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What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck and beneath the chin to create a smoother, more defined neckline. It is designed to correct concerns such as sagging jowls, a double chin, and vertical neck banding by tightening underlying muscles (platysmaplasty), refining contours, and redraping the skin. While non-surgical neck tightening treatments can create subtle results, a neck lift provides the most dramatic and long-lasting improvement in neck definition.

Before & After Bay Area Experts Restored Contour Procedures Recovery Necklift Consultation FAQ

Neck Lift Before & After

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Bay Area Experts in Neck Lifts

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery is a highly respected Bay Area practice renowned for its expertise in neck lift surgery. Dr. Philip Wasicek, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and Dr. Steven Williams, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and President Emeritus of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are leaders in the field of aesthetic surgery with decades of experience. Located in Dublin, California, we serve patients across the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor who seek elevated care and refined, natural results.

Restored Contour, Restored Confidence

Sagging skin and wrinkles beneath the chin—often caused by age-related laxity or weight loss—can add years, even decades, to your appearance. As the skin loosens and descends with gravity, it creates excess fullness that blurs the jawline and weighs down the face. A neck lift restores definition by smoothing, tightening, and lifting the tissues of the neck and under the chin, revealing a more sculpted, youthful contour. A refined neckline beautifully frames the face, enhancing balance and attractiveness from every angle. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons will design a personalized surgical plan tailored to your facial structure, helping you achieve elegant, natural-looking definition.

Neck Lifts & Neck Procedures

Traditional Neck Lift

A traditional neck lift is designed to address loose skin, excess fat, and visible banding in the neck. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and underlying muscles are tightened to restore a smoother, more defined neckline. This technique can significantly improve the appearance of sagging skin and vertical neck bands while enhancing the jawline contour.

Deep Plane Neck Lift

A deep plane neck lift is a more advanced technique that addresses deeper structural components of the neck for longer-lasting, natural-looking definition. Rather than simply tightening skin, this approach addresses deeper tissues and muscle layers, creating a sharper contour along the jawline and neck while maintaining a soft, natural appearance. Dr. Wasicek specializes in this advanced procedure.

Neck Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)

Neck liposuction is ideal for patients with excess fat beneath the chin but good skin elasticity. Using a small cannula, excess fat is removed to sculpt a cleaner, more defined jawline and neck contour. This can be performed on its own or in combination with a neck lift for more comprehensive results.

Chin Augmentation (Chin Implant)

For patients with a recessed or under-projected chin, a chin implant can dramatically improve neck contour. By enhancing the chin’s structure, the jawline appears more balanced, and the neck appears tighter and more defined. This is often combined with liposuction or a neck lift for optimal facial harmony.

Non-Surgical Neck Procedures

Non-surgical neck contouring and skin tightening treatments such as Kybella, CoolSculpting, Microneedling, or Platysmal Band Botox (aka the “Nefertiti Neck Lift”) are available at our Med Spa. These treatments require multiple sessions over time and produce more subtle results, best suited for addressing early signs of definition loss or skin laxity.

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Recovery After a Neck Lift

Recovery after a neck lift is typically smooth and well-tolerated, with most patients returning to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. In the first several days, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the neck—these are normal signs of healing and gradually improve over time. A supportive garment may be worn to minimize swelling and help the tissues settle into their new contours. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and remain closely involved in your recovery to ensure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

As healing progresses, swelling continues to subside and your refined jawline and neck definition become more visible. While you may begin to look and feel “socially ready” within a couple of weeks, subtle improvements will continue for several months as residual swelling resolves and the tissues fully settle. Patients are encouraged to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks and protect the area from sun exposure to support optimal healing and long-lasting, elegant results

Dr. Philip Wasicek smiling

About Dr. Wasicek

Dr. Philip Wasicek is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a dedicated focus specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, with particular expertise in advanced neck and jawline contouring techniques. His practice emphasizes natural, structurally based facial rejuvenation designed to restore youthful contours while preserving individual identity and facial expression.

Through extensive experience in facial procedures—including facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation treatments—Dr. Wasicek applies a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying facial support structures and the overlying skin quality. This philosophy allows for refined, natural-looking outcomes that age gracefully over time.

By considering and addressing every component of facial aging, the best results can be achieved. Patients seeking deep plane neck lift surgery often choose Dr. Wasicek for his focus on natural results, meticulous surgical technique, and individualized facial analysis, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and long-term aesthetic vision.

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About Dr. Williams

Dr. Steven Williams is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, California. An alumnus of Dartmouth College and Yale School of Medicine, he is a nationally recognized leader whose influence spans clinical excellence, innovation, and advocacy within the specialty.

A pioneer for the greater agendas of plastic surgery with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and ethical standards, Dr. Williams is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in plastic surgery today. His expertise is frequently sought by national media and industry leaders alike.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of surgeons and expanding access and opportunity within the field. Patients and colleagues alike recognize him as a surgeon who blends technical mastery with a forward-looking vision for the field.

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Reviews

The results I experienced are subtle and natural, enhancing features in a way that aligned with my original look and structure.

Dr. Wasicek is a highly skilled surgeon (from both a restorative and aesthetic perspective) and incredibly clear in his communication of what can/cannot be expected. His incredibly empathetic and attentive manner is only rivaled by that of the other professionals and staff of Tri Valley.

Dr. Wasicek is truly an artist in the field of reconstructive surgery.

His genuine compassion and dedication to his patients are evident in every step of the process. He approaches his work with a sincere passion that goes far beyond technical skill, blending precision, artistry, and heartfelt care to achieve the best possible outcomes. From the first consultation to follow-up care, it’s clear that he treats each patient as a priority, listening attentively and ensuring every concern is addressed. His results speak for themselves, but what makes Dr. Wasicek truly exceptional is the way he makes his patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. I am deeply grateful for his expertise, artistry, and the love he puts into his work.

Dr. Wasicek and the Tri Valley Surgery team are amazing!

He makes sure to address the target area that you are most concerned about. I had an upper bleph with ptosis that other doctors had turned me away from. I am now four weeks post-op and healing well. I am so glad I chose Dr. Wasicek and the Tri Valley Surgery team! Everyone made the entire process seamless. Dr. Wasicek’s patient care is reflected in his artistry, precision, and practice, and I highly recommend him.

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Personalized Facial Rejuvenation Plans

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome from your facial surgery. During your consultation, our facial plastic surgeons will design a customized treatment plan that may combine surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore youthful structure and optimize skin quality. We simplify the process, eliminate guesswork, and help you navigate today’s advanced options. This may include:

Necklift Consultation for Patients in the Walnut Creek–Dublin Corridor

Establishing trust is the most important part of your surgery decision. From the moment you arrive for your neck lift consultation, our goal is to understand your vision, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about every step of the process—it's a collaboration, not a sales pitch—and making you feel heard is our priority.

During your consultation, our doctors will:

  • Review your health history, anatomy & skin quality
  • Review your goals, inspiration pics & set realistic expectations
  • Provide a thorough explanation of your options & share potential solutions
  • Discuss surgical approaches tailored to you, recovery time, scars & safety
  • Share before & after images
  • Answer any of your questions

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Neck Lift FAQs

How long do results from a neck lift last?

At what age should I get a neck lift?

Where will scars be located after a neck lift?

Where do you perform the surgery?

How long do results from a neck lift last?

Neck lift results can be expected to last 7-10 years.

At what age should I get a neck lift?

We often see neck lift patients in their mid-40's to 60's. A neck lift can also benefit younger patients who struggle with chin or jawline definition due to genetics, dental issues, weight gain, or weight loss.

Where will scars be located after a neck lift?

Scars will be discrete and easily hidden, placed just under the chin and behind the ears.

Where do you perform the surgery?

Both our clinic and Quad-A accredited surgery center are centrally located in Dublin, California, serving patients along the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor–including Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon–as well as patients that travel to us from beyond the Bay Area.

Great ResultsMinimal Downtime

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We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

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