A neck tuck, medically known as a cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to refine the appearance of the jawline and neck. It addresses common signs of aging, such as loose, sagging skin, excess fat beneath the chin, and prominent vertical bands caused by muscle separation. The procedure creates a smoother, more defined contour by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying platysma muscle. The cost of this cosmetic surgery varies substantially based on the technique chosen and the location where the surgery is performed.
The Average Cost Range
The total national cost for a neck tuck procedure generally falls between \$3,000 and \$15,000. This wide variance reflects the difference between a minor intervention and a comprehensive surgical lift. A less invasive approach, such as neck liposuction alone, which removes small pockets of fat, typically sits at the lower end of this scale, often costing between \$3,000 and \$6,000.
A full surgical neck lift, involving cervicoplasty (skin removal) and platysmaplasty (muscle tightening), is significantly more expensive. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports the average surgeon’s fee for a lower rhytidectomy, which includes a neck lift, is around \$7,885. This figure represents only the surgeon’s fee and does not account for the numerous other costs associated with the operation.
Components of the Total Price
The final bill for a neck tuck is a composite of several distinct professional and facility fees, not just a single price for the surgery itself. The largest portion is typically the Surgeon’s Fee, which covers the cosmetic surgeon’s expertise, time, and overhead. This fee directly correlates with the surgeon’s reputation and level of specialization in facial procedures.
The second major expense is the Anesthesia Fee, which pays for the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist and the medications used. This cost is calculated based on the length and complexity of the surgery and the type of anesthesia required (local with sedation or general). Longer operations require more time from the provider, increasing this expense.
The third substantial component is the Facility Fee, which covers the use of the operating room or surgical center, necessary equipment, and support staff like surgical nurses. This fee ensures the procedure is performed in a sterile, accredited environment with appropriate monitoring technology. These three expenses are billed separately and must be factored in to determine the overall cost.
Factors Driving Price Differences
The geographical location is one of the most significant factors influencing the total price. Procedures in major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, often have higher costs due to increased overhead and a higher regional cost of living. Conversely, procedures in suburban or smaller markets tend to be more competitively priced.
A surgeon’s experience and reputation also directly impact their fee structure, with board-certified specialists commanding a premium. A surgeon with decades of experience and a strong portfolio of successful outcomes will charge more than a less established practitioner. Patients are paying for a proven track record and a high standard of care.
The complexity of the procedure itself is another primary variable. A minor procedure, such as submental liposuction, is quicker and less invasive, resulting in lower facility and anesthesia costs. A full neck lift, which involves tightening the platysma muscle and excising excess skin, requires more surgical skill and significantly more operating room time. Combining the neck tuck with other procedures, such as a facelift or chin augmentation, will further increase the overall complexity and the total financial investment required.
Financing and Ancillary Expenses
Beyond the core surgical fees, patients must budget for several ancillary expenses that arise before and after the procedure. Initial consultations often incur a fee, though some practices may apply this charge toward the final surgery cost if the patient proceeds. This consultation is necessary to determine if the patient is a candidate for a cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty.
Post-operative costs include prescription medications, such as antibiotics and pain management drugs, which are not typically covered by the surgical fee. Patients will also need to purchase specialized post-surgical compression garments or chin straps to help reduce swelling and support healing tissues. These garments are worn for a period after the surgery to optimize the final contouring results.
Since a neck tuck is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance plans. Patients often explore financing options, including specialized medical credit cards or personal loans, to manage the out-of-pocket expense. Follow-up visits to monitor healing are required; while these may be included in some pricing, patients should confirm if additional charges apply for routine post-operative care.