What is a Neck Lift?

Patients considering a neck lift in Orange County will have a range of concerns about this delicate area. Dr. Miller understands that there is no single technique that effectively meets the aesthetic needs of every patient, and every patient can expect a customized, individualized approach to neck rejuvenation. At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery in Orange County, Dr. Miller focuses on creating a refreshed and revitalized look, and a cohesive transformation that you will enjoy for years.

A neck lift is a surgical procedure performed to restore a firm, more youthful appearance to the neck. It involves tightening loose muscle bands, removing excess hanging skin, and the targeted removal of excess fatty tissue beneath the chin or that has drifted lower onto the upper neck. The results can be life-changing, as your neck and jawline will once again have a youthful and firm contour.

What does a neck lift cost?

A neck lift may involve several techniques and is a customized surgery. Some people have quantities of excess fat that must be removed as part of the process, while others have vertical bands on the neck that they want smoothed. As a general overview of what the procedure may cost, not including the costs related to anesthesia or other care is in the range of $11,000 to $13,500 for an extensive rejuvenation.

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

Dr. Miller is a wonderful, caring and kind surgeon. I had a substantial turkey neck and he corrected it with a high SMAS/neck lift. His staff makes you feel like you are the only patient in the world. Hard to explain how great it is to look in the mirror and not see a wobbly neck... I wish I had done this years ago!

L.C., RealSelf User

Dr. Miller's Approach to Neck Lift

To get the best results from our neck lift procedure, it's important to understand that everyone ages in different ways. In short, your neck has 3 layers — muscle, fat, and skin. By the time most people are 50, at least 2 of these layers have been affected by the aging process, whether it's in the form of skin laxity, fat displacement, or exposed muscle "cords" or "bands." A surgical neck lift is the only aesthetic treatment that corrects all 3 of these layers for a thorough, long-lasting improvement.

I perform a detailed physical examination during the consultation to fully assess your specific areas of concern. There is no "official" technique that suits each patient. Instead, each neck lift surgery is a delicate, customized combination of muscle tightening, fat modification, and skin tightening for a refreshed, age-appropriate result.

I commonly perform neck lift surgery in conjunction with a facelift, but a neck lift can also yield great results on its own, for select patients. I use a sophisticated technique to tighten the underlying muscles of the neck, similar to what I do in performing a deep-plane facelift. Occasionally, I may remove or reposition fat deposits for a smoother profile. I then gently re-drape the skin over the improved contours of the neck, removing extra skin when necessary, through meticulously designed and hidden incisions that won't alter your hairstyle or distort the appearance of your ears.

Dr. Miller; Double
Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

After medical school, his training and experience was devoted exclusively to surgical and non-surgical procedures of the face and neck. At his Orange County office, he specializes in aesthetic procedures including facelift, eyelid surgery, and neck lift for people in Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and other surrounding communities. To schedule your personal evaluation with Dr. Miller, call us at 949-482-1752 or request your consultation online.

What are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

  • Addresses vertical neck banding
  • Removes stubborn fat pockets
  • Tightens sagging skin
  • Slims and streamlines the neck
  • Creates a more youthful profile
  • Corrects “turkey neck”
  • Inconspicuous scarring
  • Long-lasting results
  • Helps boost self-image

Who is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Candidates for a neck lift in Newport Beach have sufficient skin redundancy, neck fullness, and/or neck bands, and commonly have exhausted or been frustrated with their lack of results from non-surgical means of contouring the neck. Prospective patients should be free from any significant health issues such as heart arrhythmias, hypertension and bleeding or clotting disorders. Lastly, clients should have realistic, positive expectations for their results, based on a private consultation with Dr. Miller.

What can I expect during my recovery from a Neck Lift?

Recuperation following a neck lift will require some time, and Dr. Miller provides all patients with extensive post-surgical instructions prior to undergoing surgery. Although some discomfort is normal, it is readily managed with prescription pain medication. Dr. Miller also advises patients to keep their heads elevated during the day and night to reduce excessive swelling, and while healing, consume a low-sodium diet. He removes sutures after about a week at his Aliso Viejo office, and most neck lift patients feel confident enough to return to work and many of their other regular activities after two to three weeks.

Why choose Dr. Miller for a Neck Lift?

Dr. Miller has devoted his career and life’s work to addressing cosmetic concerns exclusive to the face and neck. As a fellowship-trained, double board-certified plastic surgeon serving Orange County and beyond, Dr. Miller has garnered a reputation for elegant, exquisite results that are perfectly tailored to your unique wishes and needs.

After obtaining his medical degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Dr. Miller embarked on a demanding 5-year surgical residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He then continued to refine and develop his artistry with an elite fellowship at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Common Questions or Concerns

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

On its own, a neck lift may be performed while the patient is under local anesthesia with twilight sedation. This is not always the right choice for everyone. Patients with certain types of chronic pain or other existing medical conditions, as well as those who are undergoing multiple procedures at the same time, are often better suited for general anesthesia. From experience, most patients with neck laxity or bands will require the addition of a lower facelift to get the best results. Dr. Miller will discuss your options with you during your initial consultation.

Step-by-Step Procedure Facts

  • Dr. Miller performs neck lift surgery in his AAAASF-accredited operating facility.
  • Twilight sedation with local anesthesia may be an option for select neck lift procedures, but general anesthesia is most common.
  • Dr. Miller prescribes pain medication to improve patient comfort for the first few days following surgery.
  • It typically takes approximately 2 weeks before most patients feel confident enough to return to work and other daily activities. However, it will be 4-6 weeks for more intensive activities.

Can I undergo other procedures at the same time?

Yes. As mentioned, a neck lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift. Other surgeries, such as blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing, and brow lift surgery can also be beautiful complements to a neck lift. During the consultation, Dr. Miller closely examines each patient's areas of concern, with the goal of creating a harmonious, refreshed result that enhances the natural features of the individual.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to neck lift?

Many non-surgical options for improving the neck exist, but none of them are true equivalents to neck lift surgery. Dr. Miller may recommend treatments such as Botox® to patients with a milder degree of muscle bands or skin sagging. These treatments can also help delay the aging process for younger patients, but older people with more significant signs of aging can expect only a modest improvement with this treatment. Dr. Miller usually recommends his Orange County neck lift surgery to patients in their late 40s, 50s, and older.

Will there be scars?

With all surgeries, there are incisions, and incisions leave scars. However, Dr. Miller uses a meticulous, detailed technique and approach that minimizes the appearance of your scars. The incisions are located in areas that tend to be imperceptible to the naked eye. Immediately after surgery, scars can be hidden with makeup.

How long does the procedure take?

A surgical neck lift takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the changes made and on whether any additional treatments are undergone at the same time.

Neck Lift Orange County

Artistry in Plastic Surgery Produces Natural-Looking Results

A neck lift is a procedure that must be carefully and correctly performed for the results to appear natural, without the pulled, tight, obvious look. The optimum result is a smoother, firmer, appearance that appears completely natural. A neck lift, when performed by a true expert in facial plastic surgery procedures, can take years off your appearance, as the neck tissue is often one of the first areas that starts to droop and sag. No amount of exercise, and no topically applied cream can resolve the look of aging on the neck, although caring for your skin is always important.

Restore and Rejuvenate Your Appearance with a Custom Neck Lift

For a total rejuvenation of your neck, free from vertical bands, saggy skin, droopy tissue, and the visible signs of aging, contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller at our Aliso Viejo office in Orange County, with easy access from Newport Beach and other nearby communities. Our spacious, state-of-the-art offices and surgery center were established to provide maximum client health and safety, and every member of our team is caring, friendly, and focused on making your experience positive, from start to finish.