Neck Lift Cosmetic Surgeon San Diego

Tighter Facial Skin & Natural-Looking Results

Neck Lift San Diego

Among the more poetic features of a woman’s body, the neck has been romanticized in art, ballet, and literature as a feminine feature that hints discreetly at erotic pleasures. But when the neck develops aging features such as sagging skin, excess fat, loss of definition, and skin wrinkles, the neck becomes a constant reminder of her aging. Likewise for men, loss of a strong well defined jaw line and sagging of neck skin and soft tissue are undesirable signs of senescence.

At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steve Laverson’s neck lift surgery for men and women restores youthful neck contours. Not only does a neck lift improve the appearance of the neck, but it also helps to give shape and definition to the lower face for a more energetic and attractive appearance.

Aesthetically, most agree that the aesthetic neck clearly separates from the face above at a well defined smooth jawline. Neck skin surface is smooth, free of fixed horizontal lines or creases and without vertical bowstringing bands. From the profile view, there is a well localized demarcation between vertical neck and horizontal line beneath the jaw, without bulging or sagging. Extra loose skin, sagging muscle, and bulging or descending fat may detract from the aesthetic ideal. Our approach is to determine what anatomy is causing the problem, and to plan the most successful and least invasive approach to improve or correct it. Neck lift is our specialty!

The neck lift at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery San Diego is most often performed with one or more other procedures, however, stand alone neck lift surgery costs between $8,000 and $14,000.

For a trim and aesthetically distinct neck contour, neck lift is a solution for women and men of any age.

Extra neck fat causes fullness, or a “double chin” which may be an inherited trait. Neck lift is the best approach for complete removal of excess neck fat, although liposuction is an alternative. Loose sagging neck skin and one or two drooping bands of muscle beneath the chin are features of the aging neck that properly performed neck lift improves or corrects.

Visible neck aging involves three tissues: fat, skin, and muscle. Loss of jaw line definition by facial sagging from above causes jowls to impose themselves and obscure the clean lines and shapes of the youthful face. Muscles beneath neck skin relax over time, loosen, and gravitationally sag. Fat of the neck also descends gravitationally. Loss of skin elasticity, deepening wrinkles from constant neck motion, and sun damage are skin changes that progress over many years. Genetics and weight fluctuations influence neck appearance. Even when the skin on your face remains firm, smooth, and youthful-looking, your neck may disclose more advanced aging.

Dr. Laverson’s neck lift procedure is comprehensive, and corrects most or all cosmetic issues of the neck and lower face. Every patient is unique, so each neck lift is individually planned and performed to solve the specific situation presented. Your neck and your desired outcome is evaluated at your office consultation with Dr. Laverson. Treatment alternatives are discussed, and the best procedure for you is recommended. Neck lift offers reliable improvement of degenerating cosmetic features including:

Loose hanging skin or fat
A “double chin” or heavy, full, bulging neck
Vertical bands bow-stringing below the chin
Wrinkled or sagging neck skin
Interruption of a smooth jawline by descending cheek jowls
Any combination of the above features

Neck lift is a stand-alone procedure for visible signs of aging in the neck and lower face, or neck lift may be performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures for more complete neck and facial rejuvenation.

For smaller amounts of superficial fat or mild skin looseness, Dr. Laverson recommends office procedures such as liposculpture, Thermi-RF skin tightening, or both liposculpture and Thermi-RF. These procedures are less invasive and recovery is quicker. Injectable filler, tretinoin, neuromodulator (e.g. Botox®), or Kybella® are also less invasive alternatives that may apply for your situation.

What is a neck lift?

Neck lift is a comprehensive neck rejuvenation procedure that restores neck appearance to its most elegant, youthful contours. This is done by creating:

A clearly defined jawline separating the face from the neck
A right angle between the chin and the neck (side view)
A V-shaped lower face from chin to jaw (front view)
Smooth, lean neck skin without wrinkles or visible irregularities

Surgical methods applied for a neck lift procedure depend on the needs of the individual, which we discuss in more detail below.

Neck lift should improve features of your neck appearance that you dislike, should create a clearly visible and youthful separation of neck from face, and should improve neck appearance by:

Removing excess fat and skin
Tightening neck skin and underlying muscles
Restoring youthful jawline contours
Smoothing neck skin without creases, irregularities, bands, or wrinkles
Stabilizing the above neck features for a permanently youthful neck

Dr. Laverson recommends an “open” neck lift performed under general anesthesia, with minimal incision and a quick recovery time.

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Neck lifts are often for men and women who are 40 years or older, but you may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you’re over 18 and:

Have a full, fat neck without clear separation from your face
Are in good general health
Have realistic expectations for the procedure

For smaller amounts of superficial fat or mild skin looseness, Dr. Laverson recommends office procedures such as liposculpture, Thermi-RF skin tightening, or a combination. For fine lines and wrinkles on the neck, Dr. Laverson recommends using prescription-strength GOLD cream at night, or a chemical peel in our office.

For men with a “turkey neck” or “gobbler” of skin and muscle who wish to avoid a formal neck lift, an open neck lift performed with an anterior approach can work well. Photos showing results for these procedures are in the neck and face gallery at feelbeautiful.com. You may also check out our Neck Lift Before and After page.

Benefits of a neck lift

Sagging neck skin is obvious to all, and a clearly visible label of aging. Neck lift is among the best procedures to restore youth and energy to your appearance. Benefits of a neck lift include:

Slims and tones the neck for rejuvenated youthful appearance
Shrinks and permanently removes double chins
Accomplishes what diet and exercise can’t
Minimal scarring and short recovery time
Improved self-confidence and self-image

Neck lift also complements facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation surgery), which repairs droopy eyelids and sagging excess skin under the eyes.

Neck lift surgery procedure at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery Clinic

During your in-office consultation, Dr. Laverson, a leading plastic surgeon in San Diego, evaluates your neck structure and skin condition to determine the best approach for enhancing definition and restoring a youthful neck contour. We discuss realistic expectations for your results and schedule a procedure date tailored to your needs.

Every patient is unique, which is why each neck lift is individually planned and performed to address specific concerns.

Customized Neck Rejuvenation Techniques

Depending on the severity of skin laxity, excess fat, or muscle banding, improving your neck’s appearance may involve a combination of the following procedures:

Neck Liposuction – Removes excess fat for a more defined jawline.
Neck Liposuction with Chin Implant – Enhances the jaw’s angularity by filling out the skin along the jawline and emphasizing a V-shaped lower face.
Neck Lift Surgery – Required for individuals experiencing moderate to severe sagging skin or muscle laxity.

What Happens During a Neck Lift?

The neck lift procedure typically takes 2–3 hours and follows these steps:

Anesthesia & Incision Placement
- Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation for comfort.
- Small incisions are discreetly placed behind the ears and under the chin to minimize visible scarring.
Tissue Adjustment & Contouring
- Liposuction (if needed): Excess fat is carefully removed to improve jawline definition.
- Muscle Tightening (Platysmaplasty): The underlying platysma muscle is tightened to eliminate banding and create a smoother contour.
- Skin Redraping & Removal: Excess skin is trimmed and repositioned for a youthful, natural appearance.
Closure & Initial Recovery
- The incisions are closed with sutures, and a supportive bandage or compression garment is applied to aid healing and reduce swelling.

What to Expect After Surgery

Immediate Recovery (Days 1–3) – Some swelling, tightness, and minor bruising are normal. Pain is usually mild and managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
First 1–2 Weeks – Sutures are removed, and swelling starts to subside. Patients can typically return to light activities.
3–6 Months – Full results become visible as the skin settles into its new, firmer contour.

Comparing Neck Lift Options

At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery Clinic, we ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment based on their concerns:

Traditional Neck Lift – Best for significant sagging, involving muscle tightening and skin removal.
Mini Neck Lift – A less invasive option with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period, ideal for moderate laxity.
Liposuction-Only Neck Contouring – Designed for younger patients with good skin elasticity who want to remove excess fat under the chin.

Long-Lasting Results

Neck lift results are lifelong and can be dramatic. While natural aging continues, the improvements achieved through the procedure will ensure a significantly more youthful and refined neck profile for years to come.

After the procedure, your neck and chin may be wrapped in a soft elastic bandage to provide support while your skin adjusts to its lifted position. Some bruising and swelling are expected, but once healed, the skin smooths naturally for a rejuvenated appearance.

Considering a neck lift? Contact us today to discuss your options with Dr. Laverson and take the next step toward achieving a more youthful and contoured neck.

All of the above neck rejuvenation procedures can be performed to create an attractive neck profile for men and women.

Once you are safely under general anesthesia, Dr. Laverson skillfully incorporates proven techniques with precision and artistry to improve and correct cosmetic neck issues of your skin, fat, and muscle. A small opening under the chin or behind the bottom of your ear provides exposure for the changes. Removal of excess fat, sculpting of neck contours, tightening and eliminating muscular bands, and lifting and stabilizing sagging skin for elegant and youthful definition complete the procedure.

After the procedure, your neck and chin may be wrapped in an elastic bandage, which provides support while allowing your skin to adapt to your lifted and tighter neck. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling, but once that subsides, skin smooths naturally for a youthful appearance.

How to Get Rid of Turkey Neck

Neck Lift FAQs

What is the recovery time for a neck lift?

Total recovery time from a neck lift will depend on the patient, but in general you can expect return to most normal activities within 2 weeks. For best results, it’s important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including:

Wear your compression bandage as directed
Relax, and use pain medication on the prescribed schedule
Apply cold compresses if advised to control pain and swelling, but do not put ice directly onto your skin
Keep your head elevated on pillows to minimize swelling
Avoid strenuous activities

Most patients return to work within two weeks, but if your job involves strenuous physical activity, you may need to wait a little longer. Check with Dr. Laverson before returning to work. Stitches are absorbable, so they dissolve over time. Once you heal fully, the fine linear scars will be secretly hidden beneath your chin or in the crease your ears.

Neck lift recovery process

After the procedure, the neck and chin may be wrapped in an elastic bandage, which provides support while allowing the skin to adapt to your lifted and tighter neck. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling, but once that subsides, skin smooths naturally for a youthful appearance. The recovery process for neck lift surgery involves some pain and swelling, especially in the first few days, but these can be managed with medication and by following aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Laverson. Most patients can return to easy, sedentary jobs within 7 days and to more active work within 2-3 weeks. It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.

What can be done for a “double chin?

The best treatment depends on your skin elasticity, the amount fat causing the double chin, and your preferences. If you have good skin tone (elasticity), neck fat can be removed with gentle liposuction, an office procedure. Liposuction may be combined with Thermi-RF skin tightening. This improves contour and definition of the neck, but not as much as formal (open) neck lift surgery. If skin elasticity is poor (sagging skin), necklift with or without facelift offers the best result. Necklift requires general anesthesia, so is more expensive, but results may be dramatically better. Liposuction addresses excess superficial fat only, while necklift removes superficial and deep fat, tightens neck muscles, and redistributes and removes excess skin. For men with significant excess skin, necklift can sometimes be accomplished by a direct approach.

How much does a neck lift cost?

Neck lifts in the San Diego area cost $200 – $300/month if financed, depending on the surgeon and other factors including:

Type of anesthesia or sedation used (nurse anesthetist, nurse, and local anesthesia less expensive than Board Certified Anesthesiologist)
Surgery Center fees (less quality and less safety is generally is less expensive)
Qualifications of your surgeon (less qualified often discount prices
How comprehensive your procedure must be to achieve your desired result (longer more complex procedures are more expensive).

During your in-office consultation, the Feel Beautiful concierge surgical coordinator provides information, presents financing choices, and helps arrange payment for your neck lift surgery.

What neck lift surgery can’t do

It’s important to remember that while neck lift surgery is a wonderful and highly effective solution for improving the visible signs of aging in the neck, it cannot stop the aging process. For best results and to maximize the longevity of your neck lift results, be sure to follow Dr. Laverson’s post-operative instructions regarding skincare products, lifestyle choices, and posture.

Steve Laverson MD, Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery

16903 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe

4.6 87 reviews

Cherise Jacobs ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
Dr Laverson at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery is a very skilled surgeon! He's the Best! He also is Amazing at Botox and Fillers! I had an Upper Lip Lift, this is a great and quick procedure done in his office with little downtime. … More Permanent younger looking lips! I highly recommend this procedure!
Vera Khalitova ★★★★★ 5 months ago
I’ve had a fantastic experience with Dr Laverson and his team. Very competent, professional, communicative, and trustworthy. I love my results already even though they’re not fully healed and can’t stop looking in the mirror! I’m incredibly … More happy and grateful.
Cindy Bowman ★★★★★ 5 months ago
I had a procedure at Feel Beautiful. Dr. Laverson was extremely attentive and addressed all my concerns. I was nervous on my first appointment and had a lot of questions. He took the time to answer each question in detail. The entire … More staff at Feel Beautiful are kind and caring. My surgery is beautiful and I would highly recommend Dr. Laverson at Feel Beautiful for any cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Laverson has earned his reputation as one of the top plastic surgeons in San Diego by staying up to date on the most innovative surgical procedures and taking his time to ensure that every patient is treated with a superior level of care every step of the way.

If you want a smooth, tight, elegant neck and the boost in confidence that comes from restoring your youthful appearance, call Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery at (858) 295-4001 to schedule your free consultation today.

Neck Lift Cosmetic Surgeon San Diego

Tighter Facial Skin & Natural-Looking Results

Neck Lift San Diego

The neck lift at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery San Diego is most often performed with one or more other procedures, however, stand alone neck lift surgery costs between $8,000 and $14,000.

For a trim and aesthetically distinct neck contour, neck lift is a solution for women and men of any age.

Neck lift is a stand-alone procedure for visible signs of aging in the neck and lower face, or neck lift may be performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures for more complete neck and facial rejuvenation.

What is a neck lift?

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Benefits of a neck lift

Neck lift surgery procedure at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery Clinic

Customized Neck Rejuvenation Techniques

What Happens During a Neck Lift?

What to Expect After Surgery

Comparing Neck Lift Options

Long-Lasting Results

Neck Lift FAQs

Steve Laverson MD, Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery

If you want a smooth, tight, elegant neck and the boost in confidence that comes from restoring your youthful appearance, call Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery at (858) 295-4001 to schedule your free consultation today.

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Neck Lift Cosmetic Surgeon San Diego

Tighter Facial Skin & Natural-Looking Results

Neck Lift San Diego

The neck lift at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery San Diego is most often performed with one or more other procedures, however, stand alone neck lift surgery costs between $8,000 and $14,000.

For a trim and aesthetically distinct neck contour, neck lift is a solution for women and men of any age.

Neck lift is a stand-alone procedure for visible signs of aging in the neck and lower face, or neck lift may be performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures for more complete neck and facial rejuvenation.

What is a neck lift?

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Benefits of a neck lift

Neck lift surgery procedure at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery Clinic

Customized Neck Rejuvenation Techniques

What Happens During a Neck Lift?

What to Expect After Surgery

Comparing Neck Lift Options

Long-Lasting Results

Neck Lift FAQs

Steve Laverson MD, Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery

If you want a smooth, tight, elegant neck and the boost in confidence that comes from restoring your youthful appearance, call Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery at (858) 295-4001 to schedule your free consultation today.

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Dr. Laverson

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