Neck Lift in Apex, NC

Physician Reviewed by Dr. Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

This page has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Brian S. Coan and is based on current peer-reviewed medical literature and guidelines from leading professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Aesthetic Society).

Key Takeaways: What Research Says About Neck Lift Surgery

• Neck lift surgery, or platysmaplasty with skin resection, is one of the most consistently effective procedures for addressing visible neck laxity, according to research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that neck lifts are among the most requested facial rejuvenation procedures, with strong patient satisfaction rates.
• Combining a neck lift with complementary facial procedures may enhance overall facial harmony, according to guidelines from The Aesthetic Society.
• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a meaningful indicator of a surgeon’s training, safety standards, and ethical standing.
• Results vary by individual, and candidacy is best determined through an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Neck Lift in Apex, NC

If you are exploring a neck lift in Apex, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery offers board-certified expertise and a personalized approach trusted by patients throughout the Triangle region. A neck lift, known medically as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address loose skin, visible banding, and unwanted fullness beneath the chin and along the jawline, concerns that often resist non-surgical treatments as we age. Led by Dr. Brian S. Coan, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, our team is here to help you explore your options.

Neck Lift in Apex: What You Need to Know

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that targets the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. During the procedure, Dr. Brian S. Coan may tighten the underlying platysma muscle, remove or redistribute excess fat through techniques such as liposuction, and carefully trim and re-drape loose skin to help restore a smoother, more defined neck contour. The specific approach is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

A neck lift may help address concerns such as a “turkey wattle,” horizontal neck creases, loss of jawline definition, and submental fat accumulation, sometimes called a double chin, that persists even with weight management. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, neck lift surgery consistently ranks among the most sought-after facial rejuvenation procedures, with patients reporting meaningful improvements in confidence and satisfaction with their appearance.

For Apex residents considering facial surgery, CARE Plastic Surgery offers an integrated care experience, including on-site surgical facilities and a full-service medspa, so your journey from consultation through recovery is supported at every step. Dr. Brian S. Coan’s extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, along with his recognition for surgical innovation and compassionate care, makes CARE a trusted destination for patients seeking a neck lift from Apex and across Wake County. Many patients also choose to explore facelift surgery in Cary and Raleigh as a complementary procedure to address the mid and lower face simultaneously.

Are You a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

The best candidates for a neck lift are adults in good overall health with realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Most candidates notice that their neck and jawline have changed meaningfully over time and that non-surgical treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers haven’t provided the improvement they are seeking. If you are a non-smoker, or willing to quit well in advance of surgery, and you do not have underlying medical conditions that would complicate healing, you may be a strong candidate.

Patients who tend to benefit most from a neck lift share several characteristics:

• Visible skin laxity or sagging along the neck and under the chin
• Prominent vertical platysmal bands that create a “banded” appearance
• Excess submental fat that has not responded to diet, exercise, or non-surgical treatments
• Loss of a defined jawline or cervicomental angle
• Good skin elasticity relative to their age and anatomy
• A stable, healthy weight and overall good medical health

Dr. Brian S. Coan evaluates each patient individually, considering their goals, skin quality, and medical history. During your consultation, he will recommend the approach most likely to achieve a natural-looking, refined result for your unique anatomy.

What to Expect at CARE Plastic Surgery

Your experience begins with a thorough, unhurried consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan. He will listen carefully to your concerns, review your medical history, assess your neck and facial anatomy, and walk you through the surgical options that best fit your goals. Many Apex patients arrive with questions about whether surgery is truly necessary, or whether a non-surgical alternative might suffice. Dr. Coan will give you an honest, personalized assessment so you can make a confident, informed decision.

If you move forward with a neck lift, the procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to four hours, depending on the scope of work. We place small incisions discreetly, often behind the ears and under the chin, to minimize visible scarring. Most patients return home the same day and are asked to rest and follow carefully tailored aftercare instructions provided by our team.

During the first week, most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild tightness, which are normal parts of healing. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within seven to ten days. We typically restrict strenuous exercise and activities that raise blood pressure for four to six weeks. Our team is in close communication with you throughout recovery to monitor your healing and address any questions that arise. If you are also considering other facial rejuvenation options, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift in Cary and Raleigh, Dr. Coan can discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals.

Why Choose CARE Plastic Surgery for a Neck Lift in Apex, NC?

Choosing the right surgeon for a neck lift is one of the most important decisions you will make, and for patients in Apex, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery offers recognized expertise that is difficult to match in the Triangle region. Dr. Brian S. Coan is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds the distinguished designation of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His peers consistently recognize his surgical skill, innovation, and compassionate care, and colleagues frequently call on him to advise, collaborate, and educate.

Dr. Brian S. Coan has earned the Cary Magazine “Best Plastic Surgeon in Cary, NC” award eight consecutive years in a row, Gold for “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the 2026 5-West Diamond Awards, and has been recognized as “Best Plastic Surgeon in Durham” by Durham Magazine readers every consecutive year since 2010. These are not simply accolades; they reflect the consistent, high-quality outcomes and patient-centered care that define the CARE experience. Our Cary location is minutes from Apex, making it a convenient choice for area residents seeking world-class surgical care. You may also be interested in exploring the skinCARE Club membership for ongoing medspa benefits that complement your surgical results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift in Apex, NC

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

Ideal candidates are adults in good overall health with noticeable skin laxity, banding, or excess fat in the neck and jawline that hasn’t responded to non-surgical options. Most candidates are between 40 and 70, though individual anatomy matters more than age alone. Dr. Brian S. Coan evaluates each patient’s goals, skin quality, and medical history during a personalized consultation to determine whether a neck lift is the most appropriate approach for them.

How long is recovery after a neck lift?

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first one to two weeks following their neck lift. Many feel comfortable returning to light, desk-based work within seven to ten days, though strenuous activity is typically restricted for four to six weeks. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and closely monitors each patient throughout healing to support a smooth, comfortable recovery tailored to your needs.

When will I see results from my neck lift?

You may see initial improvements as early swelling begins to resolve, typically within two to three weeks after surgery. The full, refined outcome continues to develop over three to six months as residual swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new position. Dr. Brian S. Coan will walk you through a realistic results timeline during your consultation, taking into account your skin quality, age, and the scope of your procedure.

Can a neck lift be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes, we often perform a neck lift alongside complementary procedures for a more cohesive facial outcome. Many patients choose to combine their neck lift with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift to address multiple areas in a single surgery. Dr. Brian S. Coan will discuss which combination approach, if any, aligns best with your goals and overall health during your personalized consultation at CARE Plastic Surgery.

Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation in Apex, NC

If you are ready to explore a neck lift in Apex, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step with expertise, warmth, and the award-winning care that patients across the Triangle have trusted for over a decade. Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan today.

 

References

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Neck Lift Procedure Overview

• The Aesthetic Society: Aesthetic Surgery Guidelines

• American Board of Plastic Surgery: Board Certification Standards

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal (Wolters Kluwer)

Patient Education Disclaimer: This page is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. The content does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Surgical outcomes vary by individual, and only a qualified physician can determine whether a specific procedure is appropriate for you based on your personal health history, anatomy, and goals. Please consult with Dr. Brian S. Coan or another qualified medical professional before making any decisions about cosmetic surgery.