How to Get Rid of Turkey Neck with a Neck Lift in New York, NY
A smooth, firm neck with a sharp angle to the jaw is attractive in both men and women. However, as we age, the neck begins to lose its definition as sagging skin, excess fat, hanging jowls, and a generalized loss of collagen and elastin reveal pronounced platysmal bands – all of which contribute to the condition known as “turkey neck.” For men and women who wish to get rid of turkey neck, a neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, offers the gold standard in terms of profound results and long-term effectiveness.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry M. Weintraub, with over 30 years of experience serving New York City and international patients, specializes in neck-lifting surgery as well as providing patients with the utmost in personalized care. This blog explores neck lifting, highlighting the benefits, explaining the recovery process, and ultimately illustrating why Dr. Weintraub is world renowned for his neck-lifting results. Continue reading to learn more, and feel free to call (212) 737-7500 to schedule your consultation.
Causes of Turkey Neck
“Turkey neck” develops for a variety of reasons. The primary causes include:
1. Aging
With age, the skin’s production of collagen and elastin diminishes, leading the skin to sag and the neck to lose its definition. Simultaneously, the platysma muscle begins to separate into two rope-like cords that become protrusive and create the appearance of vertical neck bands. Often, fatty tissue increases in the neck that obscures the previously sharp angle between the neck and jawline, and jowls develop that square off the lower face.
2. Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to develop a turkey neck, and this characteristic can be seen in older members of one’s family.
3. Weight Fluctuations
Significant weight loss can cause noticeable sagging of the skin due to stretched tissues that no longer have elasticity for support.
4. Sun Damage
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates the breakdown of the skin’s structural proteins, which causes the skin to sag.
5. Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, diet and poor lifestyle choices can further contribute to the formation of a turkey neck.
What Is a Neck Lift Procedure?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to restore the youthful appearance of the neck. Not all neck lifts are the same! After years of operating on patients, Dr. Barry M. Weintraub has perfected his technique, which is as follows:
First, a 2.4-millimeter cannula (the size of a small pen refill) is used to gently remove excess fat via 1/64” ports (the size of a tiny freckle) located behind the earlobe and under the chin. It is important to access the fat not just from the under-chin area, but also to access it from behind each earlobe in order to artistically sculpt the neck and jawline. Similarly important is to not remove all the fat because a thin layer of padding must remain to create a smooth neck without any surface irregularities. After the removal of the fat, Dr. Weintraub makes incisions behind each ear, and the skin is undermined to create a new, tight neck – or, if the turkey neck is severe, a small midline incision hidden under the chin can be made in men or women in lieu of the incisions behind the ears. (This latter technique is often preferred by men who can have the most extreme cases of turkey neck.) The key to the central-incision approach is to sew the incision closed in four separate layers with meticulous care so that after healing, a fine, vertical line is barely visible. Through either approach – midline or behind the ear – Dr. Weintraub accesses the platysma muscle, since it is responsible for much of the neck’s laxity. He often plicates it (sews it together) to eliminate the two vertical bands, and/or secures it upwards and backwards, recreating the sharp angle between the neck and the jawline, as well as a very well-defined neck devoid of excess hanging skin and fat. Next, Dr. Weintraub places a series of deep sutures to ensure long-lasting jawline definition. Finally, the excess skin is trimmed away, and all wounds are meticulously closed as Dr. Weintraub wears loupe-magnification glasses, like what a jeweler wears when working on a fine watch.
Unlike non-invasive treatments, which provide subtle and temporary improvements, this surgical procedure delivers comprehensive, lasting results for those who desire a magnificent neck!
Neck lifting is ideal for patients who struggle with one or more of the following concerns:
- Loose skin of the neck and under-chin area
- Two vertical bands of the aging platysma muscle
- Excess fat that creates a double chin
- Jowls that cross the jawline and square off the lower face
- A general loss of youthful definition in the lower face and neck
Rather than attempting to combat these interrelated issues with multiple minor treatments, a neck lift addresses all through a single procedure, delivering cohesive and powerful results.
What Makes Dr. Barry Weintraub the Premier Choice for a Neck Lift in NYC?
It can be overwhelming to search for the best surgeon for your neck lift. Cornell-trained and board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Weintraub is renowned in New York City – and well-respected globally – for his profound results. Here’s why patients trust him with their care:
1. Excellent Results
Dr. Weintraub creates results that never look “done,” but effectively address your aesthetic issues. His skill ensures that patients look refreshed, youthful, and elegant without any signs of apparent surgical intervention.
2. Exceptional Safety Standards
From start to finish, safety is Dr. Weintraub’s #1 priority, beginning with his comprehensive consultation, the in-person staff meetings to help you with your preoperative paperwork, his requiring full medical clearance, your surgery taking place in Dr. Weintraub’s fully inspected, accredited and licensed operating-room, his insistence on postoperative private-duty nursing for more involved cases, and the availability of Dr. Weintraub himself throughout the entire process. Dr. Weintraub does not cut corners regarding any aspect of the process, and the surgical schedule is never overloaded. Dr. Weintraub’s practice is the opposite of a factory.
3. Education and Experience
Dr. Weintraub was educated at Cornell during a time when surgery was regarded as an almost sacred privilege. Dr. Weintraub considers it an honor to operate on patients and to provide the highest level of medical and plastic-surgical care. His extensive experience has allowed him to develop the most sophisticated surgical techniques, and the fact that he sees his patients postoperatively – rather than relegating them to nurses – allows him to “check his work” and improve his skill level over the years. This experience also provides a remarkable consistency to his results.
4. Unrushed Patient Care
During your initial and lengthy consultation with Dr. Weintraub, you will not be rushed: the consultation will only end when all of your questions have been answered. Dr. Weintraub keeps a similarly thoughtful and deliberate pace throughout the surgical process. For example, he performs the surgery with an electrocautery to minimize bruising, never uses the quick solution of closing wounds with a surgical stapler, but instead sews all incisions closed by hand in many layers and with the finest suture material. Likewise, the surgical schedule is never overloaded, and Dr. Weintraub performs a maximum of two surgeries per day.
5. Discreet and Elegant Practice
Conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Weintraub’s practice is situated in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, attracting an international clientele who value sophistication, discretion and privacy.
The Neck Lift Process
Understanding what to expect during neck-lift surgery can help you feel confident and prepared as you consider this procedure.
Consultation
The process begins with a private and unrushed consultation with Dr. Weintraub. During this time, he will discuss your medical history, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Weintraub will evaluate the condition of your skin, fat distribution, and state of the underlying muscles in order to recommend the most effective approach to achieve your desired result.
Preparation
Dr. Weintraub’s experienced staff will help you with every aspect of the process, from choosing the surgical date to arranging for a postoperative nurse if needed. You will work one-on-one with his Practice Manager and Surgical Coordinator regarding all logistics, including when to get your medical clearance. All paperwork is patiently explained during a secondary in-person meeting during which further questions can be answered. Some nervousness can accompany patients at this stage, but after the meeting, nervousness is often fully replaced by excitement at the anticipated result!
Surgery
A neck lift typically encompasses the jowls, jawline and neck and takes two to three hours to perform. You will arrive at the state-of-the-art surgical facility and will be greeted by Dr. Weintraub’s key medical staff, including his board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Weintraub will meet with you personally in the private surgical area to discuss any and all residual questions related to your surgery. With you looking in the mirror pointing to the features that bother you, Dr. Weintraub will apply his surgical markings, which are like a guide as to what will transpire during surgery. He will review your photos in an unrushed manner, and will answer all remaining questions. You will also speak with Dr. Weintraub’s board-certified anesthesiologist, who will discuss your medical history in detail. You will be escorted into the operating room and will be eased into a comfortable twilight sleep in a matter of moments. You will not feel any pain, nor will you wake up in the midst of surgery due to the type of medication used and constant monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation saturation, body temperature, respiratory rate and end-tidal CO2. Within moments, you will open your eyes in the comfortable recovery area, totally unaware that hours have taken place and your surgery is complete! Nursing staff will attend to your needs, and within an hour or so, you will be able to walk on your own. Depending on the surgery, different aftercare options are available.
Recovery Time from a Neck Lift
While recovery time from a neck lift can vary based on individual factors, most patients experience the following general progression post-surgery:
- First Three Days
Minimal swelling and bruising are possible but not common, as Dr. Weintraub performs the surgery with an electrocautery so that blood vessels are meticulously addressed in order to minimize any postoperative bruising. You will have a head dressing on for the first two nights to prevent swelling. Many patients enjoy the care of a postoperative nurse during this time, as arranged by Dr. Weintraub and his staff. On the morning of the third day, the head dressing will be removed by Dr. Weintraub or his nursing staff, at which point you can shower daily as usual, taking great care to keep the hidden incisions clean. You will be provided with detailed care instructions to support proper healing.
- Days Four – Seven
You can return to non-strenuous work or daily activities as long as you keep your heart rate low, so it is therefore recommended to avoid heavy exercise or anything that raises your heart rate. Some patients, depending on the surgical approach, can resume client-facing meetings as early as one week after surgery. During your sequential postoperative visits, Dr. Weintraub will personally monitor your progress to make sure your recovery is proceeding smoothly.
- Two Weeks Postop
After two weeks, you can resume all daily activities including exercise and anything that raises your heart rate. It is crucial that you protect your nearly invisible incisions from the sun, and you will be prescribed Dr. Weintraub’s medical-grade sunscreen. Your results will be approximately 85% visible, with the remaining almost indiscernible 15% of swelling dissipating over the ensuing year.
Dr. Weintraub is committed to providing ongoing care of the highest quality throughout the recovery process, ensuring patients feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Neck Lift in NYC?
The moment one looks in the mirror and sees jowls crossing the jawline and a squaring off of the face, along with neck laxity and chunkiness, they are the ideal candidate for a neck lift. Some patients wait until these characteristics have progressed into an unsightly turkey neck that prevents the wearing of certain dress shirts, blouses and/or jewelry.
There is no age limit for a neck-lift procedure. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposure to UV light, as well as nicotine use, can cause premature aging. Most patients who benefit from this procedure are in their 40s and older, but younger individuals experiencing isolated concerns such as hereditary laxity or excess fat of the neck, may be excellent candidates for neck liposuction and jawline contouring.
One of the most important aspects of candidacy is having realistic expectations about the procedure. A neck lift delivers dramatic improvement, but it is not designed to stop aging entirely. The ultimate goal is to recreate a sharp jawline devoid of jowls and a snug neck reflective of youth.
Dr. Weintraub’s extensive experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery allows him to carefully assess and guide each patient through the decision-making processes. During the initial unrushed consultation, he considers all factors such as skin elasticity, underlying muscle tone, and overall facial harmony, to determine if a neck lift will provide the desired outcome. By combining a thorough evaluation with a commitment to the most personalized care, Dr. Weintraub has helped many patients achieve stunning results in a safe, supportive and state-of-the-art environment.
Why a Neck Lift Is the Best Solution for Turkey Neck
While non-surgical approaches proliferate for many aesthetic issues (fillers, thread lifting, microneedling, lasers and subcutaneous energy-based devices), they are limited in their ability to comprehensively address the issue of turkey neck. A neck lift directly addresses the underlying causes (skin laxity, excess fat, loose platysma muscle) for a dramatic result. For men and women who value long-term attractiveness and understated elegance, a neck lift is the most effective solution.
The Best Neck Lift Procedure Offers Natural Yet Profound Results. Contact Dr. Barry Weintraub, M.D., Your Most Trusted Secret, Quietly Serving NYC & the International Community for Over 30 Years
Have you been typing “neck lift near me,” “neck lift in NYC,” or “good plastic surgeons in New York” into your search bar?
A smooth, tight neck and jawline are within reach thanks to the expertise of Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub. Due to his compassionate and unrushed care, meticulous attention to detail, and highly evolved skill set, Dr. Weintraub is sought out by men and women in New York City and worldwide who seek outstanding results.
To arrange for your consultation with Dr. Weintraub, please submit a consultation request by completing this online form or by calling (212) 737-7500.
You deserve to look and feel your absolute best. Dr. Weintraub and his compassionate and professional staff enjoy providing personalized care and delivering the profound results that have earned them their outstanding reputation.
Copyright © 2025. Barry M. Weintraub MD. All rights reserved.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and health procedures. The information and other content provided in this blog, or any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Each individual has a unique physiology, along with their own characteristics, concerns, and desires. A blog cannot sufficiently address them.
If you or any other person has a cosmetic or medical concern, seek professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this blog or in any linked materials. Call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you think you might have a medical emergency.
Barry M. Weintraub MD
800A 5th Avenue, Suite 102
New York, NY 10065
(212) 737-7500
https://www.drbarryweintraub.com/
