Neck Lift Surgery Los Angeles | Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley

Restore a Youthful Neck Contour with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley

The neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging, with sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat creating an appearance that can make you look older than you feel. A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) performed by Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley can dramatically improve the appearance of your neck, creating a more defined jawline and a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the neck area by addressing loose skin, excess fat, and weakened muscles. This transformative procedure can:

Remove excess skin and fat in the neck
Tighten the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty)
Improve the contour of the jawline and neck
Eliminate a "turkey neck" appearance
Reduce fullness under the chin
Create a more defined neck profile

Neck lift surgery is often combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Before & After

Types of Neck Lift Procedures

Dr. Rawnsley tailors each neck lift procedure to the individual patient's needs, offering several techniques:

Traditional Neck Lift

A comprehensive approach that addresses significant skin laxity, muscle banding, and excess fat. This procedure involves incisions behind each ear and sometimes a small incision under the chin, allowing Dr. Rawnsley to remove excess skin, tighten neck muscles, and recontour the neck area.

Platysmaplasty

This technique specifically targets the platysma muscle, the broad sheet of muscle that extends from the collarbone to the jawline. By tightening this muscle, Dr. Rawnsley can eliminate vertical banding (commonly called "turkey neck") and create a smoother neck contour.

Neck Liposuction

For patients whose primary concern is excess fat under the chin and in the neck, liposuction alone may be sufficient. This minimally invasive approach removes fat from the neck and chin through a small incision, resulting in improved definition with minimal downtime.

Combination Approaches

Many patients benefit from a customized combination of techniques to address their specific concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Rawnsley will recommend the most appropriate neck lift technique based on your anatomy and goals.

The Neck Lift Procedure: What to Expect

Your Consultation

Dr. Rawnsley will evaluate your neck anatomy, skin quality, and muscle tone to develop a customized surgical plan. During your neck lift consultation with Dr. Rawnsley, you'll discuss:

Your concerns about the appearance of your neck
Your medical history and previous surgeries
Your aesthetic goals
The most appropriate neck lift technique for your needs
What to expect during recovery
Potential risks and benefits of neck lift surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Before your neck lift procedure, you'll receive detailed instructions to help you prepare, including:

Adjustments to medications and supplements
Smoking cessation guidelines (smoking can significantly impair healing)
Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery
Setting up a comfortable recovery space at home

The Surgery

Neck lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and your preferences. The procedure generally includes:

Administration of anesthesia for your comfort
Strategic placement of incisions, typically behind the ears and possibly under the chin
Removal of excess skin and fat from the neck
Tightening of the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty) as needed
Liposuction to remove excess fat if necessary
Precise closure of incisions to minimize visible scarring

The surgery usually takes 2-3 hours, though this varies depending on the specific techniques used and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.

Recovery After Neck Lift Surgery

Dr. Rawnsley and his team provide comprehensive aftercare support to ensure optimal healing and results. Following your neck lift procedure, you can expect:

A light compression bandage around your neck and chin to minimize swelling
Mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication
Swelling and bruising, which are normal after neck lift surgery and typically peak within 48 hours
Removal of any drainage tubes within 1-2 days
Suture removal within 5-7 days
Return to light activities within 1-2 weeks
Gradual fading of bruising and swelling over 2-3 weeks
Continued improvement in neck contour over several months as tissues settle

Results of Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift with Dr. Rawnsley can deliver dramatic yet natural-looking improvements, including:

A more defined jawline
Elimination of a "double chin" appearance
Smoother neck contour without visible banding
Reduction of fullness under the chin
Tighter, more youthful-looking skin on your neck
Improved harmony between the face and neck

Results from neck lift surgery are long-lasting, though natural aging will continue. Most patients enjoy their refreshed appearance for many years, with some choosing minor touch-up procedures after 7-10 years.

Why Choose Dr. Rawnsley for Your Neck Lift

When considering neck lift cosmetic surgery, your choice of surgeon is paramount to achieving safe, natural-looking results. Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley offers:

Specialized Expertise: As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive training in head and neck surgery, Dr. Rawnsley has the specialized knowledge required for complex neck procedures.
Academic Excellence: As a Clinical Associate Professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and founder of the UCLA Facial Aesthetic Center, Dr. Rawnsley remains at the forefront of advanced surgical techniques.
Artistic Approach: Dr. Rawnsley combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to create results that enhance your natural features rather than creating an overly "operated" appearance.
Comprehensive Care: From your initial consultation through your recovery, Dr. Rawnsley and his team provide attentive, personalized care to ensure an optimal experience and outcome.

Dr. Rawnsley's work has been featured by

Frequently Asked Questions
About Neck Lift Surgery

How much does a neck lift cost?

The cost of neck lift surgery varies based on the specific techniques used, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and geographical location. During your consultation with Dr. Rawnsley, you'll receive a detailed cost estimate based on your individualized treatment plan.

Is a neck lift worth it?

For appropriate candidates, a neck lift offers significant, long-lasting improvement in neck appearance that cannot be achieved with non-surgical treatments. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, neck lift surgery has a high satisfaction rate among patients.

How painful is neck lift recovery?

Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain following neck lift surgery. This discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication for the first few days, followed by over-the-counter pain relievers.

Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?

Dr. Rawnsley places incisions carefully in natural creases and behind the ears to minimize visible scarring. Once healed, these incisions are typically inconspicuous and easily concealed by natural hair patterns or everyday hairstyles.

How long until I see results from my neck lift?

While you'll notice immediate improvements after surgery, the final results of your neck lift will emerge gradually as swelling subsides. Most patients see significant improvement within 2-3 weeks, with final results apparent after 2-3 months when all swelling has resolved and tissues have settled.

Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation Today

If you're concerned about sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat in your neck area, a neck lift with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley may be the solution you're seeking.

Dr. Rawnsley performs all consultations and procedures personally, ensuring the highest level of care and attention to detail for each patient.

Schedule Consultation

Neck Lift Surgery in Los Angeles