Restore your profile.
A youthful jawline is not just about the jaw — it is about the neck beneath it. When skin loosens, fat accumulates, or the neck muscles separate, the jawline blurs and the profile softens. Dr. Larry Nichter restores this definition through precise muscle tightening, fat removal, and skin repositioning — work that happens beneath the surface and shows above it.
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The procedure
Neck Lift in Newport Beach
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the neck and lower jawline by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying platysma muscles, and repositioning or removing loose skin. It restores the clean, defined angle between the chin and the neck that aging, gravity, and genetics gradually obscure.
The neck is often one of the first areas to show aging — sometimes before the face does. Loose skin gathers beneath the chin, vertical bands appear as the platysma muscles separate, and submental fat creates fullness that does not respond to diet or exercise. The result is a profile that looks heavier and older than the rest of the face, a disconnect that many patients find disproportionately frustrating.
A neck lift addresses all three layers: fat, muscle, and skin. It is commonly performed on its own for patients whose primary concern is the neck, or in combination with a facelift or LiteLift® for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. When combined, the jawline-to-neck transition is addressed as a continuous unit — which is how it ages, and how it should be corrected.
His approach
Three Layers, One Result
The neck ages in layers — fat accumulates beneath the skin, the platysma muscles weaken and separate, and the skin loses elasticity and sags. A neck lift that addresses only one of these layers produces an incomplete result. Dr. Nichter evaluates all three during consultation and tailors the surgical plan to address each as needed.
For patients with excess submental fat — the fullness beneath the chin that creates a "double chin" appearance — he uses liposuction through a tiny incision under the chin to sculpt and define the area. For patients with visible platysmal bands — the vertical cords that become increasingly prominent with age — he repairs and tightens the muscles through the same approach, restoring a smooth, continuous neckline. And for patients with loose, redundant skin, he removes the excess and repositions the remaining skin for a naturally taut result.
The incisions are placed behind the ears and, when necessary, beneath the chin — all in locations designed to heal discreetly. The specific combination of techniques depends entirely on the individual: some patients need primarily fat removal, others need primarily muscle repair, and most need a combination. That diagnostic judgment — identifying which layers need treatment and how aggressively each should be addressed — is what distinguishes a good neck lift from a mediocre one.
As a Board Examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he holds his own surgical judgment to the standard he sets for others.
Is it right for you
Am I a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is appropriate for patients who are bothered by the appearance of their neck and jawline — whether due to aging, genetics, or weight changes — and want a lasting correction that non-surgical treatments cannot achieve.
A neck lift may be right for you if:
- You have excess fat beneath the chin that does not respond to diet or exercise
- Vertical neck bands are visible, especially when your neck muscles tense
- Loose, sagging skin obscures your jawline definition
- You feel that your neck looks older than your face
- You are in good overall health and at a stable weight
A neck lift does not address concerns in the mid-face, such as cheek sagging or nasolabial folds. For patients whose aging extends beyond the neck to the mid-face and jawline, Dr. Nichter may recommend combining the neck lift with a facelift or LiteLift®. For patients with a recessed chin contributing to the appearance of neck fullness, a chin augmentation may be recommended as well — a stronger chin provides structural support that enhances the result of a neck lift.
For men
Neck Lift for Men
For many men, the neck is what bothers them first and most. A face can carry a few lines without complaint; a jawline that has softened into the neck is another matter. The male neck also ages differently. The skin is thicker, submental fat is more abundant, the platysma bands are stronger and more visible, and the natural angle beneath the chin is often less acute to begin with — all of which the surgical plan has to account for.
What men generally want is a defined jawline and a clean neck angle, not a neck that looks lifted. In a younger man with good skin tone, liposuction beneath the chin can be enough. In an older man, the muscle repair and skin work of a full neck lift are needed, and the discipline lies in tightening only as much as the anatomy calls for; an over-tightened male neck looks operated on. Beard and hair change where the incisions go: the incision beneath the chin sits in the natural crease and, for many men, in beard shadow, and the incisions behind the ears are placed so that short hair and hair-bearing skin fall naturally around them.
The neck is rarely a problem in isolation. A recessive chin makes a neck look fuller than it is, and chin augmentation is sometimes the more effective correction, or a valuable addition. When the jowls have descended along with the neck, Dr. Nichter more often recommends a LiteLift® or facelift, which addresses the neck and the lower face together. Most men are back at work within two to three weeks and in the gym by six, with a jawline that reads as theirs.
This 58-year-old gentleman had a Face Lift, Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) and Neck Lift. The Eyelid Lift is designed to re-drape and remove sagging excess eyelid skin. The Neck Lift enhances the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin.
This gentleman had a Face Lift and Neck Lift. The Neck Lift enhances the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin.
What to expect
Your Neck Lift Experience
Consultation and Planning
Dr. Nichter examines the neck from the front and in profile, assessing the amount and distribution of submental fat, the condition of the platysma muscles, skin elasticity, chin projection, and jawline definition. He explains which layers need treatment, what the procedure involves, and whether combining it with other procedures would improve the result. You leave with a detailed plan.
The Day of Your Procedure
A neck lift is typically performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with IV sedation. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours when performed alone — longer if combined with a facelift or other procedures.
Dr. Nichter makes an incision beneath the chin and, depending on the extent of correction, behind each ear in the natural crease. Through the submental incision, he performs liposuction to remove excess fat and tightens the platysma muscles — bringing the separated bands back to the midline and securing them with sutures. Through the incisions behind the ears, he repositions and removes excess skin, re-draping it smoothly over the restored neckline.
If the neck lift is combined with a facelift, LiteLift®, or chin augmentation, all procedures are performed in a single session with shared incisions where possible.
Immediately After
You are monitored as the anesthesia clears. Most patients go home the same day. A compression garment or dressing is placed around the chin and neck to support healing and minimize swelling. A friend or family member will need to drive you, and someone should stay with you for the first twenty-four hours.
Recovery
Recovery and Downtime
Neck lift recovery is similar to facelift recovery — it requires patience in the first week, but each subsequent week brings meaningful improvement.
The First Few Days
Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness in the neck and lower face. Discomfort is moderate — manageable with prescribed medication. The compression garment should be worn as directed to control swelling and support the neck's new contour. Keep your head elevated, including during sleep. Avoid bending over, lifting, and any activity that raises your blood pressure.
Week One
Swelling begins to subside. Bruising shifts and fades. Sutures are typically removed around day seven to ten. The neck will still feel tight and swollen, but you will begin to see the improved jawline definition emerging. Avoid direct sun exposure, strenuous activity, and vigorous neck movement.
Weeks Two Through Four
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within two to three weeks. The compression garment may be discontinued as directed. Residual swelling continues to diminish. Light exercise — walking, gentle movement — can resume as cleared by Dr. Nichter. Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports.
Six Weeks and Beyond
By six weeks, most activity restrictions are lifted. The jawline and neckline continue to refine as deeper swelling resolves over the following months. Incisions behind the ears and beneath the chin continue to fade. Final results are typically apparent at three to six months, with incision maturation continuing for up to a year.
Results
Natural, lasting improvement.
Initial improvement in jawline definition and neck contour is visible within the first two to three weeks as bruising and swelling resolve. The result continues to refine over three to six months as deeper tissues settle and swelling fully dissipates.
A well-performed neck lift typically lasts a decade or longer. The procedure addresses the structural causes of neck aging — fat, muscle laxity, and excess skin — rather than masking the symptoms. Patients generally maintain a more defined jawline and smoother neckline for many years compared to if they had not had the procedure. The natural aging process continues, but the improvement is substantial and durable.
Maintaining a stable weight, protecting the skin from sun damage, and consistent skin care all contribute to the longevity of the result.
Woman treated with Neck Lift.
Woman treated with Neck Lift.
This 49-year-old woman felt she looked older than her age. Unhappy with her jowls and neck. Notice after surgery how youthful she looks and the improved contour along her jaw and neckline. After photos were taken 1-year post-surgery and during that time she did add filler to her cheeks.
The doctor performed his exclusive LiteLift® & neck lift to improve the signs of facial aging. Notice the dramatic improvement along her jawline and neck. She has elegant facial contours after surgery. After photos were taken 4 months post-op.
Galleries: Neck Lift 52Chin Liposuction 3
Investment
Cost and Financing
The cost of a neck lift depends on the extent of correction, the techniques used (liposuction, muscle repair, skin removal, or a combination), anesthesia, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments. A detailed, transparent quote is provided after consultation, once Dr. Nichter has examined you and developed a surgical plan.
Financing options are available — please ask at your consultation.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a neck lift and a facelift?
A neck lift focuses on the area below the jawline — the neck, submental fat, and platysma muscles. A facelift addresses the mid-face, jawline, and jowling. Many patients benefit from both, performed together to rejuvenate the lower face and neck as a continuous unit. For patients whose concern is primarily the neck, a neck lift alone may be sufficient.
Will a neck lift get rid of my double chin?
If the double chin is caused by excess submental fat, liposuction performed during the neck lift effectively removes it. If the appearance is partly caused by a weak chin that lacks the projection to support the neck, Dr. Nichter may recommend combining the neck lift with a chin augmentation for a more defined result.
What are the visible bands on my neck?
Those are the platysma muscles. As they weaken and separate with age, they create vertical cords that become more visible, especially when the neck muscles tense. During a neck lift, Dr. Nichter repairs and tightens these muscles, restoring a smooth neckline.
How long does the procedure take?
One to two hours when performed alone. If combined with a facelift, chin augmentation, or other procedures, the total time extends accordingly.
How much time should I take off work?
Most patients return to work within two to three weeks. If your work is physically demanding, plan for three to four weeks. Dr. Nichter provides guidance based on how your recovery progresses.
Will there be visible scarring?
Incisions are placed behind the ears and, if needed, beneath the chin — all in locations that heal discreetly. The incision beneath the chin is small and fades to near-invisibility. The incisions behind the ears are concealed by the ear's natural contour.
Can liposuction alone fix my neck?
If the concern is primarily excess fat beneath the chin and the skin still has good elasticity, liposuction alone may be sufficient. But if loose skin, platysmal bands, or poor skin elasticity are also present, liposuction alone will not address those issues — and may actually worsen the appearance of loose skin. Dr. Nichter evaluates all contributing factors and recommends the approach that will produce the best result.
How long do neck lift results last?
A well-performed neck lift typically lasts ten years or longer. The procedure addresses structural causes — fat, muscle, skin — rather than temporarily concealing them. The aging process continues, but the improvement is lasting.
Schedule Your Consultation
If your neck bothers you — whether it is loose skin, a double chin, visible banding, or simply a jawline that has lost its definition — a consultation is a practical first step. Dr. Nichter will evaluate your neck, explain what is contributing to the appearance you see, and discuss the most effective approach.
Request a Private ConsultationDr. Nichter sees patients from across the United States and internationally. The office is located in Newport Beach, CA.