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What Is A Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical treatment to rejuvenate the neck’s appearance, restoring youthful firmness for a more youthful, elegant look. The procedure includes tightening the underlying neck muscle bands and meticulously removing excess sagging skin and fat beneath the chin or on the upper neck. Neck lift surgery in Aliso Viejo & Orange County at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery is performed in our private, pristine, accredited surgery center with the assistance of board-certified anesthesiologists. 

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What Can a Neck Lift Treat?

If considering a neck lift, several concerns can arise. A customized neck lift can resolve the following issues:

  • Excess sagging neck skin
  • Double chin fat
  • Sagging jawline
  • Vertical neck bands
  • Jowls

Dr. Miller is fellowship-trained in facial plastic surgery, and all neck lift surgical plans are customized for the individual. He meticulously applies and removes all sutures and does not use staples or other time-saving techniques. He is often called upon to present his advanced techniques and results at national meetings. He is regarded as among the most talented facial plastic surgeons in Orange County and beyond.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

  • Smooths away vertical neck bands
  • Removes fatty deposits beneath the chin and on the upper neck
  • Tightens sagging skin or neck skin folds and creases
  • Restores the elegance of a youthful neck 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 performed at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery in Aliso Viejo live with unwanted excess skin, neck fullness, or neck bands. Many have become frustrated with their lack of results from non-surgical treatments that no matter the cost, have produced little to no improvement. 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.

Refresh Your Look, Refresh Your Life

Dr. Miller offers strictly custom neck lift procedures—his approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a surgical plan crafted just for you. For superior neck rejuvenation surgery, trust the meticulous surgical techniques employed by Dr. Miller. He is among the most respected, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Orange County, and he has garnered a reputation for surgical excellence among his peers. He is often called upon to present his techniques and results at national meetings. 

What Does a Neck Lift Cost?

A neck lift surgery in Aliso Viejo & Orange County at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery may involve various techniques custom-tailored to the individual patient’s concerns. Excess under-chin fat removal may be needed, or visible vertical bands may be smoothed with a custom technique to create a more elegant, youthful look. As a rough estimate, the procedure may range from $11,000 to $13,500, excluding the cost of anesthesia or additional care.

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Step-by-Step Procedure Facts

  • Dr. Miller performs neck lift surgery in his QUAD A-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 two 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.

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 deliver optimal client health and safety, and every member of our team is caring, friendly, and focused on making your experience positive and rewarding.

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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

What are the Surgical Options for a Natural-Looking Neck Lift?

To get the best results from our neck lift procedure, it helps to understand that everyone ages differently. The neck has three layers — muscle, fat, and skin. By the time most people reach age 50, at least two of these layers have been affected by aging, whether developing skin laxity, fat beneath the chin and upper neck, or revealing exposed muscle “cords” or “bands.” 

SMAS stands for Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System. This surgical approach addresses the layer of tissue in your face and neck just beneath the skin, above the deeper muscles. Over time, the SMAS layer loses elasticity, leading to sagging skin, jowls, and the loss of definition at the jawline. With this technique, a neck lift can restore an elegant, youthful line from jawline to neck.

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Step One: A Comprehensive Private Consultation

Dr. Miller will perform a detailed physical examination to evaluate your specific areas of concern. No “standard” neck lift technique will suit every patient. Instead, each neck lift surgery performed by Dr. Miller is a delicate, customized combination of muscle tightening, fat modification, and skin tightening to produce a natural-looking, Refreshed, age-appropriate result. 

Expect an honest assessment without pressure or feeling rushed. At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, our boutique practice ensures patients have a positive, empowering experience—and achieve beautiful, natural-looking outcomes.

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Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation: Combination Procedures

Dr. Miller may perform neck lift surgery with a facelift, but a neck lift can also yield great results as a standalone procedure for certain patients. He uses an advanced, sophisticated technique to tighten the neck’s underlying muscles, similar to when performing a deep-plane facelift. He may remove or reposition fat deposits for a smoother profile, then gently re-drape the skin over the improved contours of the neck, removing extra skin when necessary through meticulously designed and hidden incisions. Dr. Miller’s techniques will not restrict your hairstyle or distort your ear appearance, as may occur in a rushed, one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Miller applies and removes all sutures, and no surgical staples are used.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery from a Neck Lift?

Recovery following a neck lift will require some time, and Dr. Miller provides all patients with extensive post-surgical instructions before surgery. Although some discomfort is normal, it is easily controlled with prescription pain medication. Dr. Miller also advises patients to keep their heads elevated during the day and night to reduce excessive swelling. He recommends that while healing, eat 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 two to three weeks after surgery.

5 Tips for Neck Lift Recovery

A smooth, uneventful recovery from a neck lift will help to achieve optimal results. Here are five tips to ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhere strictly to the instructions Dr. Miller will provide. The instructions include caring for your incisions and any restrictions on activities.
  • Keep Your Head Elevated: Elevating your head while resting and sleeping helps reduce swelling and promotes proper healing. Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated comfortably.
  • Manage Pain and Discomfort: Pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers will be prescribed. Follow the directions and take medications as instructed to manage any discomfort.
  • Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid activities that could strain the neck or increase blood flow to the area, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Dr. Miller will advise when it’s safe to resume normal activities.
  • Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These visits are essential for monitoring your healing progress, removing stitches if necessary, and addressing any concerns.

Following these tips and Dr. Miller’s guidance to help ensure a successful recovery from your neck lift procedure.

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Necklift FAQ

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 anesthesia is not 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 achieve the best results. Dr. Miller will discuss your options in the initial private consultation.

Can I undergo other procedures at the same time?

Yes. As mentioned, a neck lift is often performed with a facelift. Other surgeries, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), laser resurfacing, and brow lift surgery, can complement the beauty of a neck lift. During the consultation, Dr. Miller closely examines each patient’s areas of concern to create a harmonious, refreshed result that enhances the natural features of the individual.

Is there a non-surgical alternative to a neck lift?

Many non-surgical options for improving the neck exist, but none can match the results of a custom neck lift surgery. Dr. Miller may recommend treatments such as BOTOX® injections for patients with milder muscle banding 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. Dr. Miller employs an advanced, meticulous technique to minimize the appearance of your scars. The incisions are placed in areas that are imperceptible once healed. The incision scars can be hidden with makeup in the early days after surgery.

How long does the procedure take?

A surgical neck lift takes about two to four hours, depending on the extent of the changes made and whether any additional treatments are performed during the surgical appointment.

Why Choose Dr. Miller?

Dr. Miller, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Aliso Viejo, Orange County, has devoted over 20 years to refining the art of face and neck procedures, earning a reputation as one of the top neck lift surgeons in the area. After completing medical school at UC Davis, Dr. Miller pursued a five-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, followed by a prestigious fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His state-of-the-art, accredited surgical center provides patients from Newport Beach and surrounding communities with the utmost comfort, care, and discretion. Dr. Miller’s neck lifts achieve a smooth, natural-looking rejuvenation that enhances jawline definition and reduces sagging without the “tight” appearance often associated with surgery. To experience a refreshed, youthful neck contour, schedule your consultation by calling or booking online.

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