Revitalize the Mid to Lower Face and Neck
Improve the signs of facial aging through a comprehensive approach to the cheeks, jowls, and neckline.
For maturing men and women, the turkey neck, wrinkled neck, double chin, and linebacker neck can be a relentless dilemma. Skin laxity and deposits of excess fat that can develop in the area beneath the jawline, chin, and along the neck may become a noticeable concern that is resistant to non-surgical treatments. In many cases, muscular bands, jowls, fullness under the chin, and sagging tissue are age-related anatomical changes that do not respond to dieting and increased exercise. Often, aging of the neck area is predetermined by genetics and can be hastened by sun exposure, smoking, and other environmental factors. Thankfully, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Christine Petti, MD performs customized neck lift surgery that can address multiple signs of aging and other cosmetic concerns to create smooth, lean neck contours. For many patients, the neck lift procedure is performed in conjunction with a facelift to achieve continuous rejuvenation of the lower third of the face, jawline, and neck that can look incredibly natural.
If you are concerned about the aging appearance of your neck, Dr. Petti can help. The first step toward a more youthful look is scheduling a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Petti. Together you will review your concerns, examine problem areas, and discuss any appropriate surgical options. Contact our office today!
What Are the Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery?
Dr. Petti utilizes signature and unique laser technology to assist her in achieving natural-looking and aesthetically appealing outcomes following neck lift surgery. Neck lift surgery is a highly customizable procedure that can accomplish a wide array of cosmetic improvements to help patients appear years younger. An aging jawline and neck can reveal a person’s true age or make them look much older than they really are. Dr. Petti’s goal is always to help patients achieve a revitalized appearance that enables them to look and and feel their very best.
A neck lift can offer many cosmetic advantages, which include:
- Removal of sagging excess skin.
- Improvement in the appearance of muscular bands.
- Removal of stubborn fat deposits that create jowls, a double chin, or fullness in the neck using advanced Smartlipo™ laser-assisted liposuction techniques.
- Lifting, tightening, and securing lax musculature.
- Smoothing and tightening the skin along the neck and beneath the jawline.
- Increasing the angle between the jawline and neck.
The exact approach that Dr. Petti uses depends on a variety of factors, including skin and tissue quality, the degree of laxity present, quantities and location of excess fat, anatomical variances, and patient preferences. Many times, neck lift techniques are incorporated into a larger facial rejuvenation plan that may include a facelift, cheek lift, brow lift, and eyelid lift. Non-surgical treatments and injectables are often utilized as well to combat wrinkles, age-related volume loss, and fat deposits. Based on your unique needs and cosmetic goals, Dr. Petti will design a treatment strategy aimed at delivering maximum benefits and revealing a more youthful appearance.
What Happens During the Neck Lift Procedure?
The exact surgical plan that Dr. Petti uses for your neck lift surgery will depend on the degree of correction you need and whether or not you are undergoing multiple procedures simultaneously. Prior to your surgery she will happily answer any of the questions you have about your procedure(s). Neck lift surgery usually requires anesthesia and is performed as an outpatient procedure in our state-of-the-art surgical center. During a neck lift, Dr. Petti may make small inconspicuous incisions under the chin and along the border of each ear. Through these incisions she is able to access the deeper tissues, musculature, and fat deposits. Depending on your unique needs, she may remove fat deposits with Smartlipo™ laser liposuction, laser lift (Smartlifting™) the deep tissue and musculature, and/or smooth, lift, and remove excess skin. When a neck lift is performed along with a facelift, Dr. Petti may use a slightly different technique. Once surgery is complete, your neck and chin are dressed with a head wrap, which is usually removed within one to two days. Neck lift surgery varies in the number of days that should be taken off from work and exercise. Dr. Petti will discuss these concerns with you.
What are the Results of Neck Lift Surgery?
Patients who undergo neck lift surgery with Dr. Petti are often very pleased with their beautiful, natural-looking results. For many, the smooth, lean, and lifted contours created by their neck lift procedure help them look and feel more youthful. Both locally and nationally, Dr. Petti is recognized for her commitment to high-quality patient care and consistently outstanding results she achieves for her facial rejuvenation and neck lift patients.
“Dr. Petti and her staff are wonderful! Her ability to listen to what areas I want to focus on and putting together a plan of action to get the results I want are exactly what I need.”
What Procedures Can Complement Neck Lift Surgery?
Several procedures can complement a neck lift to further enhance facial harmony and rejuvenation. Combining treatments can address multiple areas of concern and create more balanced, natural-looking results. Common complementary procedures include:
- Facelift – Smooths wrinkles and lifts sagging skin in the mid-to-lower face.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Refreshes the eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
- Brow Lift – Elevates sagging brows and reduces forehead creases.
- Chin Augmentation – Improves facial proportions and jawline definition.
- Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing – Enhances skin texture and tone while reducing sun damage and fine lines.
After your consultation, Dr. Petti can create a personalized treatment plan with the selected procedures to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Will I Have Visible Scars Following Neck Lift Surgery?
While some scarring is inevitable, it usually fades significantly over time and becomes minimally noticeable. Following Dr. Petti’s aftercare instructions—such as protecting incisions from the sun and avoiding strain during healing—can help optimize scar appearance. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Petti will use advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring and ensure natural-looking results.
How Much Does Neck Lift Surgery Cost?
The cost of neck lift surgery can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, a surgeon’s expertise, facility fees, and any additional treatments performed at the same time. Our team can provide a customized estimate after evaluating your concerns and desired outcome. We also offer financing options for qualified applicants to help make procedural payments more manageable.
Additional Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions
For certain patients, a non-surgical neck lift may be possible using advanced treatments like MyEllevate®, which uses a minimally invasive ICLED® light-guided suture system to refine the jawline, lift sagging neck tissue, and soften and eliminate platysma muscle bands of the neck without traditional surgery. MyEllevate® can be performed under local anesthesia, involves minimal downtime, and often delivers results that can last for years. It is often combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as Fractional CO2 laser skin tightening or cosmetic injectables, for enhanced rejuvenation.
Can I get a non-surgical neck lift?
For certain patients, a non-surgical neck lift may be possible using advanced treatments like MyEllevate®, which uses a minimally invasive ICLED® light-guided suture system to refine the jawline, lift sagging neck tissue, and soften and eliminate platysma muscle bands of the neck without traditional surgery. MyEllevate® can be performed under local anesthesia, involves minimal downtime, and often delivers results that can last for years. It is often combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as Fractional CO2 laser skin tightening or cosmetic injectables, for enhanced rejuvenation.
How can I manage swelling during the recovery period?
To manage swelling after surgery, keep your head elevated—especially while sleeping—and apply cold compresses as directed by Dr. Petti and our team. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, or heavy lifting during the early recovery phase. Staying well-hydrated, eating a low-sodium diet, and following all post-operative instructions can also help reduce swelling. Most swelling gradually subsides over the first few weeks.
What is the best age for a neck lift?
There is no “perfect” age for a neck lift—it generally depends on your skin quality, muscle tone, and cosmetic goals rather than a specific number. Many patients consider the procedure in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging like sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat become more noticeable. A consultation with Dr. Petti can help determine if you’re a good candidate based on your individual concerns, overall health, and desired results, regardless of your age.
If you are considering a facelift or neck lift, we invite you to check out before-and-after plastic surgery photos of Dr. Petti’s work and contact our office to schedule a consultation.
