Neck Lift in Chicago & Kenilworth, IL

Many women focus on facial care while unintentionally neglecting the neck, which is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging due to genetics and decreased collagen production. A neck lift with Dr. Fenner can rejuvenate sagging, wrinkled skin in this delicate area—helping you achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and tighten the neck area by removing excess skin, reducing fat deposits, and restoring muscle tone. The result is a more defined jawline, a firmer neck contour, and a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Dr. Geoffrey Fenner customizes each neck lift to address the unique anatomy and aesthetic goals of the patient, delivering natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

The Benefits

As one of Dr. Fenner’s most transformative facial rejuvenation procedures, a neck lift can dramatically enhance your appearance by restoring youthful definition to the lower face and neck. Patients seeking a neck lift in Chicago often turn to Dr. Fenner for his precision, aesthetic expertise, and ability to deliver subtle yet stunning results—with minimal scarring and downtime. A neck lift has the power to:

Improve the appearance of sun-damaged or aging neck skin, restoring a smoother, firmer texture
Reduce the appearance of a double or triple chin for a more sculpted profile
Tighten loose, sagging neck skin that may develop due to age or weight changes
Lighten heavy jowls, enhancing jawline definition and balance
Trim away excess fat and skin, creating a more elegant and youthful neckline

A Personalized Neck Lift Experience in Chicago

Dr. Fenner offers highly personalized neck lift procedures with surgical options tailored to your unique needs. During a thorough consultation, he takes the time to understand your goals and assess your anatomy in detail. This allows him to develop a treatment plan uniquely suited to you—whether that involves a traditional neck lift, a more targeted lower face approach, or combining procedures to enhance definition and restore a youthful, balanced appearance.

The Procedure: What to Expect

To begin your neck lift, general anesthesia will be administered and Dr. Fenner will create small, discreet incisions beneath your chin and behind the ears. Through those openings, he will tailor his refinements to meet your needs and aesthetic goals. Depending on your unique signs of aging and facial structure, he may:

Remove excess fat via liposuction or surgical excision
Tighten lax muscles in the area
Remove a small portion of the platysma muscle

Once the underlying structures have been sufficiently treated, Dr. Fenner will re-drape the skin, pull it taut, close the incisions, and trim away any excess tissue.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

If you’re beginning to notice loose, sagging skin, visible neck banding, or a loss of definition along the jawline, you may be an excellent candidate for a neck lift. Most of Dr. Fenner’s neck lift patients are between the ages of 40 and 60, although younger and older individuals may also benefit depending on their unique anatomy and concerns. Ideal candidates generally meet the following criteria:

Have good skin elasticity, which helps the skin adapt well after tightening
Experience excess fat or skin under the chin or along the neck
Experience prominent neck banding, jowls, or a “turkey neck”
Are in good overall health, with no conditions that could impair healing
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery

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The recovery

Our patients should prepare to take one to two weeks off work following a neck lift. During the first 24 hours, you will need to have a friend or family member stay with you, as movement will be difficult.

The first few days of recovery will be spent resting and lightly walking to promote healing. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal and to be expected. These effects will peak three days after surgery and it can take up to three months for all residual swelling to subside.

As part of your neck lift Chicago recovery plan, Dr. Fenner will prescribe appropriate pain medication to ensure your comfort throughout the healing process. While the initial recovery phase usually passes within a couple of weeks, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and contact sports until Dr. Fenner gives you the all-clear.

The Results

Neck lift results improve with time, as the underlying tissues settle and swelling dissipates. Most of our Kenilworth, IL patients experience their optimal results in about six months. Scarring is typically minimal, and your firm neck skin and beautifully defined jawline should endure between five and ten years.

How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?

While a neck lift cannot stop the aging process, it can provide lasting improvements in your appearance for around 10-15 years. Patients who undergo the procedure earlier in the aging process will be able to maintain their results longer, provided that they follow a healthy, non-smoking lifestyle and avoid excessive sun exposure.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Chicago?

Neck lift surgery pricing will take into account several different factors, including the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and others. The cost may increase if the procedure is performed in tandem with liposuction or a facelift. Dr. Fenner will provide a personalized quote after evaluating your overall health, skin quality, and cosmetic goals during your private consultation.

My only regret was not coming to Dr. Fenner sooner! Dr. Fenner & his staff are very kind & thorough in their explanations. They made everything so simple, from consult to pre-op to surgery. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to answer all my questions and, most importantly, take care of me. I now have the side profile of my dreams, thank you Fenner Plastic Surgery!

Jackie Y.

Why Choose Dr. Fenner?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fenner specializes in advanced facial rejuvenation procedures, with the neck lift being one of the most popular among patients looking to restore a smooth, youthful neckline. This procedure is designed to address loose, sagging skin, reduce neck banding, and improve jawline definition, creating a more refined and balanced profile.

Patients seeking a neck lift in Kenilworth consistently choose Dr. Fenner for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic eye, and commitment to delivering individualized care. Over the years, men and women from the Chicago area have trusted Dr. Fenner to enhance their natural features while maintaining subtle, elegant results. Through a combination of precision, experience, and compassion, Dr. Fenner helps patients achieve a rejuvenated appearance that looks as good as it feels.

NECK LIFT FAQs

Is there a non-surgical neck lift option?

Non-surgical solutions such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers can be used temporarily to reduce wrinkles, but only a surgical neck lift can provide long-lasting, dramatic changes that significantly address sagging and vertical banding.

Is a neck lift painful?

Dr. Fenner will ensure that you are completely comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. You’ll receive general anesthesia before surgery, and afterward, Dr. Fenner will provide prescription pain medications to ease any discomfort.

Will there be scarring with a neck lift?

Dr. Fenner is careful to minimize your scarring by placing the incisions within the hairline and around the ears where they are well hidden. The incisions are typically quite small, making them easy to conceal. We can also provide medical-grade scar creams to help further fade the markings. Additionally, patients can use makeup to cover their scars during the early stages of the healing process.

How long does a neck lift procedure take?

A neck lift typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it’s combined with other treatments such as a facelift or liposuction. Dr. Fenner will give you a more accurate timeframe during your consultation.

How soon can I return to work or normal activities?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities and desk work within 10 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the following weeks. Dr. Fenner will provide detailed recovery guidelines to support a smooth healing process.

Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?

Dr. Fenner uses carefully placed incisions—usually behind the ears and sometimes beneath the chin—to minimize visibility. Over time, these scars fade significantly and are often hidden within natural skin folds or hairlines.