Neck Lift
A graceful neckline is often the foundation of a youthful appearance, yet it is one of the first areas to show the signs of time and gravity. If you feel that your neck no longer matches the vibrance of your face, a neck lift can help restore the sleek, defined profile you once had. This procedure focuses on tightening the underlying platysma muscles and removing excess skin to eliminate banding or heaviness beneath the chin. By addressing these structural changes, Dr. Crawford creates a smooth transition that feels natural and authentic to your features.
At our boutique Del Mar practice, Dr. Crawford combines an artistic eye with elite technical mastery to shape subtle, sophisticated results. We have kept our practice intentionally small to ensure you receive the high-touch, personalized attention you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation and begin your journey toward lasting confidence.
Tightens loose muscles and removes excess skin for a defined neck and jawline.
2-3-hour outpatient procedure; perfomed under general anesthesia in a state-of-the-art surgery center
Most patients return to social activities within 2 weeks.
Reveals a sleek, elegant profile that lasts for years.
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the neck by addressing the three main signs of aging: loose skin, excess fat, and weakened muscles. Dr. Crawford offers different approaches based on your needs, including a traditional neck lift for comprehensive rejuvenation or an isolated deep neck lift for those whose aging is primarily concentrated under the chin. The overall purpose is to restore the “cervicomental angle” (the sharp, youthful curve where your neck meets your jawline), giving you a more rested and vibrant look.
The day of your surgery is carefully coordinated by Dr. Crawford and her team to provide a calm, comfortable, and safe experience. The neck lift procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take 1-3 hours to complete.
Dr. Crawford makes small, discrete incisions behind the ears and sometimes a tiny incision under the chin. She then tightens the neck muscles (platysmaplasty) and removes any excess skin or fat. Her focus is on structural longevity; by tightening the deep platysma muscle, she restores naturally firm, sculpted contours that are built to last. After the procedure is complete, you will rest briefly in our recovery area before heading home to begin your healing journey.
A neck lift specifically addresses the area from the jawline down to the collarbone. It is highly effective for treating:
A neck lift restores a crisp profile and youthful frame for the lower face. Dr. Crawford’s deep plane techniques deliver natural-looking results that will age gracefully with you for a decade or more.
Many patients find they feel more comfortable in photographs, Zoom meetings, and social settings after restoring their neckline. This procedure offers a very high return on investment for your appearance, providing long-lasting correction that non-surgical treatments like neck creams or injectables simply cannot match.
If you are bothered by signs of aging in the neck, like sagging, muscle banding, crepey skin, or a loss of jawline definition, a neck lift may be a good fit for you. The long-term correction a neck lift offers rejuvenates your appearance for years to come.
While many of our neck lift patients are in their 50s and 60s, younger patients with a genetic predisposition for a full neck also see wonderful results. It is important to have realistic expectations and a desire for natural-looking improvement.
During your visit, Dr. Crawford will carefully assess your anatomy and provide an honest recommendation on whether a neck lift is the right step for your goals.
For about the first week after surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising in the treatment area. We typically recommend wearing a light compression garment to reduce swelling and keep your new contours supported during healing. Most patients feel socially ready—meaning they feel comfortable going to dinner or the grocery store—within 10 to 14 days. Dr. Crawford will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan and personally guide you through your follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
You will notice an immediate improvement in your profile once the initial swelling begins to fade. Within a few months, your final results will emerge: a sleek, elegant neckline and a crisp jawline that honors your natural features. These results are designed to be long-lasting, typically lasting 10 to 15 years. While the aging process continues, you will always look younger and more refreshed than you would have without the procedure.
Dr. Crawford’s approach to the neck is rooted in elite training in facial reanimation. This background gives her a deeper understanding of the complex nerves and muscles of the neck than the average surgeon. In our boutique Del Mar practice, we prioritize quality over volume, allowing Dr. Crawford to dedicate her full artistry and attention to your results. When you choose our practice, you are choosing a woman’s perspective, a surgeon’s precision, and a team that values your long-term happiness above all else.
Yes, a neck lift is excellent for improving the jawline and mild jowling. However, if you have significant sagging in the mid-face and cheeks, Dr. Crawford may recommend a facelift combined with a neck lift for a more balanced and harmonious result.
Dr. Crawford is meticulous about incision placement. The incisions are hidden in the natural creases behind the ears and in the hairline. Once fully healed, they are typically very difficult to see, even if you wear your hair up.
Absolutely. If your aging is primarily concentrated below the jawline and your cheeks still have good position and volume, an isolated neck lift is a wonderful option. Dr. Crawford will help you decide which approach is best during your consultation.
A traditional neck lift focuses mostly on the skin and superficial muscles. A deep-plane neck lift addresses structures beneath the muscle, such as deep fat and glands, to create more dramatic definition. Dr. Crawford uses deep plane techniques to shape an elegant and long-lasting result
This is the scientific term for the angle between your chin and your neck. A “youthful” angle is close to 90 degrees. As we age, this angle becomes “obtuse” or blunted. The goal of a neck lift is to restore that sharp, 90-degree transition.
