Can loose neck skin improve without a neck lift? It depends on the cause and amount of skin laxity. In this episode, Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, discusses less invasive options for selected mild or moderate cases and why substantial excess skin may require surgical removal.

Originally published July 20, 2020. Treatment schedules and practice preferences described in the recording reflect that period.

What the episode explains

🧬 Skin laxity factors

Aging, substantial weight loss and loss of volume after liposuction can leave skin that does not fully contract.

🔎 Neck bands and skin

Vertical muscle bands and excess skin are different concerns. Dr. Smith discusses Botox for softening bands, rather than removing loose skin.

⚙️ RF microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling, including Morpheus8, uses needles and heat. It penetrates the skin and should not be described as completely noninvasive.

⚙️ FaceTite and AccuTite

FaceTite and AccuTite deliver energy through small access incisions; they are minimally invasive procedures with risks and recovery considerations.

🩺 Neck lift options

For more substantial laxity, Dr. Smith discusses a neck lift or a facelift that includes the neck. The choice depends on anatomy and goals.

🎧 Episode guide

00:00 — Introduction

00:53 — Why neck skin becomes loose

04:22 — Botox and neck bands

06:07 — Radiofrequency microneedling

07:26 — Minimally invasive tightening

09:24 — When a neck lift enters the discussion

💬 Common questions

Can Botox remove loose neck skin?

The recording distinguishes skin laxity from muscle-related neck bands. Dr. Smith describes Botox as an option for reducing the appearance of bands, not a treatment that removes excess skin.

Is FaceTite a treatment without surgery?

Dr. Smith describes it as a minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions and a probe beneath the skin. That distinction matters when comparing it with microneedling or a surgical neck lift.

ℹ️ Current safety context

In October 2025, the FDA warned of reported serious complications with certain uses of RF microneedling, including burns, scarring, fat loss and nerve damage. Discuss the specific device, treatment area, expected benefit and risks with a qualified clinician. This update is separate from the original recording. Read the FDA safety communication.

🔗 Related information

Explore current information about Morpheus8, FaceTite and AccuTite, and neck lift surgery, or schedule a consultation.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Educational information, not individualized medical advice. Suitability, risks and results vary. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.

Full transcript and related resources