Neck Lift in Georgia

Services / Face Procedures / Neck Lift

The neck is one of the regions of the body that is hardest hit with the effects of aging. A neck lift can help you achieve a more youthful look, but it won’t stop the clock. Your neck will continue to age with time, which means you may need another procedure in the future. However, after the first procedure, at any point in the future, you will always look better than if you’d never had a neck lift at all. 


What Is My Initial Consultation Like?

During your first meeting with Dr. Lugo, she will determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. At the same time you will decide if she is right for you. The consultation starts with discussion of your health history with a focus on any major illnesses especially those that can cause problems during your surgery like uncontrolled high blood pressure. It is important to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you take any medications, supplements, or other drugs as these can have a big impact on your surgery. Then, Dr. Lugo will do a thorough evaluation of your neck with a focus on the specific features that are creating an appearance of aging. Finally, photographs will be taken. Pictures are very important because they assist with the planning and evaluation of your surgery.


Based on this thorough assessment and a discussion of your goals, Dr. Lugo will describe not only what approach is best for you, but also the various alternatives and all of the risks and limitations associated with each of these. It is very important to listen carefully to the various limitations of each approach and to openly discuss your expectations with her. Many times a poorly informed patient or surgeon is the direct cause of an unsatisfactory result even when there are no complications with surgery. Dr. Lugo will go over the details of the procedure including the type of anesthesia used and the facility where surgery will take place. At the end of the consultation you may decide to go ahead with neck lift surgery, but if you are unsure or don’t feel fully informed don’t hesitate to ask any questions. A second meeting may be necessary and should always be available as an option. 


Most plastic surgeons perform this surgery with general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia. Dr. Lugo can perform a neck lift under local anesthesia and in fact is her preferred way of doing it. Almost all neck lifts performed today are safe, more so when performed by a qualified surgeon. An awake neck lift is even safer. It removes the need for a general anesthetic and reduces post-operative risks. Many of our patients with either fear of anesthesia or high risk due to other health problems, elect to undergo an awake neck lift when they would have avoided a procedure otherwise. Since they are not sedated or placed asleep, they are able to breathe on their own (no need for a breathing tube or anesthesia machine). In addition, remaining awake during a neck lift allows their body to remain physiologically stable, maintaining their normal blood pressure throughout the procedure. This decreases the risk of acute accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma formation) during and right after the procedure. While it seems odd to be on the operating table, fully awake as the surgeon is making incisions in front of you, it is one of the safest alternatives to general anesthetic. This type of procedure is nothing new. The science behind it has existed for many years. Some patients fall asleep through the entire procedure, while others choose to get to know Dr. Lugo better.

Neck Lift FAQs

  • What is a neck lift?

    A neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to tighten and smooth the skin on the neck and jawline, and remove excess fat and tissue to create a more youthful appearance.

  • How is a neck lift performed?

    Incisions are made behind the ears and/or under the chin. The deep structures of the neck are then accessed through the incision under the chin and excess deep fat, muscle and sometimes salivary glands are removed. The neck muscle is then tightened and the excess skin excised. The remaining skin is redraped and the incisions closed with sutures.


  • How long does a neck lift take?

    The length of the procedure can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but on average, a neck lift takes between 2-4 hours. A neck lift can be performed awake under local anesthesia.

  • Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

    You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you have excess skin or fat in the neck area, jowls or a "turkey neck" appearance. Good candidates are patients that don’t smoke, have relatively good health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.


  • How much does a neck lift cost?

    At Lugo Plastic Surgery, we offer personalized consultations to determine an accurate estimate of the cost. On average, a neck lift done under local anesthesia can cost between $5,000 to $10,000.


  • What is the recovery time for a neck lift?

    Recovery time can vary from person to person, but most patients can return to work and normal activities after 1-2 weeks. Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks, and strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks as well.

  • How long do the results of a neck lift last?

    The results of a neck lift can last for several years, but this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and sun exposure.

  • Will I have scars after a neck lift?

    Yes, there will be some scarring, but the incisions are typically placed in areas that can be easily hidden by hair or clothing. Your surgeon can advise you on proper scar care to help minimize their appearance and Dr. Lugo will provide the scar gel.


  • Are there any risks or complications associated with a neck lift?

    As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, and complications related to anesthesia. Other potential risks specific to neck lift surgery include nerve damage, skin discoloration, unsatisfactory results and need for more surgery.

  • Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift?

    Yes, a neck lift can be combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift or brow lift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck. Your surgeon can help determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and goals.

More FAQs

Am I a Good Candidate?

A neck lift can improve your appearance. It will make you look younger and fresher, but it won’t make you look like a different person. If you have neck lift surgery with good results, those around you will notice that you look better, but they don’t necessarily know why. The best candidates for this procedure are healthy, non-smokers usually in their 40’s to 60’s who have developed signs of aging in their neck. Neck Lifts can be done successfully on patients in their 70’s and 80’s as well. However, the loss of skin elasticity can limit the outcomes of surgery. All neck lift patients should be in good mental health, and have reasonable expectations for improvement rather than perfection.