Neck Lift
Neck Lift in Kirkland, WA
Aging, gravity, and genetics can lead to loose skin, deep wrinkles, and fat accumulation along the neck and jawline. While non-surgical treatments offer mild improvements, a neck lift provides the most reliable, long-term results.
At Remington Plastic Surgery in Kirkland, Dr. Brad Remington and Dr. Austin Remington specialize in customized surgical neck rejuvenation for natural, defined outcomes.
What Exactly Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to sculpt and contour the neck. A more youthful, natural appearance is achieved by tightening the underlying neck muscles, removing excess skin and fat, and refining the angle between the chin and neck. This creates a firmer, smoother neckline.
Some individuals may benefit from neck liposuction alone, especially if their skin retains elasticity. However, most patients require deeper structural correction. The platysma muscle, a thin, sheet-like muscle, can loosen over time and form vertical bands. A neck lift addresses this directly for more refined results.
For optimal facial balance, neck lifts are often performed in conjunction with a lower facelift to enhance harmony between the jawline and lower face.
Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
Neck lift candidates typically share one thing: visible changes in the neck and jawline that no longer match how they feel or want to present themselves. These changes often include sagging skin, central fullness, or banding that becomes more noticeable with age or after weight loss.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Loose or thinning skin along the neck
- Fat deposits under the chin that don’t improve with weight loss
- Vertical neck bands caused by weakening of the platysma muscle
- A poorly defined transition between the chin and neck (blunted cervicomental angle)
The procedure is best suited for healthy individuals with realistic expectations and sufficient skin elasticity for surgical tightening. Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking well before and after surgery typically heal more predictably.
What to Expect During Surgery
The surgical approach for a neck lift depends on your anatomy, but most procedures follow a familiar structure. Incisions are made discreetly beneath the chin and around the ears, extending into the hairline to allow broad access to the underlying tissues. Through these openings, the skin of the central and lateral neck is carefully elevated.
If excess fat is present, it is removed to improve contour. The edges of the platysma muscle—often responsible for vertical neck bands—may be divided or sutured together in the midline to restore a smoother, firmer appearance.
This step, called a platysmaplasty, helps reestablish the youthful tension of the neck’s muscle layer. Once the deeper structure is secured, the skin is redraped, and any surplus is trimmed to match the new contour. The procedure usually takes between two and four hours.
At Remington Plastic Surgery, operations are performed in our Medicare-certified outpatient surgical suite or at one of the local hospital-affiliated surgical centers. Patient safety is our top priority, and all surgeries are conducted with modern monitoring equipment and an experienced, ACLS-certified team.
Your Neck Lift Consultation
When patients come for a neck lift consultation, Dr. Remington will ask about their aesthetic concerns. Your medical history will be reviewed to reveal any details that may affect your surgery. After examination, a customized treatment plan will be developed and illustrated for you.
The potential risks, recovery time, and cost of the procedure will be discussed. Around the time of your surgery, certain medications may need to be stopped to optimize your recovery. You should avoid nicotine use or smoking, as this can increase your risk of complications.
Recovery and Results
After surgery, expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first few days. Discomfort is manageable with prescription medication, although many patients find this to be unnecessary after the first night. You must avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for three to four weeks.
Most patients see initial improvements within two to four weeks. However, complete refinement—particularly in the cervicomental angle—can take several months as residual swelling fades. With good skincare and healthy habits, your results can last for many years.
Interested in treating under-chin fullness? You may also want to explore liposuction options for submental fat.
Before-and-After Gallery & Testimonials
Want to see real results? Visit our face and neck lift gallery and read testimonials from patients undergoing similar procedures.
What Does Neck Lift Surgery Cost?
The cost depends on the surgical complexity, time spent in the operating room, and whether your procedure is combined with other treatments. All fees are clearly reviewed during your consultation to eliminate surprises.
Why Choose Remington Plastic Surgery for Your Neck Lift in Kirkland
Dr. Brad Remington has provided surgical care in the Kirkland area for over 30 years. A board-certified plastic surgeon, he is recognized for his technical precision, extensive experience in facial rejuvenation, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.
Dr. Austin Remington, who earned his medical degree from Stanford University and completed a residency in plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, brings a customized approach for neck lifts. He is driven to achieve natural-looking results and is known for providing thorough patient education to those considering surgery. Together, they offer advanced surgical care in a Medicare-certified outpatient surgery suite within the EvergreenHealth Professional Center.
The practice emphasizes clear communication and direct surgeon involvement at every stage of care.
Neck Lift FAQs
Is a neck lift the same as a facelift?
Not quite. A neck lift targets the lower jawline and neck, while a facelift focuses on the mid- to lower face. Many patients choose to combine both procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Will a neck lift leave visible scars?
Incisions are made in natural skin folds—under the chin and around the ears—making them discreet once healed. Dr. Remington takes care to place incisions with aesthetic outcome in mind.
Can a neck lift help with a “double chin”?
It depends on the cause. If excess fat is the primary issue, liposuction may be enough. However, a neck lift provides a more comprehensive and lasting solution if there is also loose skin or muscle laxity.
Your surgeon will assess which approach is most appropriate during consultation.
How long do neck lift results typically last?
Results often last 10 years or more, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and aging. While the procedure cannot stop aging, it can significantly reset the appearance of the neck and jawline. Maintaining a stable weight and sun protection can help preserve your results.
Am I too young or too old for a neck lift?
Candidacy depends more on anatomy than age. Some patients in their 40s may be excellent candidates if early signs of aging are present.
Older patients can also benefit if they are healthy and have realistic expectations. A consultation will help determine if surgery is appropriate.
Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation in Kirkland
Meet with Dr. Brad Remington or Dr. Austin Remington for a personalized evaluation and surgical plan based on your neck contour goals.
“They want the best results for their patients“
“Dr. Remington and his team are wonderful; they want the best results for their patients and they stop at nothing less. They are skilled and caring. I highly recommend them.”
– E.A.