What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging along the neck and jawline. Many patients seek a neck lift to tighten excess skin, remove stubborn fat, or reduce muscle banding in the neck. Your surgeon will work strategically to enhance the appearance of your neck while avoiding a pulled-back, overdone result. 

Crafting a More Elegant Profile

Pursuing plastic surgery in San Diego, CA, is an incredibly personal decision, and we understand that every patient has their own motivations for exploring neck lifts. Many patients come to Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa for the following benefits:

  • Smoother, tighter neck skin
  • Reduction of vertical neck bands
  • Improved jawline definition
  • Better balance between the lower face and neck 
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift? 

Ideal neck lift candidates in San Diego are healthy, non-smoking adults who are experiencing sagging skin, banding, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their neck. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your skin elasticity, muscle tone, and facial structure to determine the right surgical approach for you. 

Why Choose Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa?

We’re committed to patient-first, luxury care with exceptional results. Our team of highly-trained surgeons practices at our state-licensed facility, and every treatment is customized to meet your needs. Here, our approach to plastic surgery in San Diego, CA, is rooted in medical integrity, patient satisfaction, and surgical precision.

Our proven track record of successful outcomes speaks for itself. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa’s expertise is unmatched, and we’re an industry-recognized leader in plastic surgery for a reason. We take our responsibility to our patients seriously, and we deliver high-quality, detail-oriented care every time. 

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A Private, Personalized Consultation

Every patient’s journey begins with a confidential consultation with one of our plastic surgeons in San Diego, CA. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, ask any questions you may have, and review your medical history. Your surgeon will conduct an in-depth examination of your neck and lower face to determine the best surgical approach for your needs. 

Before & After The Neck Lift Procedure

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Pricing Your Procedure

The cost of your neck lift in San Diego, CA, will depend upon the techniques used, the extent of correction, and whether additional procedures are performed in the same session. Neck lifts are considered cosmetic procedures and are not typically covered by insurance. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide a cost estimate and financing options for full transparency. 

What to Expect From Your Neck Lift in San Diego, CA


At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, a neck lift is an outpatient procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. Depending on your goals and needs, your surgeon will leverage one of the following neck lift methods: 

Rapid Neck Lift

A traditional rapid neck lift focuses on lifting and repositioning sagging skin and tightening underlying muscles. 

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Weekend Neck Lift

Our signature neck lift procedure combines liposuction and EmbraceRF radiofrequency technology to melt away stubborn fat, tighten loose skin, and reduce platysmal banding through a small incision under the chin. 

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Scarless Neck Lift

With a scarless neck lift, our surgeons use InMode’s RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis) technology to gently tighten loose skin and enhance definition along the jawline. 

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Your surgeon will strategically place incisions behind the ears or beneath the chin to minimize the visibility of scars during healing. They may use drainage tubes to help remove excess fluid after your procedure. 

Hands-On Recovery for Patient-Focused Healing

Recovery from your neck lift in San Diego, CA, will include swelling and bruising along the neck, which should resolve within two weeks. Most patients return to normal daily activities, including gentle movement, desk work, and showering, within several days. Residual swelling may take a few months to subside, revealing your final results.

You’ll be sent home from your procedure with extensive aftercare instructions, including the following items: 

  • Wound care and cleaning guidance, including drains
  • Hygiene recommendations
  • Activity limitations
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Pain management strategies, if needed 

Over the coming weeks, you’ll return to our San Diego office multiple times for follow-up appointments. There, your surgeon will monitor your healing, remove sutures and drains, and clear you for strenuous activities such as intense exercise and physical labor.

Before You Begin

Like all surgical procedures, neck lifts come with certain risks. Potential complications include the following:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding and delayed wound healing
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Nerve irritation or loss of sensation

Your surgeon will review all risks with you during your consultation to ensure you’re fully prepared and confident in your choice. 

Take Your Transformation to the Next Level

Many of our patients opt to combine their neck lift with other procedures for a more comprehensive face and neck rejuvenation. Complementary treatments include the following:

  • Facelift 
  • Dermal fillers or neuromodulators 
  • Laser skin resurfacing
  • Chin and cheek augmentation 

Neck Lift FAQs

Is liposuction always part of a neck lift?

No. Liposuction will only be included in your neck lift if there’s a significant amount of fat accumulation in the neck, chin, or jaw area.

Can a neck lift correct a “turkey wattle” neck?

Yes. Our neck lifts in San Diego, CA, are specifically designed to correct a “turkey neck,” in which loose, sagging skin hangs from the neck and chin.

How long do neck lift results last?

Neck lift results often last for 10 years or more. Natural aging will continue and may affect your long-term results, so we intentionally build our surgical plans to ensure outcomes that age gracefully alongside you.

Will a neck lift improve my jawline?

Yes. By removing excess skin, tightening the neck muscles, and removing stubborn fat, our neck lifts create a more defined jawline and enhance balance along your lower face.

Schedule Your Consultation Neck Lift in San Diego, CA

Rebuild your confidence and love what you see in the mirror with a neck lift from Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa. Contact our San Diego office today to schedule a private consultation and begin your journey. 

Let Your Journey Begin

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