Aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all leave their mark on the neck. Sagging skin, muscle laxity, deep wrinkles, and stubborn fat under the chin can all make you appear older than you feel. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced neck lift procedures to restore a more refined, youthful contour. Whether you’re struggling with a double chin or “turkey neck,” Dr. Verbin brings expert surgical care and personalized attention to each patient in the South Bay area and beyond.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, medically known as lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. As skin loses elasticity and muscles weaken, sagging skin and fat accumulation can distort the natural contour of the neck. A neck lift tightens loose skin, removes or repositions fat, and may also involve muscle tightening for a smoother, firmer neck appearance.
This procedure is ideal for those who experience:
- Sagging neck skin (“turkey neck”)
- Visible muscle bands or cords
- A poorly defined jawline
- A double chin
- Deep wrinkles across the neck
Benefits of a Neck Lift
Improved Neck and Jawline Definition
A neck lift sharpens the transition between the jaw and neck. This enhancement helps define your profile and reduce a “soft” or sagging appearance.
Elimination of Sagging Skin and Wrinkles
The procedure removes excess skin and smooths deep creases. This results in a firmer, more youthful-looking appearance of the neck.
Reduction of a Double Chin or Under-Chin Fullness
Liposuction or tissue repositioning reduces fullness beneath the chin. This correction creates a sleeker and more contoured neck.
Smoothing of Vertical Neck Bands and Cords
Tightening the platysma muscle addresses visible neck bands. This technique helps restore a smoother, unbroken neckline.
Long-Lasting Results Compared to Non-Surgical Options
A surgical neck lift produces improvements that last for many years. These results typically surpass what injectables or devices can offer.
Enhanced Harmony Between the Face and Neck
Balancing the appearance of the face and neck enhances natural aesthetics. This coordination ensures the neck doesn’t give away your age.
Neck Lift vs. Other Anti-Aging Treatments
When choosing between a surgical neck lift and non-invasive alternatives, it’s essential to understand the capabilities and limitations of each option. Below is a breakdown of how these treatments compare in terms of goals, results, and longevity.
Botox
Botox is best for treating mild platysmal banding and softening vertical lines in the neck. The results typically last three to four months and do not address sagging skin or excess fat.
Kybella
Kybella is designed to dissolve submental fat and is most effective for patients with isolated double chins. While the fat reduction is permanent, it does not improve muscle banding or skin laxity.
Ultherapy/Thermage
Ultherapy and Thermage are non-invasive treatments that use energy to stimulate collagen production. They are ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity, providing gradual tightening results that last approximately six to 12 months.
Thread Lifts
Thread lifts provide subtle lifting by repositioning the skin with absorbable sutures. The effects last one to two years and are not suitable for patients who need muscle tightening or fat removal.
Fillers
Dermal fillers add volume to the jawline and can help camouflage mild jowling. These results are temporary, lasting six to 18 months, and do not correct loose skin or address deeper structural concerns.
Surgical Techniques and Procedure Details
Dr. Verbin customizes every neck lift to suit the patient’s unique anatomy and goals. There are three main surgical techniques he may use, depending on whether the patient is dealing with excess fat, loose skin, or prominent neck bands.
Traditional Neck Lift
For patients with significant sagging and jowling, a traditional neck lift involves incisions that begin in front of the earlobe, curve around the ear, and end in the lower scalp. Through these incisions, Dr. Verbin removes excess skin, tightens the platysma muscle, and repositions underlying tissue to achieve a lifted, youthful contour. This technique is often used when the neck lift is combined with a facelift.
Submental Liposuction and Muscle Tightening (Submentoplasty)
For those who primarily have excess fat under the chin or a double chin, a small incision is made in the natural crease beneath the chin. Through this entry point, liposuction is performed to remove stubborn fat deposits. In many cases, the underlying platysma muscle is also tightened to address laxity, a procedure known as submentoplasty.
Fat Transfer for Platysmal Bands
In some patients, vertical neck bands become more visible as fat volume decreases with age. Dr. Verbin may use a fat transfer technique to fill and camouflage these cords. This involves harvesting a small amount of fat from another area of the body, purifying it, and injecting it into the neck to soften and smooth its appearance.
Risks and Side Effects of Neck Lift Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, patients may experience temporary side effects during the recovery period. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort around the neck and jawline, which typically improve within the first two weeks.
Some individuals may also notice temporary numbness or a tingling sensation in the treated areas due to nerve irritation. In rare cases, patients might experience prolonged firmness or lumpiness in the tissues, which usually resolves as healing progresses. These side effects are a regular part of the recovery process and are closely monitored by Dr. Verbin and his team to ensure proper healing and comfort.
While neck lift surgery is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, it is still a surgical procedure and carries certain risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, hematoma, nerve injury, and asymmetry. Some patients may experience numbness or changes in skin sensation, which typically resolve over time but can occasionally persist for an extended period.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
Neck lift surgery is most beneficial for individuals who are experiencing visible signs of aging in the neck area, such as skin laxity, muscle banding, and fat accumulation under the chin. Candidates should be in good physical health, have realistic expectations about the results, and preferably be non-smokers to promote optimal healing.
This procedure is well-suited for patients whose neck appearance does not match the youthfulness of their face or who feel self-conscious about loose, wrinkled, or sagging skin. While most candidates are between the ages of 40 and 70, younger patients with hereditary double chins or early skin laxity may also be eligible.
What to Expect Before, During & After a Neck Lift
Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Torrance office. Dr. Verbin will examine your neck structure, skin elasticity, muscle tone, and areas of fat accumulation to assess which techniques will deliver the best results. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and receive personalized recommendations for the procedures best suited to your anatomy and goals.
The Procedure
On the day of surgery, you’ll check in at our accredited outpatient surgical facility and be prepped by our experienced clinical team. The procedure typically lasts between two and three hours, during which Dr. Verbin performs the selected neck lift technique under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort and the complexity of the procedure.
After the Procedure
Once complete, you’ll recover briefly in a monitored area before being discharged the same day with detailed instructions for aftercare. A responsible adult should accompany you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours
Recovery Timeline for Neck Lifts
Days 1–3
Swelling, mild bruising, tightness, and a sensation of neck tightness are common. You should sleep with your head elevated at a 30 to 45-degree angle to minimize swelling and avoid any strenuous activity, including bending or lifting. Gentle walking indoors is encouraged to promote circulation.
Week 1
Sutures may be removed depending on your healing progress, usually during a follow-up visit. Most patients can resume light household tasks or remote desk work but must still avoid any heavy lifting, bending, or high-impact movement. Compression garments may be recommended during this time to support the healing tissues.
Week 2
Swelling continues to decrease, and residual bruising begins to fade. Many patients feel confident enough to return to work, attend virtual meetings, or participate in light social engagements. Makeup may be used to cover any remaining discoloration, and continued use of prescribed ointments or moisturizers helps support scar healing.
Weeks 4–6
You’ll notice a more refined neck contour as inflammation subsides and tissues settle into place. Most patients are cleared to resume full physical activity, including low- to moderate-impact exercise. At this stage, the skin feels firmer, and the incisions become less noticeable with continued care and attention.
3+ Months
Full results become visible as collagen remodeling continues and the skin and muscles adjust to their new position. Scars will continue to fade and soften, especially with consistent sun protection and recommended scar care. Final evaluations are typically conducted during a post-operative follow-up to ensure long-term satisfaction and address any lingering concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift Surgery
Will I have visible scars?
Dr. Verbin places incisions in natural creases and discreet areas, such as behind the ears and under the chin, to ensure minimal visibility. With proper wound care, sun protection, and the use of recommended scar treatments, scars typically fade over several months and become barely noticeable.
How painful is a neck lift?
Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort following surgery, typically describing a sensation of tightness or soreness rather than acute pain. This discomfort is easily managed with oral pain relievers prescribed by Dr. Verbin and generally subsides within the first week.
Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?
Many patients opt to combine their neck lift with complementary procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, to achieve more harmonious and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This approach also minimizes overall recovery time by addressing multiple areas in a single session.
How long do the results of a neck lift last?
While no procedure can stop the natural aging process, the results of a neck lift typically last between seven and 10 years. Patients can prolong their outcomes by maintaining a stable weight, avoiding sun damage, and following a consistent skincare routine.
Why Choose South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center?
Dr. Christopher Verbin brings over 25 years of experience and a highly individualized approach to every neck lift procedure. His board certification and meticulous surgical technique have earned the trust of patients across the South Bay who seek natural-looking and long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
With an artistic eye and deep knowledge of facial anatomy, Dr. Verbin carefully evaluates each patient’s neck structure, skin quality, and muscle tone to develop a tailored surgical plan. Whether you’re addressing sagging skin, prominent neck bands, or a double chin, you can feel confident in the precision and aesthetic balance Dr. Verbin delivers.
Refine Your Neckline with Precision and Care in Torrance, CA
At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we prioritize patient comfort, safety, and individualized results. From your first consultation through your final follow-up, our compassionate team is here to support your transformation with advanced techniques and attentive care.
Proudly serving the South Bay and nearby area, including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, Carson, San Pedro, and Long Beach, we’re honored to help patients look and feel their best. Call (310) 539-6500 or schedule your private consultation online to take the next step toward a more youthful, sculpted neckline.
