Neck Lift Surgery San Diego
- What is a Neck Lift
- Am I a Candidate?
- Benefits
- Types of Neck Lifts
- Procedure
- Recovery
- Results
- Cost of Neck Lift
- Non-surgical Options
- FAQ’s
Neck Lift for a Smoother, More Defined Jawline
The neck and jawline are often the first areas to show aging, and one of the hardest to improve without surgery.
Loose skin, neck bands, and fullness under the chin can make you look older than you feel, even if the rest of your face still looks youthful. A neck lift is designed to restore a smoother, more defined jawline and a tighter, more youthful neck contour.
At True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, Dr. Brian Reagan specializes in natural-looking facial rejuvenation, helping patients look refreshed, not pulled or overdone.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. It can address:
- Loose, sagging skin (“turkey neck”)
- Excess fat under the chin (double chin)
- Neck banding caused by the platysma muscle
- Loss of jawline definition
Rather than focusing on one issue, Dr. Reagan takes a comprehensive approach, improving both the skin and underlying structures for a more natural, long-lasting result.
Why Choose Dr. Reagan?
The difference between a good result and a great one comes down to technique and judgment.
Dr. Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for subtle, refined results that enhance your natural features. His approach avoids the overly tight or “operated” look, focusing instead on smooth contours and balanced proportions. Patients choose Dr. Reagan because of his:
- Recognition as a San Diego Magazine Top Doctor
- Advanced training at UT Southwestern and Cornell
- Expertise in facial procedures including facelift, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty
- Personalized treatment plans based on your anatomy and goals
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you’re bothered by:
- Loose or sagging skin along the neck and jawline
- A “double chin” or excess fat under the chin
- Visible vertical neck bands
- Loss of definition between the chin and neck
If you also have aging in the mid-face or jowls, Dr. Reagan may recommend combining a neck lift with a facelift for more complete results.
Benefits of Neck Lift
- Smoother, tighter neck skin
- More defined jawline
- Reduction in neck bands and wrinkles
- Long-lasting results (often 10+ years)
- Improved overall facial balance
This is one of the most impactful procedures for restoring a youthful profile.
Patient Review
“I had a fantastic experience at the True Beauty clinic. Ever since I step foot into the clinic, I was greeted by such a friendly staff that made me feel safe and at home. My procedure went more than perfect thanks to Dr. Reagan, I wasn’t in ANY pain and was extremely comfortable throughout my surgery. My healing process went perfect as well. No pain whatsoever and was able to do pretty much everything! Everything ended up stunningly! I would one hundred percent recommend their services.”
Types of Neck Lifts
Liposuction, cervicoplasty, and platysmaplasty are the primary techniques used in neck lift surgery.
- Liposuction is a proven way to remove pockets of fat from areas of the body, including the neck. A slender device called a cannula is inserted through a small incision just below the chin to gently remove excess fat.
- Cervicoplasty involves removing excess, loose skin from the neck. In addition to a small incision under the chin, incisions may also be placed behind the ears for optimal contouring.
- Platysmaplasty tightens and, in some cases, trims the neck muscles that can create visible banding. The incisions used are similar to those in cervicoplasty.
The results of cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty are maintained with sutures that help keep the neck smooth, firm, and well-defined.
Procedure Overview
Neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. During surgery, Dr. Reagan:
- Makes small, well-hidden incisions (under the chin and/or behind the ears)
- Removes excess fat and skin
- Tightens underlying muscles (platysma) when needed
- Repositions tissues for a smoother, more defined contour
Every procedure is customized based on your anatomy and goals.
Recovery Time
- 1–2 weeks of downtime
- Swelling and bruising are expected early on
- Compression or bandaging may be used
- Gradual return to normal activity
Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within a couple of weeks.
Neck Lift Results
You’ll notice improvement early, with continued refinement as swelling resolves.
- Initial results: within a few weeks
- Final results: over several months
- Long-lasting with proper skincare and lifestyle
The result is a firmer, smoother neck and a more defined jawline that still looks natural.
Cost of a Neck Lift
The cost of a neck lift in San Diego can vary depending on the extent of correction needed and whether it’s combined with other procedures like a facelift or liposuction. Your total cost may include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia
- Surgical facility fees
- Post-operative garments and medications
Because every procedure is customized, the best way to get an accurate estimate is during your consultation. Dr. Reagan and his team will walk you through pricing and available financing options so you can plan with confidence.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
If you’re not ready for surgery, there are non-surgical options that can offer mild to moderate improvement.
Treatments like Botox can help relax neck bands, while dermal fillers may improve jawline definition. Energy-based treatments such as laser or radiofrequency devices can also help tighten skin over time.
These options are helpful to provide subtle results. For more significant or long-lasting improvement, especially with loose skin, a neck lift is often the most effective solution.
Neck Lift FAQs
Should I combine a neck lift with a facelift?
It depends on your goals. A neck lift focuses on the jawline and neck, while a facelift addresses the mid-face and jowls. If you’re seeing aging in both areas, Dr. Reagan may recommend combining the two for a more balanced, natural result.
Will a neck lift look natural?
Yes, when done correctly. Dr. Reagan focuses on subtle, natural-looking results that restore a smoother jawline without looking tight or overdone.
How painful is a neck lift?
Most patients are surprised that discomfort is manageable. You can expect some tightness and soreness early on, but this is typically well controlled with medication and improves quickly.
How long does the surgery take?
Neck lift surgery usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it’s combined with other treatments.
Will I need drains after surgery?
In some cases, yes. Dr. Reagan will let you know ahead of time if drains are needed, but they are typically temporary and removed within a few days.
When will I see my final results?
You’ll notice improvement early, but final results take a few months as swelling fully resolves and tissues settle into place.
Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine a neck lift with procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting to create a more balanced overall result. Dr. Reagan will guide you on what makes the most sense for your goals.
Will a neck lift help with skin quality or wrinkles?
A neck lift improves loose skin and contour, but it doesn’t directly improve skin texture or sun damage. Dr. Reagan may recommend adding skincare or laser treatments for overall skin quality.
How do I maintain my results?
Maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from the sun, and following a good skincare routine can help extend your results for many years.
What makes Dr. Reagan’s approach different?
Dr. Reagan focuses on proportion and balance, not just tightening the neck. His goal is to create a smooth transition from the face to the neck so the results look natural and in harmony with your overall appearance.
Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation
To learn more about neck lift surgery or the other facial rejuvenation procedures we offer, please schedule a consultation by calling (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or emailing our San Diego practice today.
