Quick Facts: Neck Lift in Medellín 2026
The neck is often the first place to show age. While your face might still look youthful, loose skin under the chin, prominent platysma bands (those vertical cords that appear when you tense your neck), and jowling along the jawline can add years to your appearance. These changes are especially visible in profile—and unfortunately, they don't respond to skincare, exercise, or non-surgical treatments.
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) addresses these concerns by tightening the underlying muscle, removing excess fat, and eliminating loose skin. The result is a smoother, more defined jawline and a neck that matches how young you feel.
In Medellín, you'll find surgeons who specialize in facial rejuvenation—delivering the kind of natural, "you look great, did you rest well?" results that avoid the pulled or windswept look. And at 50–55% less than US prices, the math makes traveling to Colombia a compelling choice.
What This Guide Covers
What a Neck Lift Addresses
A neck lift can correct multiple aging concerns in the lower face and neck area:
Turkey Neck / Loose Skin
That hanging, crepe-like skin under the chin and along the neck that makes you look older in photos and video calls. Surgery removes excess skin and tightens what remains.
Platysma Bands
The vertical cords that appear down the front of the neck, especially visible when you grimace or tense. Surgery tightens and re-approximates the platysma muscle.
Double Chin / Submental Fat
Fat accumulation under the chin that creates a heavy, undefined appearance. Liposuction removes this fat as part of the neck lift procedure.
Jowls / Loss of Jawline
Sagging tissue that blurs the jawline and creates heaviness along the lower face. A neck lift (especially combined with lower facelift) restores definition.
Surgical Techniques
Your surgeon will customize the approach based on what you need corrected. Here are the components that may be involved:
Cervicoplasty (Skin Removal)
Removal of excess skin from the neck through incisions hidden behind the ears and possibly under the chin.
Addresses: Loose, sagging skin; "turkey neck" appearance
Platysmaplasty (Muscle Tightening)
Tightening of the platysma muscle—a broad, thin muscle that extends from the collarbone up to the jaw. May involve plicating (folding together) the muscle edges in the midline.
Addresses: Platysma bands, muscle laxity, loss of neck definition
Submental Liposuction
Removal of fat from under the chin through a small incision in the submental crease (under the chin). Often combined with the above techniques.
Addresses: Double chin, submental fullness
Deep Plane or SMAS Technique
Most ComprehensiveWhen combined with facelift, the deep plane approach lifts the underlying SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) for more durable, natural-looking results.
Addresses: All of the above plus jowls, marionette lines, and midface—comprehensive rejuvenation
Neck Lift vs. Facelift: What Do You Need?
This is one of the most common questions. Here's how to think about it:
| If Your Concerns Are... | You Likely Need... |
|---|---|
| Only neck (bands, loose skin under chin, no jowling) | Neck lift alone may suffice |
| Neck + jowls/lower face sagging | Neck lift + lower facelift (often done together) |
| Neck + jowls + midface sagging + nasolabial folds | Full facelift including neck |
| Primarily double chin (good skin elasticity) | Possibly liposuction alone |
The Consultation Decides
Most patients who think they need "just a neck lift" actually benefit from a combined lower face and neck lift. The two areas age together, and addressing one without the other can look unbalanced. Your surgeon will make specific recommendations after seeing your anatomy.
Complete Pricing Breakdown
| Procedure | Medellín | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Lift (standalone) | $3,850–$8,500 | $8,000–$15,000 | 50–55% |
| Lower Facelift + Neck Lift | $6,000–$10,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | 55–60% |
| Full Facelift (including neck) | $4,000–$10,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | 55–75% |
| Chin/Neck Liposuction only | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | 50% |
Recovery Timeline
Neck lift recovery is moderate—you'll need to stay in Medellín longer than for simpler procedures, and you'll want some social downtime at home. Here's what to expect:
Day 1: Surgery
Procedure takes 2–4 hours depending on extent. General anesthesia. Head wrapped in bandages/compression garment. Drains may be placed. Overnight observation common.
Days 2–5
Peak swelling and bruising. Head elevation essential. Chin strap/compression worn 24/7. Drains removed around day 2–3. Discomfort managed with medication. Limited jaw movement comfortable.
Days 7–10
Sutures typically removed. Swelling beginning to resolve. Bruising fading (may extend to chest). Can see early results emerging. Most patients comfortable appearing in public with scarves/clothing that covers neck.
Days 10–14: Flying Home
Final Medellín follow-up. Cleared to fly. Most visible bruising has faded or can be covered with makeup. Swelling still present but improving daily.
Weeks 2–4
Most return to work by week 2 (desk jobs). Social comfort by week 3 for most. Continue chin strap at night. Numbness in some areas (normal, resolves over months).
Months 3–6
Final results visible. All swelling resolved. Scars continue to fade and soften. Sensation returns. Full activity resumed.
Results and Longevity
What You Can Expect
- ✓ Smoother, more defined neck contour
- ✓ Elimination of platysma bands
- ✓ Improved cervicomental angle (neck-chin junction)
- ✓ More youthful profile view
- ✓ Typically 7–10 years "younger" appearance
- ✓ Results lasting 10–15+ years
How long do results last? A neck lift doesn't stop aging, but it does reset the clock. You'll continue to age, but from a more youthful starting point. Most patients enjoy their results for 10–15 years before considering additional procedures. Maintaining stable weight and protecting skin from sun damage extends longevity.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
- ✓ Bothered by neck appearance (bands, loose skin, double chin)
- ✓ Generally good health
- ✓ Non-smoker (or can quit 4–6 weeks)
- ✓ Realistic expectations
- ✓ Stable weight
- ✓ Good skin elasticity (helps, but not required)
- ✓ Can commit to 10–14 days in Medellín
May Not Be Right Time If:
- • Currently smoking (must quit)
- • Uncontrolled medical conditions
- • Planning significant weight loss
- • Unrealistic expectations about outcome
- • Cannot take adequate time off
Ready to Reclaim Your Profile?
A neck lift in Medellín can take years off your appearance—and with savings of 50% or more, it's within reach for many who thought facial surgery was too expensive. The first step is a consultation to discuss your specific concerns and see what's possible.
Request your free consultation →