissolves submental fat. Typically 2–4 sessions are needed. Best for patients in their 30s–40s with localised fat and good skin elasticity.
• Radiofrequency tightening (Thermage, microneedling RF, Morpheus8) delivers controlled heat to the deep dermis, stimulating collagen. Modest but real improvement; results develop over 3–6 months and last 1–2 years.
• Ultrasound tightening (Ultherapy) targets the SMAS layer of the neck non-invasively. Modest tightening lasting around 12–18 months.
• Botulinum toxin can soften the appearance of platysmal bands in selected patients (the “Nefertiti lift”). Lasts 3–4 months.
• Thread lifts can provide subtle repositioning of the jowl border, lasting 12–18 months.

For significant neck laxity, however, only surgery genuinely tightens the platysma and removes excess skin. A good surgeon will tell you honestly which category you fall into.

Your patient journey, end to end

• Week -8 to -6: Online consultation. Submit photos (front, profile, three-quarter, head extended, head flexed) and medical history. Receive a treatment plan and itemised quote.
• Week -6: Booking. Confirm surgery date and book flights. Stop smoking now if you have not already.
• Week -2: Pre-op preparation. Pause aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo supplements. Arrange 2–3 weeks off work.
• Day -1: Arrival in Turkey. Airport pick-up, hotel check-in, in-person consultation with the surgeon and anaesthetist, blood tests.
• Day 0: Surgery day. Admission, surgery (2–4 hours), recovery, overnight in hospital.
• Days 1–2: Hospital recovery. Dressings reviewed; drains removed; transfer to recovery hotel.
• Days 3–8: Hotel recovery. Clinic visits every 1–2 days for review and suture removal.
• Day 7–9: Fly home. Cleared by the surgeon with a written discharge summary and aftercare plan.
• Weeks 2–6: Remote follow-up. Photo and video reviews with the clinic.
• Month 3, 6 and 12: Long-term follow-up. Final result assessed at 6–12 months.

Why patients choose Healt İn Turkey

Healt İn Turkey is an independent platform — not a clinic and not a commission-driven agency. We compare accredited hospitals and experienced facial plastic surgeons in Istanbul, Antalya and İzmir, explain pricing honestly and help international patients understand what they are buying. Our guidance is free and there is no obligation. More about us: about us.

Frequently asked questions

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Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Neck lift is a surgical procedure with risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified, licensed surgeon who can assess your individual case. Last updated 2026-05-23. Healt İn Turkey is an independent comparison and information platform, not a healthcare provider.