- Dr. Macias has performed over 200 neck lift procedures
- Dr. Macias is a double board-certified plastic surgeon
- Dr. Macias specializes in neck and face aesthetics
Introduction
Restore a Smooth, Defined Neckline
A neck lift in Los Angeles at Aesthetic MdR, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Luis Macias in Marina del Rey, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles, and redefines the neck and jawline for a smoother, more youthful neckline with natural-looking, refined results.
The neck often reveals what the face conceals. Even with diligent skincare and a well-maintained appearance, the neck can show signs of aging that are difficult to hide. Loose skin, fat under the chin, visible neck bands, and noticeable sagging can gradually affect the harmony of your profile and your confidence. These concerns may develop with aging, genetics, or significant weight loss.
For people in the LA area considering surgical neck rejuvenation, this page explains what a neck lift is, its benefits, who may be a good candidate, how to prepare, what surgery and recovery involve, options for combining procedures, cost considerations, how to choose the right surgeon, and answers to common questions before taking the next step.
Necklift Gallery
Before + After
Before & After
Before & After
Before & After
Before & After
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck, creating a more defined jawline. If you’re dealing with sagging skin, jowls, a double chin, a sagging neck, or what many patients call a turkey neck (or turkey wattle), this procedure works by removing excess skin, tightening loose neck muscles, and improving the chin for a smoother, firmer appearance. It’s often done on its own, but can also be paired with other treatments — more on that later.
Why Patients in Los Angeles Choose Dr. Macias for Their Neck Lift
- Dr. Luis Macias has performed hundreds of neck lifts and extensive facial rejuvenation procedures designed to restore youthful definition to the jawline and neck. His personalized approach to neck lift surgery focuses on creating elegant, natural-looking results that complement each patient’s facial anatomy rather than creating an overcorrected appearance.
- He is an active member of prestigious organizations including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Rhinoplasty Society, reflecting his commitment to ongoing education, innovation, and excellence in aesthetic surgery.
- Dr. Macias earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School before completing advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He combines meticulous surgical technique with an artistic eye to customize every neck lift based on each patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
- As a double-board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Macias maintains the highest standards of patient safety, ethics, and surgical excellence while delivering refined facial rejuvenation results.
- Most importantly, Dr. Macias believes successful neck rejuvenation should enhance your natural features rather than change them. Every treatment plan is individualized to restore smoother contours, improve definition, and create lasting, balanced results.
Neck Lift Basic Facts
- Surgery Time: Approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with additional facial rejuvenation procedures.
- Anesthesia: Neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. In select cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate depending on your surgical plan.
- Price: Starting at approximately $25,000. The total cost depends on the complexity of your procedure and whether it is combined with additional facial rejuvenation procedures. An exact quote will be provided during your consultation.
- Recovery: Most patients return to light daily activities within 7–10 days. Bruising and swelling gradually improve during the first several weeks, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately 3–4 weeks.
- Results: Since every neck lift requires a personalized surgical plan, results vary from patient to patient. Most individuals enjoy a smoother, more youthful neckline for many years while the natural aging process continues.
What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
A neck lift isn’t just about looking younger; it’s about feeling confident again in your skin. The procedure can:
- Tighten sagging skin under the chin and jawline
- Improve vertical banding by tightening the platysma muscle
- Restore a more youthful angle between the neck and chin
- Sharpen the jawline for a more defined, sculpted look
- Restore confidence with a smoother, more youthful neck contour
Patients in Marina del Rey appreciate that a neck lift can take years off their appearance without altering their natural look, creating a refreshed, youthful appearance and a more defined contour.
Am I a Candidate For a Neck Lift?
If you’re noticing your jawline has softened, your neck can reveal signs of aging before you feel ready for them, or you constantly find yourself angling your phone to hide your profile, a neck lift might be a smart move. Many patients seek treatment for these changes, and ideal candidates for neck lift surgery are healthy adults with realistic expectations who:
- Are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke (or are willing to quit before and after surgery)
- Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
- Are bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck area
Whether you’re in your 40s and just starting to notice changes, or in your 60s and ready for a major refresh, Dr. Macias can customize the procedure to meet your goals.
How to Begin Your Neck Lift Journey
The first step is booking an in-depth consultation with Dr. Luis Macias at Aesthetic MdR in Marina del Rey. During your visit, he’ll review your medical history, listen to your goals, and evaluate your neck through a physical examination that assesses skin laxity, fat distribution, and muscle strength. Based on your anatomy and desired outcome, he’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include a neck lift alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, liposuction, or a chin implant.
This consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions, learn about the surgical process, and experience the boutique, high-end vibe of our Los Angeles area office in Marina del Rey. There’s no pressure — just honest guidance from a skilled surgeon who wants what’s best for you.
Your consultation also includes an overview of the basic steps involved in surgery, recovery, and long-term healing so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
How Do I Prepare For My Neck Lift?
Preparation begins with carefully following Dr. Macias’s personalized pre-operative instructions. Before your procedure, you may be asked to:
- Complete any requested medical evaluations or laboratory testing.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements that may increase bleeding.
- Stop smoking or using nicotine products, as they can interfere with healing.
- Avoid alcohol before surgery as directed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you during your first night of recovery.
- Prepare a comfortable recovery area with extra pillows and any recommended supplies.
- Fill your prescriptions before surgery so they’re ready when you return home.
Following these instructions helps support a smoother recovery, allowing Dr. Macias to monitor your healing and optimize your final results.
What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery
On the day of your neck lift, you’ll arrive at the accredited surgical facility in Marina del Rey, where the team at Aesthetic MdR will ensure you’re comfortable, calm, and prepared for surgery. The procedure typically takes a few hours and is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
Dr. Macias will use a personalized surgical approach, making discreet incisions, typically behind the ears and, when necessary, beneath the chin, to access the muscles and tissue beneath the skin. He’ll tighten the platysma muscles, remove excess fat when appropriate, and carefully trim away loose skin to restore a smoother, more defined neckline.
Afterward, you’ll be monitored as you wake up, then go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Neck Lift Recovery
During the first few days after surgery, the healing process is focused on rest, and you’ll want to keep your head elevated for about two weeks. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first several days, all of which gradually improve as healing progresses. Sutures are usually removed within 6–7 days post-surgery, if needed. Most patients can return to light activities within 7–10 days and resume their full routine, including exercise, in about 3–4 weeks.
Dr. Macias and his team are big on personalized aftercare. You’ll have follow-up visits at the Marina del Rey office to monitor your healing and ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice a smoother, more defined neckline that looks natural and balanced with the rest of your features.
6 Tips For a Smooth Neck Lift Recovery
- Keep your head elevated while resting and sleeping; most patients opt to continue this beyond the first several days.
- Wear your compression garment exactly as instructed to help minimize swelling.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending until cleared by Dr. Macias.
- Keep your incisions clean and follow all wound care instructions carefully.
- Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and avoid smoking throughout recovery.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Macias can monitor your healing.
Combining Your Neck Lift With Other Procedures
Dr. Macias frequently combines neck lift surgery with other surgical procedures and complementary facial rejuvenation procedures to create more complete, balanced, harmonious results. Addressing multiple areas in a single surgical plan often yields more comprehensive facial rejuvenation while allowing for a single recovery period.
Facelift
A facelift procedure and neck lift are among the most commonly combined facial rejuvenation procedures. While a facelift restores youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and midface, a neck lift tightens loose skin and underlying neck muscles to create a smoother, more defined profile. Together, they deliver comprehensive facial rejuvenation with natural-looking results.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift and a neck lift are an excellent combination for patients with early-to-moderate signs of facial aging. While a mini facelift lifts sagging tissue in the lower face and jawline through smaller incisions, a neck lift addresses loose skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat beneath the chin. Together, these procedures create smoother, more youthful contours while maintaining a natural appearance.
Eyelid Lift
For patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a neck lift can be combined with upper and/or lower eyelid surgery. An eyelid lift refreshes the appearance of tired or heavy-looking eyes by removing excess skin and repositioning tissue, while a neck lift restores a firmer, more defined neckline. Treating both areas together creates balanced, harmonious facial rejuvenation with a single recovery period.
Chin Augmentation
Patients with a naturally recessed chin may benefit from combining a neck lift with chin augmentation. A chin implant enhances chin projection and improves facial balance while complementing the newly refined contours of the neck and jawline.
Face Slimming
A neck lift can be combined with facial slimming procedures to create a more refined, balanced facial profile. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Macias may recommend reducing fullness beneath the chin or along the jawline while tightening the neck to enhance overall facial definition. This customized approach creates slimmer, more sculpted contours while maintaining natural facial harmony.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Los Angeles, CA?
The cost of a neck lift in Marina del Rey and the greater Los Angeles area depends on several factors, including the complexity of your procedure, the surgical techniques used, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether your neck lift is combined with additional facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift or chin augmentation. Neck lift surgery at Aesthetic MdR typically starts at approximately $25,000.
During your private consultation, Dr. Macias will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and develop a customized surgical plan before providing a detailed cost estimate. Our team can also review available financing options to help make your treatment more manageable.
Our Ethos
Why Choose Dr. Macias?
Double-board-certified and meticulously detail-oriented, Dr. Luis Macias has built his reputation on achieving refined results and an artistic approach to plastic surgery. He’s recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and The Aesthetic Society — so you know you’re in expert hands. But it’s not just credentials that set him apart — it’s his philosophy.
At Aesthetic MdR in Marina del Rey, serving the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Macias takes the time to understand your vision and tailors each neck lift to enhance your natural features without overdoing it. His focus is on achieving balance, precision, and long-lasting results that enhance your natural beauty, only better.
Related Articles:
As a leader in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Macias has written extensively on the topic of breast lifts. Below are a few resources for patients to learn more about the procedure:
Neck Lift FAQs
Start your journey with trusted, personalized care.
Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation
If you’re considering a neck lift, Dr. Macias invites you to schedule a private consultation at Aesthetic MdR in Marina del Rey. Patients travel from throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding communities for his personalized approach to facial rejuvenation and neck lift surgery.