Neck Lift

Many patients from Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and throughout New York choose a neck lift because they have "turkey neck," jowls, or neck banding that don't require a full facelift. Our facial plastic surgeons perform neck lift surgery to restore smooth, firm skin tone and a slimmer, more defined jaw and chin. A neck lift is sometimes combined with a lower face lift to produce comprehensive improvement that looks natural.

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Neck Lift

Ideal Neck Lift Candidates

Aging and gravity cause the skin to loosen and sag. Fat that had provided youthful volume to the upper face begins sliding down and collects around the jaw and chin and the muscles weaken, creating banding in the neck. Other factors like sun exposure can play a role in the neck’s aging appearance. Men and women who aren’t good candidates for less invasive treatments, such as KYBELLA® injections, can benefit from a surgical neck lift. You must be in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations for the potential results. You can learn more about what factors qualify you as a good candidate for neck lift surgery during your consultation.

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Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

The neck lift procedure can do much more than remove loose skin and tighten muscles. For many men and women, it is a way to refresh their appearance, sometimes even taking years off of their perceived age. Slimming and smoothing the neck can improve self-confidence and alleviate self-consciousness about deep creases or loose flabby skin. The procedure can also easily be paired with other facial plastic surgeries for deep neck contouring to create a fully rejuvenated look.

Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery surgeons Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, Dr. Montague
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS

Dr. Vito C. Quatela is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela is a past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is highly respected by his peers as a recognized expert in all areas of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and other facial procedures.

Heather Lee, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Heather Lee, M.D.

Dr. Heather Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has trained extensively with Dr. Quatela. She specializes in both aesthetic and functional procedures and is known for her meticulous surgical results and compassionate care.

Alex Montague, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Alex Montague, M.D.

Dr. Alex Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who trained under Dr. Quatela for a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. He has exemplary skills in both technique and patient care and specializes in aesthetic and functional procedures.

Your Consultation

During a neck lift consultation, your surgeon will discuss the procedure, its benefits and side effects, the potential results, and whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery. Together, you will review your medical history, any previous surgeries you may have had, any present medical conditions you have, and current medications and supplements that you’re taking.

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Your surgeon evaluates the tone and elasticity of your skin and assesses the side effects caused by aging, then recommends what he or she believes is the best treatment to accomplish your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon may also suggest combining a neck lift with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift based on his/her experience and expertise.

Your Procedure

During a neck lift procedure, our surgeons use a local anesthetic with IV sedation. Typically, neck lift surgery takes about 3 hours, although the time needed varies based on the amount of loose skin or the presence of excess fatty tissue.

Our surgeons often perform neck lifts in 2 steps, first removing excess skin and then tightening the neck muscles to postpone future sagging and banding. They make small incisions at the hairline, just behind the ears, through which they manipulate the skin and tissue to become tighter and smoother. The process smooths deep creases and wrinkles on the neck and jawline, although some surface wrinkles may remain.

If you also have unwanted pockets of fat below the jaw and chin, your surgeon may use liposuction to remove them, creating a smooth contour. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the specifics of your neck lift procedure and create a unique surgical plan to achieve optimal results based on your needs.

Recovery

Neck lift is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients typically return home the same day. Swelling, bruising, and moderate discomfort are typical side effects of the surgery, along with a feeling of tightness around the jaw, chin, and neck. These symptoms fade with time and can be managed with proper care, including pain medication, keeping the head elevated, applying cold compresses as directed, and getting plenty of rest at home. A drain is often placed beneath the skin, then removed at your postoperative appointment the day after surgery.

Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks of their operations, although exercise may be limited for longer. Speak to your surgeon and your preoperative nurse for more information about downtime following surgery.

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Surgical Destination
We’re Worth The Trip!

As a destination practice offering world-class care, the Quatela Center attracts patients from around the globe. Our virtual consultations and support program take the effort out of travelling for surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do your surgeons perform neck lift surgeries?

Our surgeons perform outpatient surgeries at the Lindsay House Surgery Center, a fully licensed multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center located at the Quatela Center in Rochester, New York.

Will liposuction be added to my neck lift procedure?

If you have localized pockets of fat in the neck and below the chin, your surgeon may use liposuction to enhance the results of your neck lift.

Will I have scarring after neck lift surgery?

The small incisions made during a neck lift surgery are well-hidden in the natural creases around the ears and hairline. Even though they will be visible, they will be less noticeable in these locations. Over time, the scars will heal and fade.

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What’s the best indication for a neck lift?

A neck lift tightens neck skin only. Our surgeons often combine a facelift with a neck lift because, in most cases, it is impossible to remove neck skin without leaving redundant cheek and face skin. A neck lift as part of a full facelift involves tightening the muscle and skin. Prior to undergoing a neck lift without a facelift, we strongly recommend a second opinion to see if two facial plastic surgeons agree that you will not be left with an unsatisfactory result from redundant face and cheek skin.

How much is a neck lift?

The cost of a neck lift varies, depending on your specific needs and goals. All prices quoted from the Quatela Center are all-inclusive and include pre and postoperative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.

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For Our New York Neighbors
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery

The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester is proud to serve patients from throughout Upstate NY. We are honored to be the area’s premier plastic surgery center, and give every patient our undivided attention and the quality of care they deserve. Learn more about how we support our New York patients on their surgical journeys:

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