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Restoring Balance to Your Profile

At Thompson Facial Plastics, Dr. R. William Thompson, M.D., is double board certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He tailors every recommendation to the anatomy and goals in front of him rather than a one-size-fits-all technique, favoring subtle, natural-looking results. Patients whose jawline and neck no longer reflect the rest of their face are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson in Denver.

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What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that corrects loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat beneath the chin and along the neck. Heredity, sun exposure, weight changes, and the natural aging process can all cause the neck to lose firmness before the rest of the face shows similar wear. Dr. Thompson tightens the platysma, the sheet of muscle beneath the skin of the neck, removes or repositions excess fat, and trims loose skin to sharpen the jawline. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a neck lift is one of the most effective ways to correct visible aging in the lower face and neck when the upper face still looks proportionate.

Benefits of a Neck Lift in Denver

  • Sharper, more defined jawline
  • Smoother neck skin with fewer visible bands
  • Reduction of a double chin or "turkey neck" appearance
  • Better balance between the upper and lower face
  • Results that can last 10 to 15 years with stable weight and healthy habits
  • Renewed confidence in your profile from every angle
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Good candidates are often bothered by a double chin, poor definition along the jaw, sagging "turkey neck" skin, or horizontal neck bands that haven't responded to non-surgical treatments. Overall health matters more than age. Candidates should be non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking for at least three weeks before and after surgery, since nicotine slows healing and can affect results. Anyone with realistic expectations and a genuine desire to feel more like themselves is encouraged to bring their questions to a consultation with Dr. Thompson.

Why Choose Thompson Facial Plastics for a Neck Lift?

Dr. Thompson's board certification through the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery gives him an unusually deep understanding of neck anatomy, muscle structure, and nerve pathways for a cosmetic surgeon. He also completed a fellowship sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one of only forty-nine surgeons accepted nationwide that year, training under AAFPRS fellowship director Dr. Stephen Smith. That combination of surgical and reconstructive training is why patients across the Denver Metro Area trust him with a procedure as visible as the neck and jawline.

Testimonial

"It's clear that Dr. Thompson is well-researched and practiced in the procedure that I elected for. He took the time to answer all my questions and was more thorough than most doctors I have worked with - highly recommend!"

Shannon B.

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Your Consultation

Every neck lift in Denver begins with a private consultation at the Denver office, where Dr. Thompson reviews medical history, examines skin quality and muscle tone, and listens to what the patient hopes to change. He may recommend a full neck lift, a more limited approach, or a non-surgical alternative depending on what he finds. Photos are typically taken to help plan the procedure and track results, and patients are encouraged to ask about anesthesia, recovery, or anything else on their mind.

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How Much Does It Cost?

Neck lift pricing depends on the extent of correction needed, whether the procedure is combined with a facelift or other treatment, and the type of anesthesia used. The team at Thompson Facial Plastics provides a personalized cost estimate during the consultation and can discuss financing options that may help make the procedure more manageable.

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What to Expect During Neck Lift Treatment

Anesthesia and Preparation

Neck lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, either in Dr. Thompson's accredited office or a surgical center in Denver. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it may be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, a decision made together during the consultation.

Incision Placement and Contouring

Small incisions are typically placed behind and around the ears, with an additional discreet incision beneath the chin when needed. Through these incisions, Dr. Thompson tightens the platysma, removes or redistributes excess fat, and reshapes the underlying structure of the neck.

Closing and Initial Recovery

Once the muscle and fat have been addressed, excess skin is trimmed and incisions are closed. A supportive dressing is placed around the head and chin, and patients are monitored in the office until Dr. Thompson confirms they're ready to go home with a companion.

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Neck Lift Recovery

Tightness, mild swelling, and bruising along the front of the neck are common in the first one to two weeks, with most bruising fading by about two weeks. Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable rather than painful, especially with the medication Dr. Thompson prescribes. Stitches are generally removed five to ten days after surgery, and most patients take about two weeks off work, though Dr. Thompson may recommend more time depending on how healing is progressing. Light walking is encouraged right away to support circulation, while more strenuous exercise and activities like bending or heavy lifting are typically avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. Thompson provides specific aftercare instructions tailored to each patient's healing progress.

Neck Lift Results

Swelling begins to improve within the first few weeks after surgery, gradually revealing a smoother, more defined jawline.

Final results typically become fully visible three to six months later, once any residual swelling has resolved.

With stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, results generally last 10 to 15 years.

Traditional vs. Deep Neck Lift

Traditional Neck Lift

A traditional neck lift, also called a cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty, is best suited for patients with significant skin laxity, visible muscle banding, and fullness beneath the chin. Dr. Thompson tightens the platysma, removes or repositions excess fat, and trims loose skin through incisions placed behind and around the ears for a sharper, more defined jawline.

Deep Neck Lift

A deep neck lift, sometimes called a deep plane neck lift, goes further beneath the surface to address structures like deep fat pockets and glands that a traditional lift alone can't reach. It's often the better option for patients with more pronounced fullness or those seeking a more permanent correction, and it can be performed on its own or combined with other facial procedures.

Complementary Procedures

  • Facelift: Pairs with a neck lift for comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation in a single recovery. 
  • Chin Implants: Strengthens jawline projection, which can enhance the angle created by a neck lift.
  • Blepharoplasty: Refreshes the eye area so the whole face looks renewed alongside the neck.
  • Brow Lift: Lifts a heavy brow line to bring the upper face into harmony with a newly contoured neck.
  • Facial Fat Transfer: Restores volume to the cheeks and temples for a fuller, more balanced facial structure.
  • Kybella: A non-surgical option for patients with mild fullness beneath the chin who aren't ready for surgery.

Neck Lift FAQ

Will I have surgical drains after a neck lift?

What are the risks of a neck lift?

Can men get a neck lift?

Is there a best age for a neck lift?

Does combining a neck lift with a facelift extend recovery?

Will my results look natural, or will people notice I've had work done?

Does insurance cover a neck lift?

How long does a neck lift take?

Will I have surgical drains after a neck lift?

Small temporary drains are sometimes used to prevent fluid buildup under the skin. When needed, they're usually removed within a few days at a follow-up visit.

What are the risks of a neck lift?

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries some risk of temporary swelling, changes in skin sensation, or scarring near the incision sites. Dr. Thompson reviews all potential risks in detail during the consultation, and most patients recover with no lasting complications. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlines these considerations in more depth for patients who want to read further.

Can men get a neck lift?

Yes. Many men choose a neck lift to restore a defined jawline and reduce excess skin beneath the chin, and Dr. Thompson tailors his technique to preserve strong, masculine contours.

Is there a best age for a neck lift?

There is no single ideal age. Most patients fall between their forties and seventies, though candidacy depends more on skin quality and muscle banding than age alone.

Does combining a neck lift with a facelift extend recovery?

Combining procedures adds some recovery time compared to a neck lift alone, but most patients still return to work within two to three weeks. Doing both at once also means going through one recovery period instead of two separate ones.

Will my results look natural, or will people notice I've had work done?

Dr. Thompson's approach favors subtle, proportionate changes rather than a dramatic or overly tight appearance. Most patients find that friends and family notice they look more refreshed without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed.

Does insurance cover a neck lift?

Neck lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by insurance unless it's performed for reconstructive reasons following trauma or another medical condition.

How long does a neck lift take?

A neck lift typically takes a few hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction and whether it's combined with another procedure like a facelift.

Begin Your Neck Lift Journey With Dr. Thompson

If your neck no longer reflects the way you feel, Dr. Thompson and the team at Thompson Facial Plastics are ready to help you plan the next step. Call the Denver office or schedule a consultation today to talk through your goals in person for your neck lift in Denver.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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