Sagging Neck

Sagging Neck Treatment in Glasgow

A sagging neck is often one of the first signs of ageing that patients notice, and it can look more pronounced in those who have looked after their face well. The skin on the neck is among the thinnest on the body, so it begins to loosen earlier than facial skin. At our Glasgow clinic, we start by establishing why yours has changed.

Sagging Neck Treatment in Glasgow

Sagging Neck Treatment Overview

The neck ages on its own terms. Its skin is among the thinnest on the body and carries fewer sebaceous glands, so it loses firmness earlier and shows it more plainly than the face. Beneath the surface, the platysma muscle slackens and support along the jaw and chin recedes, softening the angle where the neck meets the jaw. Some treatments improve the skin itself, tightening and refining its surface. Others work beneath it, repositioning tissue that has descended, and some sit between the two. The distinction matters because they address different problems.

Client in a consultation at aesthetic clinic.

Choosing Sagging Neck Treatment

Choosing well in the neck means being clear about what each route can achieve. Non-surgical treatment produces real improvement in skin quality, fine lines and early laxity, though it works on the surface rather than the structure beneath it. Once the platysma has slackened and skin has descended, tightening the surface alone will not change the contour, and a minimally invasive or surgical route becomes the reliable answer. Knowing which of those describes your neck is what the consultation establishes, before any treatment is recommended.

Clinician examining patient’s chin and jawline during aesthetic consultation

Non-surgical Sagging Neck Treatments vs. Surgical Sagging Neck Procedures

Non-surgical treatment works on the skin and the tissue immediately beneath it, improving texture, tone and mild laxity with little or no time away from your routine. Surgery works deeper, releasing the retaining ligaments and repositioning tissue that has dropped, which is why it produces the most complete correction where laxity is established.

Between them sits the Quantum Lift, which tightens tissue beneath the skin without the recovery that formal surgery requires. Most patients sit somewhere along that spectrum rather than at one end of it, and the consultation is where we place you on it.

Sagging Neck Concerns We Address

The concerns we see below the jaw tend to cluster. They include loose or crepey skin, horizontal lines across the front of the neck, visible banding through the platysma, fullness beneath the chin, and the loss of a clean angle where neck meets jaw. Sun damage and pigmentation frequently sit alongside these, since the neck is exposed year-round and rarely protected as carefully as the face. Prolonged screen use contributes to the changes commonly described as “tech neck”.

Our Surgical Sagging Neck Procedures

After deep plane face and neck lift with jowl lift, addressing jowls, sagging neck, and sagging jawline

Before deep plane face and neck lift with jowl lift, addressing jowls, sagging neck, and sagging jawline

Before and after a lower face and neck lift: the gold standard procedure for improving the neck.

After full facelift with deep plane face and neck lift and jowl lift, addressing sagging neck, sagging jawline, and sagging jowls

Before a full facelift with deep plane face and neck lift and jowl lift, addressing sagging neck, sagging jawline, and jowls

Before and after a lower face and neck lift: the gold standard procedure for improving the neck.

The gold standard way of improving the neck is a surgical neck lift procedure. We were the first clinic in Scotland, and to date the only clinic in Scotland, to offer the Deep Plane Face and Neck lift procedure. This procedure involves going deeper under the muscles of the face to release retaining ligaments and truly reposition the soft tissues of the face, rather than simply to pull them a bit tighter, like in a standard facelift. The reason we offer this procedure is that it produces the most natural, effective and long lasting outcomes.

Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift

Where laxity is established and the priority is a lasting correction. The procedure works beneath the muscles to release the retaining ligaments and reposition the soft tissues rather than tightening the skin, which is what allows the neck to hold its shape.

Treatments

Deep plane face & neck lift

Hear from our facelift expert

Our resident facelift surgeon, Mr Russell Bramhall, is well regarded for his facelifts and blepharoplasties, and strives for an elegant, “invisible” result. Here, he discusses his approach to facelifts.

Launch Video

Man wearing glasses speaking during an interview in a clinic interior with Dr Darren McKeown signage in the background.

Minimally Invasive Sagging Neck Treatment

Before and after McKeown Medical Sagging Neck Treatment

The Quantum Lift

For patients who want more improvement than non-invasive treatment can give, without committing to surgery.

The Quantum Lift combines:

Quantum RF Skin Tightening

Precision Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

This tightens the tissue beneath the skin while refining the contour under the chin and along the jaw. Performed under local anaesthetic, with around a week of downtime.

Treatments

The Quantum Lift Quantum RF Skin Tightening Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Non-Surgical Sagging Neck Treatments

After volumetric facelift with chin and jaw fillers, chin augmentation, and jowl lift, addressing sagging neck and sagging jawline.

Before volumetric facelift with chin and jaw fillers, chin augmentation, and jowl lift, addressing sagging neck and sagging jawline.

An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown Medical

After jowl lift with chin and jaw filler, addressing sagging neck and sagging jawline

Before jowl lift with chin and jaw filler, addressing sagging neck and sagging jawline

An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown Medical

If you do not feel that you are ready for surgery yet, there are non-surgical options that you can try. If you have loss of volume around the chin and jawline, then correcting this with filler injections can lead to some improvement in the appearance of the neck like in the examples shown here. Likewise, if you have skin texture issues, like fine lines and wrinkles, these can also be improved by using laser, like the Halo laser.

Volumetric Facelift

Relevant where volume loss around the chin and jawline is contributing to the appearance of the neck. Restoring structural support along the jaw sharpens its definition and improves the transition into the neck.

Non-Surgical Neck Lift

Our own protocol for improving skin quality, firmness and texture in the neck. Delivered as a course of two or three sessions, it combines complementary treatments so that tightening and resurfacing are addressed together.

HALO Laser Treatment

Aimed at necks where the visible change is texture rather than laxity. It treats fine lines, sun damage and pigmentation, leaving the skin clearer and firmer.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Appropriate where vertical banding through the platysma is the dominant feature. Small quantities of anti-wrinkle injections soften the pull of these muscle bands. Effects take up to a week to appear and typically last three to six months.

Treatments

Non-surgical Neck Lift HALO Laser Treatment Volumetric Facelift Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Treatment Options

Explore Related Sagging Neck Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Deep plane face & neck lift

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Non-surgical Neck Lift

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Anti-Wrinkle Injections

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Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

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Patient Testimonials

Hear from our patients about their experience of the face and neck lift at McKeown Medical.

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Launch Video

Close-up of a woman speaking during a testimonial interview in a softly lit clinical setting.

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Patient Reviews

Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.

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View more reviews via Google

I had face and neck lift surgery with Mr Russell Bramhall. I can honestly say that all aspects of the process were excellent, and I cannot recommend Russell highly enough. It’s now 6 months on, I am absolutely delighted with the results and I cannot thank Russell enough for giving me my confidence back.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 6 months post-op

Dr. Russell is an amazing surgeon. Underwent upper blepharoplasty and facelift with liposuction under chin. I was pretty nervous before the surgery but needn’t have been as Dr. Russell and his team were so calming and professional. The aftercare provided was amazing. I am delighted with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Russell.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf

My experience with Dr Bramhall was fantastic. Having never been through any procedure like this, I was encouraged by his knowledge, professionalism and realistic approach. My confidence has grown since having my surgery and that, in turn, allows me to be a better version of myself. I am delighted with my results.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 3 months post-op

From the first consultation Russell made me feel extremely comfortable and confident about the procedure. It’s been 8 weeks since the surgery and I am over the moon with my results. Five star experience. Before, during and aftercare is exceptional. I would never use anyone else if I was to consider surgery again. Can’t thank Russell enough how confident I am now, I feel fantastic.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 2 months post-op

It has been 5 months since my face and neck lift. I am so happy I had the surgery, my saggy neck and jowls have now gone and everything looks so natural, Russell combines technical skill with meticulous artistry. My outcome is natural and refreshed; most importantly, I still look like me.If you are looking for a brilliant and talented surgeon Dr Bramhall will give you a fantastic result. Many thanks to Russell, Darren, Tom and their team.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 5 months post-op

My experience with Mr Bramhall was faultless from start to finish. He put me completely at ease, before and during my procedure, as did the staff assisting him, kind and caring. Everything went to plan, without complications, and I am now healing perfectly with beautiful results. I would thoroughly recommend Mr Bramhall and the clinic.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 3 months post-op

At my consultation, Dr Bramhall explained the procedure and answered all my questions. He is so friendly and really puts you at ease. The aftercare at the clinic and with Russell has been absolutely fantastic, they are always a phone call away. If I was looking for any more cosmetic surgery I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I am over the moon with my face & neck lift. It has given me a fresh and youthful face.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 5 months post-op

I had a face and neck lift with Russell. It is the best thing I have done and I’m delighted with the result. The aftercare was second to none and I was totally given the best care I could wish for. I feel like a fully refreshed version of myself. I look natural and no one would guess I have had a face and neck lift. I highly recommend Russell for his professional yet friendly manner. He completely put me at ease and achieved the results I was hoping for.

A McKeown Medical patient on RealSelf 5 months post-op

The best place for the best advice and the best service. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional.

A McKeown Medical patient November 2023

The whole experience was fabulous. My phone consultation was very knowledgeable and friendly and everyone in the office was so welcoming. I’ll definitely be back.

A McKeown Medical patient April 2024

I saw Dr Rhona Cameron who I have seen before. She is very welcoming and has a lovely manner. She is easy to talk to and I am very pleased with the results.

A McKeown Medical patient November 2023

View more reviews via Google

Meet our facelift expert

Our resident facelift surgeon, Mr Russell Bramhall, is regarded for his facelifts and blepharoplasties, and strives for an elegant, “invisible” result. Here, he discusses his approach to facelifts.

Launch Video

More about Sagging Neck

Before, During, and After Sagging Neck Treatments

Neck treatment ranges from a short appointment to a surgical procedure, so what follows differs considerably depending on the route. What stays the same is that you will know beforehand exactly what yours involves.

What To Expect Before Sagging Neck Treatments

Consultation comes first, and for the neck it is largely a physical assessment. We look at skin thickness and quality, the degree of laxity, whether the platysma has begun to band, and how much support the chin and jaw are providing. That determines what we recommend.

What To Expect During Sagging Neck Treatments

Discomfort is anticipated and planned for. Numbing cream is applied before laser treatment, injectables in the neck rarely need more than that, and the Quantum Lift is performed under local anaesthetic. Surgery is carried out under deep sedation with local anaesthetic. We’ll explain each stage as your treatment progresses.

What To Expect After Sagging Neck Treatments

How much downtime you need follows directly from what you have had done. Injectables require little to none. Laser leaves the skin red for a few days, though it is usually back to normal within about a week. The Quantum Lift needs around a week. Surgery asks for a couple of weeks away from work while the immediate signs settle.

McKeown Medical front desk/reseption area

Woman sitting on couch in waiting room of medical clinic

Common Questions

What are the benefits?

By improving the underlying structures of the neck, and addressing the suboptimal soft tissues, we are able to effectively correct the appearance of a sagging neck, while also reinstating a smoother-looking canvas. However, while we can address a sagging neck via both surgical and non-surgical options, it must be noted that the results of non-surgical treatments in the neck are more modest when compared with their effectiveness on the face.

Which anaesthetic is used?

Injectables rarely need anaesthetic, although a topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand for sensitive patients, and numbing cream is also used before laser treatment.

The Quantum Lift is performed under local anaesthetic, and surgery is carried out under deep sedation with local anaesthetic.

What's the downtime?

There is little to no downtime with anti-wrinkle injections or filler. Laser can leave the skin red for a few days, usually settling within about a week, and the Quantum Lift needs around a week. After surgery, most patients take a couple of weeks off work while the immediate signs settle

When will I see results?

The results of anti-wrinkle injections take up to a week to appear and typically last between three and six months before repeat treatment is needed. After surgery, results are visible straight away, although bruising and swelling make them difficult to appreciate at first. Most patients feel happier with their neck after a couple of weeks, and the result continues to improve for up to six months.

What causes a sagging neck?

The skin on the neck is among the thinnest on the body and has fewer sebaceous glands, so it loses firmness earlier than facial skin. Beneath it, the platysma slackens and support along the jaw recedes. Sun exposure and prolonged screen use accelerate both.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for a sagging neck and jowls?

The right answer depends on which change is dominant. Where jowls are forming through volume loss, restoring support along the jaw improves definition above and below it. Where the concern is skin texture or early laxity, combined resurfacing and tightening is the more appropriate route. Many patients need both.

What is tech neck?

Tech neck describes the horizontal lines that form across the front of the neck through repeatedly looking down at phones and screens. Because the skin here is thin and highly mobile, these creases set in earlier than elsewhere. Resurfacing improves their appearance where the underlying skin is otherwise firm.

How long does a neck lift last?

A surgical neck lift produces a lasting correction, because it repositions the underlying tissue rather than tightening the skin. Ageing continues afterwards, so the neck will change gradually over the years, but it does so from a considerably improved starting point.

When should I consider surgery instead of non-surgical treatment?

When laxity has progressed beyond what tightening the skin can address. If the platysma has slackened and tissue has descended, resurfacing improves the surface without changing the contour beneath it. That distinction is what we assess at consultation, and it usually settles the question.

What is turkey neck?

Turkey neck is the everyday term for loose, sagging skin beneath the jaw, often with visible banding through the platysma. It describes the same changes covered on this page, and the appropriate treatment depends on whether skin quality or structural laxity is the dominant feature.

Your Expert Team

Founder & Medical Director

Dr Darren McKeown

Dr Darren McKeown (GMC 6128508) is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a Full Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the UK’s leading professional body for aesthetic medicine doctors, and a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, he genuinely cares about helping each patient feel their most confident, natural self.

Meet Dr Darren McKeown

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Russell Bramhall

Mr Russell Bramhall (GMC 6120528), MB ChB and FRCS(Plast), is a Specialist Registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon and BAAPS member. Trained in Harley Street alongside leading names in aesthetics, Russell is an indispensable part of our multidisciplinary team, enabling patients to seamlessly transition from minimally invasive procedures to surgical rejuvenation.

Meet Mr Russell Bramhall

Medical Director, Women's Health

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron (GMC 6103281), Medical Director of Women’s Health at McKeown Medical and a University of Glasgow-trained GP, is a skilled injector extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices, such as lasers, BBL, and radio frequency, energising the appearance and enhancing skin health.

Meet Dr Rhona Cameron

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