
Neck Lifting
A neck lift is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to address concerns related to excess skin, fat and muscle laxity in the neck and lower jaw area. A neck lift can provide a more defined jawline and create more angularity and definition of the neck thereby enhancing facial features and restoring balance. It’s important to note that while this procedure can make the neck appear more youthful, it cannot halt the natural aging process.
There are various treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, that can be done to achieve a more defined neck and jawline and these procedures are tailored to individual preferences and needs.
An Authority on Neck Lift Procedures
Discover the expertise of Dr. Conderman, a renowned facial plastic surgeon recognized not only for exceptional surgical skill but also for advancing the field through academic research. Dr. Conderman has authored a textbook chapter on facial plastic surgery, demonstrating a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and the latest techniques in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. With a reputation for precision, artistry, and personalized care, Dr. Conderman combines scientific insight with years of hands-on experience to deliver natural, beautiful results. Trust your face to a surgeon who is not just practicing medicine—but shaping its future.
Neck Lift Basics
Tightens sagging skin and muscles in the neck and improves jawline.
Turkey neck, double chin, neck bands and patients with a lack of definition in the neck due to underlying anatomical factors (low hyoid, prominent submandibular glands or digastric musculature)
Light activity in 10–14 days; full results in 2–3 months.
Hidden behind ears and under chin.
Often combined with a facelift.
Start a new life chapter with a customized neck lift in the Pleasant Hill area
For those seeking facial rejuvenation without surgery, our clinic offers injectable fillers and less invasive techniques. These minimally invasive option requires less recovery time, though it’s essential to note that a surgical neck or facelift offers longer lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
A neck lift improves sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat in the neck, refining the jawline and neck contour. It’s ideal for individuals experiencing a “turkey neck” or poorly defined jawline.
Candidacy is based more on anatomy than age. Anyone with noticeable neck aging who is in good health could be a candidate, typically from their 40s onward. Younger patients with unfavorable anatomy are also candidates for a neck lift
Incisions are designed to lie within natural contours around and behind the ears and under the chin, healing into thin, inconspicuous lines over time.
Yes, neck lifts are often combined with facelifts to create a smooth, natural transition between the face and neck, providing the most comprehensive rejuvenation.
Yes, neck lifts are often combined with facelifts to create a smooth, natural transition between the face and neck, providing the most comprehensive rejuvenation.
Different Types of Neck Lift Procedures
-
Neck (Chin or Submental) Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as lipocontouring or lipoplasty, refines the jawline by targeting and removing excess subcutaneous fat. This method is particularly effective for those dealing with a prominent double chin due to fullness in the more superficial fat layer. It involves the use of a cannula to dislodge stubborn fat cells from the tissues below the chin and jawline, followed by their removal via medical suction (lipoaspiration). Additionally, liposuction can be combined with radiofrequency procedures (Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) or NeckTite procedure) to enhance outcomes by providing additional skin tightening at the time of fat removal. Liposuction addresses the more superficial or subcutaneous fat and a careful assessment of patient goals and anatomy is necessary to optimize treatment outcomes. In some cases, a deep neck lift may be necessary to address the structures that area contributing to a patient’s double chin. This procedure is typically done in the office under local anesthesia. -
Deep Neck Lift
This procedure aims to address the deeper structures of the neck that contribute to a more obtuse cervico-mental angle (less defined transition from the area below the skin to the lower part of the neck). This can be due to excess deeper neck fat (deep to the platysma muscle), prominence of the digastric muscles (deeper muscles found in the submental area beneath the chin) or drooping submandibular glands (saliva glands found deeper in the neck). These structures can be addressed through a small incision made below the chin that allows access to the deeper neck. This procedure is typically done under sedation or general anesthesia and is done through an incision under the chin and in some cases around the ears depending on the degree of skin laxity contributing to the absence of definition in the neck. -
Traditional Neck Lift
A traditional neck lift is a surgical procedure that is suitable for those with more pronounced signs of aging and skin laxity without significant drooping of the facial tissues. This procedure involves tightening the underlying musculature and addressing deeper anatomical causes of neck fullness. This may include a platysmaplasty (tightening and suturing of the platysma muscles – a superficial muscle that can have a significant impact on the appearance of the neck), as well as surgical techniques to address the deeper structures of the neck that include descent of the submandibular glands, the digastric musculature and deeper fat layers. This procedure is typically done under sedation or general anesthesia. See below for details on recovery. -
Submentoplasty
This is a surgical procedure that involves directly removing excess skin in the submental area (area beneath the chin) while also addressing the vertical bands caused by laxity of the platysma muscle. Various incision designs exist (Grecian Urn, W-plasty, T-plasty) and the choice of the incision beneath the chin depends on patient and surgeon preference. This procedure does not typically require incisions around the ear and is a good choice for males who are not concerned with anterior neck scars. -
Botox
Botox is a non-surgical approach, involving injections to address vertical platysmal neck bands. It is a popular choice among patients due to its minimally invasive nature and FDA approval. Additionally, a Nefertiti Lift can be done to address neck and jawline laxity and involves more extensive application of botox in areas of the neck.
The procedure itself will vary based on the type of neck lift chosen:
Surgical procedures are typically done in an OR suite and depending on patient preference can be done under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery (as outlined above) but typical recovery is 1-2 weeks. Surgical procedures may involve bandages, prescription medications for discomfort, and temporary bruising and swelling. Keeping the head elevated and avoiding neck movement is crucial during recovery. A headwrap/sling is given to patients to optimize outcomes and detailed post-op instructions will be given to patients at the time of their pre-operative visit.
Non-surgical treatments have minimal recovery time with possible side effects like redness, swelling, or bruising that typically subside within a few days.
The Procedure
Understanding Neck Lift Costs
The cost of a neck lift varies based on several factors, including the treatment type, product usage, tissue removal, procedure duration, and other considerations. A formal quote will be issued following your consultation and this can be discussed with Dr. Conderman and his staff at the time of the consultation.

Neck Lift Procedures from Dr. Conderman in The Berkeley Area
Dr. Christian Conderman is an ideal choice for your neck lift procedure. He is an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures and is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Dr. Conderman did his facial plastic surgery fellowship with world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Russell Kridel and has trained numerous medical students, fellows, and residents. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
To learn more, contact our office today and schedule your Neck Lift consultation.