Necklift

PROCEDURES OF EXCELLENCE

Book today!

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), neck lift surgery has seen a steady rise in demand in recent years, with the popularity of the procedure increasing over 90% from 2020 to 2024.

This trend tracks closely with a broader cultural shift toward natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation.  

The Neckline You Choose!

We tend to place a great deal of emphasis on our faces. When we see them constantly in photos, FaceTimes, Zoom meetings and the mirror, it’s easy to remember to stick to a skincare routine and wear daily sun protection. Our necks, however, rarely receive the same level of attention, and as such, we may develop a disconnect between the youthfulness of our face and the appearance of our neck.

A neck lift, clinically referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin, stubborn submental fat (below the chin) and lax muscle tissue along the neck and jawline. For patients who are troubled by the way their neck and jawline have changed over time, the results can be quite transformative.

Why Do We Choose Neck Lift Surgery?

The neck is one of the earliest and most telling places where aging makes itself known. Because the skin here is thinner than many other areas of the body and the underlying platysma muscle spans a broad area, the combined effects of collagen decline, gravity and repeated movement add up in ways that are difficult to conceal and impossible to reverse through non-surgical means alone.

For many patients, the concern surfaces as a slight softening of the jawline, vertical muscle bands that grow more prominent, or a pocket of fat beneath the chin that resists exercise and dietary changes. These changes worsen over the years as the natural aging process runs its course.

If you are finding yourself avoiding certain camera angles or feeling like your neck no longer reflects your internal energy, a neck lift offers a structural solution that no injectable or device can replicate.

What Does a Neck Lift Treat?

1

Platysmal Banding

Vertical cords or bands running down the neck, caused by the separation and loosening of the platysma muscle.

2

Skin Laxity

Loose, sagging skin along the neck and beneath the chin that has lost its elasticity and no longer responds to non-invasive approaches.

3

Submental Fat

Persistent fat deposits beneath the chin that create a rounded or softened jawline profile, often resistant to diet and exercise.

4

Jowling

A loss of definition along the jawline, resulting in a blurred or heavy-looking jaw contour.

5

Horizontal Neck Lines

Deep-set creases across the neck that do not improve with topical care.

What Are My Neck Lift Options?

Platysmaplasty With Skin Excision 

The most comprehensive approach to neck rejuvenation, this technique directly addresses the underlying platysma muscle by suturing it to create a smooth, taut foundation before removing the redundant skin above it. Dr. Nodwell favors this approach for patients with both skin laxity and visible muscle banding, as it treats the structure of the neck rather than the surface alone. Incisions are carefully positioned behind the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin to keep a discreet appearance. 

Isolated Submentoplasty 

For patients whose primary concern is the area directly beneath the chin, with less significant skin laxity along the neck, a submentoplasty addresses this area and the underlying musculature through a small incision beneath the chin. This is a more targeted option, and Dr. Nodwell will assess your anatomy during your consultation to determine whether it addresses your full range of concerns or whether a more complete neck lift would serve you better.

The Nodwell Experience

Facial Rejuvenation Excellence

The neck is a deceptively complex area to operate on, and one I find deeply interesting precisely because of that. When patients come to me concerned about their necklines, they are often describing the intersection of three distinct issues: skin, fat and muscle. Each of those components responds differently, and each requires its own consideration during surgical planning.

My experience in practice and my fellowship training at the University of Toronto reinforced that a good neck lift result is not just technically sound, but personalized. No two necks are the same, and a surgical plan that ignores these differences, even subtle ones, will produce a result that feels generic rather than genuine.

What I want for every neck lift patient is a neckline that looks as though it has always belonged to them.  

The Nodwell Experience

"Surgical excellence is just the beginning."

Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Your age is less of a determining factor than your anatomy. Some patients pursue a neck lift in their 40s, when the platysma first becomes visible; others wait until their 60s. What matters most is that your skin retains enough elasticity to heal well, that your expectations are grounded in what surgery can realistically achieve, and that you have had an honest, thorough conversation with Dr. Nodwell about your goals before committing to a plan.

Having realistic expectations about your results plays a vital role in your satisfaction. During your consultation, we will help you understand what a neck lift can realistically achieve for your unique body type and anatomy. This includes reviewing before and after photos of patients with similar journeys to yours and discussing your aesthetic goals in detail.

Visible skin laxity, muscle banding or submental fat

Stable overall health with no conditions that increase surgical risk

A non-smoking status or a firm commitment to cessation before and after surgery

Realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the recovery process

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do neck lift results last?

A neck lift produces long-lasting structural changes. Most patients enjoy their results for 10 or more years. While aging continues after surgery, the correction made to the underlying muscle and the removal of excess skin form a durable foundation.

More

Will there be visible scarring after a neck lift?

Incisions for a neck lift are placed in naturally concealed locations, including behind the ears and beneath the chin, as applicable. Scarring is minimal and well-hidden during normal healing. Dr. Nodwell takes particular care with incision placement and closure to support discreet healing and scarring.

More

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with a full facelift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address multiple signs of facial aging in a single surgical session. Dr. Nodwell will discuss which combinations make sense for your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

More

How much does a neck lift cost in Ottawa?

Pricing is personalized and depends on the scope of your procedure, anesthesia requirements and surgical time. Dr. Nodwell's team will provide a full cost breakdown during your consultation. Financing options are available.

More

What Should I Expect from
Neck Lift Recovery?

Days 1–5

Swelling, tightness and bruising are normal during the first several days following surgery. You will wear a compression garment around your neck and chin to support healing and minimize edema. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed medication. Dr. Nodwell's team remains accessible if any questions arise during this initial phase.

Days 1–5

Week 1–2

Bruising and swelling begin to subside. By the end of the second week, most patients feel comfortable in social settings with some residual swelling still present. Stitches are typically removed within this window, and light activity can resume.

Week 1–2

Weeks 3–6

As deep swelling continues to settle, the full shape and contour of the neck become more apparent. Most patients feel confident in public by this point. Dr. Nodwell schedules follow-up appointments throughout recovery and encourages patients to reach out between visits with any concerns.

Weeks 3–6
Days 1–5
Week 1–2
Weeks 3–6

Live Well.
Choose Well.
Nodwell.

The decision to pursue a neck lift is a personal one that deserves to be guided by a surgeon who takes the time to get to know you and help you make the best choices for yourself. At Nodwell Plastic Surgery, every surgical plan is built from scratch around the individual in front of us, because that is the only approach that consistently produces results that feel right.

If you have been considering a neck lift in Ottawa and want to have an honest, pressure-free conversation about whether it is the right step for you, Dr. Nodwell's team is ready to help. Schedule your neck lift consultation today by calling 613-792-4415 or completing our online contact form.

Hear From Dr. Nodwell's Patients

No items found.
Leave us a review