Neck Lift in San Jose & Palo Alto

Everyone has heard the statement that “nothing gives away your age more than your neck” — and as we age, we all begin to see changes in our neckline.

Neck Lift Surgery in Palo Alto: Also Serving San Jose and the Bay Area

An excellent option to achieve a more youthful appearance is a neck lift in the Bay Area. At Hessler Plastic Surgery, this is one the top procedures performed by our double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jill Hessler.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is actually a combination of multiple treatments which can be done either individually or together, depending on your specific needs. To remove the fat deposits, liposuction can be performed. For larger amounts of fat or fat below the muscles, a small incision can be made to directly remove the fat. These procedures will create a strongly supported and youthful neckline.

Beautiful older woman smiling, wearing glasses and a scarf around her neck

What causes the neck to age?

There are multiple causes of (and treatments for) an aged appearance to the neck. For some it’s extra fat deposits under the jawline, while for others it’s laxity and visible sagging of the skin. Collagen and elastin within the skin becomes broken down much more quickly than it is deposited as we get older.

In addition, weight fluctuations later in life are more evident on the neck, as the skin loses its ability to “snap back” to its youthful contour.

Aging of the neck is primarily a result of three factors:

Fat deposition under the jawline
Skin relaxation and neck sagging due to loss of elastin and collagen
Muscle relaxation of the platysma muscle

How is a neck lift done?

Dr. Hessler performs neck lifts in Palo Alto at our plastic surgery center, or at Stanford University Hospital and Waverly Surgical Center. As with all facial plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Hessler will work with you and assess your comfort level during your procedure. Some patients prefer to be completely asleep during an operation, while others prefer a lighter sedation. A neck lift can be performed safely and comfortably at varying levels of anesthesia, from twilight anesthesia to full general anesthesia.

To tighten the neck skin, Dr. Hessler uses small incisions around the ear to tighten the deeper support structures of the neck and remove any skin redundancy. This can also be combined with a platysmaplasty.

A platysmaplasty involves making a small incision under the chin to tighten weakened and loose muscles. A neck lift is often combined with other procedures such as an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty); a brow lift (forehead lift); a mid-face lift; fat transfer, or stem cell facial contouring.

Hessler Plastic Surgery for neck lift surgery in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, you should only work with the best if you want attention to detail, safety, and a beautiful outcome. At Hessler Plastic Surgery, we provide exceptional care for our patients to go along with our exceptional results. We deliver cutting-edge yet safe procedures, taking a comprehensive approach and attending to every detail. Under the leadership of award-winning, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jill Hessler, you will find our practice to be a luxurious environment where you are treated like family. Our team of registered nurses — personally trained and overseen by Dr. Hessler — make sure every detail is fully taken care of, from your initial consultation to your very last follow-up. You will be fully informed about everything you need to know for both pre- and post-operative care. If you’re in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area and considering a neck lift, please contact us.

Neck Lift FAQ's

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

Good candidates are healthy adults who are concerned about loose neck skin, excess fullness beneath the chin, visible neck bands, or a poorly defined jawline that cannot be improved through non-surgical treatments alone.

Will a neck lift improve my jawline definition?

Yes. A neck lift is designed to create a smoother transition from the chin to the neck, enhancing jawline definition and producing a more youthful facial profile.

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

Most patients can resume light daily activities within one to two weeks, although swelling and bruising gradually improve over several weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery instructions based on your procedure.

Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?

Neck lift incisions are carefully placed in discreet locations to minimize visibility. As healing progresses, scars typically become less noticeable over time with proper care.

Can a neck lift address a double chin?

Yes. Depending on the cause of the fullness, a neck lift may reduce excess fat, tighten underlying tissues, and improve the contour beneath the chin for a more sculpted appearance.

How long do neck lift results typically last?

Results are long-lasting, often providing many years of improvement. While the natural aging process continues, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your outcome.

Can a neck lift be combined with facial rejuvenation procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with other facial procedures to achieve balanced, comprehensive rejuvenation and address multiple signs of aging during a single surgical plan.

What should I expect during my consultation for a neck lift?

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

How should I prepare for neck lift surgery?

Preparation may include stopping certain medications, avoiding nicotine, arranging transportation after surgery, and following all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgical team.

When will I see my final neck lift results?

While you will notice an improvement as swelling subsides, final results typically become more apparent over the following months as the tissues settle and healing is complete.