About Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck. The end result is a smoother, slimmer profile and a decrease in age-related wrinkling. Typically, people opt for this procedure after the age of 40 when the face and neck start to lose their youthful contours. This can happen for a number of reasons, including genetics, environmental factors, stress, and gravity.

You can choose a neck lift procedure if you feel that it does not match your upper face and you are not ready for a full facelift. For instance, you may be happy with your upper face but bothered by a double chin, wrinkled neck (turkey neck) or noticeable jowl lines. By smoothing the neckline, it will match your face and provide you with a more youthful appearance. 

Some of the things that a neck lift can treat are: 

  • Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face
  • Excess fatty deposits under the chin 
  • Saggy neck skin
  • Muscle banding in the neck 
  • Abnormal contours 

Dr. Shahin Javaheri will help you achieve the natural, beautiful neckline you desire. You can also combine this procedure with others, such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery or fat transfer to the cheeks and lips. And, with so many ways to perform this procedure, you can expect minimal to virtually “scarless” results. The scars can also be hidden so that they are not noticeable. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

During your consultation, Dr. Shahin Javaheri will determine if you are a good candidate for a neck lift. Typically, we look for the following criteria in our clients:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have any underlying health condition that could impair healing 
  • Nonsmokers (smoking impairs healing) 
  • No allergies to anesthetics 
  • Maintain a positive attitude and realistic expectations 
  • Bothered by signs of aging in the neck
  • Not ready for a full facelift (still happy with the upper face)
  • Excess skin and fat in the neck 

What Are the Different Types of Neck Lifts?

There are two main types of neck lifts: cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty. 

  • Cervicoplasty. In this procedure, excess skin is surgically removed from the neck and chin area. The muscles underneath the chin are left intact. We recommend this procedure to address a double chin or facial skin laxity. 
  • Platysmaplasty. This procedure involves a surgical reconstruction of the neck muscles. Dr. Shahin Javaheri may remove, tighten, or realign the muscles to rejuvenate the neck and chin. 

Neck lifts can also refer to other procedures like liposuction to remove excess fat, Kybella injections, and other neck lifting techniques using lasers, ultrasound devices, and fillers. Dr. Shahin Javaheri will determine the least invasive but most effective option that will help you reach your goals. With so many ways that this procedure can be performed, you can expect minimal to no scars. 

Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery

Once you schedule your neck lift surgery, you can start preparing according to Dr. Shahin Javaheri’s orders. We want you to have the best experience possible, so preparing in advance is crucial. By following these suggestions, you can ensure a safe, smooth procedure with faster healing times. 

  • Avoid certain medications. Our doctor will let you know which medications to avoid, but generally, they include supplements and aspirin. These medications can cause bleeding.
  • Quit smoking. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least four weeks before the necklift procedure. Don’t just cut down – smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal. 
  • Eat a balanced diet. Nourish your body with healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. This will help you manage inflammation, boost your immunity, and speed up healing times.
  • Take time off work. Expect to take about one week off from work. You’ll need this time to recover. 
  • Set up a recovery area. Since you will be recovering at home, set up a quiet area where you can rest. Keep the following items accessible:
    • Ice packs
    • Gauze and towels
    • Comfy, loose clothing 
    • Antibacterial ointment 
    • Thermometer 
    • Pillows for propping up your head 

We also recommend having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. This way, you don’t have to get up as often, and someone will be there if you experience any complications. 

What to Expect from Neck Lift Surgery? 

On the day of the surgery, you will arrive at our plastic surgery center. Neck contouring is usually done in an outpatient setting, allowing you to return home to rest and recover. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and a button-down shirt so that you don’t have to pull it over your head. 

When you’re settled in, you’ll receive local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation through an IV. This ensures you are comfortable during the procedure and don’t feel any pain. Depending on the change you want, you may get a traditional neck lift incision or a limited neck lift incision. 

  • A traditional neck lift incision usually starts at the hairline, continues down around the ear, and stops at the back of the scalp. 
  • A limited neck lift incision is smaller and usually only required around the ear. 

Once Dr. Shahin Javaheri makes the proper incisions, he will sculpt and redistribute fat from the jowls and neck. Commonly, the platysma muscle is tightened and the neck skin is repositioned. Excess skin is trimmed away, while skin is draped over the contours. You will know what the doctor plans on doing before the procedure, as this all depends on your goals. 

When complete, the doctor will close up your incisions with sutures and possibly skin glue. You will stay in recovery for a few hours, and once you are feeling good, you can go home and continue the recovery process. 

Recovery from Neck Lift Procedure

When you come home, you’ll have bandages placed around your face and neck to reduce swelling and bruising. It’s possible that you may need a small tube to collect excess fluids or blood. Dr. Shahin Javaheri is very thorough with his instructions and will let you know of how to properly care for your surgical site and drains.

To manage pain, you may be given oral pain medications. You can also expect to be sent home with an antibacterial ointment to apply to your incision to prevent infection. We also recommend keeping your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling, as well as avoid any twisting or bending of the neck.

It can take several weeks or months for the swelling to subside and the full results of the neck lift to be seen. This is why it’s important to have realistic expectations and a positive attitude, as it does take time to recover fully from the surgery. However, you can anticipate returning to your work in one week.

Potential Risks and Complications of Neck Lift Surgery

Overall, neck lifts are generally safe procedures that clients do very well with. However, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of. 

  • Anesthesia risks 
  • Unfavorable scarring 
  • Bleeding
  • Numbness 
  • Infection
  • Prolonged swelling 
  • Skin irregularities 
  • Hair loss along the incisions 
  • Nerve injury 
  • Fluid accumulation

To reduce the risk for complications, always choose a trusted cosmetic surgeon who has a positive track record with neck lifts. While there is always a chance for things to happen, a qualified surgeon will take every precaution to ensure adverse effects do not happen.

Neck Lift Surgery FAQs

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift (also known as platysmaplasty) is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck.

How Long Will the Results of a Neck Lift Last?

A well-performed neck lift should last about 10-15 years. Neck lifts are long-lasting, but the natural aging process continues. In other words, it’s not the results that will wear away, but rather that your skin will continue to change. While cosmetic procedures like neck lifts help restore youthfulness, we have yet to stop the aging process. 

How Much Does Neck Lift Cost? 

The average neck lift cost starts around $5,000-$6,000. Be aware that this cost is for the procedure only. It does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related costs. Other expenses to budget for are prescription medications, medical tests, and post-surgery garments. 

Most health insurance plans do not cover neck lift surgery because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. If price is a concern, please let our office know and we’ll be happy to provide you with information on our flexible financing plans. We can work with you to make a neck lift procedure affordable. 

How Do I Book A Consultation for a Neck Lift?

If you are unhappy with the way your neck and chin look, a neck lift procedure may be right for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shahin Javaheri by calling or texting our office at 415-923-3800. You can also fill out a request for a consultation online and we’ll get back to you shortly to schedule an appointment. 

Our consultations are always friendly with no obligation to continue. This is simply a time for you to meet the doctor and discuss your goals for a slimmer, smoother profile that brings you the confidence you deserve.