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Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
120 Hebron Ave., Suite 2A
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Phone: (860) 775-5595
Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Extended evening and Saturday hours available for skincare services.
Please call to inquire.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Karter specializes in advanced neck contouring techniques to create refined, youthful-looking definition. He performs the deep neck lift at our Glastonbury, Connecticut, practice using innovative techniques that sculpt the deeper neck structures, going beyond traditional methods to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
View Before & After Photos
What Is a Deep Neck Lift?
A deep neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure that focuses on reaching and reshaping the deeper muscle layers of the neck, including the platysma, while also removing excess fat and refining the jawline.
Unlike a traditional neck lift that tightens lax skin and platysma muscles or neck liposuction that focuses exclusively on subcutaneous fat, a deep neck lift sculpts the deeper neck structures to provide seamless, comprehensive neck contouring and rejuvenation.
Why Choose a Deep Neck Lift?
- Superior neck contouring – A deep neck lift sculpts and defines the neck in ways traditional techniques cannot, achieving a sleek, contoured neck.
- Long-lasting rejuvenation – Unlike older methods that rely on skin tightening alone, a deep neck lift delivers optimal results that endure over time.
- Improved healing—This meticulous approach promotes better scar healing and more natural-looking outcomes by avoiding excessive pulling on the skin.
- Comprehensive rejuvenation – The deep neck lift method addresses multiple layers of aging, including sagging skin, muscle, laxity, and deep fat deposits, for truly transformative results.
Deep Neck Lift vs. Traditional Neck Lift
Many people seeking neck lift surgery wonder about the difference between a deep neck lift and a traditional neck lift. This table compares and contrasts the two techniques.
| Feature | Deep Neck Lift | Traditional Neck Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Releases and repositions deeper neck structures (under the platysma) for more comprehensive definition. | Primarily tightens the skin and superficial layers without addressing deeper structures. |
| Results | Achieves a more sculpted, youthful neckline by addressing deep fat deposits and muscle laxity. | Improves loose skin and surface wrinkles but may not fully refine or sculpt underlying structures. |
| Longevity | Typically lasts 10-15 years due to its structural repositioning. | Generally lasts 7-10 years. |
| Recovery Time | Initial healing takes 2 weeks with continued improvement over several weeks. | Recovery is typically around 1 to 2 weeks, with swelling and tightness gradually improving. |
| Ideal Candidate | Best for individuals with significant neck sagging and muscle laxity. | Often recommended for those with mild to moderate neck laxity and wrinkles. |
| Scarring | Incisions are discreetly placed under the chin and sometimes behind each ear. | Similar placement as a deep neck lift. |
Am I a Candidate for a Deep Neck Lift?
Ideal candidates for a deep neck lift have excess skin, platysma muscle laxity, and neck fullness. They are also nonsmokers in good overall health with realistic expectations about the procedure and the ability to set aside adequate downtime for recovery. Patients with isolated neck fullness may be better candidates for neck liposuction.
When is a facelift necessary?
A facelift is needed when signs of aging include the lower face and jawline. Dr. Karter may recommend a deep plane facelift instead of a deep neck lift when patients notice:
- Jowls or heaviness along the jawline
- Sagging in the cheeks or lower face
- Deep folds around the mouth
- Loss of definition along the entire jawline, not just the neck
In these cases, a deep plane facelift allows Dr. Karter to reposition deeper facial tissues while refining the neck, creating a more balanced transition. During your consultation, he evaluates your anatomy and aging pattern to determine whether a deep neck lift or a facelift will create the most natural result.
Understanding Facial Aging
As we age, the neck undergoes structural changes contributing to sagging, loss of definition, and persistent fullness. While many assume these changes are solely due to skin laxity, the true culprits lie beneath the surface. The platysma muscle, deep fat pads, and underlying glands play a significant role in neck aging and fullness, making traditional neck lift techniques less effective in achieving sculpted, youthful contours.
These anatomical changes lead to common concerns such as:
- Loss of jawline and neck definition – The platysma muscle weakens and separates, causing sagging along the jawline and the formation of vertical neck bands.
- Excess fat deposits – Deep fat pads and enlarged salivary glands contribute to fullness that does not respond to diet or exercise.
- Skin laxity – The combination of skin aging and underlying tissue laxity leads to loose, excess skin in the neck.
Traditional neck lift techniques primarily target subcutaneous fat and skin, often failing to address the deeper structures responsible for persistent fullness. Dr. Karter’s deep neck lift provides superior results by releasing and repositioning the deeper layers of the neck, including the trifecta of the platysma muscle, deep fat pads, and salivary glands. This advanced technique creates a more defined, contoured neck that cannot be achieved with superficial treatments alone.
Meet Dr. Nicholas Karter
Dr. Karter is fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his exceptional results and patient-first philosophy. Learn what sets him apart below:
- Voted "Best Plastic Surgeon in Hartford"
- 15 Years of Facial Plastic Surgeon Experience
- Certified by 2 Prestigious Medical Boards
- Completed an Elite AAFPRS Fellowship
- 4.9 Average Rating on Google
Your Deep Neck Lift Procedure
Through a small, hidden incision beneath the chin, Dr. Karter accesses the deeper structures of the neck, going beyond the subcutaneous fat to reshape the deep fat pads, underlying neck muscles, and salivary glands—the primary sources of persistent fullness. This technique creates a sharper neck angle and improved definition by carefully reducing excess fat, refining the muscle structure, and sculpting the jawline.
He completes the procedure by repositioning and securing the platysma muscle, forming a supportive “hammock” that maintains long-lasting results. This advanced approach ensures a contoured and refined neck that cannot be achieved with liposuction or traditional neck lift methods alone.
From Consultation to Confidence: Your Personalized Surgical Experience
From your first conversation with our team to your one-on-one time with Dr. Karter, we provide a concierge-level experience tailored to your needs.
Complimentary Phone Consultation
Start with a free one-on-one call with Erin, our patient care coordinator. She’ll listen to your concerns, discuss treatment options, and go over important details like technique, recovery, and cost considerations. If we feel like the right fit for you, she will schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Karter.
Comprehensive In-Person Consultation
During your visit, Dr. Karter will examine your facial anatomy and explore your surgical options in-depth. He will walk you through the details of a deep neck lift, discuss what to expect after surgery, and create a customized plan based on your goals.
Simple & Seamless Scheduling
When you are ready to move forward, we will coordinate every detail with the surgical center and anesthesia team. We recommend bringing your calendar to your appointment so you can choose your ideal date. A fully refundable 20% deposit is all that is needed to secure your surgery.
Presurgical Preparation & Support
We make sure that you are 100% prepared for your procedure. You will receive a comprehensive recovery kit with everything you need for postoperative care, have presurgical photos taken, and review all necessary consent forms and instructions.
Comprehensive Postoperative Care
We see patients several times throughout their recovery to ensure optimal healing and results. As part of our commitment to exceptional postsurgical care, we also provide laser resurfacing treatments to refine incision lines and support smoother scar healing.
Direct Access to Dr. Karter
Dr. Karter is personally invested in your experience and results. As part of his commitment to your comfort and well-being, he provides you with his personal cell phone number so you always have a direct line to your surgeon when you need it.
Deep Neck Lift Recovery
Dr. Karter and his caring team take a personalized, proactive approach throughout your aesthetic journey, including the healing process. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- A few weeks of downtime – Most patients take about 2 weeks off from work and social engagements while swelling and bruising subside. After this, there should be no obvious signs of surgery.
- Comfortable recovery – Recovery from a deep neck lift is usually well-tolerated. Most patients manage discomfort with Tylenol and non-narcotic medications, though stronger medication is available if needed in the first few days.
- Close monitoring and follow-up – Dr. Karter sees you 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. This careful monitoring allows Dr. Karter to assess your healing, fine-tune your postoperative care, and answer any questions or concerns you may have as they arise.
- Advanced scar care and skin optimization – To ensure the most refined, discreet results, we incorporate laser resurfacing at 6 weeks and 3 months to optimize your scar healing. We also provide personalized skincare guidance to enhance your final results.
Closely following your postoperative instructions is essential for optimal healing and results. While most patients achieve a dramatic difference in their neckline after 2 weeks, full healing and results continue over the next few months.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Karter is an exceptional plastic facial surgeon. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery. I knew from my initial interview with him that he was the best surgeon for me. He is confident, professional...
My experience with dr. Karter and his staff was far more than I anticipated. My case was complicated and Dr. Karter exceeded my expectations.
I’m thrilled with my results…
I could not be happier with my rhinoplasty results! From my very first consultation through my post-operative appointments, my surgeon was professional, knowledgeable, and truly listened to my concerns...
I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Nicholas Karter and his entire team. I have wanted a rhinoplasty for literally my whole life, and after years of thinking about it, I am so beyond grateful...
Complementary Procedures
Since aging occurs in multiple areas simultaneously, many patients benefit from combining a deep neck lift with other rejuvenating procedures.
Deep Neck Lift FAQ
What does a deep neck lift cost in CT?
At Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, surgical costs are always tailored to the individual. Once we have a better idea of what you are looking for, we can give you an initial quote during your free phone consultation. We also accept financing through CareCredit® and can help you plan for your investment in your transformation.
Does a neck lift get rid of jowls?
No. A neck lift corrects lax, crepey neck skin, muscle banding, and fullness beneath the chin. A facelift is needed to tighten the jawline.
What’s a mini neck lift?
A mini neck lift is a modified, less invasive neck lift procedure designed to improve mild sagging in the neck and jawline rather than address pronounced sagging and neck bands. Therefore, it’s best suited for individuals with early signs of aging who don’t require extensive liposuction or correction.
What’s the best age for a deep neck lift?
Truthfully, there’s no “best” age for the procedure. The deeper structures in the neck are often enlarged throughout a patient’s life. For this reason, the surgery may be suitable for someone as young as their early twenties. As patients get into their mid-to-late 40s, we often start to think about the need to address the cheeks and jowls at the same time through a deep plane facelift procedure.
How long will my results last?
Deep neck lift results last about 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than a traditional neck lift, because the surgery addresses deep fat pads, enlarged salivary glands, and other underlying structures of the neck.
Request Your Complimentary Consultation
If you’re ready to explore neck rejuvenation options with a top facial plastic surgeon in Connecticut, we invite you to request a consultation online or call Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 775-5595 to get started today.
Request a Consultation