Table of contents

• Neck Lift Procedures: A Detailed Medical Overview
• Your Journey to a Neck Lift in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Tourists
• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Submental Skin?
• Navigating Neck Lift Costs: South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Sagging Submental Skin
• Important Considerations Before Your Neck Lift Journey
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Sagging submental skin is the term for the loose, drooping, or wrinkled skin that forms under the chin and along the neck, often making the jawline less pronounced. While commonly linked to aging, other factors like genetics and lifestyle play a significant role.

You'll find various terms describing these concerns:

• Turkey Neck: This refers to loose, crepey skin beneath the chin and on the neck, resembling a turkey’s wattle.
• Double Chin (Submental Fullness/Fat): Describes excess fat under the chin, which creates the look of another chin and makes the jawline less distinct. It isn’t always related to weight—it can also be hereditary or age-related.
• Jowls: These are saggy areas around the jaw, neck, and chin caused by skin and soft tissue moving downward as elasticity fades.
• Platysmal Bands: Vertical lines or bands that become visible as you age, resulting from the weakening or separation of the platysma muscle.

The primary cause of sagging submental skin is aging—our bodies produce less collagen and elastin over time, making the skin less firm and more prone to sagging. Muscle weakening beneath the skin, significant weight changes, sun damage, genetic factors, the shape of your neck bones, poor posture, and repeated facial expressions all influence the severity of this concern.

The underlying cause—be it fat accumulation, skin laxity, or muscle changes—greatly influences the right treatment. For example, neck liposuction works for excess fat but isn’t suitable for older individuals with loose skin, as it may worsen the problem. So, identifying the true cause of your concern is key before seeking any treatment.

A comprehensive consultation—one that looks at your history, lifestyle, and anatomy—is crucial to create a tailored and effective treatment plan. The diagnostic stage is often just as important as the procedure itself for lasting, satisfying results.

Neck Lift Procedures: A Detailed Medical Overview

Neck lift procedures, also known as platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, are designed to create a smoother and more youthful neck and jawline. They tackle wrinkles, sagging, and excess skin—and are often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for a harmonious result. A well-performed neck lift often lasts 7–10 years, with advanced techniques boasting even greater longevity.

Here’s a breakdown of the main neck lift procedures:

Cervicoplasty

This surgery removes and tightens loose skin on the neck. Incisions are made behind the ears and/or under the chin. If necessary, liposuction can remove fat at the same time. The result is a sharper jawline and a smoother neck.

Platysmaplasty

This procedure targets the platysma muscle to reduce "bands" or cords on the neck. Incisions are placed around the ear or under the chin, and the surgeon tightens or realigns the muscles, sometimes removing excess skin and fat. The outcome is a firmer, more defined neck.

Deep Plane Neck Lift

One of the most advanced options, this surgery not only removes fat and skin but also repositions deeper connective tissues (SMAS) and muscles. This delivers a comprehensive, long-lasting improvement and a natural look, with well-hidden incisions for minimal scarring.

Submental Liposuction

Submental liposuction is ideal for removing extra fat under the chin—the “double chin.” It uses a tiny incision under the chin or behind the ears, through which a suction cannula removes the fat. Quick recovery and immediate results make it popular for younger patients with good skin elasticity but it’s unsuitable for patients with significant skin laxity.

Traditional Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)

The most comprehensive of the options, this classic procedure combines skin removal and muscle tightening to address jowls, sagging, and excess fat. Incisions are cleverly placed near the hairline, around the ear, and sometimes extending into the hair at the back of the head. This approach restores firmer, younger-looking contours.

The choice of technique depends on the exact cause—whether that’s fat, loose skin, muscle banding, or deep tissue laxity. That’s why a thorough diagnosis from an experienced surgeon is essential.

These procedures are often combined with other surgeries (like facelift or eyelid lift) to achieve a balanced, natural result rather than just focusing on the neck in isolation.

Comparison of Key Neck Lift Procedure Types

Procedure Name	Primary Focus	Targeted Concerns	Typical Incision Locations	Anesthesia Type	Recovery Time (Initial)	Longevity of Results	Ideal Candidate Profile
Cervicoplasty	Skin removal	Sagging skin, "Turkey Neck"	Around/behind ear, under chin	Local/General	1–2 weeks	7–10 years	Significant skin laxity
Platysmaplasty	Muscle tightening	Vertical neck bands, "Turkey Wattle"	Around/behind ear, under chin	Local/General	1–2 weeks	7–10 years	Prominent muscle bands
Deep Plane Neck Lift	Deep tissue (SMAS) lift, muscle tightening	Sagging skin, double chin, prominent bands, undefined jawline	Under chin, behind ears	General	1–2 weeks	10–15+ years	Comprehensive aging, long-lasting goals
Submental Liposuction	Fat removal	"Double Chin", localized fat	Under chin, behind ears	Local/General	3 days–1 week	Permanent (fat removed)	Younger, good skin elasticity
Traditional Neck Lift	Skin, fat, muscle tightening	Jowls, jawline/neck sagging, excess fat	Hairline (sideburn), around ear, posterior hair	Local/General	2–3 weeks	7–10 years	Moderate–severe sagging, jowling

Your Journey to a Neck Lift in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Tourists

Choosing South Korea for a neck lift means understanding each step along the way. Here’s what international patients can expect:

Initial Consultation and Pre-Operative Assessment

Your journey starts with an online consultation, during which the medical team assesses your needs, recommends the right procedure, and provides price and recovery details. Once you arrive in Korea, you’ll have a thorough in-person consultation involving the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other specialists. Clinics use high-tech imaging (like 3D facial scans) to map changes and set realistic expectations.

South Korea requires mandatory health screenings—blood tests, EKG, chest X-rays—to ensure you’re fit for surgery and minimize risks. Full disclosure of your medical history is essential, and stopping smoking (at least six weeks before surgery) and avoiding certain meds is strongly advised.

The Surgical Procedure: What to Expect on the Day

Surgery is done under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are carefully placed in natural creases or behind the ears to hide scars. The surgeon then tightens the skin, removes excess fat, and adjusts underlying muscles as needed. Surgery usually takes 1–2 hours, though complex cases can take longer, and you might need to stay overnight if you have general anesthesia.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery Timeline

• Days 1–3: Clinics provide pain management via IV, swelling and bruising peak, and rest is essential. Head elevation and cool compresses help.
• Days 4–7: Swelling subsides, stitches come out, and patients wear a compression band. Daily wound care and anti-swelling therapies—like LED treatment and IVs—are offered, and walking is encouraged.
• Weeks 2–3: Major swelling/bruising lessen, and light activities resume. Tightness and numbness fade gradually.
• Months 1–3: Neck definition improves further, light exercise is okay, and residual swelling decreases. Full healing and scar maturation happen within 3–12 months.

Korean clinics excel with their holistic aftercare—daily wound cleaning, recovery therapies, and dietary support—which provides a supportive environment for healing, especially valuable for medical tourists.

Logistics for International Patients

Arrive in Korea 2–3 days before your procedure for jet lag and final tests. Plan to stay 10–14 days for surgery and initial recovery. Booking a flexible return flight and arranging for a friend or support person is highly recommended.

Many clinics offer recovery accommodations with medical supervision, dietary support, in-room therapies, and bilingual staff. Leading agencies (like Shin Medical) assist with translations, bookings, transportation, and even mediate discounts or added after-care.

A deposit secures your surgery slot, and full payment is usually collected before the procedure. Always check with your bank about international payment limits in advance.

Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Submental Skin?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for sagging submental skin.

1. THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For sagging skin beneath your chin, you may consider THEPLUS Plastic Surgery if you are looking at facial lifting options that aim to reposition sagging facial tissue while preserving natural expression. The clinic offers both surgical facelift and dissolvable-thread lift approaches, and its facial-contouring focus may be relevant when your goal is a more balanced lower-face and jawline appearance.

• URL: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Lifting options:
  • Facelift is offered to lift and reposition sagging facial tissue for firmer facial contours while maintaining natural expression.
  • Thread lift uses dissolvable threads for mild facial sagging when you prefer a less invasive lifting approach.
  • Face fat grafting is available for areas of facial volume loss or hollowing that may accompany age-related sagging.
• Relevant expertise:
  • Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose stated areas of expertise include facial contouring and rhinoplasty.
  • Dr. Jeong is President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and describes an approach centered on combining function and aesthetics.

2. Made Young Plastic Surgery

For sagging submental skin and a less defined jawline, Made Young Plastic Surgery offers neck lift and double-chin lift options alongside a facelift technique that lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS layer together after releasing stretched supporting tissues beneath the SMAS. The clinic states that it secures lifted tissues vertically, opposite the direction of sagging, to support natural-looking contours without emphasizing the cheekbones unnaturally.

• URL: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Procedure approach:
  • The clinic describes dissection beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, followed by combined lifting of the skin, fat, and SMAS layer.
  • A neck lift is offered to address loose neck skin and excess fat for a smoother neckline.
  • A double-chin lift is offered to target a double chin through liposuction or surgery for greater jawline definition.
  • Thread lift, focused-ultrasound treatments including Shurink and Ultherapy, and other non-surgical lifting options are also listed.
• Consultation and monitoring:
  • The medical team provides direct consultation and diagnosis before treatment.
  • The clinic states that full-time board-certified anesthesiologists are on site, with one anesthesiologist assigned to continuous one-to-one monitoring.
  • It describes a cross-check system involving multiple anesthesiologists for emergency assessment and response, as well as CCTV coverage of procedures.
• Aftercare: A separate dedicated aftercare center provides systematic post-procedure care.

3. LABOM Plastic Surgery

For sagging skin under your chin, LABOM Plastic Surgery’s Triple Face and Neck Lift is a particularly relevant option: it lifts the skin, SMAS, and deep fat layer together, with the stated aim of restoring the face-to-neck boundary, improving a double chin and neck wrinkles, and sharpening the jawline without excessive skin pulling. Your plan is designed around your facial anatomy and degree of aging, and the clinic states that its specialists directly perform procedures.

• URL: LABOM Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Triple Face and Neck Lift:
  • The three-layer technique repositions skin, the SMAS layer, and deep malar fat together using a Deep Plane-based approach.
  • It is intended to address jawline sagging, double chin, neck wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and sagging around the mouth.
  • Available adjuncts include SMAS grafting, deep fat-pad removal, and platysma muscle sling (“pelican”) surgery when appropriate.
  • The clinic states that the procedure is performed under sedation with local anesthesia, takes about 3–4 hours, and typically involves 7–14 days of recovery.
• Additional lower-face option:
  • Facial liposuction uses micro-cannulas to remove excess chin and cheek fat and may be combined with V-line contour lifting to address a double chin and undefined jawline.
  • The clinic lists an approximate one-hour procedure time and 2–3 days of recovery for facial liposuction.
• Planning and aftercare:
  • Each surgical design is based on one-to-one consultation, pre-operative diagnosis, facial anatomy, and your degree of aging.
  • The clinic describes safe anesthesia and continuous monitoring systems, along with high-definition endoscopic technology.
  • Post-operative support includes regular progress checks and structured swelling, bruising, and scar-management programs, with a dedicated aftercare system for international patients.

Navigating Neck Lift Costs: South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations

The cost of a neck lift is an important factor—here’s how South Korea stacks up:

Average Costs of Neck Lift in South Korea

In South Korea, a neck lift typically costs ₩6,600,000–₩9,900,000 KRW ($4,800–$7,200 USD as of May 2025). Promotional packages or simpler procedures may be as low as $1,820–$2,600, but full-featured surgeries tend to be higher.

What’s Typically Included in the Price?

Packages in South Korea generally cover everything: pre-op assessments, all tests, surgery and anesthesia, hospital stay if needed, post-op meds, follow-up care, and translated support. Dedicated coordinators guide you through each step, ensuring there are no surprise costs.

Cost Comparison: South Korea vs. USA, UK, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico

Country	Estimated Neck Lift Cost (USD)	What’s Included (Highlights)	Notes for Tourists
South Korea	$4,800–$7,200	Pre-op tests, anesthesia, surgery, hospital, aftercare, support staff	Transparent, comprehensive packages, high safety
USA	$7,000–$70,000	Surgeon’s fee (extras often separate)	High, with extra anesthesia/facility/other fees
UK	$8,900–$19,000+	Often higher for advanced procedures; inclusions vary	High cost, can be combined with facelift
Thailand	$2,000–$5,000	Surgery, sometimes hotel/transfers	Affordable, common packages for moderate cases
Turkey	$2,500–$6,416	Surgery, anesthesia, hospital, sometimes hotel/transfers	Competitive, popular for medical tourism, all-inclusive
Mexico	$2,500–$6,350	Surgery, anesthesia, pre-op tests, 1-night stay, some local transport	Affordable, especially for US visitors

While prices in South Korea are considerably lower than in the US or UK, the main benefit is that packages are more all-inclusive, giving you a clear sense of the total cost—without hidden fees. Elsewhere, prices are often “unbundled,” leading to surprises. Lower pricing isn’t everything: always consider surgeon expertise, clinic reputation, and patient reviews. Agencies specializing in medical tourism can help you verify quality and safety standards, which is especially important if you find prices that seem too good to be true.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Sagging Submental Skin

A neck lift is one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate the neck and jawline for those with sagging skin, extra fat, or neck bands. Results include a sharper profile, less double chin, and tighter, smoother skin. Surgery succeeds where diet, exercise, and non-surgical treatments often don't offer enough improvement—especially with moderate or severe laxity.

If you prefer to avoid surgery, there are non-invasive options like Sofwave ultrasound (improving skin lift for most patients), Kybella (an injection for double chin), and Botox for platysmal bands. Their results are more subtle and temporary compared to surgery.

After their neck lifts, most patients are highly satisfied. They feel more refreshed and confident, with many reporting a renewed sense of youth and freedom from self-consciousness about their neck or chin. A modern neck lift is designed to look natural instead of overly tight. Though results can last 7 to 15 years, the natural aging process continues; results aren’t permanent. Be ready for a recovery period involving swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary numbness. Full results may take up to a year to manifest.

Neck lifts reset the clock, not stop it. Ongoing care (skincare, sun protection, occasional maintenance treatments) will help maintain your results.

Important Considerations Before Your Neck Lift Journey

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about a neck lift:

• Thorough Consultation & Personalization: Get a full evaluation and choose a plan tailored to your specific concerns for the best results.
• Expectations & Recovery: Neck lifts can be dramatic and long-lasting but not permanent. Expect initial swelling or bruising, and know that final results take time.
• Financial Understanding: Choose comprehensive packages to avoid extra costs and always confirm what's included beforehand.
• Clinic & Surgeon Credentials: Check your surgeon’s expertise and the clinic’s accreditation. Use reputable agencies or local guides to ensure safety and quality.
• Post-Care Commitment: Following recovery instructions and attending follow-ups is key for the best outcome.
• Consider Alternatives: If your case is mild or you prefer non-surgical options, treatments like Kybella, Sofwave, or Botox can help, though not as dramatically as surgery.

References

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