A neck lift in San Francisco does not stop the aging process, but it can significantly turn back the clock. This is achieved by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying structures, trimming excess skin, and re-draping the skin of the neck. A neck lift can be done in conjunction with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or other facial procedures.

RESULTS

The result of a neck lift procedure is a rejuvenation of the neck and jawline and their relationship. The angle of the neck will have a more accentuated and youthful contour due to the removal of fat and the tightening of the muscles. You will enjoy a straight, uninterrupted jawline and a new smoothness in the texture of your neck skin. The frontal view of your face and your profile will speak years younger than your actual age. These improvements can be expected to last many years. Although you will continue to age and gravity will still take its toll, the area will always look more rejuvenated. A neck lift can be repeated in the future, when it may be appropriate to combine it with a facelift.

SHERYL'S NECK LIFT TESTIMONIAL WITH DR. MIGUEL DELGADO

Sheryl describes her experience with neck lift surgery with Dr. Miguel Delgado, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the San Francisco, CA area.

Sheryl's Neck Lift Testimonial with Dr. Miguel Delgado

INDICATIONS

A neck lift in Marin County is most commonly performed in men and women between the ages of 50 and 60.  However, some people may consider this earlier due to genetics that predisposes to premature neck aging.   This may result in imbalance due to a small jaw (chin) or a short neck and may encourage a person to seek out surgical correction earlier.

The change people often first notice in their necks is the loss of skin elasticity, as evidenced by a new slackness of the skin. The skin under the chin loosens and sags with fat deposits. The platysma muscle bands in the neck, formerly invisible and confined beneath firmer skin, become obvious as they flex behind a softer, looser wall.

The sleek contours of the neck disappear, giving way to loose bands of skin that may even form a fold as they reach the base of the neck. 

Eventually, this laxity of the skin can extend into the upper chest as well. The jawline loses its definition as the collagen in the cheeks decreases, allowing the skin to slip lower and lower below the jawbone, forming a small pouch or jowl along the jawline.  Some people are genetically prone to a turkey neck appearance, well before the aging process has set in and in spite of maintaining an otherwise trim and fit physique.

Some people may first be bothered by fat under the chin that is unrelated to any weight gain, making them appear heavier than they are. Others are more distressed by the aged appearance of platysma bands, formed by the platysma muscles that run from the chin down to the upper chest. Thin vertical bands or cords lend a distinctive timeworn look to the front of the neck. Any one of these signs of aging in the neck is enough to prompt many people to seek out the correction that can be achieved with a neck lift. A simple test to determine whether a neck lift would be helpful is to pull the neck skin posteriorly towards the ears and see if this demonstrates the improvement you seek.

RECENT BLOG ARTICLES

I’m Not Happy With My Breast Augmentation. What Are My Options?

You’ve gotten breast implants, your breasts have fully healed, but unfortunately, you’re not happy with the results.  Women who find themselves dissatisfied with their breast…

Read More

Dr. Delgado Named Top Plastic Surgeon in Modern Luxury

Dr. Delgado was voted a Top Plastic Surgeon for the last five years in San Francisco Magazine and was recently featured in Modern Luxury’s spotlight on excellence in…

Read More

Do I Need To Lose Weight Before My Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck is a strategic body sculpting surgery performed to remove excess skin, trim fat, and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is not…

Read More

Neck Lift FAQS

What risks and complications are involved?

What is the cost of a necklift?

What risks and complications are involved?

Risks and complications are usually minor when a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon performs a neck lift, yet the possibilities of complications must be considered. Like all surgeries, the risks of bleeding, infection, scarring, and adverse anesthesia events are always present.

What is the cost of a necklift?

The cost of a neck lift can vary depending on the technique to be used. At the time of your consultation, you will be given a personalized quote showing a breakdown of all fees.

BEFORE NECK LIFT SURGERY

At your first consultation, you and Dr. Miguel Delgado will discuss your concerns about the appearance of your neck. With the aid of computer imaging, he will show you realistic images of your neck before and after a neck lift. This will demonstrate the changes that can be accomplished with this procedure. If you are a good candidate, Dr. Delgado will explain the best type of neck lift to achieve your goals.  He may suggest a lower facelift if the mid-face has significant laxity. Before surgery, you will be given a detailed preoperative instruction booklet that will explain your medications and any preparations you need to make at home.

This preoperative booklet has a comprehensive list of medications, including aspirin products and anti-inflammatories, which need to be discontinued two weeks prior, as well as the two weeks following your surgery. However, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be safely taken during this time.  However, do not exceed 1 gram over 4 hours or 4 grams per day from all sources since this can cause liver damage. You will also be given a list of vitamins and homeopathic drugs you can choose to take before and after your surgery to reduce bruising and swelling.

Dr. Delgado office

DAY OF NECK LIFT SURGERY IN SAN FRANCISCO

The surgery takes place at Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Delgado’s private surgery suite, located in his Marin County office on the Sutter Marin County Community Hospital campus. This allows Dr. Delgado to offer his patients private, concierge medical care while providing the extra measure of safety and reassurance afforded by the surgery center’s contiguous location to the hospital. 

The vast majority of neck lift procedures are done under light general anesthesia. At Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center, only a physician who is board-certified in anesthesia administers anesthesia. Dr. Delgado and the anesthesiologist will assist you in making the best decision for your anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will call you the night before your surgery to review your medical history.

He or she will also confirm last-minute instructions and answer any questions you may have relating to your anesthesia. Before anesthesia is given, Dr. Delgado will mark your neck with a special surgical felt tip marking pen to help guide him during the incisions. This creates a customized map that will guide him during your procedure.

DR. DELGADO IS AN AMAZING TALENTED SKILLED DOCTOR. HE IS A ARTIST WITH BORN WITH HIGHER UP GIVEN TALENTS. HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS WORK. HE KEEPS HIMSELF UP TO DATE BY RESEARCHING AND PERFECTING HIS ALREADY GOTTEN SKILLS. THE STAFF IS ALSO GREAT. WHAT A TEAM! BEFORE MY SURGERY BECAUSE OF MY AGE I WAS APPREHENSIVE ABOUT HAVING THIS TYPE OF SURGERY, OR ANY SURGERY.

— Liddie

NECK LIFT TECHNIQUES

There are various combinations of techniques that can be employed in a neck lift in Sonoma County. These techniques can be done in four ways, depending on your individual needs. With the use of computer imaging, Dr. Delgado will assist you in selecting the best procedure that fits your needs at this stage of your aging process.

 

LIPOSUCTION ONLY

The first approach is liposuction only. This is a good technique for a young person with a fat deposit under his/her chin but with good skin elasticity and no platysma banding. Liposuction does not lift the neck, though it gives that appearance. By extracting fat content below the chin and good contractility of the skin, the skin will contract upward, re-drape around the chin area, and a classic, youthful jawline will emerge.

LIPOSUCTION AND TIGHTENING OF THE PLATYSMA

The second technique is liposuction and tightening of the platysma. The platysma is a muscle that runs from the chin to the neck and then down towards the chest. Over time, it becomes loose, appearing as fine cords that visibly protrude from beneath the neck skin. The platysmaplasty technique will re-approximate these muscles to create a smooth contour of the neck and an attractive, defined angle between the jaw and the neck region. This procedure will reduce the fat component of the neck and tighten the superficial neck muscles.

LIPOSUCTION, PLATYSMAPLASTY & MASTOID SUTURE

The third type encompasses liposuction, platysmaplasty, and the placement of a mastoid suture. This stay suture runs from the midline of the neck at the neck crease to attachment just behind the ear. Its purpose is to increase the jaw definition and create a more sleek neck-jaw contour by giving it additional support. This is not a long-lasting suture but creates definition, and some scar tissue is created to hold the skin’s position.

LIPOSUCTION, PLATYSMAPLASTY, MASTOID SUTURE & SKIN EXCISION

The fourth type includes liposuction, platysmaplasty, stay suture, and a skin excision from behind the ear and into the hairline. This is performed with a patient who has redundant skin in the lower neck area and would like additional skin tightening. If the neck laxity is too severe, Dr. Delgado will suggest a lower facelift to achieve the most natural appearance.

Lamp

AFTER NECK LIFT SURGERY

The first few hours after your San Francisco neck lift will be spent in the recovery room. When you are completely alert, you will be able to go home with someone to assist you. To control swelling, cold packs should be placed around the neck area for 48 hours, and you should sleep with your back and head elevated at 45-60 degrees for seven nights. Some patients will spend the first night in the recovery room, especially if other facial procedures are performed. If you are staying overnight, Dr. Delgado will inspect your incisions the following morning, and then you may go home with a responsible adult. The following day, you may shower, wash your hair as usual and reapply the compression band, a four-inch-wide elasticized band that circles under your chin and attaches with Velcro over the top of your head. This light compression discourages the accumulation of fluid swelling under your chin.

There is minimal discomfort with neck lifts. Pain medication is prescribed, but it is unlikely to be needed for more than a day or two following your procedure.

Patients will experience swelling, but the primary sensation is numbness in the neck, the sides of the face, and even the lips. The lip numbness resolves in about 24 hours, and the remaining numbness steadily subsides over the subsequent weeks. If a drain is placed, you may experience a slight pinching in that area when you move your head, but that is relieved with the removal of the drain, probably a day or two after your procedure.

Your sutures may feel like stiff tiny bristles as you try to find a comfortable position on your pillow to sleep, but again, this vanishes when the sutures are removed five to seven days after your procedure. Suture removal can be done at either Dr. Delgado’s San Francisco office or his Marin County office near Santa Rosa.

As the swelling may cause soreness in your jaw hinge (temporal mandibular joint), you should plan on eating soft foods the first two days after your procedure. You may also be aware of mild, intermittent discomfort in your throat due to irritation caused by the breathing tube in place during your procedure. Throat tissue heals very quickly, and this feeling will also disappear after a couple of days.

The most challenging part of your recovery will probably be getting comfortable enough to sleep in the recommended elevated position. A recliner is very helpful for this, but you can replicate one reasonably well with a good pillow supply. Rest your back and head against a stack of three or four pillows and place one or two pillows under your knees to keep your lower back comfortable and to avoid sliding down out of the elevated position. Adhering to this regimen for the first week after your surgery is the most effective way to keep your swelling at a minimum.

Most of the swelling will resolve in four to five days, as long as you sleep elevated and wear the compression band continually. By the eighth night, you may reduce the use of the compression band to nighttime during your sleeping hours. It is advisable to sleep with the compression band in place for one or two months following your procedure. This will continue to keep fluid from accumulating in the chin area, especially following a day of excessive activity.

The bruising will be entirely gone by two weeks, or even sooner. Makeup may be applied after one week. Most patients return to work or social activities after ten to fourteen days. Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks following surgery as it can trigger swelling.

San Francisco is one of the most well-known centers for visual arts. One of its most famous art museums is the Legion of Honor, located in Lincoln Park and affiliated with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The building itself is a full-scale replica of the French Pavilion used at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Now, it displays more than 6,000 years’ worth of ancient and European art from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East. The Legion of Honor is located five and a half miles from the practice of Dr. Miguel Delgado (and 26 miles from Dr. Delgado’s secondary Notavo location in Marin County) and is situated next to the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a neck lift?

Prior to your neck lift, you may be asked to undergo lab testing, adjust your current medications, stop smoking, and stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.

What is the best treatment for saggy neck?

A neck lift is often a fantastic option for reversing neck laxity for a more youthful appearance.

How much does a facelift and neck lift cost?

The cost of a facelift and neck lift may vary depending on a variety of factors. Please contact our office today for more information regarding pricing.

How long does it take to recover from a neck lift?

Most swelling following a neck lift with resolve within 4-5 days and bruising should be resolved after two weeks. Strenuous physical activity can be resumed after six weeks.

What is a lunchtime facelift?

A lunchtime facelift is similar to a mini facelift. This procedure can lift the cheeks and restore overall facial fullness.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline areas.

What is mini neck lift?

A mini neck lift is a minimally invasive procedure to rejuvenate the jawline and neck. It is less extensive than a traditional neck lift.

How much does neck contouring cost?

The cost of neck contouring may vary. You can learn more about pricing during your consultation appointment.

How much does Neck Lift Cost?

The cost of a neck lift may differ depending on various factors. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation to learn more about pricing.

Is Neck lift surgery dangerous?

Neck lift surgery is considered a safe surgery when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing the procedure.

What is a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift is a procedure where the patient receives multiple dermal filler injections to restore a more youthful facial appearance.

How do I tighten my jawline?

Individuals who wish to tighten lax skin on their jawline may benefit from a neck lift procedure. however, the best way to determine candidacy is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado.

Whats involved in a neck lift?

A neck lift procedure involves creating incisions through which sculps the fat and tighten the platysma muscle. The redundant skin can be removed from an incision behind the ears. Sutures or skin adhesives will be used to close the incisions. Dr. Delgado will personalize your procedure to meet your anti-aging goals.

What is a non surgical neck lift?

A nonsurgical neck lift can be achieved through a number of nonsurgical treatments such as dermal fillers, injectables, radiofrequency devices, and more.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 415.898.4161.