Neck Lift in Scottsdale, AZ

The muscles, soft tissue, and skin of the neck and face lose the fullness of youth and become less elastic with time. For many men and women, this creates wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck. A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery that addresses these concerns. It aims to remove excess skin and fat from the area to give patients a slimmer, smoother profile.

Scottsdale surgeon Dr. Jude LaBarbera performs neck lift surgery to address age-related wrinkling and creasing in the neck zone. Many of his patients are individuals who have lax and sagging neck skin, mostly due to aging and weight loss. Countless men and women in Scottsdale and the surrounding Arizona areas have alleviated their cosmetic concerns and achieved the results they want after our advanced treatment.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline. It focuses on tightening the skin and underlying tissues in the upper neck to create smoother, more defined contours. This procedure is often chosen to address visible signs of aging, such as loose skin or muscle banding. By refining the area beneath the chin, a neck lift helps restore a more youthful neckline. The surgery typically takes about two to three hours, depending on the individual’s anatomy and the extent of correction needed.

The disappearance of youthful contouring in the neck and face can be attributed to various factors, such as heredity, gravity, stress, and environmental conditions. A lift surgery might be the best solution when the neck region does not match the facial appearance. Dr. LaBarbera uses advanced surgical techniques to produce dramatic results, safely meeting each patient’s personal aesthetic goals.

Dr. LaBarbera's Approach

Dr. Jude LaBarbera employs the latest surgical techniques and creates a personalized treatment plan for each one of his patients. In cases where an individual has gained weight and has a flattened neck angle, Dr. LaBarbera will typically use liposuction to contour the neck. Then, during healing, the skin may naturally tighten to create a more youthful, leaner appearance. In such a situation, the patient may not need a neck lift at all.

However, Dr. LaBarbera has found that most patients require tightening of the underlying neck muscles in order to achieve the best neck rejuvenation results. With proper re-draping and contouring of the skin, patients benefit from a tight appearance across the throat, a well-defined jawline, and a smooth, natural neckline. As a highly experienced neck lift specialist in Arizona, Dr. LaBarbera knows that achieving ideal results takes more than just tightening the skin. He prioritizes each patient’s concerns and tailors an approach perfectly suited to their needs.

Before & After Photos

The LaBarbera clinic is a full-service plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery practice offering a broad range of procedures to enhance your natural beauty and take your confidence to the next level. We go the extra mile to make each patient comfortable, and our surgical team works together to achieve results as dramatic or as subtle as you desire. Dr. Jude LaBarbera takes great pride in realizing each patient’s vision and working diligently to help each one of them feel more attractive, confident, and enthusiastic than ever before. If you are wondering whether plastic surgery with Dr. Jude LaBarbera can help you reach your goals, see our before and after photos from patients who are already enjoying their results.

Your Initial Consultation With Dr. LaBarbera

The first step is to visit Dr. Jude LaBarbera at his Scottsdale office. During this initial visit, our surgeon will get to know you, understand your motivations for getting a neck lift surgery, and answer any questions you may have. Dr. LaBarbera will also conduct an examination, collect information on your medical history and allergies, and discuss the treatment options. This initial visit is usually an excellent opportunity for the patient to convey their concerns and expectations.

Neck Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

Neck lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

Incisions, Tissue Tightening, and Fat Removal

Dr. LaBarbera can make a traditional or limited incision depending on the patient. The traditional incision curves around and behind the ears. Fat may be removed or repositioned from the neck and jowls. Dr. LaBarbera will carefully reposition the underlying tissue and may tighten the platysma muscle. Excess skin will be trimmed away, and an incision below the chin may be necessary for liposuction in this area.

Limited Incision Procedure (Optional)

Dr. LaBarbera will make shorter incisions around the ear during a limited incision procedure. He can hide incision lines within the hairline and natural contours of the ear so that any scarring from the surgery is minimally noticeable.

Incision Closure

Once contouring of the neck is complete, skin glue or dissolving sutures may be used to close the incision sites. Dr. LaBarbera can also apply a pressure dressing around your head and underneath the chin to ensure proper healing.

Aftercare Instructions

Following neck lift surgery, patients may experience a temporary tight feeling in their neck region. Any bruising fades away within a matter of weeks. Dr. LaBarbera will provide instructions on managing discomfort and ensuring an uninterrupted recovery. You should strictly adhere to these instructions. Many patients are up and going within just a few weeks.

Procedure
Summary

Recovery After Neck Lift Surgery

First 24 Hours

Rest is essential during the first 24 hours after a neck lift while keeping the head elevated to reduce pressure and minimize swelling. Cold compresses may be applied intermittently to ease discomfort and help control bruising. The neck area is typically bandaged, and incisions are carefully sutured closed to support initial healing.

Week 1

In the first week, swelling and bruising are most noticeable but begin to subside gradually. Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days, provided they do not strain the neck or raise blood pressure. Patients may be advised to avoid bending over or turning the head excessively to support healing.

Weeks 2–3

By weeks two to three, most external signs of the procedure continue to fade, and much of the discomfort has resolved. The body steadily adjusts as internal healing progresses, and many individuals feel more comfortable returning to work and social engagements. Continued care with posture and gentle movement remains essential.

After One Month

After one month, residual swelling typically diminishes, and the neck contour becomes more defined. The final results begin to emerge as the body completes deeper tissue recovery. Patients often enjoy the restored appearance of a smoother and more youthful neckline at this stage.

Complementary Procedures

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift using the SMAS technique targets skin laxity and deep wrinkles to restore a youthful appearance. This procedure tightens the skin and the underlying muscle layers, effectively addressing sagging and pronounced lines for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a less invasive facial procedure focusing on skin tightening to refresh your appearance with minimal downtime. It provides natural-looking results by lifting and smoothing specific areas, making it ideal for patients seeking subtle yet effective facial rejuvenation.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting complements neck and facelift surgeries by removing excess fat from targeted areas and transferring it to regions needing volume enhancement. This technique restores youthful contours by addressing deep fat loss, improving facial fullness and balance for a smoother, more vibrant look.

Ideal Candidates for a Neck Lift

You might be a good candidate for a neck lift procedure if you have:

Some patients may not be ripe for a complete facelift because their upper face is still youthful, while there is wrinkling in the neck skin. A neck lift may be an ideal solution where the neck area does not match the facial look. While non-surgical rejuvenation treatments are available, they cannot achieve the same results as surgery. Remember that the neck lift procedure does not fundamentally change your appearance or slam the brakes on the aging process.

Benefits of a Neck Lift

A neck lift offers targeted improvements that help restore a smoother, firmer neck appearance, addressing common concerns related to aging and contour.

Reduces the appearance of a double chin
Restores a youthful neck contour
Eliminates hanging skin for a tighter look
Corrects turkey neck and loose neck muscles
Reverses visible signs of facial aging
Uses small incisions for minimal scarring
Removes fat deposits to enhance neck definition

Neck Lift Cost in Scottsdale

The cost of a neck lift in Scottsdale ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific neck lift techniques used. Factors such as the extent of skin tightening, muscle repositioning, and fat removal can influence the final price. Dr. LaBarbera ensures that each patient receives a personalized approach tailored to their needs.

What Makes Our Facial Plastic Surgery Different From Others?

Our practice stands out due to our commitment to advanced techniques and personalized care, helping us achieve the best possible results. Under the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaBarbera, each procedure is carefully planned and executed to ensure safety, precision, and natural-looking outcomes. We prioritize minimal scarring by using refined surgical methods and strategic incision placement, allowing patients to enjoy a smoother recovery and subtle, lasting improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

The best candidates for a neck lift procedure are individuals who want to eliminate a ‘turkey wattle’ on the front of their neck, and loose skin under the jawline. During your initial consultation, Dr. LaBarbera will examine you and determine whether you are a good fit for this procedure.

How long does recovery take?

Following neck lift cosmetic surgery, most patients are able to get back to work within 10-14 days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first 1-2 months. Dr. LaBarbera will provide individualized instructions to ensure a speedy and uninterrupted recovery process.

What results can I expect from a neck lift?

Many patients who undergo neck lift surgery are able to remove their ‘turkey wattle’ and tighten skin for a slimmer, more youthful appearance in the neck region. The new contours can dramatically enhance your overall appearance.

Is a neck lift permanent?

How long your neck lift lasts depends on how well you maintain your new look. Typically, the results of this procedure last for 10-15 years. Alcohol, smoking, and skin damage from the sun can all counteract the effects of a neck lift. Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle so they can enjoy their new look for years to come.

Why choose our facial plastic surgeon?

Dr. LaBarbera is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers advanced skills, personalized care, and excellent results, often combining neck lifts with other procedures for a comprehensive rejuvenation.

Can I get a neck lift done with a deep plane facelift?

Yes, a neck lift can be combined with a deep plane facelift. Often, it is the case that both together give patients better results.