Face
Necklift
Addresses loose skin, fat, and muscle laxity along the neck and lower face. Often performed with a facelift to balance the result.
Overview
A necklift addresses the structural changes specific to the neck: excess skin, accumulated fat under the chin, and laxity of the platysma muscle that produces visible bands. The procedure tightens the platysma and removes or repositions the overlying skin. It is frequently combined with a facelift, since correcting the lower face without addressing the neck can leave a visible mismatch in skin quality. A standalone necklift is appropriate for patients whose face has aged less than their neck.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients whose neck has aged more than the rest of the face, with visible platysmal bands, accumulated submental fat, or loose neck skin. Often combined with a facelift, but a standalone necklift is appropriate when the face itself is age-appropriate.
Technique
How it's done.
Through small incisions under the chin and around the ears, Dr. Azadgoli tightens the platysma muscle and removes or repositions excess skin. Submental fat is addressed at the same operation, either through direct excision or liposuction.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Surgery takes two to four hours. A compression garment is worn for the first one to two weeks. Most patients are back to social activity at two to three weeks; final result over three to six months.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. For reconstructive or medically necessary work, our advocacy team verifies your benefits and presents the out-of-pocket estimate before anything is scheduled.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will I have a scar under my chin?
A small one, typically about an inch and hidden in the natural crease. Once healed it is difficult to see except up close.
Can liposuction alone fix my neck?
Only if the issue is purely fat and the skin and platysma are still tight — in which case submental liposuction on its own is the simpler procedure. Most patients seeking a necklift need at least skin or platysma correction in addition to fat reduction.
Will it tighten loose skin?
Yes — that is one of the main goals. Skin is repositioned and excess is removed. The amount of skin removal depends on starting laxity.
Will the bands come back?
The platysmal band correction is durable. The platysma muscle is permanently repositioned during surgery. Recurrence is uncommon, though continued aging will eventually require maintenance.
How is this different from submental liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat only. A necklift also tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin. For a patient whose fullness is purely fat with good skin tone, submental liposuction alone may be enough; most patients seeking a necklift need the muscle and skin work as well, not just fat reduction.
Will I need a compression garment?
Yes — a chin strap is worn most of the day for the first one to two weeks to support healing and minimize swelling.
Ready to discuss necklift?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation