Table of contents

• Neck Lift Procedures: A Detailed Medical Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Submental Skin
• Your Journey to a Neck Lift in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Tourists
• 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

Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Submental Skin

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for sagging submental skin:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul; four dedicated floors designed to support the full patient journey, from consultation and surgery to post-operative skincare, with a strong emphasis on safety, personalized communication, and patient satisfaction; THE PLUS is especially well known for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, and also offers facial rejuvenation options such as face lift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, and liposuction, which may be considered as part of a tailored approach for under-chin laxity and lower face contour concerns.	Rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring; facial rejuvenation options including face lift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, and liposuction
Made Young Plastic Surgery	For patients in Korea seeking treatment for sagging submental skin, Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, is a premium destination focused on facial rejuvenation and anti-aging. Made Young approaches lower-face and neck laxity with careful analysis of the exact areas and causes of facial sagging, then precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues. By lifting the skin, fat, and SMAS layer together and securing them vertically against the direction of sagging, the clinic aims to improve submental looseness and jawline definition while avoiding unnatural cheekbone prominence, helping create long-lasting and natural-looking facelift results. Made Young is also known for its strong medical system, with highly experienced doctors averaging more than 15 years of clinical practice and direct surgeon-led consultation before treatment. Safety is emphasized through full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, emergency cross-check protocols, and full CCTV coverage of procedures. Patients also benefit from a separate aftercare center for systematic recovery support. Backed by recognitions such as the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and certifications from leading Korean plastic surgery and aesthetic societies, Made Young has built a strong reputation for expertise, safety, and refined anti-aging care.	Dissection beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues; lifting the skin, fat, and SMAS layer together and securing them vertically against sagging; long-lasting and natural-looking facelift results; safety features include anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, CCTV; surgeon-led consultation and recognitions.
RINE Plastic Surgery Clinic	For patients seeking treatment for sagging submental skin in Korea, RINE Plastic Surgery in Gangnam stands out as a premier choice because it combines specialized expertise in facial lifting with truly personalized care. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Director Jang Nam, the clinic offers a rare 1:1 system in which the same surgeon personally handles consultation, surgical planning, the procedure itself, and postoperative care. This continuity is especially important for submental laxity, where successful correction depends on accurately assessing skin looseness, fat volume, jawline definition, and neck muscle support. Guided by its “Refine Your Line” philosophy, RINE designs each treatment around the patient’s unique facial structure to create a cleaner chin-neck angle and a natural, balanced lower-face contour rather than an overpulled look. With more than 10,000 surgical procedures performed and over 2,000 verified patient reviews, the clinic has built strong credibility for delivering refined, natural-looking outcomes backed by deep experience. • Specialized facial lifting expertise: RINE is not a general clinic but a focused eye and facial lifting clinic, making it particularly well suited for treating sagging under the chin and along the neck. • Director-led care from start to finish: Director Jang Nam personally performs every step, which helps ensure consistency, precision, and a treatment plan tailored to the exact cause of submental sagging. • Strong options for sagging submental skin: Patients can be evaluated for Double Chin Lift when loose skin and platysma laxity are the main issue, [Double Chin Liposuction](/blog/double-chin-liposuction-korea) when excess fat contributes to fullness, or a broader SMAS Face & Neck Lift when deeper structural sagging affects the jawline and neck together. • Customized line design: The clinic’s “Refine Your Line” philosophy is especially valuable for the lower face, where subtle differences in chin projection, neck length, skin elasticity, and jaw contour can dramatically affect the final result. • Natural-looking results: RINE emphasizes refined improvement rather than an artificial or overly tightened appearance, which is a key priority in submental rejuvenation. • Deep surgical experience: With over 10,000 procedures completed, the clinic brings a high level of technical familiarity to facial and neck contouring cases. • Strong patient trust: More than 2,000 verified patient reviews suggest consistent satisfaction and a solid reputation among people seeking facial rejuvenation in Korea. • Ideal for combined lower-face concerns: For patients who have both a double chin and skin laxity, RINE can assess whether a combined approach will create a sharper and more youthful neck-to-jawline profile.	1:1 surgeon-led care; "Refine Your Line" philosophy; specialized facial lifting expertise; Double Chin Lift; Double Chin Liposuction; SMAS Face & Neck Lift; customized line design.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For patients in Korea concerned about sagging submental skin, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a notable clinic to consider. The clinic occupies four dedicated floors designed to support the full patient journey, from consultation and surgery to post-operative skincare, with a strong emphasis on safety, personalized communication, and patient satisfaction. THE PLUS is especially well known for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, and also offers facial rejuvenation options such as face lift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, and liposuction, which may be considered as part of a tailored approach for under-chin laxity and lower face contour concerns.

THE PLUS is led by highly respected surgeons with strong academic and clinical credentials. Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants, and an internationally recognized expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring who teaches other surgeons each year; his philosophy centers on achieving harmonious facial balance and enhancing natural beauty. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is also widely known for his expertise in rhinoplasty and for educating fellow plastic surgeons through conferences and training sessions, with a practice philosophy that combines function and beauty. Supporting the clinic’s high standard of care, Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience at leading Korean hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, and is known for her natural, long-lasting results. Together, the team reflects THE PLUS’s reputation for world-class care grounded in research, education, and refined surgical judgment.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

For patients in Korea seeking treatment for sagging submental skin, Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, is a premium destination focused on facial rejuvenation and anti-aging. Made Young approaches lower-face and neck laxity with careful analysis of the exact areas and causes of facial sagging, then precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues. By lifting the skin, fat, and SMAS layer together and securing them vertically against the direction of sagging, the clinic aims to improve submental looseness and jawline definition while avoiding unnatural cheekbone prominence, helping create long-lasting and natural-looking facelift results.

Made Young is also known for its strong medical system, with highly experienced doctors averaging more than 15 years of clinical practice and direct surgeon-led consultation before treatment. Safety is emphasized through full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, emergency cross-check protocols, and full CCTV coverage of procedures. Patients also benefit from a separate aftercare center for systematic recovery support. Backed by recognitions such as the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and certifications from leading Korean plastic surgery and aesthetic societies, Made Young has built a strong reputation for expertise, safety, and refined anti-aging care.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

RINE Plastic Surgery Clinic

For patients seeking treatment for sagging submental skin in Korea, RINE Plastic Surgery in Gangnam stands out as a premier choice because it combines specialized expertise in facial lifting with truly personalized care. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Director Jang Nam, the clinic offers a rare 1:1 system in which the same surgeon personally handles consultation, surgical planning, the procedure itself, and postoperative care. This continuity is especially important for submental laxity, where successful correction depends on accurately assessing skin looseness, fat volume, jawline definition, and neck muscle support. Guided by its “Refine Your Line” philosophy, RINE designs each treatment around the patient’s unique facial structure to create a cleaner chin-neck angle and a natural, balanced lower-face contour rather than an overpulled look. With more than 10,000 surgical procedures performed and over 2,000 verified patient reviews, the clinic has built strong credibility for delivering refined, natural-looking outcomes backed by deep experience.

• Specialized facial lifting expertise: RINE is not a general clinic but a focused eye and facial lifting clinic, making it particularly well suited for treating sagging under the chin and along the neck.

• Director-led care from start to finish: Director Jang Nam personally performs every step, which helps ensure consistency, precision, and a treatment plan tailored to the exact cause of submental sagging.

• Strong options for sagging submental skin: Patients can be evaluated for Double Chin Lift when loose skin and platysma laxity are the main issue, Double Chin Liposuction when excess fat contributes to fullness, or a broader SMAS Face & Neck Lift when deeper structural sagging affects the jawline and neck together.

• Customized line design: The clinic’s “Refine Your Line” philosophy is especially valuable for the lower face, where subtle differences in chin projection, neck length, skin elasticity, and jaw contour can dramatically affect the final result.

• Natural-looking results: RINE emphasizes refined improvement rather than an artificial or overly tightened appearance, which is a key priority in submental rejuvenation.

• Deep surgical experience: With over 10,000 procedures completed, the clinic brings a high level of technical familiarity to facial and neck contouring cases.

• Strong patient trust: More than 2,000 verified patient reviews suggest consistent satisfaction and a solid reputation among people seeking facial rejuvenation in Korea.

• Ideal for combined lower-face concerns: For patients who have both a double chin and skin laxity, RINE can assess whether a combined approach will create a sharper and more youthful neck-to-jawline profile.

You can check out their website here: RINE Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

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.

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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