The neck is one of the first areas of the face and body to show visible signs of aging. For most people, it also receives the least attention when it comes to preventive treatments. Skin on the neck is naturally thinner than facial skin, with fewer oil glands and less collagen support, which means it breaks down faster and more noticeably over time.
Platysmal banding (vertical lines running down the platysma muscle at the front of the neck), loose skin beneath the chin, jowling and the gradual loss of jawline definition are all hallmarks of an aging neck that a neck lift is specifically designed to correct.
A neck lift is a surgical procedure performed to tighten the tissue and skin of the neck to eliminate sagging skin, wrinkles, and folds. A micro-neck lift is an option for some patients who wish to just eliminate skin hanging from beneath the chin and jaws.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, neck lifts have seen consistent year-over-year growth throughout the 2020s and before, driven in part by an increased public awareness of how effective neck contouring can be for balancing your facial harmony.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: Before you undergo a neck lift, you should stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin, for at least two weeks before surgery. If you smoke, you should quit for at least two weeks before and after the procedure. If you are over the age of 45, you will need to receive medical clearance by an independent physician before undergoing surgery.
- Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia may depend on the extent of the surgery being performed. In most cases, general anesthesia will be used.
- Some of the surgical processes that may be necessary for a neck lift are liposuction, cervicoplasty, and platysmaplasty. Liposuction removes excess fat; cervicoplasty removes surplus skin; and platysmaplasty is performed to tighten the neck muscles. After a neck lift, a patient’s the jowls, double chin, and wrinkles on the neck should be eliminated completely. The neck should appear more firm and smooth.
What Does a Neck Lift Address?
A neck lift is one of the most targeted and effective procedures available for addressing signs of lower facial aging. While injectables and energy-based treatments address surface-level issues, a neck lift works at the structural level to reposition and tighten the underlying muscles, remove excess fat and excise redundant skin to deliver lasting, potentially dramatic results.
The most common concerns that bring patients to Dr. Vallecillos for a neck lift include:
- Loose or sagging skin beneath the chin, often described as a “turkey neck” or “wattle”
- Visible vertical banding caused by a separated or weakened platysma muscle
- Excess submental fat contributing to a double chin
- Jowling along the lower jaw that blurs the definition between the face and neck
- Horizontal neck lines and generalized skin laxity
These signs often develop gradually over decades and are worsened by genetics, sun exposure and use of phones and other devices. Whatever the contributing factors, the right surgical approach can undo these issues with results that last for several years when well-maintained.
How Are Neck Lifts Customized to Each Patient?
Every patient is unique when it comes to how aging affects their body, the environmental factors they are exposed to, and what they’re looking to get out of a neck lift. Dr. Glenn Vallecillos approaches each procedure with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s anatomy, the degree of skin laxity, how and where fat is distributed, the condition of the platysma muscle and the patient’s overall facial proportions. This evaluation builds the foundation for a targeted and effective approach.
For some patients, the primary concern is excess fat beneath the chin with relatively good skin tone. In those cases, liposuction alone may provide meaningful improvement with minimal intervention. Other patients present with more advanced platysmal banding, where the neck muscles have visibly separated and become prominent. This condition often requires surgical tightening and repair of the muscle (platysmaplasty) for lasting definition. Patients with significant skin redundancy will benefit most from cervicoplasty to remove that excess skin and restore a clean, firm neck contour.
Dr. Vallecillos also considers the relationship between the neck and the lower face when planning each case. A well-executed neck lift that doesn’t account for the jawline can leave results that appear slightly imbalanced. This is why his consultations are comprehensive.
Why Choose Dr. Vallecillos for Your Neck Lift?
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Glenn Vallecillos has built a national and international reputation for delivering results that are sophisticated without being overdone. His practice in Beverly Hills is recognized for its minimally invasive and surgical facial enhancement, attracting patients from across the country and around the world.
Dr. Vallecillos is also known for his pioneering work at the intersection of surgical and energy-based techniques. He was the first plastic surgeon in the world to combine VASER-assisted high-definition lipoplasty with Inmode’s radiofrequency-assisted liposuction platforms.
Beyond technical skill, patients consistently describe Dr. Vallecillos as a surgeon who takes the time to truly understand what they want and who is honest about what can realistically be achieved.
Can Neck Lifts Be Paired With Other Procedures?
For many patients, the best results come from pairing a neck lift with complementary procedures that treat nearby areas of concern. Dr. Vallecillos offers several surgical and nonsurgical options that combine naturally with a neck lift.
Facelift and Neck Lift
The most commonly paired combination, a facelift and neck lift together address the full lower face, including jowling, jawline definition and tightening of both the facial and neck tissues. When aging affects the midface and neck together, treating them together delivers more harmonious, complete results.
FaceTite and Neck Lift
FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency-assisted procedure. For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who aren’t yet candidates for a full facelift, FaceTite can be performed at the same time as or instead of a surgical neck lift. Dr. Vallecillos is a pioneer in FaceTite, making his practice particularly well-suited for patients considering this combined approach.
Morpheus8 and Neck Lift
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to improve skin quality, texture and skin tightening at multiple tissue depths. When added to a surgical neck lift, Morpheus8 refines the skin surface and improves the overall result.
Chin Surgery and Neck Lift
Chin implants or submental contouring are a natural pairing with a neck lift when your concerns include the chin’s projection or definition. Improving the chin’s projection creates a more defined angle between the neck and chin, which can dramatically improve facial harmony.
During your consultation, Dr. Vallecillos will discuss whether a combined approach makes sense for your specific anatomy and goals. Pairing procedures, when appropriate, can reduce overall downtime and cost while delivering a more complete result.
Neck Lift Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a neck lift is manageable and, for most patients, more straightforward than they might think. The first one to two weeks involve the most noticeable swelling, bruising and tightness, with any discomfort typically controlled with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light, non-physical activities within 10 to 14 days.
Compression garments are typically worn during the initial recovery phase to support the tissues and reduce swelling. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting and anything that significantly elevates your heart rate should be avoided for at least three to four weeks. As swelling subsides through weeks three and four, the contours begin to take their final shape. Full results are generally visible within three to six months, as residual swelling resolves and the skin settles.
Dr. Vallecillos will provide personalized aftercare instructions tailored to your specific procedure and recovery. General guidance for neck lift patients includes:
- Sleeping with the head elevated for at least one to two weeks post-procedure
- Keeping incisions clean and dry, and avoiding submerging the neck in water until cleared
- Applying sunscreen to healing skin once cleared by Dr. Vallecillos
- Avoiding direct sun exposure on the treated area during the initial recovery period
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Following these instructions closely is one of the most meaningful things you can do to support your results. If you have questions at any point during recovery, our team at Dr. Vallecillos’s office is available to guide you.
Your Neck Deserves a Second Look
When you’re ready to see what a more defined, firm neck profile looks like for you, Dr. Vallecillos and his team are here to walk you through every step. Contact the office at (310) 273-3007 or book online to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for a neck lift?
You should consider a neck lift if you suffer from sagging or drooping skin, wrinkling, banding, or other signs of aging on the skin of the neck. A neck lift can help re-define the jaw line and tighten the underlying tissue and skin of the neck for a more taut, firm appearance.
Are there risks or side effects with a neck lift?
While a neck lift is a safe and commonly performed surgery, as with any surgery there are some risks and possible side effects. These may include infection, excessive bleeding, and unfavorable scarring. Dr. Vallecillos will thoroughly discuss any possible side effects with you during your pre-operative consultation.
How long do the results last?
Results from a neck lift are long-lasting, though the aging process may render additional, later procedures necessary.
How is a neck lift different from a facelift?
A facelift primarily addresses the midface, lower face and jawline, while a neck lift focuses specifically on the tissue and skin of the neck. While there is a significant amount of overlap between the two procedures, anatomically speaking, these two procedures are still unique in focus. Patients whose aging is concentrated in the neck can achieve excellent results with a neck lift alone. Those with concerns affecting the full lower face typically benefit most from the two procedures performed together.
What is the difference between a neck lift and the ICLED nonsurgical neck lift?
The ICLED nonsurgical neck lift is a minimally invasive, scarless option that uses a light-guided suture system to lift deeper tissue layers of the neck. It’s performed under local anesthesia in about an hour and is often combined with FaceTite and Morpheus8 to improve skin tightening. It’s an excellent option for patients with earlier-stage laxity who want meaningful improvement without the recovery associated with surgery. A surgical neck lift, by contrast, is better suited for patients with more advanced skin laxity.
At what age do most patients consider a neck lift?
Most neck lift patients are between 40 and 65 years old, though your candidacy is based on anatomy and skin quality rather than age alone. Some patients in their late 30s present with more advanced laxity due to genetics or rapid weight loss and are excellent surgical candidates. Others in their 60s or beyond achieve excellent results. What matters most is having realistic expectations, good overall health and the right anatomical presentation.