Facelifts. Brow lifts. Eyelid surgery. Nose jobs. When it comes to battling the ongoing march of time, the battle can be waged on many fronts. But often overlooked is the neck. You can’t really address your facial aging issues without thinking of the lower face and neck. At our San Diego plastic surgery practice, Dr. Kearney does this with the neck lift.
What Is A Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that addresses loose neck skin, excess fat under the chin, excess skin and sagging skin in the lower face, and muscle banding in the neck. During a neck lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the neck, and the underlying muscle may be restructured.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Necklift?
A good candidate for a neck lift doesn’t need a full facelift because most the signs of aging are showing on the lower part of the face. The person should be generally in good health and have realistic goals and expectations for the procedure.
Neck Lift Procedure In San Diego
Neck lifts are performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with light sedation. In younger patients without a great deal of excess skin, the incision is made under the chin. Excess fat is then removed and the muscles are tightened to improve contour. With older patients, the incision is made behind the bottom portion of the ear extending to the hair line. Excess skin and tissue are then pulled up and removed. A facelift can be combined with a neck lift for older patients.
What Is The Recovery Period Like?
You will most likely return home after your surgery. Dr. Kearney will wrap your neck and chin in an elastic bandage to provide support and help your skin adapt to the new contours. There will be swelling and bruising, but it will fade in one to two weeks. Generally, patients will miss one full week of work.
How Much Does A Neck Lift Cost?
Click here to view our pricing, To identify the exact price specific to your situation, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Financing is also available through CareCredit. CareCredit offers our patients 6, 12 and 18 month no interest plans as well as plans with terms of up to 60 months at 14.9%. Patients can finance up to $25,000. A “credit card” will be issued to you, which you can swipe in our office or other participating offices. CareCredit is for everyone. If your credit has taken a hit, you may opt for a co-signer. For more information on financing for your neck lift or to apply, call 1-800-365-8295 or visit www.carecredit.com.
Why Choose Dr. Robert Kearney for a Neck Lift
Dr. Robert Kearney is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego with extensive experience in facial cosmetic surgery. His advanced training includes a plastic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University, a craniofacial fellowship, and prior faculty experience at the University of South Florida, where he performed complex reconstructive and cosmetic facial procedures.
For neck lift surgery, Dr. Kearney takes a personalized approach based on your anatomy, skin laxity, muscle changes, and cosmetic goals. His experience in facial rejuvenation enables him to develop a treatment plan that enhances neck and jawline definition while maintaining a natural, balanced appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before surgery, Dr. Kearney may ask you to complete medical testing, adjust certain medications, and stop smoking or using nicotine. You should also arrange transportation, prepare a comfortable recovery area, and plan for help at home during the first day or two.
A neck lift often takes about two to three hours, although the exact time depends on the extent of correction and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.
Yes. Because neck lift surgery involves anesthesia or sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
It is generally recommended to have someone stay with you for at least the first night. This person can help with medications, meals, mobility, and other basic needs while you recover.
Discomfort is usually managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, depending on your needs. Keeping your head elevated and following Dr. Kearney’s postoperative instructions can also help reduce swelling and pressure.
Yes, but the incisions are typically placed in discreet areas, such as around the ears and sometimes beneath the chin. These scars usually become less noticeable as they mature.
Scars generally begin to soften and fade over several months. They may continue improving for up to a year or longer as the healing process progresses.
Yes. Following incision-care instructions, avoiding smoking, protecting scars from sun exposure, and using recommended scar treatments once the incisions have healed can help support good scar maturation.
You will usually be advised to sleep on your back with your head elevated early in recovery. This can help limit swelling and avoid unnecessary pressure on the surgical areas.
Many patients can shower within about 24-48 hours, depending on dressings, drains, and Dr. Kearney’s instructions. Avoid soaking incisions until they are fully healed.
You may notice improvement soon after surgery, but swelling can temporarily hide the final contour. Results generally become more refined over several weeks to months as swelling resolves and the tissues settle.
Neck lift results can last many years. However, the procedure does not stop the natural aging process, so gradual changes in skin and soft tissues will continue over time.
Maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, protecting your skin from the sun, following a consistent skincare routine, and living a healthy lifestyle can all help preserve your results.
It can, especially when fullness beneath the chin is caused by excess fat and loose skin. Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Kearney may combine neck lift techniques with liposuction for additional contouring.
A neck lift primarily targets loose skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity beneath the chin and along the neck. A facelift addresses more extensive aging in the lower face and jawline, so Dr. Kearney can recommend the better approach based on where your concerns are located.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you interested in a neck lift in La Jolla and San Diego? Call (858) 677-9352 or click here to schedule an appointment online