Is a Neck Lift Painful?

While the surgery is painless, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or a tight feeling around your neck in the following days. These sensations are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients find that any discomfort is mild and begins to improve within the first week. Full recovery usually takes about two to four weeks with a return to normal activities.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Your initial consultation is the first step, where your surgeon will assess your neck, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. After this, you’ll have a pre-surgery appointment, usually within a week of your surgery, to go over the procedure in detail and prepare for recovery. On the day of the surgery, the facial plastic surgeon will perform the neck lift, and you’ll return for a post-surgery check-up within a few days to ensure proper healing. Additional follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at 1-2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months to monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing as expected.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll begin to see noticeable results from your neck lift in about 2 to 3 weeks as the swelling subsides and the initial bruising fades. However, the final, more refined results will emerge over the course of a few months as your skin continues to tighten and settle into its new contours. For optimal results, it can take up to 6 months for the full effects to become evident, revealing a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.

Can I Combine a Neck Lift With Other Procedures?

Of course, neck lifts can be paired with a facelift , liposuction , eyelid surgery , or brow lifts , complementing the neck lift and providing a comprehensive rejuvenation.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Neck Lift?

Like any surgery, there are risks involved, including reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, scarring, or asymmetry in the results. Before the procedure, we will go over a comprehensive list of potential complications to ensure you’re fully informed and aware of what to monitor during your recovery.

Neck Lift

In Orange County, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Neck Lift

As we age or lose weight, the neck is often one of the first places to show signs of change. Loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat can create a “turkey neck” effect that many of us would rather avoid. These changes can make you feel self-conscious, but the good news is that a neck lift can help restore a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Neck lifts are among the most popular procedures for both men and women looking to improve their profile. Whether it’s excess skin or fat that’s bothering you, this procedure can address those concerns, giving you a more defined and refreshed look. While many choose to combine a neck lift with a facelift, it can also be done as a standalone procedure.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brandon or Dr. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts to explore how a neck lift can enhance your appearance. We offer flexible appointment times across three Southern California locations, so you can easily find a time that works for you.

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Before & after photos

Neck Lift B&A

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A serene woman with long, dark brown hair rests her hands gently on her chest. She wears a black strapless top, and her skin appears subtly tanned under soft lighting. The light gray wall behind her is illuminated with patterned shadows, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. - NeckLift in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery, or lower rhytidectomy, is designed to address aesthetic concerns related to the neck area. This procedure targets issues such as sagging skin that forms jowls, excess fat under the chin, loose skin from weight loss, and visible “bands” that disrupt the smooth contour of the neck. By tightening and reshaping the skin and underlying tissues, a neck lift can enhance the appearance of the neck, giving it a more defined and youthful look.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

A neck lift targets sagging skin, excess fat, and the development of a “turkey neck,” which commonly occurs with aging or weight loss. By tightening the muscles and removing excess tissue, a neck lift can help smooth the neckline, redefine the jawline, and create a more contoured and youthful profile.

People often feel more self-assured after a neck lift because it addresses one of the most visible areas of aging. The results can be long-lasting, giving you a refreshed and natural-looking neck that complements your facial features.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Neck Lift?

A neck lift procedure can address various cosmetic concerns in the neck area. Ideal candidates often have one or more of the following:

Turkey neck: Excess, sagging skin beneath the jaw is a common issue that a neck lift can effectively improve.
Wrinkles and creases: Neck wrinkles and vertical bands are typically caused by muscle weakening, aging, and collagen loss.
Double chin: A neck lift can remove excess fat beneath the chin to create a smoother profile.
Jowls: Sagging skin draping over the neck may be improved with a neck lift, though combining it with a facelift may provide more definition and a youthful look.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the First Step?

A consultation is the first step in improving the appearance of your neck. During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and explore your options. Your surgeon will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, and discuss your goals to determine if a neck lift is right for you. He’ll also explain the potential risks and side effects.

If you’re a candidate for the procedure, you’ll receive detailed information about pricing, pre-op instructions, and office policies. If you decide to move forward, our surgical coordinator will help schedule your surgery and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth process.

What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery

During your neck lift surgery, your surgeon will make incisions around your ears and beneath the chin to access the underlying tissues. He will then remove or reposition excess skin and fat while tightening the muscles in your neck for a smoother, more youthful contour. The skin will be lifted and repositioned, with the incisions closed using sutures that seamlessly blend into the natural lines of your face and neck.

If necessary, liposuction can also be used to remove excess fat, especially under the chin, for a more defined jawline. Every step of the procedure is customized to address your specific concerns, whether it’s loose skin or fat deposits.

Neck Lift Recovery

Recovery after neck lift surgery takes 2 to 4 weeks. It may take longer if the neck lift is combined with a facelift or other procedures. To promote healing and reduce the risk of complications, taking time off work and allowing your body to rest in a stress-free environment is important.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of a neck lift in the San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and greater Orange County areas typically ranges between $6,000 and $12,000. It’s important to consult with your personal facial plastic surgery for a quote based on your needs. Some facilities also offer financing options to help manage the cost.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

For more than four decades, Facial Aesthetic Concepts has been at the forefront of facial aesthetic care in Orange County and Los Angeles, helping people look and feel their best. Whether you’re interested in a facelift, rhinoplasty, microlift, or another facial procedure, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless experience.

As the original founder of Facial Aesthetic Concepts, Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and as a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Bryan Brandon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with memberships and affiliations with numerous prestigious professional societies, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), and the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

Neck Lift FAQ’S

While the surgery is painless, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or a tight feeling around your neck in the following days. These sensations are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients find that any discomfort is mild and begins to improve within the first week. Full recovery usually takes about two to four weeks with a return to normal activities.
Your initial consultation is the first step, where your surgeon will assess your neck, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. After this, you’ll have a pre-surgery appointment, usually within a week of your surgery, to go over the procedure in detail and prepare for recovery. On the day of the surgery, the facial plastic surgeon will perform the neck lift, and you’ll return for a post-surgery check-up within a few days to ensure proper healing. Additional follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at 1-2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months to monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing as expected.
You’ll begin to see noticeable results from your neck lift in about 2 to 3 weeks as the swelling subsides and the initial bruising fades. However, the final, more refined results will emerge over the course of a few months as your skin continues to tighten and settle into its new contours. For optimal results, it can take up to 6 months for the full effects to become evident, revealing a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.

Schedule A
Consultation

Choosing the right, most experienced surgeon and team is crucial when considering plastic surgery. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we blend cutting-edge technology with advanced techniques to deliver outstanding results. With over 30 years of experience serving Orange County, our skilled surgeons offer personalized care, beginning with a thorough skin analysis and a tailored treatment plan to address your unique concerns.

Contact us online to schedule your free consultation or to learn more about the best options for refreshing and enhancing your appearance.