Deep Vertical Neck Lift
Restoring A Defined Jawline And Youthful Neck With Natural, Lasting Results
Many people notice their neck and jawline changing with age, leading to sagging skin, banding, or a heavier profile.
While creams and non-surgical treatments can help the surface, they cannot restore the deeper support that defines a youthful neck.
What Is a Deep Vertical Neck Lift?
A deep vertical neck lift rejuvenates the jawline and neck by addressing underlying muscular support rather than merely tightening the skin.
To better understand how this advanced procedure works, watch Dr. Balikian explain the Deep Vertical Neck Lift in detail.
This technique is central to Dr. Balikian’s signature Artiste Lift™, combining a preservation deep plane facelift with neck rejuvenation to achieve natural, long-lasting results that look and feel like you.
Why the Neck Ages
One of the first areas to reveal the signs of aging is the neck, where underlying support structures gradually weaken over time.
The Platysmal Hammock
The platysma muscle is a thin sheet of tissue that stretches across the front of the neck like a hammock. With time, this “hammock” loosens, sags, and can even split into vertical bands, creating laxity, jowls, and loss of definition along the jawline.
Other Deep Structures
Beneath the platysma lies a complex framework of deeper structures that also shape the appearance of the neck.
- Subplatysmal fat can create heaviness under the chin.
- Digastric muscles may bulge and contribute to fullness.
- Submandibular glands sometimes enlarge or droop, softening the jawline.
- The hyoid bone may sit low, influencing the neck angle.
Together, these layers explain why surface treatments alone cannot restore a firm, youthful neckline.
What “Deep Vertical” Means
Traditional neck lifts often pull skin sideways, creating tension that can look tight or unnatural.
A deep vertical neck lift, by contrast, repositions tissues upward with vertical support. Using a small incision beneath the chin, Dr. Balikian repairs and re-suspends the platysma, releases tethers that pull downward, and sculpts deeper structures when needed.
This creates a smoother cervicomental angle and a defined jawline without a “pulled” look.
The Preservation Approach
By preserving the natural attachments of the skin, this approach promotes quicker healing and results that look more natural.
Limited Skin Elevation
Instead of undermining large areas of skin, Dr. Balikian lifts only three small pockets around each ear and under the chin. Most of the skin remains attached to its underlying support, which reduces trauma and bruising.
Drainless Recovery
Because Dr. Balikian combines limited skin elevation with a gentle fibrin tissue sealant, the skin re-adheres quickly to its natural foundation.
This approach eliminates the need for surgical drains, making recovery more comfortable and less disruptive.
Before & After Deep Vertical Neck Lift Results
What Can Be Addressed
Every patient’s anatomy is unique. Depending on your needs, your procedure may include:
- Platysma repair (platysmaplasty) to soften vertical bands and restore support.
- Subplatysmal fat reduction for patients with deep fullness beneath the chin.
- Digastric muscle sculpting to refine bulky muscular contours.
- Submandibular gland reduction in select patients for a sharper jawline.
- Hyoid release for severe laxity or an obtuse neck angle.
- Mastoid crevasse technique to secure tissues vertically for lasting lift.
These refinements are chosen carefully to balance safety with artistry.
Incisions and Scar Placement
Carefully placed incisions are designed to rejuvenate the neck while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
- A small curved incision is made beneath the chin.
- Around the ears, incisions follow natural creases and hairlines to remain discreet.
- Because skin is not pulled tight, scars are fine and blend naturally.
Over time, these fine scars fade and blend seamlessly with the natural contours of the face and neck.
Who It Helps
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Vertical neck bands
- Fullness or heaviness under the chin
- Jowls or jawline blurring
- Loose or sagging skin of the lower face and neck
A personalized consultation helps determine which deep structures need to be addressed for the best outcome.
Recovery
Most patients experience swelling and bruising that resolve within weeks. Because skin undermining is limited and drains are avoided, recovery is often smoother and more comfortable than with older techniques.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, patients also benefit from advanced photobiomodulation therapy, using blue and yellow light treatments to reduce swelling, minimize infection risk, and accelerate healing.
Final refinement continues for several months as tissues naturally settle.
Risks
As with all surgeries, risks include bleeding, infection, numbness, asymmetry, or temporary nerve weakness.
Advanced deep neck work requires an experienced surgeon. In expert hands, satisfaction rates are high and outcomes are consistently natural.
How It Fits With the Artiste Lift™
A deep vertical neck lift is rarely done alone. Dr. Balikian often combines it with a preservation deep plane facelift for the lower face, eyelid rejuvenation for tired eyes, brow or temple lifts for balance, and facial fat transfer or laser resurfacing for skin quality.
The result is harmony : you look like yourself, refreshed.
Discover What’s Possible
Learn More About Facial Plastic Surgery
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
