Neck Lift Newport Beach, Orange County

Neck Lift Overview

The neck is frequently one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Even if you take excellent care of yourself, factors like genetics, sun exposure and gravity can lead to sagging skin and muscle banding, as well as that dreaded “turkey neck” appearance. A neck lift surgically removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles to restore a more youthful, defined neck and jawline.

Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Southern California, performs neck lift surgery with an artistic eye and technical expertise. His fellowship training in cosmetic plastic surgery makes him uniquely qualified to create natural-looking results that complement your facial features.

Ready to learn how a neck lift can help you look as young as you feel? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nykiel at Butts By Design in Newport Beach or Upland to explore your options for neck rejuvenation.

What Is a Neck Lift?

The neck is one area where small changes can make a dramatic difference in your appearance. What many patients don’t realize is that when they’re bothered by aging in their neck, it’s often not just one issue but a combination of skin laxity, muscle changes and fat distribution. By working on all of these elements together, Dr. Nykiel creates the kind of natural-looking results that make people notice you look great without being able to pinpoint exactly what has changed.

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) addresses everything from that bothersome “turkey wattle” to stubborn fat under the chin and those vertical bands that seem to appear overnight. In many cases, Dr. Nykiel combines this procedure with liposuction for even more sculpting power.

Why Choose a Neck Lift?

The neck is the ultimate age revealer. You might have a youthful face and a fit body, but your neck can tell a different story.

Many people first notice changes in their neck when they catch a glimpse of themselves in photos or video calls. That moment of noticing a softening jawline or seeing neck bands that weren’t there before can be shocking, especially when those changes don’t reflect how vibrant and youthful you feel inside.

A neck lift can address many common concerns that develop with age:

Loose, crepey skin that creates a “turkey wattle”
Stubborn fat deposits under the chin that persist despite weight loss
Muscle bands that create visible vertical lines in the neck
Loss of definition along the jawline
Wrinkles and horizontal lines across the neck

Beyond the physical changes, a neck lift can have a positive impact on how you feel about your appearance. Many patients find themselves feeling more confident in professional and social situations. They no longer feel like they need to hide behind scarves or high-necked clothing, and they happily wear jewelry or hairstyles that draw attention to their newly refined neck contours.

Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift in Newport Beach?

You may be an excellent candidate for neck lift surgery if you meet the following criteria:

You have noticeable sagging or loose skin in your neck area
You are in good overall health with no medical conditions that could impair healing
You maintain a stable weight
You have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
You are a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking before surgery
You feel ready to commit to the recovery process

A note from Dr. Nykiel:

“A lot of my patients ask about surgical vs. nonsurgical neck rejuvenation options. Here’s what I tell them.

Let’s look at what’s really happening when your neck ages. When you’re young, you have a sharp, crisp angle where your head meets your neck. Then, as you get older, that angle starts to soften and become more obtuse. Three things are working together to create that change: fat, muscle and skin.

Fat is interesting because where it sits makes a huge difference in how we can treat it. When it sits above the platysma muscle (the muscle that runs down your neck), we might be able to address it with nonsurgical treatments like Kybella. But when that fat is hiding below the muscle? That’s when surgery becomes our best option.

Then there’s the muscle itself. Those vertical bands you might see are the result of your platysma muscle “banding out” and becoming more prominent with age. We can improve this by relaxing the muscle with Botox or Dysport injections. These treatments won’t give you quite the same result as surgery, and they need maintenance every three to six months, but they can make a nice difference in the right candidate.

The biggest challenge is usually loose skin. Yes, there are nonsurgical options that use radiofrequency energy like Morpheus8, but honestly? They don’t work as well as many people hope. More advanced treatments like Renuvion and BodyTite, which are more invasive, give us better results—up to 30% improvement in skin tightening. But when there’s significant skin laxity, nothing comes close to what we can achieve with a surgical neck lift.”

What Are the Treatment Steps for a Neck Lift?

The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. Once you are asleep, Dr. Nykiel creates well-concealed incisions. He typically places them behind the ears and under the chin, which provides access to your neck while minimizing visible scarring.

Through these incisions, Dr. Nykiel can:

Remove or redistribute excess fat (sometimes with liposuction)
Tighten the platysma muscle to eliminate visible banding
Adjust deep tissues into a more youthful position
Trim away extra skin
Redrape the remaining skin for a smooth, natural appearance

Dr. Nykiel pays special attention to creating natural-looking contours. Rather than simply pulling the skin tight, which is known to create an artificial appearance, he addresses the deeper layers of tissue. Before closing the incisions, Dr. Nykiel carefully evaluates the neck from multiple angles to confirm that the improvements are balanced, natural and flattering.

Most neck lift procedures take two to three hours to complete. You can return home the same day, though you will need someone to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery.

Which Procedures Can Enhance My Neck Lift Results?

Creating aesthetic harmony means looking beyond the neck alone. Many patients choose to combine their neck lift with complementary procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Neck Lift + Facelift

Your neck and face are natural partners in the aging process. You might notice how a sagging neck can make your jawline look softer, or how deep smile lines seem to pull everything downward. That’s why the neck lift and facelift combination is so popular—it restores harmony to your whole lower face and neck area, making sure it all looks balanced and refreshed.

Neck Lift + Chin Implant

Sometimes what appears to be a neck problem actually starts with the chin. A recessed or weak chin can make even a relatively tight neck look fuller than it is. Adding a chin implant can create that crisp, elegant angle between your chin and neck that we associate with youth and make your neck lift results appear even more dramatic. The right structural support makes everything look better.

Neck Lift + Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatments can put the finishing touches on your neck lift results:

Laser treatments can improve skin texture and reduce sun damage
Neurotoxin injections (like Botox or Dysport) can help relax residual platysma bands
RF treatments like Renuvion can help maintain skin tightness over time

The beauty of modern plastic surgery is that you have options. Maybe you want to address everything at once, or perhaps you prefer to take a staged approach. Whatever you choose, the goal is to help you look like yourself—just refreshed, confident and natural.

What Anesthesia Is Used During a Neck Lift?

You’ll receive general anesthesia for your neck lift, which means you’ll be in a peaceful sleep throughout the procedure. Many people feel nervous about this process, but modern anesthesia techniques are incredibly sophisticated, and the Butts By Design team always puts safety first.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the experience is. You’ll likely wake up feeling like you’ve had a deep sleep, with little or no memory of the surgery itself. Although you might feel a bit groggy at first, that feeling typically fades within a few hours.

What Goes Into the Neck Lift Recovery Process?

The first few days are spent resting at home, with your head and neck elevated to minimize swelling. Many patients tell us they’re surprised by how manageable these initial days are. You’ll want to take it easy, but you won’t be confined to bed. Light walking actually helps promote good circulation and healing.

You’ll wear a compression garment around your neck and lower face to help your tissues adapt to their new contours and keep swelling under control. Most patients wear this garment for about two to three weeks.

Here’s a typical neck lift recovery timeline:

First Week: Focus on rest and gentle movements. You’ll have some swelling and bruising, but these peak around day three or so, and then start improving.
Weeks 2-3: You’ll notice significant improvements in how you feel and look. Many patients return to work and social activities, though you’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise.
Weeks 4-6: This is when life starts feeling more normal again. You can gradually return to your regular exercise routine, though Dr. Nykiel might ask you to hold off on certain neck movements for a bit longer.

Dr. Nykiel and our team stay closely connected with you throughout your recovery. We’ll schedule check-ups to monitor your healing, and we’re just a phone call away if you need support between appointments.

How Is Pain Managed During Neck Lift Recovery?

Dr. Nykiel has developed a sophisticated pain control protocol that targets multiple types of pain and discomfort.

Before Surgery

We begin pain management before surgery starts. Research shows this significantly improves comfort levels after surgery.

During Surgery

While you’re under anesthesia, Dr. Nykiel uses long-acting local anesthetic medications in the surgical area. These create a foundation of comfort that lasts well into your initial recovery period.

After Surgery

Your postoperative pain management plan may include a combination of:

Gabapentin (Neurontin) for nerve-related discomfort
Diazepam (Valium) to address muscle tension
Celecoxib (Celebrex) for inflammation
Hydrocodone (Norco) for general pain relief
Tylenol for ongoing comfort

In addition to medication, our team will provide you with simple but effective techniques to minimize discomfort, like:

The ideal head and neck positions for sleeping and resting
Gentle ice therapy to reduce swelling
The optimal way to wear your compression garment
When and how to begin light neck movements

With this comprehensive protocol, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that neck lift recovery isn’t as uncomfortable as you expected.

Where Are Neck Lift Scars Located?

Dr. Nykiel designs each incision to be as discreet as possible while still allowing him to create beautiful results. Neck lift incisions are typically located:

Behind your ears, following their natural curves
Within the hairline at the nape of your neck
In a small, natural crease under your chin

Dr. Nykiel’s advanced suturing techniques promote thin, flat scars. Scars do not completely disappear, but most patients find their neck lift scars fade significantly over time and are easily concealed, even with short hairstyles or when wearing your hair up.

What Are the Risks of Neck Lift Surgery?

The possible risks of neck lift surgery include:

Infection at the incision sites
Bleeding or hematoma formation
Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
Asymmetry or irregular contours
Delayed wound healing
Skin discoloration
Unfavorable scarring
Prolonged swelling

Let me be straightforward about something that matters to me as your surgeon. The neck has complex anatomy—lots of important structures packed into a relatively small space.

That’s why choosing a plastic surgeon with advanced training in cosmetic surgery and extensive experience makes such a difference.

In my practice, I use a systematic approach to minimize risks. That includes thorough preoperative screening, detailed treatment planning, meticulous attention to anatomy, modern surgical techniques and comprehensive postoperative care.

You’ll even get my cell phone number so you can contact me if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery. Your safety and satisfaction are the top priorities for me and every member of the Butts By Design team.

When Will I See the Final Results of My Neck Lift?

Right after surgery, you’ll notice an immediate change in your neck contours, but swelling masks the final results. The swelling subsides over the next few weeks, and you’ll start getting glimpses of your new profile.

Most of the obvious swelling resolves within one to two months. Your neck looks smoother, and the angle between your chin and neck becomes more defined. You’ll likely feel comfortable in photos and social situations by this point.

The deeper tissues settle into their final position between months three and six. Any residual tightness or numbness continues to improve, and your neck movements feel more natural. You can begin to appreciate the full extent of your rejuvenation.

Is a Neck Lift Permanent?

A neck lift turns back the clock but doesn’t stop time. You’ll continue to age, but from a more youthful starting point. Many patients enjoy their refreshed appearance for 10-15 years.

You can support the longevity of your results by:

Maintaining a stable weight
Using quality skincare products on your neck and décolletage
Protecting your neck from sun exposure
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet
Following a consistent skincare routine

Some patients complement their surgical results with periodic nonsurgical treatments like Botox for platysma bands or skin tightening treatments. Dr. Nykiel can recommend the best maintenance approach for your needs and goals.

Contact Our Board-Certified Neck Lift Surgeon in Newport Beach

In today’s age of video calls and selfies, our necks are more noticeable than ever before. Patients often share that they’ve tried every cream and exercise, but nothing seems to address their concerns in this area.

A neck lift targets multiple causes of neck aging—loose skin, weakened muscles and displaced fat—to produce lasting improvements no amount of creams or exercises can achieve.

Ready to explore your options? Call 949-416-0038 or schedule your consultation online. We offer in-person appointments at our Newport Beach and Upland locations, as well as virtual consultations if you prefer to meet from home.