What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin and underlying muscle in the neck and jaw area to restore a smoother, more youthful contour. It's commonly performed to correct vertical neck banding, loose skin, and stubborn fat beneath the chin, whether these changes come from natural aging or significant weight loss. Depending on your specific concerns, a neck lift may involve skin tightening, liposuction, muscle correction, or a combination of these techniques.

Restoring a Defined Jawline

A neck lift goes beyond removing excess skin to bring your entire lower face and neck into better proportion. Here, our patients come to us to achieve the following:

  • A smoother, more sculpted neck and jawline
  • Reduced vertical banding along the neck
  • Elimination of stubborn fat beneath the chin
  • Renewed neck and jaw definition after significant weight loss
  • A refreshed profile that complements the rest of the face

Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Ideal candidates for a neck lift in Valdosta, GA are healthy, non-smoking adults who wish to address sagging neck skin, vertical banding, or fullness beneath the chin that hasn't responded to diet or exercise. This procedure works well for patients experiencing natural age-related changes as well as those with loose skin following major weight loss. During your consultation, Dr. Merriman will evaluate your skin elasticity and neck muscle structure to confirm your candidacy and recommend the most appropriate technique for your body.

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Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta?

Not every neck ages the same way; some patients need muscle correction, others simply need excess skin removed, and many need a blend of both. That kind of nuanced diagnosis takes real experience, and it's exactly why patients from Tifton, Waycross, Albany, and beyond travel to see Dr. Sonya Merriman rather than settling for a one-technique-fits-all provider. Dr. Merriman’s three decades in facial and body surgery, paired with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, mean she's seen nearly every variation of neck aging and knows how to correct it with precision and artistry. She’ll perform your procedure entirely within our own accredited surgical suite rather than a rented or shared facility. At our state-licensed, Medicare-certified, and QUAD A-accredited facility, the surgeon evaluating your neck is the same one holding the scalpel, and your whole care team is with you every step of the way.

A Confidential Consultation

Your neck lift journey will begin with a private, one-on-one consultation where Dr. Merriman listens closely to your concerns and goals before recommending an approach. She'll walk you through which techniques, whether liposuction, skin removal, muscle tightening, or a combination, best suit your anatomy, and explain exactly what to expect from surgery, recovery, and results. You'll leave with a clear, honest picture of your options, without any pressure to commit before you're ready.

Pricing Your Procedure

The cost of a neck lift in Valdosta, GA, depends on several factors, including the following: 

  • Techniques used
  • Extent of correction
  • Surgical complexity
  • Whether additional procedures will be performed in the same session 

After your initial consultation, our team will provide you with a complete cost estimate, including financing options to help make your procedure more accessible.

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Our Patients Own Words

4.9 stars from 276 Google reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Very professional. Excellent care!

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision....

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVE this place!!

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. T...

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. The entire staff is also absolutely professional, very thorough, and extremely warming so much so that it literally feels like a family. And you don’t get that very many places, so I will forever continue to come here and only here. And highly recommended !!!

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5 out of 5 stars

The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic.

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfor...

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfortable the minute I walked in the door. The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic. I was made to feel as if I had known them my entire life. The reason I give a 5-star rating is because I don't see a 10-star rating. lol. Thank you, ladies, so much for the service you provide and the manner in which you provide care.

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5 out of 5 stars

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office.

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel af...

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel afraid about asking questions. I literally drive 1.5 hours from home to see Pam, Ashli & Melanie for all my treatments. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results!!

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydraf...

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydrafacial by Amy, who is fantastic. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides suggestions to get the results I want without making me feel pressured or uncomfortable. I am very pleased with the results!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with my procedure!!!

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism,...

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism, dedication to patients, and you feel well taken care of from the first to the finish!

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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office.

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in...

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in the office is absolutely fantastic, definitely feel like family once you leave. Liz was great at going over everything with me before my consultation. Dr. Sonya came in and talked to me for a good 20 minutes and explained to me the different implants, what she would do, etc., asked for her opinion on my size, and I felt completely comfortable!! Kelley was my nurse, and she was great!! She helped answer any questions my husband and I had before I went back. Also, Dr. Sonya’s husband was the anesthesiologist and was so kind! He’s the last person I remember talking to before I was out, haha. I love how they call and check on you after your surgery, and if there is anything you may need. My recovery so far has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have done without their support and instructions on what to do after surgery. I highly recommend their office for everything ❤️ definitely will be back!

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5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend their office.

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt appr...

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt apprehensive about the process. Fear of the unknown, I suppose. But at Valdosta Plastic Surgery, the process was laid out step-by-step. Everyone was kind, helpful, and made sure I received answers to any questions I may have. From the start, there were no surprises about costs or timelines. That was laid out nicely for me in the initial callback I received in response to my online consultation request. Dr. Merriman was sure to tell me about the risks and took the time during the initial office consultation to listen/look at my desired outcome. Again and again, I was reminded that if I had any questions, then I could reach out to Dr. Merriman directly after the surgery. They made me feel so comfortable that I reached out two times to ask a question. I received immediate responses. In the end, recovery was a piece of cake. Though Dr. Merriman will tell you that it is different for everyone. I thought the instructions I received for managing the recovery were spot on. It has now been 6 months since the surgery, and the outcome is better than everything I had hoped for. They are symmetrical, even, I have feelings in both nipples, and the size is exactly what I had hoped for. Interestingly, she used one size bigger than what was initially considered. I attribute that to Dr. Merriman's keen eye for aesthetics and high level of experience. She had seen what outcome I had envisioned, and during surgery, she fit me with the right size to achieve the look that I was hoping for. I am so glad that I decided on Valdosta Plastic Surgery. I highly recommend their office. I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work.

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & co...

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & comfortable as soon as I walk in those doors. (The entire staff here makes you feel safe.) Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Merriman, she has a wonderful team & establishment built. I look forward to coming back every time and will 100% come here for any future work I plan on having done! ❤️❤️❤️

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5 out of 5 stars

I will never go anywhere else.

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I...

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I never will. They truly want to know their customers!

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What to Expect From Your Neck Lift in Valdosta, GA

Neck lift surgery typically involves small incisions placed near the sideburn area, with an additional incision beneath the chin if needed. Depending on your individualized plan, Dr. Merriman may perform liposuction to remove excess fat, tighten and trim loose skin, or strengthen the platysma muscle running from the collarbone to the chin to eliminate vertical banding. 


Once Dr. Merriman has completed all of your enhancements, she’ll close your incisions with fine sutures to promote smooth, consistent healing. Your total surgical time will vary based on which techniques your plan requires, but most procedures take one to three hours.

Patient-Centered Recovery for Natural-Looking Results

Recovery after a neck lift in Valdosta, GA, typically requires at least two weeks of downtime during early healing. Swelling, bruising, and mild tightness around the neck and jaw are common in the days following surgery and should resolve over 10-14 days. Depending on your needs, we may provide you with a compression garment to support healing and reduce swelling during the first few weeks. 

Most patients return to work, social gatherings, and light daily activities within one to two weeks, though strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. Merriman confirms you're ready. Your final results will emerge over the coming months as residual swelling fully resolves and your neck muscles gain strength.

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Your Neck Lift Technique

The right neck lift approach for your body depends on which combination of skin, fat, and muscle changes is affecting your neck. At PSAV, Dr. Merriman focuses on the following techniques: 

  • Liposuction Only: This approach removes excess fat from beneath the chin and along the neck for patients with minimal loose skin.
  • Skin Excision: Here, Dr. Merriman tightens and removes loose skin without addressing deeper muscle structure.
  • Platysmaplasty: This technique corrects the platysma muscle running from the collarbone to the chin, resolving vertical banding, and is often combined with skin or fat correction.

Alternative or Related Procedures

Many of our Valdosta patients choose to combine their neck lift with other facial rejuvenation treatments to fully refresh their appearance. Complementary procedures include the following: 

  • Facelift
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Brow lift
  • Chin augmentation 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Merriman will determine which option, or combination, best fits your aesthetic goals and medical needs.

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Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How long do neck lift results typically last?

Neck lift results often last 10 years or longer, although the natural aging process continues over time. Maintaining a stable weight, practicing healthy lifestyle habits, and following a consistent skincare routine can help preserve your results for many years.

Will a neck lift address jowls along my jawline?

A neck lift can improve mild jowling along the jawline, but more significant jowls are often best treated by combining a neck lift with a facelift. During your consultation, Dr. Merriman will evaluate your facial anatomy and recommend the approach that best achieves your goals.

Will I have visible scarring after a neck lift?

Neck lift incisions are carefully placed around the ears, near the sideburns, and, when necessary, beneath the chin to keep scars as discreet as possible. As healing progresses, the scars typically fade significantly and become well concealed.

Can a neck lift be combined with a facelift?

Yes. A neck lift is commonly performed alongside a facelift to rejuvenate both the face and neck for a more balanced, natural-looking result. Dr. Merriman will recommend the combination of procedures that best addresses your concerns.

What is recovery like after a neck lift?

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first couple of weeks after surgery. While light activities can often be resumed within one to two weeks, more strenuous exercise should be avoided until Dr. Merriman advises it is safe.

What are the risks of neck lift surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, delayed healing, and complications related to anesthesia. Dr. Merriman uses meticulous surgical techniques and will discuss these risks thoroughly during your consultation.

Confidence starts with a conversation.

Meet with us and discover a clinic where we focus on creating natural-looking results in every procedure.

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