A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves loose neck skin, excess fat under the chin, jowls and muscle bands in the neck. Paz Dermatology performs neck lifts at its Fresno and Visalia, California offices.
A cleaner neck and jawline
The neck shows age in its own ways. Skin loosens, fat collects under the chin, jowls form along the jaw, and bands appear in the neck muscles.[1] A neck lift addresses those changes together, for a smoother, more defined line from chin to collarbone.
It won’t make you look like someone else. A neck lift doesn’t change your fundamental appearance or stop the aging process.[1] What it does is bring back the jawline you remember.
What you can change
- Loose neck skin
- Fullness under the chin
- Jowls along the jaw
- Bands in the neck
- An aged or undefined neck contour
- 4 concernsLoose skin, fat under the chin, jowls and neck bands: what a neck lift can address.[1]
How a neck lift works
- Your consultation Your surgeon looks at your skin, the fat under your chin and your neck muscles, and talks through which of them are behind what you see.
- A plan for your neck Depending on your anatomy and goals, a neck lift may be done alone or combined with other facial procedures, such as a mini facelift.
- The surgery Loose skin is tightened and, where needed, excess tissue under the chin is removed and neck muscles are tightened.
- Recovery A bandage may be placed around your face and neck to reduce swelling and bruising. Keeping your head raised and straight helps as you heal.[3]
- Head upKeeping your head above your heart and straight helps swelling go down after a neck lift.[3]
Skin, fat or muscle?
Neck concerns come from different sources, and the right treatment depends on which one is behind yours.
| If the main issue is | A good fit may be |
|---|---|
| Loose skin, with or without neck bands | Neck lift[1] |
| Fat under the chin, with good skin | Kybella |
| Jowls and a softening jawline | Neck lift, often with a mini facelift[1] |
| Neck bands without much loose skin | Botox, which is approved for neck bands |
Your consultation sorts out which applies to you, and many people combine approaches.
- Still youA neck lift doesn’t change your fundamental appearance. It refreshes it.[1]
The Paz difference
Surgical and nonsurgical options for the neck, in one practice
Neck lift, Kybella and Botox are all offered here, so your plan is built around what your neck actually needs, not the one procedure a practice happens to offer.
The goal is always the same: a cleaner, more defined neck and jawline that still looks natural.
Is a neck lift right for you?
You’re likely a good fit if you:
- Have loose skin under the chin or along the jaw
- Have fullness under the chin, jowls or neck bands
- Are in good overall health and don’t smoke
- Want a natural result rather than a dramatic change
Tell us at your consultation if you:
- Take blood thinners, aspirin or supplements that affect bleeding
- Smoke or vape
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes or a bleeding disorder
- Have had neck or facial surgery before
Recovery and risks
After surgery, a bandage may be placed around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising. Keep your head raised above your heart and straight, without much twisting or bending of the neck.[3] A compression wrap is usually worn day and night for five to seven days, then at night for a while longer. Most people return to work in seven to 14 days, and sports or hard workouts wait at least two to three weeks.[4]
While you heal
- Keep your head raised and straight[3]
- Follow your care and medication instructions
- Avoid strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you
- Keep every follow-up visit
Like any surgery, a neck lift has risks, including anesthesia risks, bleeding, fluid collection, infection, numbness, persistent pain, poor wound healing, prolonged swelling, facial asymmetry, rare nerve injury that can weaken the lower lip, hair loss along the incisions, unfavorable scarring and results that may need revision.[2] Your surgeon will go through each of these with you.
Concerns treated
These are some of the most common concerns a neck lift helps with here. Pick one to see how we can help.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on your plan, so the fairest number comes from your consultation. You’ll know your full plan and its cost before you decide. A consultation with a medical provider is $80, and it goes toward your surgery if you go ahead. You’ll find our current offers on their own page.
Neck lift questions, answered
Loose neck skin, excess fat under the chin, jowls and muscle bands in the neck.[1]
No. A neck lift focuses on the neck and jawline. It can be done alone or combined with a facelift when the lower face is part of the picture.
Not always. If the issue is mostly fat with good skin, Kybella may be enough. Loose skin usually needs a neck lift.
Most people are back at work in seven to 14 days, and back to sports or hard workouts after two to three weeks. Subtle swelling can take several months to settle fully. Your surgeon sets your exact timeline.[4]
You’ll look refreshed. A neck lift doesn’t change your fundamental appearance.[1]
Botox is approved to soften neck bands, which can help when bands are the main concern and skin is still firm.
