Neck Lift
A Slimmer, Youthful Contour
Few body areas are exposed to as much turning and pulling as the neck, which is why signs of aging can appear there so rapidly. From loose skin to banding, these concerns can dramatically impact how patients feel about their appearance. A neck lift allows patients to rejuvenate the neck and jawline area, restoring a smoother, younger appearance.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a powerful plastic surgery option that tightens and slims down the neck while contouring the jawline. The neck’s skin is particularly vulnerable to rapidly showing signs of aging. Every turn of the head stretches the skin, and looking up or down forms wrinkles and lines. A neck lift addresses these issues and more through several key changes, including:
- Removing excess skin
- Tightening the underlying tissues and muscles
- Reducing muscle banding
- Removing pockets of fatty deposits
- Repositioning the skin
- Eliminating jowls around the jawline
Table of Contents
Neck Lift at a Glance
Procedure Overview
Preparing for Your Surgery: After the consultation, Dr. Brent provides patients with clear, detailed instructions on preparing for a neck lift. Usually, this involves steps like pausing blood thinners or other medications and getting bloodwork. Also, arrange for a ride home. We recommend also arranging for someone to help you around the house for the first few days.
During the Surgery: First, you receive general anesthesia to create a pain-free surgical experience. Then, Dr. Brent moves through each step of your procedure plan, crafting the results you want. Once the surgery is complete and everything looks good, he closes the incisions with sutures. He takes his time with this stage, ensuring precise closure for optimal wound healing.
After the Surgery: After you wake up from anesthesia, you can rest for as long as you need in a comfortable waiting room. Once you are ready, your ride can take you home, where you can rest.
Neck Lift FAQs
Is a neck lift right for me?
The most important factor to consider is what parts of the face you want to address. Dr. Brent’s neck lift specifically addresses signs of aging from the lower neck up to (and including) the jawline. By starting with the consultation, you can learn if a neck lift is right for you or whether a different procedure is. Additionally, it is important for candidates to be in good health and nonsmoking. These factors are vital for promoting a safe surgery and smooth recovery. Even if a neck lift is not your best option, we provide a suite of alternatives. Our goal with every patient is to facilitate the safest experience possible while helping them fully achieve their goals.
What types of neck lifts are available?
- Traditional Neck Lift: Tightens up the neck and restores definition to the lower jaw area. It provides consistent results while serving as a foundational level of the procedure.
- Neck Lift with Liposuction: Has all the benefits of a traditional neck lift but can remove stubborn or uneven pockets of fat at the same time. Provides enhanced contouring and mild neck slimming.
- Combined Neck Lift: Involves combining a neck lift with another procedure to build comprehensive results that reduce signs of aging across multiple face areas. Creates a sense of renewed balance between features.
- Neck-Lace: One of Dr. Brent’s signature procedures, he developed a unique approach to the neck lift. It provides a unique combination of removing submental fat, improving muscle tightness, addressing skin laxity, and improving bony support.
Is a neck lift painful?
Our use of anesthesia ensures patients feel zero pain during a neck lift. Most procedures involve general anesthesia, which keeps you unconscious from start to finish. Afterward, some discomfort and pain are normal. Dr. Brent’s precise technique minimizes damage to the tissues, which typically means less pain. In most cases, you can readily manage this discomfort with OTC medication. For combined procedures or greater discomfort, we may prescribe pain medication.
What is the recovery like for a neck lift?
Following your neck lift, some swelling, bruising, and pain are normal. The pain is typically easy to manage, even with over-the-counter medication. You may also receive prescriptions for anti-inflammatory medication to control swelling. This initial period of about 2 weeks is best spent at home, away from work and physical activity.
While recovering, your post-procedure instructions will help create a smooth experience. You will receive full information on how to care for the surgical sites and when to come in for your follow-up visits. For example, we recommend patients sleep on their back with the head elevated for the first few weeks.
How much downtime will I need?
As a rule of thumb, patients should expect to take about 2 weeks of downtime. This involves staying home, minimizing any activity, and focusing on caring for the surgical sites. Downtime should not be rushed, otherwise patients can put their recovery, results, and health at risk. After the first 2 weeks, you can make a gradual return to your full routine. Dr. Brent sees all patients for follow-up visits after the first week, during which he can provide updates on your instructions. Typically, patients can start with light activities like walking. As you continue to heal, after about 2 months, you can get back to your usual routine. Continue to listen to your body, and avoid notable strain until you feel back at 100%.
When will I see my neck lift results?
Your initial neck lift results should start to be apparent around the time you finish downtime. The majority of the swelling and bruising should fade within 2 weeks, revealing your slimmer, contoured neck and jawline. At this point, you likely will have returned to work and can display your results.
However, residual swelling is still present for several more weeks. While not highly visible, it is important to remember that your final results appear only once this swelling fully resolves. Then, the tissues should be settled and look great for years to come.
How long will the results last?
Generally, patients can expect neck lift results to last up to 10 years or more. If results begin to fade, we also provide nonsurgical treatments to help keep your skin youthful, such as laser treatments. Seeing long-lasting results will depend on several factors.
- Surgeon Skill: Working with a highly skilled surgeon generally produces better results. The changes they make tend to look better for longer.
- Skin Care: Take good care of your skin with a healthy routine and aging factors like excess sun and smoking. Always use sunscreen when outdoors!
- Genetics: Individual physiology plays a role in the aging process. Some patients may simply show signs of aging again sooner than others.
Will there be a visible scar?
Dr. Brent makes all incisions in low-visibility locations. While incisions always heal as scar tissue, they should not be very visible. Instead, only your results should stand out. Initial scarring also improves over time for most patients, especially with proper aftercare following surgery. So we encourage patients to closely follow all their post-procedure instructions.
Additionally, many patients can further improve scarring through nonsurgical treatments, like laser therapy. We can discuss these options with you during your consultation to see if you could benefit from them. In general, scarring will not be an issue for patients. Only your improved appearance will stand out for anyone to see.
Does the procedure include liposuction?
A neck lift can include liposuction. However, not all patients will need it. The liposuction involved usually focuses on providing a contouring effect. It evens out the placement of fat in the neck, slimming and enhancing its definition. During your consultation, we can go over whether adding this element will be of benefit to your situation.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives to a neck lift?
We offer a range of rejuvenative nonsurgical treatments. However, the right solution for each patient depends on their needs, goals, and health. We usually recommend nonsurgical neck rejuvenation for younger patients or for those who need a touchup treatment. Our nonsurgical neck options include laser resurfacing and chemical peels. These can help tighten skin and improve skin texture. However, they have limitations. The best work for patients with milder cosmetic concerns or who want to prevent signs of aging.
Can you combine a neck lift with other procedures?
A neck lift provides stunning visual improvements for a patient’s appearance. However, its results are limited to a single area. Many patients will have multiple cosmetic concerns at once, usually relating to different areas of the face. The good news is you can readily combine a neck lift with other facial procedures. Top combinations include facelift, cheek lift, and eyelid surgery. Benefits of combining procedures include:
- Convenience: Experience only a single recovery period without notably increased downtime.
- Transformation: Treating multiple areas can create an even more impactful display of youthfulness.
- Harmony: Multiple surgeries under a single surgeon can promote a better balance between the procedures’ results.
How much does a neck lift cost?
The cost of a neck lift will vary according to several elements. Firstly, while working with a skilled surgeon may cost more, it comes with several benefits. Namely, patients experience enhanced safety and better results, making it a worthwhile investment in one’s self.
During your consultation, we will go over the individual price factors for your neck lift. These include the complexity of your individual plan and any combined procedures. At the end of your consultation, we will provide you with a transparent quote. You can go over this in detail before you commit to your procedure.
Does insurance cover the procedure?
A neck lift is exclusively a cosmetic procedure. As such, insurance does not cover it. However, options exist that can make the procedure accessible to a wider range of patients. Namely, we can recommend several financing options to patients that allow for a more flexible approach to paying for care.
How safe is the procedure?
Any surgical procedure will have some amount of risk, but you can mitigate this in several key ways. First, work with a board-certified surgeon known for their skill and patient-centric approach. Second, take the time to carefully follow all your preparation steps. These are simple, but they go a long way in increasing your safety. Lastly, follow all your post-procedure instructions. Staying healthy and promoting smooth recovery will help you avoid the risk of any complications.
How do I choose the right surgeon?
Choosing the right neck lift surgeon for you is an essential part of the process. We recommend keeping in mind the below steps when choosing your physician.
- Use the Consultation: The consultation is more than a time to learn about procedures. During this time, you can also learn about your surgeon and see if they are a good fit for you. No questions are off-limits, and the goal is to ensure you feel comfortable with your choice.
- Before-and-After Photos: See how the surgeon has done in the past with images of real patient results. Does the quality match your goals?
- Ask About Certifications: A skilled surgeon will be board certified (or double board certified) in their specialty. Ensure your physician has the experience and knowledge to provide a safe, effective procedure.
Book Your Consultation
Leading plastic surgeon Dr. Brent specializes in world-class neck lift surgery near me in Beverly Hills 90212 at his centrally located practice across from the Mosaic Hotel. Dr. Brent has been a part of the LA community for years, serving as a double board-certified surgeon to help patients rediscover the invigorating benefits of a youthful appearance. Each neck lift he performs in Beverly Hills is tailored to your needs and built around a comprehensive collaboration between patient and surgeon. Book your consultation with him today to explore signature procedures with transformative results.
