Neck Lift

A neck lift is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the neck, creating a more defined, slim contour and jawline. Neck lifts have been increasing in popularity over the last few years, seeing a 2% growth between the years of 2022 and 2023. ⁽¹⁾ This procedure targets signs and symptoms of aging and offers long-lasting results that patients can enjoy for years.

Eric P. Bachelor, MD, FACS, is a nationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Bachelor has performed over 10,000 facial rejuvenation and other plastic surgery procedures. He is known for his innovative techniques and patient care.

Schedule a consultation today to begin planning your neck lift treatment. If you have any questions, please call our Pleasanton or Danville offices at (925) 462-3700.

About Neck Lifts

As the skin ages, it loses its elasticity, leading to visual signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging, or fat accumulation below the chin. The shape of the neck and jaw can influence the way one feels about themselves, as many individuals pride themselves on their facial aesthetics.

To talk to a team member about whether a neck lift is right for you, please call our Pleasanton or Danville offices at (925) 462-3700 or fill in our contact form.

Benefits

There are many benefits to receiving a neck lift from Dr. Bachelor. Enjoy smoother, tighter skin alongside a more defined jawline and slimmer neck. This procedure helps remove fat deposits from the neck and excess sagging skin. Dr. Bachelor strategically hides incisions behind the ears to avoid any visual scarring. With the proper lifestyle changes, a neck lift can last for years, offering long-lasting results to clients and restoring their self-confidence.

Candidates

Those who would benefit the most from neck lifts are those experiencing symptoms of aging, especially around the neck. Candidates may be experiencing sagging skin or stubborn pockets of fat that create a double chin. Patients may also have loose, sagging muscles on their necks called platysma bands. These bands are naturally caused by aging but can be corrected with a neck lift. ⁽²⁾

To find out if you qualify for a neck lift, please call our Pleasanton or Danville offices at (925) 462-3700 or fill in our contact form, and a team member will respond as soon as possible.

Private Consultation

We ask that each patient schedule a private consultation before undergoing their treatment. At this consultation, Dr. Bachelor will sit down with each patient to examine the treatment area and better understand the patient’s aesthetic goals. After listening to their concerns and preferences, he will recommend the best strategies and methods to help reverse the signs and symptoms of aging.

Dr. Bachelor will provide preparation and recovery instructions to each patient, as well as the full cost of the procedure and other procedures that may enhance the results of the neck lift.

To learn more about the other procedures offered, please visit our blog. To schedule your private consultation with Dr. Bachelor, please call our Pleasanton or Danville offices at (925) 462-3700 or fill in our contact form.

Preparation

Prior to each procedure, Dr. Bachelor and our team will give each patient a set of instructions on how to prepare for their neck lift. Individuals may be asked to refrain from certain medications or supplements that may thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil. ⁽²⁾ As this procedure utilizes anesthesia, we ask that patients pre-arrange transportation home. In addition, it is recommended to also arrange for assistance for the first 24-48 hours after treatment. Please ensure to arrange any necessary time away from work and other social commitments to allow yourself to rest and heal.

Procedure

This procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation to ensure each patient is relaxed and pain-free. Dr. Bachelor will then create incisions behind each ear. The incisions are placed here to help minimize visible scarring. After making the incisions, Dr. Bachelor will tighten the platysma muscle. This neck muscle can lose elasticity over time, causing neck cords or bands. ⁽²⁾ He can also reposition the underlying tissue and muscle to create a more youthful appearance.

Some patients may need liposuction in their neck to help eliminate stubborn fat. If necessary, an incision can be placed under the chin to help Dr. Bachelor access the neck tissue. He will insert a specialized piece of equipment called a cannula into the incision to help break up the fat cells before gently vacuuming them out of the body. ⁽³⁾ This creates a slimmer and more defined neck and jawline. Excess tissue is then removed carefully before the skin is redraped and repositioned over the neck.

This procedure can take anywhere between 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the adjustment and the methodology used to achieve the ideal treatment outcome. A neck lift is considered an outpatient treatment, meaning the patient is released on the same day as the procedure.

Recovery

Following a neck lift, patients will be left to rest as the anesthesia wears off. Patients should follow any recovery instructions given by Dr. Bachelor to ensure a smooth healing process. Patients may experience discomfort at the treatment site due to bruising and swelling. These effects can be mitigated through medication and elevating the head. These symptoms typically subside within the first few weeks of healing. A compression garment may be provided to help manage swelling and improve circulation. Healing can take anywhere between 2-3 weeks as swelling gradually subsides. Any scarring will gradually fade over 6-12 months after the procedure. Dr. Bachelor will ensure any leftover scarring is discretely hidden.

Results

The full effects of neck lifts can be seen several weeks to a month after your procedure as swelling gradually subsides. Patients will be able to enjoy more defined contours and a slimmer, more graceful neck. The jawline will appear more chiseled, reversing the signs and symptoms of aging and leading to a more revitalized and rejuvenated appearance. The results can last for up to a decade with healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. ⁽⁴⁾

Cost of a Neck Lift in the San Francisco Bay Area

The cost of each procedure will be dependent upon multiple factors, such as the patient’s anatomy, ideal treatment outcome, and complexity of the procedure. Each treatment is tailored to address the specific concerns each individual faces, making it hard to give an estimate prior to each consultation. At the personal consultation, each patient will be walked through the cost of their procedure and our variety of accepted payment methods. For those interested, we are currently partnered with reputable financing companies to help each patient finance the cost of their treatment.

To begin planning your neck lift, please call our Pleasanton or Danville offices at (925) 462-3700 or fill in our contact form to schedule a consultation, and a team member will be in touch with you shortly.

FAQ

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
2. Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. Nih.gov. Published September 4, 2023. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK563291/
3. Marten T, Elyassnia D. Deep Neck Lift: Defining Anatomical Problems and Choosing Appropriate Treatment Strategies. Facial plastic surgery: FPS. 2022;38(6):630-649. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1757729
4. Rooijens PPGM, Zweep HP, Beekman WH. Combined Use of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction and Limited-Incision Platysmaplasty for Treatment of the Aging Neck. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2008;32(5):790-794. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9215-x
5. Dibbs RP, Chamata E, Ferry AM, Friedman JD. Revision Facelift and Neck Lift. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):088-097. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727208