Is A Neck Lift Dangerous
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of sagging, loose skin and unwanted fat deposits in the neck area. Sagging may be the result of aging, sun damage or weight loss. Plastic surgeons recommend a neck lift as part of an overall facial rejuvenation procedure when sagging skin and jowls are accompanied by features showing signs of aging such as wrinkles, lines and loose skin on other parts of the face.
In this guide, we find out: Is A Neck Lift Dangerous, how long does a neck lift last, non invasive neck lift, and signs of a bad neck lift.

Is A Neck Lift Dangerous
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and underlying muscles. This procedure is popular among individuals who are looking to address sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity in the neck area. If you are considering a neck lift, it’s important to understand what the procedure entails and what potential risks are involved.
During a neck lift procedure, the surgeon will make incisions behind the ears and under the chin to access the underlying muscles and tissues. The skin is then lifted and tightened, excess fat is removed, and the muscles are repositioned to create a more youthful and defined neck contour. The incisions are typically hidden within the natural creases of the skin or in the hairline to minimize visible scarring.
Like any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow their pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize the likelihood of complications.
Despite the risks involved, a neck lift is a popular choice among patients seeking to rejuvenate their appearance. The results of a neck lift can be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a more youthful and defined neck contour for years to come. In addition to improving the appearance of the neck, a neck lift can also enhance the overall harmony and balance of the face.
If you are considering a neck lift, it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan to achieve the results you desire. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery process, and expected outcomes.
In conclusion, a neck lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of the neck and enhance overall facial harmony. By understanding what the procedure involves and the potential risks involved, you can make an informed decision about whether a neck lift is right for you. Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options and take the first step towards achieving a more youthful and rejuvenated neck contour.

There’s always a risk of complications with any surgery, but the chances of having a negative outcome are slim.
The risk of complications is low, but it’s always important to be aware of the risks associated with any surgery. If you have a medical condition that could make your recovery more difficult or if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery, there is a higher chance that something bad will happen.
If this happens, it may be due to an infection or bleeding inside the body cavity where the procedure took place. The most common issues are infections in soft tissue around the neck area; these can cause swelling and pain around the face or throat area and should be treated immediately by seeking medical attention from a doctor who specializes in plastic surgery procedures on patients like yours (a plastic surgeon).
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. If you follow them carefully, you’ll minimize your risk.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. If you follow them carefully, you’ll minimize your risk.
- You may be asked to wear a compression garment on the incision site for two weeks after surgery. This helps minimize swelling and bruising around the area where incisions were made. It also helps support soft tissues as they heal. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear this garment; depending on what type of neck lift was performed, this could range from six weeks up until two years post-surgery (for example: if a full facelift was done). If there’s no need for compression garments (such as after lower facelifts), then don’t worry about it! But if instructed otherwise by your surgeon during consultation or pre-operative visits at their office–then listen closely because these directions are important!
- Follow all other post-operative care instructions given by both nurses/doctors working alongside each other throughout recovery time frame following surgery date(s). These include things such as not eating solid foods until cleared by medical professionals since they may cause vomiting which could lead back into possible airway obstruction issues again due purely out lack thereof being able to swallow properly yet alone digest anything else orally either externally via mouth cavity itself even though this would seem unlikely given how far away we were just recently before starting off fresh new year 2018 yesterday morning…
You should stop drinking alcohol and smoking in advance of your procedure since they can interfere with healing.
Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. One of the most important steps you can take is to stop drinking alcohol and smoking in advance of your surgery. Both alcohol and smoking can have negative effects on the healing process and can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.Alcohol consumption can have a number of negative effects on the body, including dehydration. Dehydration can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, as well as slow down the healing process. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications, which can impact the effectiveness of anesthesia and pain management during and after surgery.Smoking is another habit that should be avoided before surgery. Smoking can have a number of negative effects on the body, including increasing the rate of skin discoloration and scarring. Smoking can also impair the body’s ability to heal, leading to a longer recovery time and an increased risk of infection. In fact, smokers are at a higher risk of developing complications after surgery compared to non-smokers.It is important to discuss your alcohol and smoking habits with your healthcare provider before undergoing surgery. They can provide you with guidance on how to quit or reduce your alcohol and smoking intake in the weeks leading up to your procedure. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a smoother and more successful recovery from surgery.
Alcohol | Dehydration | Increased risk of bleeding | Interference with medication metabolism |
Smoking | Skin discoloration and scarring | Impaired healing | Increased risk of infection |
A neck lift is usually an outpatient procedure which means you will recover at home.
A neck lift is usually an outpatient procedure which means you will recover at home. You may need help from family and friends during the recovery period, but don’t worry – this can be done! You can expect to be back to normal in a few weeks, though it’s important to restrict your activity for a few weeks after surgery.
Most people can go back to work in about two weeks, although it might take up to six weeks for swelling to go away entirely.
Most people can go back to work in about two weeks, although it might take up to six weeks for swelling to go away entirely. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activity for a few months after your surgery.
If you have an office job and need help at home during that time, your employer may be willing to let you work from home or arrange temporary disability insurance coverage until you’re fully recovered.
You’ll need to restrict your activity for a few weeks after the surgery and may need help at home during that time.
You’ll need to restrict your activity for a few weeks after the surgery and may need help at home during that time. You may be able to return to work after 2-3 weeks, but it depends on your job and how soon you feel ready.
The majority of patients see results immediately and recover fully within a few months.
The majority of patients see results immediately and recover fully within a few months. For example, if you have a long-term issue with loose skin on your neck that’s causing a crepey appearance, you’ll see an improvement right away. The same goes for wrinkles around the jawline–they should be smoother immediately after surgery.
But if you have deeper scarring or more severe issues (like heavy jowls or sagging skin), it may take up to six months before these changes are noticeable in the mirror. You can expect some swelling during this time as well–this usually goes away within three months after surgery but can last longer depending on how much work was done on your face/neck area during surgery.
A neck lift is usually safe, but there are some risks if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions exactly
There are a few risks with any surgery, but they’re usually minimal. The most common problems include:
- Problems with anesthesia (the drugs that put you to sleep)
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs. These can be serious and even life-threatening, so it’s important to stay off your feet for several days after surgery. If you develop swelling, pain or shortness of breath within 24 hours after the procedure, call 911 immediately!
- Infection at the incision site is another concern — this can happen either during or after the operation; it’s important to keep the area clean and dry until it heals completely (which may take up to six weeks). If you notice pus drainage from your incision site or if there’s redness around it that doesn’t go away after two days’ rest at home then contact us right away so we can treat these issues before they become more serious problems down the road!
how long does a neck lift last
Most people don’t pay any attention to their necks until it’s too late. When they finally do notice their necks, it’s because they aren’t happy with how they look. If you’ve found yourself trying to hide your neck with clothes or hairstyles, you don’t have to. At Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, we are proud to offer the neck lift, a procedure that can tighten and lift the neck, making it look both youthful and graceful.
The beauty world has so many different anti-aging creams, yet there aren’t many that can effectively restore youth to the neck, which is why this procedure has helped so many individuals increase their confidence and improve their appearance and enjoy long-lasting results.
How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?
When you undergo surgery to tighten and tone your neck, you can expect semi-permanent, long-lasting results. While this procedure dramatically improves the appearance of the neck, it cannot stop the aging process entirely; nothing can.
There are some ways that you can extend your results to maintain the most youthful-looking neck for as long as possible. Some simple lifestyle alterations and daily habit changes and improvements will go a long way in maintaining the most beautiful, youthful-looking neck.
How To Extend Your Results
While topical products cannot address sagging skin the same way that neck surgery can, they can help maintain the appearance of your neck post-surgery. Investing in some topical products that contain nutrient-rich ingredients will help keep the skin on your neck hydrated and healthy and help your results last that much longer.
Consider Your Posture
Additionally, think about your posture. When you are constantly leaning forward and bending your neck, you are forcing the skin to crease, leading to neck bands and wrinkles. Be conscious of your movements and posture and, if necessary, when using your phone to hold it at eye height, so you don’t have to strain your neck to look down towards your lap.
Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle plays an important role in helping you maintain your results after neck surgery. Eat a healthy diet, limit your sugar and sodium intake, and only drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid smoking since it can damage your skin and lead to premature aging. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen to your neck and chest area to protect the skin from sun damage which is the number one cause of premature aging.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is like a facelift for your neck. It is an elective cosmetic procedure that restructures the neck to tighten the area by lifting the skin. In doing so, it can also improve the lower jaw and chin. It removes excess skin and fat, tightens the neck, smooths the area, and restores youth.
Several methods work together during this procedure, including liposuction. During an initial consultation at our office, we’ll determine which combination of surgical methods will help you reach your goal
What Causes Neck Skin Laxity?
One of the most common signs of aging is skin laxity. Skin laxity can and does occur in different areas of the body, including the neck and jawline. Weight loss can also cause skin laxity, yet aging is the most common reason the skin begins to droop and sag. With the aging process comes the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin within the deeper layers of the skin known as the dermal layers.
As these important proteins become less prevalent in the skin, skin volume decreases. The signs of skin volume loss include wrinkles, fine to severe lines, skin laxity, and drooping or sagging. Skin laxity shows up everywhere on the body during the aging process, but the most obvious and accelerated areas include the face, neck, and collarbone.
What Causes Excess Fat in the Neck?
Excess neck fat is stubborn fat that collects in the neck region. It is hard to target and treat, even with diet and fitness changes. Neck fat typically develops due to genetic predispositions, and liposuction is one of the few ways to target and remove this fat effectively. During a neck lift, your surgeon will often use liposuction to remove this fat to smooth and improve the appearance of the area.
What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
A surgical neck lift has many benefits, both emotionally and physically. When you change something about your appearance that bothers you and causes you to feel self-conscious, you will automatically increase your confidence, which can positively impact every area of your life. Your neck will look better, and you’ll finally feel content with its appearance.
It’s a Solution to the Aging Process
It Offers Long-Lasting Results
The results of this procedure can last a decade or longer, based on your age and your skin condition at the time of treatment. During your initial consultation, we can tell you exactly what to expect regarding how long your results will last, but you can rest assured that your results will last many, many years. You will enjoy your beautiful new neck for years to come.
It Delivers Quick Results
What To Expect During the Procedure
Before you schedule your appointment, there are some preparatory steps you will need to take. Once you schedule and complete your consultation, you will receive instructions that you must follow to prepare for surgery. Following these directives will ensure that your body is fully prepared on the day of your appointment.
Your Initial Consultation
The first step in this process is an initial consultation with our expert surgeon. During this consultation, we will discuss your concerns, your goals, and your expectations. We will examine your neck skin, discuss your medical history, and review any medications you are currently taking. We will also discuss any other cosmetic treatments or procedures you have experienced in the past, as well as any drug allergies you may have.
During this consultation, we may take photographs of your neck to help develop your treatment plan. These photographs will also serve as your before photos. Once your surgery is complete, you will see the vast difference between how your neck looked before surgery compared to your new, revised neck. Since this procedure does require the use of general anesthesia, we may need specific lab tests or examinations to confirm that this medication is safe for your use.
Preparing for Your Surgery
It is important that you prepare your body for your procedure, and we will provide you with some guidelines so that you can do just that. We may ask you to avoid certain products and foods before your procedure, as well as all forms of tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, we may provide you with a list of medications and supplements to temporarily discontinue in the days leading up to your procedure.
You will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure, and depending on your needs, you may need to stay overnight at the hospital. We can give you more details regarding what to expect during your initial consultation so you can walk into your appointment with complete confidence.
Your Procedure
The first step in a neck lift is the administration of anesthesia. This ensures your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Typically patients can choose between sedation and general anesthesia, but you will discuss this and choose which option is right for you with our surgeon during your initial consultation.
Incisions
Once you undergo the necessary medication treatment, your procedure will begin. An incision will be made in your neck area. The type of incision will be determined by your surgeon based on your goals and your treatment plan. If liposuction is included in your treatment plan, you will only need a small incision.
If your surgery is intended to lift the neck skin, you may need more than one incision near the jaw and ears. Most procedures include both liposuction and excess skin removal.
Liposuction and Lifting
During the procedure’s liposuction portion, a small tube called a cannula will be inserted into a small incision to remove the excess fat in the area gently. Liposuction gently suctions the fat from the area, removing it permanently. Then, your surgeon will trim excess skin and lift the remaining neck skin into the most aesthetic position. Once the skin is lifted and tightened, your surgeon will prepare to stitch the skin and complete the procedure.
The incision sites are typically closed with dissolvable stitches. Your surgeon will choose a method to close your incisions that best align with your treatment plan. Regardless of the technique, incisions are always closed carefully to minimize visible scarring. The total procedure will take approximately three hours, but it could be longer or shorter based on your needs and goals.
What To Expect Post-Op
Once your procedure is over, there are several things you must do to ensure a healthy recovery. We will provide you with all of the post-operative guidelines that will help make your recovery quick and healthy. You will be asked to:
Your Recovery
You can expect to spend the first three days after your procedure resting. You will also be asked to keep your head elevated at all times and avoid unnecessary neck movements. You should expect to take at least two weeks off of work. Most patients are completely healed within two to three weeks of their appointment date.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with a neck you’re not happy with. If you want to address the skin on your neck, don’t waste any more money on topical products but instead, invest in a procedure that will make a difference. Contact the experts at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, today and schedule your initial consultation to find out more about this procedure and how it can help you reach your neck goals.
non invasive neck lift
As a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 35 years of experience in both surgery and clinical research, I’m familiar with virtually all of the nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatments for improving the contours of the face and neck as either a consultant or innovator.
These procedures include BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, KYBELLA®, liposuction, CoolSculpting®, threading, laser treatments, radiofrequency microneedling, Ultherapy®, and others. And while each of these treatments can be effective, they cannot match the long-lasting, cost-effective, and natural-looking results produced by a customized surgical neck lift at my Los Angeles-area practice.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
In an established aesthetic practice such as ours, nonsurgical procedures play an important primary or complementary role in satisfying the goals of patients. It’s my job to recommend the best treatment option for a particular patient—whether nonsurgical or surgical—based on the patient’s concerns and a physical examination. And in some cases, combining different treatments may be the best path.
But even though physical findings may indicate that surgery is the preferred option, some patients may not be ready to accept a neck lift or face/neck lift that involves lifting and tightening the sagging platysma neck muscle in the face and neck, contouring unflattering fatty deposits, and adjusting loose skin. The reasons for this discomfort with surgery could be the cost, the downtime needed, or merely a lack of interest in cosmetic surgery.
Nonsurgical options may still provide improvement. Here’s a brief look at each of the nonsurgical options and what they can accomplish:
The best candidates for these nonsurgical treatments are younger patients with minimal degrees of skin laxity, fatty deposits, and muscle deformations. The results are less pronounced and are less durable than surgical options. The cost of serial procedures to keep up with the aging process must be considered until such time that surgical intervention becomes the only realistic option.
Neck Lift Surgery
Nonsurgical options aren’t usually suitable for women and men with very lax skin or jowls. When performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, neck lift surgery is much more effective at tightening loose neck skin. To address sagging in the cheeks and midface, I often combine a neck lift with facelift surgery at my Los Angeles-area practice. Most patients address both the face and neck because of advanced changes. In some cases, I also combine a neck lift with liposuction to reduce neck fat or laser skin resurfacing to minimize sun damage or other signs of aging.
The best way to learn what treatment approach is best for you is to contact our office and request a consultation using the online form or call us at (626) 268-4524. Take a look at our before-and-after photos to see the results of neck lift surgery.
signs of a bad neck lift
A smooth, graceful neckline portrays a sense of refinement that serves to enhance a person’s overall appearance. Through neck contouring surgery, a cosmetic surgeon can help patients of any age achieve the naturally beautiful neckline they desire. Learn more about neck contouring surgery below.
Price RangeNeck Contouring
What is Neck Contouring Surgery?
Neck contouring creates a firmer, smoother and more refined appearance to the neck and chin. Even without making any other changes to the face, improving a thick, wrinkled or sagging neck can dramatically improve one’s appearance, helping a patient look years younger or even as though he or she has lost weight. Neck contouring can also help restore balance to facial features by providing a better-defined jawline that frames the rest of the face.
Neck Contouring Options
Neck contouring isn’t defined by a surgical technique, but rather the patient’s aesthetic goals. A cosmetic surgeon will use a completely different surgical approach for a patient who wants to reshape a full chin versus a patient who wants to eliminate a sagging “turkey neck.” Neck contouring can be performed as a single procedure, or be combined with other facial cosmetic surgery procedures for more comprehensive improvements.
Neck Liposuction
Do you feel that you have an excessively full or “double chin,” despite being at a healthy weight? Liposuction of the neck can achieve a better defined, more graceful neckline by permanently
Because liposuction removes excess fat, but cannot significantly improve sagging skin, the typical neck liposuction patient will be younger, his or her 20’s through early 50’s, as younger patients typically have good skin elasticity, which is necessary for the skin to contract smoothly and evenly after liposuction. Learn more about liposuction techniques.
For most patients, neck liposuction is a fairly quick procedure, and many times it can be performed using local anesthesia. Through 1 or 2 tiny incisions, concealed beneath the chin or behind the ears, a cosmetic surgeon insert a small liposuction cannula, removing excess fat and sculpting a natural contour to the chin and neck. Following the procedure, patients typically wear a special supportive chin strap for about 3 or 4 days, return to work within 1 week, and be ready to return to full activity after about 2 weeks. It is typical to experience some swelling and bruising after neck liposuction; this should resolve during the first 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Considerations & goals with neck liposuction:
Neck Lift Surgery
If you are bothered by sagging, loose skin on your neck, then a neck lift surgery procedure, may provide a solution. You may hear neck lift surgery referred to as cervicoplasty (to remove excess skin) or platysmaplasty (to tighten loose neck muscles). Cosmetic surgeons will perform one or both of these procedures to tighten loose neck muscles and remove excess, sagging skin, restoring a smoother, firmer, and better-defined appearance to the neck.
A neck lift procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Your cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision behind each ear, and depending on your needs may also make a third small incision underneath the chin. Through these incisions, he or she will tighten the neck muscles and/or underlying tissues and remove excess, sagging skin to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance to the neck.
Recovery time after a neck lift will depend on the individual, as well as the extent of surgery. Typically, patients return to daily activities, including a return to work, within 2 weeks after surgery. Expect your neck to feel tight for a few weeks, and know that bruising and swelling are normal. These effects should subside gradually, with visible bruising typically gone after the first week, and that “tight” feeling remaining for up to several months. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for recovery and aftercare.
Considerations & goals with neck lift surgery:
Non-Surgical Neck Contouring Procedures
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly popular for their non-invasive nature and minimal recovery time, and neck contouring is no exemption. If you want to improve the appearance of your neck without surgery, you have a few options, which we’ll discuss here.
Microneedling can also be combined with radiofrequency (known as “RF microneedling”) to heat deep layers of the skin via insulated needles to encourage further collagen growth and tissue tightening. Popular RF microneedling brands include Morpheus8 and Genius.
While many companies offer DIY microneedling kits, it’s important to choose a board certified cosmetic surgeon to perform your microneedling procedure, as neck and décolletage skin is very thin and can be easily damaged.

Combining Neck Contouring & Facial Procedures
As the face, eyes and neck work together to create a person’s facial appearance, it is common to combine face and neck procedures to achieve a patient’s goals. Doing so helps to ensure smooth, refined lines and a naturally balanced appearance. Below are some of the common procedures that patients choose to accompany their neck contouring surgery:
Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon
Improving the appearance of the neck requires a surgeon to understand the unique relationship between the anatomy of the face and the neck, and how each contributes to a patient’s natural appearance. To perform neck contouring safely and successfully, a cosmetic surgeon must have experience in multiple facial cosmetic procedures as well as a highly-developed aesthetic eye. However, many doctors who practice cosmetic surgery do not receive adequate training in aesthetic face and neck surgery in their residency training, so it’s important to do your homework before choosing a cosmetic surgeon.
Choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon ensures that your surgeon is specifically trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery, including all facial procedures, and that your procedure will be performed in an accredited surgical facility. Read our tips for choosing a cosmetic surgeon.
When consulting with a potential cosmetic surgeon, ask about his or her experience with neck contouring, facelift surgery, and liposuction, and view before and after photos of prior neck contouring patients during your consultation—this will help you get a feel for a cosmetic surgeon’s aesthetic style.
When performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, neck contouring can achieve dramatic improvements with small changes. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your face, neck or chin, consulting with a board certified cosmetic surgeon can help you learn more about your options to make lasting changes. We invite you to use our ABCS Find-a-Surgeon tool to find cosmetic surgeons in your area.