Is a Deep Plane Neck Lift Painful?

Pain after a deep-plane neck lift is mild to moderate and well-controlled with the medication prescribed by Dr. Harley. Most patients describe a feeling of tightness, fullness, or mild soreness along the neck and jawline rather than sharp pain. This is a normal part of the healing process as the tissues adjust to their new, lifted position. In the first few days after surgery, you may feel a gentle pulling sensation when turning your head or swallowing. Swelling and bruising are also common but gradually fade over 1 to 2 weeks.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The deep plane neck lift process includes several appointments designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and satisfaction from start to finish. Initial Consultation: This is your opportunity to meet with Dr. Harley, either virtually or in person, to discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history. He’ll evaluate your anatomy, view photographs, and design a personalized treatment plan. Pre-Operative Appointment: Scheduled one to two weeks before surgery, this visit reviews surgical details, anesthesia plans, and post-operative instructions. It also allows you to ask any final questions before your procedure. Surgery Day: Your operation is performed in our surgical facility with experienced staff and advanced equipment. Post-Operative Visits: You’ll have several follow-up appointments within the first few weeks to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure you’re recovering comfortably.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll begin to see noticeable improvement in your neck and jawline within two to three weeks, once swelling and bruising have diminished. However, it’s important to remember that healing is a gradual process. The final contours of your neck lift reveal themselves over three to six months, as residual swelling subsides and the deeper tissues settle into their new positions. Because the deep plane approach works beneath the skin’s surface layers, results appear natural and continue to refine subtly over time. Most patients find that their rejuvenated neck looks even better several months after surgery, as the tissues integrate seamlessly with surrounding structures.

Can I Combine a Deep Plane Neck Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, and in fact, combining procedures is quite common for patients seeking a more complete facial enhancement. A deep-plane neck lift pairs beautifully with a deep-plane facelift to address sagging in both the lower face and neck simultaneously, ensuring a smooth, cohesive result. Other complementary options may include: Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and brow lift to rejuvenate tired or drooping eyes. Fat grafting or dermal fillers can be used to restore volume in the cheeks or around the mouth. Facial skin resurfacing procedures are performed through chemical peels or CO2 laser resurfacing.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

When performed by a skilled, board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Harley, the deep plane neck lift is a safe and highly effective procedure. However, as with any surgery, it carries certain risks. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, temporary numbness, or mild asymmetry. In rare cases, patients may experience delayed wound healing or nerve sensitivity, though these are uncommon with proper care.

Cashiers, North Carolina

Deep Plane Neck Lift

Introduction

Introduction to Deep Plane Neck Lift (Structural Neck Lift)

A defined, youthful neck can transform the way your entire face is perceived. Over time, however, the delicate skin and muscle structures beneath the chin and along the jawline begin to loosen, creating sagging and banding that no amount of skincare or exercise can correct. Additionally, deep structures, such as glands, fat, and redundant muscular tissue, can reduce the definition and contour of a once youthful neck. For those seeking a lasting, natural-looking transformation rather than a temporary fix, the deep plane neck lift is the most advanced technique in modern facial rejuvenation.

Before + After Gallery

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What is a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

A deep plane neck lift, or structural neck lift, is a surgical technique that rejuvenates the neck and jawline by lifting, manipulating, and repositioning the deeper layers of muscle and tissue beneath the skin, including the platysma and its supporting fascia. Unlike traditional neck-lift methods that focus on surface tightening, the deep-plane approach restructures the natural anatomy of the neck for a more profound and enduring result.

This advanced technique allows Dr. Harley to release and elevate deeper tissues without putting tension on the skin, ensuring results that look smooth and natural rather than pulled or overdone. The procedure is often chosen for patients who experience significant laxity, prominent neck banding, or under-chin fullness that persists despite a healthy lifestyle.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

Ideal candidates are men and women who are bothered by visible signs of aging along the neck and jawline, such as skin laxity, jowls, double chin fullness, or vertical neck bands, but who still maintain good general health and skin elasticity.

Candidates may have already tried less invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency or injectable procedures, and found that the improvements were temporary or subtle. A deep-plane neck lift is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a more comprehensive, yet natural, correction…something that restores youthful structure without altering one’s inherent facial identity.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

The deep plane neck lift offers a range of aesthetic and structural benefits, making it one of the most powerful options for neck rejuvenation. Patients often experience:

Refined jawline definition and a smoother transition between the face and neck.
Correction of muscle banding (vertical cords) and sagging beneath the chin.
Long-lasting results that maintain a natural appearance as the tissues heal and age gracefully.
Enhanced contour and youthfulness that harmonize beautifully with the rest of the face.
Minimal visible scarring, as incisions are concealed behind the ears or beneath the chin.

Because this technique repositions deeper layers rather than stretching surface skin, results are both more stable and more natural in appearance. Patients often find that their rejuvenated neck blends seamlessly with their facial features, avoiding the “tight” look that can accompany more superficial lifts.

What’s the First Step?

You will need to start with a private in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Harley. This one-on-one process will allow the doctor to carefully analyze your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and review all surgical options, including incision placement, anesthesia, and expected outcomes. The consultation and discussion with Dr. Harley helps ensure that your surgical plan is personalized, safe, and aligned with your vision for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation.

For nearly 20 years, the practice of Dr. David Harley has been a destination practice. As a patient, you will be fully supported and fully connected throughout the process and beyond. Your journey will begin with a consultation, whether virtual, via telephone, or in person, followed by a trip to Cashiers, NC, for the procedure. Our concierge-type practice provides white glove service from beginning to end. You will be assisted with any questions you might have regarding travel arrangements and accommodations.

What to Expect on the Day of Deep Plane Neck Lift Surgery

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Harley and his team will welcome you into their state-of-the-art facility and help you settle into a comfortable surgical suite, answering any last-minute questions and reviewing your individualized care plan. You will then receive oral sedation combined with local anesthesia, which helps keep you asleep and numb throughout your procedure.

The procedure will go by quickly for you, since you will be relaxed and asleep, and you will have no pain. Once the procedure is completed, you will be awakened and a soft elastic dressing will be applied. Your caregiver, hopefully a friend or family member, will transport you to your local accomodations, where you will relax comfortably and rest until your follow-up appointment the following day.

A faded, high-exposure landscape painting in soft white and grey tones, depicting a river, trees, and a distant figure with sheep.

Deep Plane Neck Lift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Deep Plane Neck Lift Care

Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first one to two weeks following surgery, which gradually subside as the tissues heal and the new contours settle into place. Dr. Harley may recommend wearing a supportive garment to aid in healing and help reduce swelling.

Many patients are comfortable returning to light activity within 10 to 14 days and to moderate exercise at 2 weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. The incisions are placed strategically to be well-concealed, and as the healing process continues, they typically fade into barely visible lines.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Neck Lift Cost?

The cost of a Deep Plane Neck Lift varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the degree of correction required, and whether it’s performed alongside other rejuvenation surgeries. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote that includes all surgical and facility fees.

Why Choose Dr. Harley?

With dual board certifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), Dr. David Harley brings both technical mastery and exceptional experience to every procedure. Dr. Harley’s reputation is built on his dedication to patient safety, comfort, and individualized care. Whether performing a complex deep-plane neck lift or a subtle facial refinement, his meticulous attention to detail allows patients to experience renewed confidence in results that reflect their best selves.

Dr. Harley, wearing a black surgical cap and face mask, adjusts a pair of specialized surgical loupes with integrated lighting on his head.

Deep Plane Neck Lift FAQ’S

Pain after a deep-plane neck lift is mild to moderate and well-controlled with the medication prescribed by Dr. Harley. Most patients describe a feeling of tightness, fullness, or mild soreness along the neck and jawline rather than sharp pain. This is a normal part of the healing process as the tissues adjust to their new, lifted position.

In the first few days after surgery, you may feel a gentle pulling sensation when turning your head or swallowing. Swelling and bruising are also common but gradually fade over 1 to 2 weeks.
The deep plane neck lift process includes several appointments designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and satisfaction from start to finish.
- Initial Consultation: This is your opportunity to meet with Dr. Harley, either virtually or in person, to discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history. He’ll evaluate your anatomy, view photographs, and design a personalized treatment plan.
- Pre-Operative Appointment: Scheduled one to two weeks before surgery, this visit reviews surgical details, anesthesia plans, and post-operative instructions. It also allows you to ask any final questions before your procedure.
- Surgery Day: Your operation is performed in our surgical facility with experienced staff and advanced equipment.
- Post-Operative Visits: You’ll have several follow-up appointments within the first few weeks to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure you’re recovering comfortably.
You’ll begin to see noticeable improvement in your neck and jawline within two to three weeks, once swelling and bruising have diminished. However, it’s important to remember that healing is a gradual process. The final contours of your neck lift reveal themselves over three to six months, as residual swelling subsides and the deeper tissues settle into their new positions.

Because the deep plane approach works beneath the skin’s surface layers, results appear natural and continue to refine subtly over time. Most patients find that their rejuvenated neck looks even better several months after surgery, as the tissues integrate seamlessly with surrounding structures.
Yes, and in fact, combining procedures is quite common for patients seeking a more complete facial enhancement. A deep-plane neck lift pairs beautifully with a deep-plane facelift to address sagging in both the lower face and neck simultaneously, ensuring a smooth, cohesive result.

Other complementary options may include:
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and brow lift to rejuvenate tired or drooping eyes.
- Fat grafting or dermal fillers can be used to restore volume in the cheeks or around the mouth.
- Facial skin resurfacing procedures are performed through chemical peels or CO2 laser resurfacing.
When performed by a skilled, board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Harley, the deep plane neck lift is a safe and highly effective procedure. However, as with any surgery, it carries certain risks. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, temporary numbness, or mild asymmetry. In rare cases, patients may experience delayed wound healing or nerve sensitivity, though these are uncommon with proper care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to restore definition and elegance to your neck and jawline, it’s time to take the next step. Schedule your private consultation with Dr. David Harley in Cashiers, NC, or virtually with Dr. Harley today.

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