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Neck Lift

in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA

Neck LiftSurgery

Gravity, genetics, stress, and sun damage can make your neck look older than you feel. Neck lifts are becoming increasingly popular to dramatically treat visible signs of aging, especially when constant video calls and selfies are prompting more individuals to notice lines and problem areas in the neck. In San Jose & Palo Alto neck lift surgery at Illuminate Plastic Surgery is designed to tighten and restore your more youthful looks.

TREATMENT TIME

2-4 Hours

PATIENT DOWNTIME

5-7 Days

TREATMENT SERIES

1

PROCEDURE TYPE

Outpatient

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) targets loose neck muscles and loose skin that create the appearance of sagging or vertical banding. This procedure can dramatically change the contour of the jawline and smoothen the texture of the skin. A neck lift is an excellent option for both women and men who want a targeted solution to improve their appearance and experience greater self-confidence.

Palo Alto & San Jose Neck Lift model with brown hair

How Does A Neck Lift Work?

Technique makes the difference. During a Palo Alto or San Jose neck lift, skin and muscles in the neck area are tightened, and excess skin may be removed to enhance the contour of the jawline. This procedure can be combined with a facelift to rejuvenate the lower face, a brow lift to correct sagging or wrinkles in the brow, fat transfer to create fuller cheeks, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to rejuvenate aging eyes. A neck lift procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure at one of our AAAASF accredited surgery centers under general anesthesia. Dr. Boudreault or Dr. Leader will make small incisions behind each ear and a third small incision underneath the chin. Surgery will be performed through these incisions, which will be well hidden once healing has resolved.

What Does A Neck Lift Treat?

The purpose of the neck lift is to remove fat and excess skin from the neck to reduce age-related neck wrinkles and creases. While results can be significant with a neck lift alone, more dramatic improvement is found when it is combined with a facelift or other facial skin rejuvenation procedures.

Additional Reading

With a neck lift San Jose or Palo Alto patients can:

  • Get rid of a double chin
  • Reduce or eliminate “turkey wattle” neck
  • Eliminate sagging jowls
  • Reduce the appearance of platysmal banding

Are You A Candidate For A Neck Lift?

In general, if you are an adult in good health, you should be able to undergo a neck lift in San Jose or Palo Alto safely at Illuminate Plastic Surgery. There are no firm age guidelines, but neck lift patients are typically between 40 and 80. Your doctor will examine your skin to determine if you are appropriate for a neck lift or would benefit from a different facial rejuvenation procedure. During the consultation your surgeon will review your health history to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure.

Neck Lift Consultation and Preparation

When you come to our San Jose or Palo Alto plastic surgery facility, Dr. Boudreault or Double Board Certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Leader, will take pictures of your neck and discuss your goals with you. You should expect to meet with your care team for anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. If possible, it is best to arrive with a makeup-free face.

What Can I Expect During A Neck Lift?

The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. Once you are comfortably asleep, Dr. Boudreault or Dr. Leader will gently lift the neck muscles to remove excess skin and fat. Surgical incisions are well concealed and placed behind the ears and under the chin. Once the procedure is done, the incisions will be closed, and pressure dressing will be placed around your head to facilitate healing. The whole process takes a few hours.

San Jose & Palo Alto Neck Lift model with blonde hair

Your Neck Lift Recovery

Recovery time for this procedure is roughly five to seven days, after which time sutures can be removed. You may feel tightness in the neck, as well as experience some bruising, both of which will fade within a couple of weeks. During your consultation for neck lift Palo Alto & San Jose plastic surgeons Dr. Boudreault or Dr. Leader will review aftercare procedures with you in detail so you will know exactly what to expect and how to make sure you have a safe and smooth recovery.

Your Neck Lift Results

Results from neck lift surgery are immediate, but it may take a few weeks for bruising and swelling to resolve. Many patients choose to stay at our overnight care facility for high-touch nursing care to ensure optimal healing. Dr. Boudreault or Dr. Leader will also recommend lymphatic massage for enhanced healing. Most patients will return to work in a week or two, but it is recommended that you hold off on any strenuous activity for a month after surgery.

Schedule a consultation at Illuminate Plastic Surgery in Palo Alto or San Jose

Drs. David Boudreault and Brittany Leader are skilled and experienced surgeons with impeccable credentials and a history of great results. They combine world-class surgical skills and training with warmth and personal commitments to patient safety and satisfaction. Join our other Silicon Valley patients who are enjoying their newly-lifted and younger-looking neck and jawlines! Contact us for a consultation today.

Neck LiftFrequently Asked Questions

Like any surgery, a neck lift comes with potential risks. Most common risks for this procedure are:

  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Poor wound healing
  • Nerve damage
  • Complications from anesthesia
  • Allergic reactions to medications or materials

Post-surgical patients will experience some swelling and bruising for at least a few days. Over-the-counter drugs usually are more than sufficient to handle any discomfort, but your Dr. Boudreault or Dr. Leader may prescribe stronger medication as appropriate.

For the most part, yes. Based on the presence of facial hair and hair styles your surgeon may make slight variations in where they hide your incisions.

Because neck lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure, your insurance will not cover the costs.

The cost of a neck lift can vary depending upon how much work is required, but the average neck lift usually starts at $20,000. If you would like to have your neck lift paid for in smaller monthly increments, we offer financing options for our patients through CareCredit. Many of our patients may choose to apply for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest.

Trust is our Best Feature

Illuminate Plastic Surgery Testimonials

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“Dr. Boudreault is an exceptional physician. He is thorough, has extremely high integrity and always goes the extra mile to make every interaction with his patients the very best. Highly recommended.”

“Dr. Boudreault, and his staff were amazing. The consultation put me at ease right away. I love the outcome of my procedure. I got exactly the look I was going for, and receive compliments all the time. I would not hesitate to use Illuminate Plastic Surgery again!”

“Breast implants have always been something I have contemplated with. Dr. Boudreault was the very first consultant I had and I knew immediately Illuminate would be my pick. Now a year later, I am beyond pleased with my results and am so happy I finally made the decision to go through with the surgery. There is no other plastic surgeon I would go to in the Bay Area.”

“Dr. Leader is amazing. She's honest, transparent, and caring. I had a procedure done by her and I am very happy with the entire process and the results.”

“I highly recommend Dr. Leader. My results are amazing. She answered all my questions and her bedside manner was gentle and caring.”

“I had an amazing JOINT case where Dr Leader worked on my eyes and Dr B on my body. Excellent results on both ends and saved down time”

“I have gone to see Dr. Berkowitz and different members of his team for minor procedures several times now - they're all great, honest, and careful! Highly recommended!!”

“Had a triple deviated nose. Excellent results, Easy Recovery. Great staff. Was nervous about the procedure however dr Berkowitz and staff could not have been more accommodating. Would highly recommend !!”

“Dr. Berkowitz is a talented plastic surgeon and a gentleman. His care is exceptional, his office staff is very accommodating and caring. I would recommend Dr. Berkowitz to anyone in need of plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure.”

“"Dr. Kumar did an amazing job with my mommy makeover! From the very first consultation, he took the time to explain everything and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. He stayed in touch throughout my recovery and always made me feel cared for and supported. His work is truly incredible—I never imagined I could look and feel this good again! Choosing Dr. Kumar was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would trust him over and over again!"”

“He is an amazing doctor and can not say enough good things about him. It is very apparent that he cares for his patients. He takes his time answering all questions and concerns and his follow up care is beyond 5 stars!!! Highly recommend!”

“I am incredibly happy with the results of my mommy make over. Dr. Kumar made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I was particularly impressed with how he listened to my concerns and explained everything clearly. Dr.Kumar was confident about what he could do, and he delivered. He is a talented and skilled surgeon. I highly recommend Dr.Kumar if you are looking for a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lipo 360.”

At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.

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