Quick Links
Signs of aging on the face and neck are easily visible and can be bothersome for some patients. A neck lift at Cosmetic Surgery Associates can help you rejuvenate a more youthful appearance while maintaining your natural beauty.
What is a Neck Lift?
Neck lift surgery can restore a more youthful appearance by addressing loose skin, excess fat, and prominent vertical neck bands. Over time, factors like aging, genetics, and sun exposure can cause the neck to lose definition and elasticity, resulting in a double chin, “turkey neck,” or wrinkling neck skin. A neck lift removes or repositions excess skin and fat while tightening underlying muscles, creating a smoother, more refined silhouette that blends beautifully with the surrounding facial features.
Recovery:
10-14 days
Cost:
Starts at $9K
Results:
3-6 months
Good Candidates for a Neck Lift
Ideal candidates for a neck lift are healthy adults who want to address visible signs of aging and improve the contours between the lower face and neck. Good candidates are non-smokers, are willing to temporarily stop smoking, do not have underlying medical conditions, and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for a successful recovery and optimal results. Patients should have good skin elasticity for optimal results. A thorough consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons is necessary to determine whether a neck lift can safely and effectively meet your goals.
Neck lifts are typically performed with incisions made discreetly behind the ears and sometimes beneath the chin.
Neck Lift Technique
Incisions will be carefully placed in the natural creases of the skin or areas where scarring is easily hidden. Through these incisions, excess fat and sagging neck skin will be removed, the platysma muscles will be tightened, and the remaining skin will be carefully pulled back to achieve a lifted but not overly tight appearance. Special attention is given to the contours of the jawline and neck for a balanced, natural result. The advanced skills and artistry of our surgical team help minimize visible scarring while achieving a refreshed, natural-looking appearance.
Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge is the first step before any surgical procedure at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. Your surgeon will examine the condition of your skin, underlying structures, and overall face and neck balance. They will also discuss your medical history and treatment goals to create a personalized treatment plan. Patients will have the opportunity to view similar case photos and ask questions about surgical options and recovery.
Preparation
Proper preparation for a neck lift is essential to ensure safety and success. Your provider will supply detailed guidance, which may include preoperative lab tests, medication adjustments, and recommendations for a healthy diet. Arrangements should be made for transportation on the day of surgery and help at home during early recovery.
Neck Lift Procedure
The neck lift is performed in an accredited surgical facility and takes 2-3 hours. General anesthesia will be used to maximize patient comfort and safety. Incisions will be placed behind the ears or under the chin to access the underlying tissues. Fat may be sculpted or removed, and underlying muscles are tightened using advanced suturing techniques. Excess skin is trimmed, and incisions are carefully sutured. Patients will be monitored in a recovery room for about one hour before they can return home.
Results from a Neck Lift
Neck lift results will become more visible as swelling subsides, revealing a firmer, smoother neckline and a well-defined jaw. While most of the swelling will improve within 2-4 weeks, it can take several months for results to fully develop. Although a neck lift cannot stop the aging process, patients have reported that they look ten years younger, which boosts confidence and self-esteem. Proper skincare, a healthy lifestyle, and sun protection help prolong the benefits for years to come.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. RichardsComplementary Procedures
Facelift
Facelift surgery addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls in the mid and lower face. Combining face and neck surgery allows for a balanced contour between the face and neck, rejuvenating a natural-looking, youthful appearance.
Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction can be performed with a neck lift to remove localized fat cells beneath the chin and jawline and assist with optimal neck contouring. Patients with moderate amounts of stubborn fat can achieve a slimmer and more sculpted result by including liposuction with their neck lift procedure.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, can have aesthetic and functional benefits for patients. Various concerns, including a dorsal hump, crooked nose, large nose, or breathing difficulties, can all be addressed with customized rhinoplasty procedures.
Patient Photos
View our gallery to see photographs of real patient results at Cosmetic Surgery Associates.
Learn MoreDoctor Videos
Patient education is one of our primary goals. Check out our educational video series to learn more about specific procedures and view real results.
Learn More






