Can a Facelift Fix a Double Chin and Neck Sagging?

Aging often brings changes that can make you feel less confident when you look in the mirror—especially around the chin and neck area. If you’re troubled by a “double chin” or sagging neck skin, you may wonder whether a facelift could be your solution.

At Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skin Klinic, many of our Scottsdale and Phoenix patients ask if a facelift can correct concerns below the jawline. Yes—with proper technique and occasionally in combination with other procedures.

Below, we’ll explore how a facelift might address your chin and neck issues, the role of complementary procedures like neck lifts, and how Dr. Shapiro’s world-class expertise helps create a smooth, natural contour.

Why We Develop a Double Chin & Neck Sagging

Over time, facial fat migrates downward, almost like a glacier. As it moves, your skin (which has lost some elasticity) can’t keep up. This often leads to:

• Jowling along the jawline
• Crepey or sagging skin under the chin
• Deep smile lines around the nose and mouth

When that lost definition and excess tissue accumulate in the chin and neck area, you’ll see what many refer to as a “double chin” or “turkey wattle.” These changes can happen even if you’re fit and near your ideal weight because gravity and genetics play a significant role.

How a Facelift Addresses Chin and Neck Concerns

A facelift is uniquely designed to address the lower two-thirds of your face. It repositions and tightens underlying tissues, restores youthful volume to the cheeks and jawline, and removes or re-drapes excess skin.

When performed with a meticulous approach—beyond simply “tightening the skin”—a facelift can also significantly improve the region below your chin. 

This may involve:

1. Elevating sagging tissues that cause jowling
2. Removing or redistributing pockets of fat, especially around the jaw and under the chin
3. Sculpting and defining the jawline for a more youthful contour

However, the extent to which a facelift alone addresses a double chin depends on your unique anatomy and the severity of the skin laxity. If excess tissue is primarily in the neck, a neck lift or neck liposuction may be recommended with a facelift for optimal results.

Facelift vs. Neck Lift: Which Do You Need?

During your consultation, Dr. Shapiro thoroughly examines your facial structure, reviews your goals, and advises which or a combination of procedures best meets your needs.

Facelift

• Ideal for moderate to significant signs of facial aging, including jowling, deep nasolabial folds, and lost volume in the cheeks and lower face
• Dr. Shapiro’s approach to facelift surgery focuses on lifting underlying musculature (the SMAS layer) and restoring facial fat to a more youthful position
• The skin itself isn’t pulled too tight—this prevents a wind-swept or “plastic” look and preserves your natural features

Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

• Targets the area beneath the jawline, tightening lax muscles, removing excess fat, and reshaping the skin around the neck
• The result is a more defined jawline and a sleeker, more contoured profile

Combination Procedure

• The face and neck are closely connected aesthetically
• Combining a facelift with a neck lift (and possibly gentle liposuction) can produce a balanced, harmonious transformation in patients who have advanced signs of aging both in the face and neck

Complementary Enhancements

For many patients, combining a facelift with other treatments can maximize overall results:

• Neck Liposuction: Ideal if stubborn fat pockets create a double chin.
• Facial Fat Transfer: Restores youthful fullness to cheeks and around the eyes.
• Nonsurgical Options: Dermal fillers or BOTOX can maintain smoother, more refined features or delay surgery.

Dr. Shapiro’s priority is always to recommend the procedures that will address your concerns, ensuring the most attractive and natural aesthetic outcome.

Ready to Learn More?

If your double chin or sagging neck has left you feeling less than your best, we’re here to help you explore your options. Here are some reasons why you should choose Dr. Shapiro for your facelift:

1. Recognized Expertise: Newsweek Magazine named Dr. Shapiro one of the Top 100 Plastic Surgeons in the country. With nearly three decades of experience, he has helped patients from all over the world refine and rejuvenate their appearances.
2. Impressive Credentials: Board-certified and renowned in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Dr. Shapiro partners with the Mayo Clinic to educate emerging surgeons on safe and effective surgical techniques.
3. Meticulous Technique: A truly beneficial facelift demands mastery of facial anatomy, detailed procedural planning, and aesthetic vision. Dr. Shapiro addresses deeper tissues (the SMAS layer) for a long-lasting, natural lift.
4. Compassionate Care: We understand that surgery can be both exciting and stressful. Dr. Shapiro personally guides his patients from consultation through post-op recovery, ensuring they feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation. Together, we’ll design a customized treatment plan perfectly tailored to you so you can enjoy a sleek neckline and a rejuvenated look for years to come.