Neck Lift In Denver, CO

The first signs of aging often appear in the front of the neck. Our neck lift procedure in Denver, CO, offers an elegant corrective to this bellwether change.

Smiling woman in grey sweater leaning on wooden fence.

Neck Aging Explained

Heredity, stress, environmental factors, and the natural aging process can all cause youthful contours in the neck and face to deteriorate and sag over time. Sometimes, the neck muscles can experience the effects of aging before the face. Wrinkles on the neck, a double chin, and jowl lines can become prominent.

Neck Lift Overview

Benefits Procedure Candidates Consultation Why Choose Recovery FAQ

Subtle, Yet Long Lasting Results

When the neck does not match the appearance of the upper face, a neck lift in Denver is often recommended to tighten the skin and create a refreshed appearance. Neck lift surgery—a platysmaplasty procedure—targets unwanted fat, skin laxity, and muscle weakness to avoid “turkey neck.” The result is a tighter, more defined, youthful-looking jawline and neck.

While neck rejuvenation surgery cannot stop aging, results typically last up to 10-15 years. The procedure is often combined with a facelift, but the neck lift alone can make all the difference for some patients.

Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift is a transformative procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and jawline, offering both aesthetic and psychological benefits.

Key benefits of getting a neck lift include:

Enhanced Jawline Definition: By removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles, a neck lift sharpens the jawline, providing a more youthful and contoured appearance.
Improved Facial Harmony: Addressing neck concerns can restore balance between the upper and lower face, leading to a more harmonious overall look.
Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, the effects of a neck lift can last up to 10–15 years, making it a durable solution for signs of aging.
Boosted Self-Confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance following the procedure.

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Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?

You might be a good candidate for a neck lift in Denver if you’ve been struggling with sagging skin around your neck and jawline due to aging. People considering a neck lift typically have at least one of the following concerns:

Double chin
Poor definition in the jaw
Wrinkled or sagging “turkey neck” skin
Horizontal necklines or “bands”

Individuals interested in this facial surgery should be non-smokers or at least be willing to quit smoking for at least three weeks before and after the procedure, as smoking can impair healing. Remaining smoke-free after the procedure will significantly extend the results.

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Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Determining suitability for a neck lift involves assessing various factors, including age, health status, and specific neck concerns.

Ideal candidates for a neck lift are typically:

Experience Visible Neck Aging: Presence of sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat under the chin.
Are in Good Overall Health: Absence of medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
Non-Smokers or Willing to Quit: Smoking can hinder healing and affect surgical outcomes.
Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential results and limitations of the procedure.

If you identify with these characteristics and are seeking a more youthful and defined neck contour, a neck lift may be a suitable option.

Types of Neck Lift Procedures Offered in Denver

Traditional Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty + Platysmaplasty)

A traditional neck lift is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity, muscle banding, and excess fat beneath the chin.

This approach typically includes:

Removal of excess loose skin
Tightening of the platysma muscles (platysmaplasty)
Refinement of the jawline
Fat removal beneath the chin and along the neck
Incisions are discreetly placed behind the ears and sometimes beneath the chin to allow comprehensive reshaping.

This technique offers the most dramatic and long-lasting correction.

Mini Neck Lift

A mini neck lift is best suited for younger patients or those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

It typically involves:

Smaller incisions
Limited skin tightening
Minimal muscle repair
Shorter recovery time

A mini neck lift can refresh early signs of aging but does not provide the same level of correction as a full neck lift.

Deep Neck Lift

For patients with fullness beneath the chin that is not solely skin-related, a deep neck lift addresses deeper structural components.

This technique may include:

Removal of deep fat deposits
Tightening deeper muscle layers
Refinement of the cervicomental angle

A deep neck lift creates sharper jawline definition and is particularly effective for improving the profile.

Neck Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)

For patients with good skin elasticity but stubborn fat beneath the chin, neck liposuction alone may be sufficient.

This procedure:

Removes excess fat
Improves jawline contour
Has minimal downtime
Does not tighten loose skin

It is often ideal for younger patients seeking double chin removal in Denver.

Neck Lift Combined with Facelift

Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with a facelift to achieve comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation.

This approach:

Improves jowls
Refines jawline definition
Tightens neck skin
Restores facial harmony

Dr. Thompson will determine which approach best aligns with your goals during your consultation in Denver.

Why Choose Dr. Thompson for Neck Lift in Denver?

Dr. Will Thompson is a Board-Certified head and neck surgeon with extensive knowledge of the intricate anatomy of the face and neck. But moreover, he believes in making sure each patient feels seen and understood throughout their journey. He’s well aware of the sensitivities accompanying such procedures and wants to ensure you feel treated with respect and compassion the entire time.

Your Initial Consultation

As with any procedure, it’s essential to feel comfortable and well-informed before you make your decision. Before undergoing surgery, Dr. Thompson will invite you for a consultation at his Denver plastic surgery office. This initial meeting is a crucial part of the process. It gives you and Dr. Thompson a chance to discuss your medical history, any skin conditions or tendency to scar, and other factors that may impact results and recovery time.

Dr. Thompson will take pictures and assess whether neck lift surgery is right for you. He may also recommend alternative procedures such as a mini neck lift or non-surgical treatments. If other complementary facial plastic surgery could help obtain a more favorable outcome, they will also be discussed at the consultation. Patients should plan to arrive at the consultation prepared with any questions they may have about the procedure or their cosmetic goals as a whole. This meeting helps establish trust between the surgeon and patient, so being open and honest is vital to help ensure the most successful outcome.

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.

Expertise You Trust

Dr. R. William Thompson is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training from Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and a prestigious facial plastic surgery fellowship. He has published extensively, presented nationally, and earned multiple awards for surgical excellence. Known for his mastery in rhinoplasty, facelifts, and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Thompson combines clinical skill with a deeply patient-centered approach—delivering results that reflect both expertise and empathy.

Surgical Procedures Often Paired with a Neck Lift

A neck lift can dramatically improve jawline definition, but combining it with other procedures often enhances overall facial rejuvenation. Common surgeries paired with a neck lift include:

Facelift – Improves jowls, midface sagging, and lower face contour for balanced results.
Chin Augmentation – Enhances jawline projection and profile for a sharper neck angle.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Addresses drooping upper lids and under-eye bags for a refreshed look.
Brow Lift – Lifts heavy brows and smooths forehead lines to rejuvenate the upper face.
Facial Fat Grafting – Restores volume to cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas for facial harmony.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and brightens overall complexion.

Benefits of Combining Procedures:

One recovery period instead of multiple surgeries
More comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Enhanced natural balance between face and neck

During your Denver consultation, Dr. Thompson will determine which combination will give the most natural, long-lasting results.

The Day of Your Procedure

The procedure with Dr. Thompson may occur in the office or an accredited surgical center in Denver on an outpatient basis. The process takes several hours but can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will be discussed during the consultation and depends on the patient’s goals. Several incisions are placed around and behind the ears, with a tiny incision underneath the chin. The platysma muscles are carefully tightened beforehand, and Dr. Thompson can remove excess skin and extra fat. Incisions are closed, and a dressing is placed around the patient’s head and chin. Immediately after surgery, the patient will be carefully monitored until the surgeon has approved that it is safe to go home. Patients must arrange to have someone bring them to and from their surgical appointment.

Recovery and Results

After surgery, it is common for the neck to feel tight and to have some bruising and swelling in the front of the neck. Bruising fades after about two weeks. Five to ten days after surgery, you will have an appointment with Dr. Thompson to remove the stitches. It is critical to take the proper amount of time to recover from neck lift surgery. Patients typically take about two weeks off from work, but more time is given if needed. Patients should avoid strenuous activity during these first few weeks, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects. However, walking around the house is encouraged to help with circulation and aid overall healing.

Dr. Thompson will provide specific instructions for when you can resume normal activities and prescribe medication to help you manage any pain, swelling, and discomfort. Adhering to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial for ensuring proper healing and achieving the best results.

Neck Lift FAQ

How painful is a neck lift?

When can I return to exercise after a neck lift?

Will I have drains after neck lift surgery?

Can men get a neck lift?

What is the best age for a neck lift?

Is a neck lift permanent?

Can a neck lift fix a double chin?

Does insurance cover neck lift surgery?

How long until I see final results?

How do I know if I need a neck lift or non-surgical treatment?

How painful is a neck lift?

Most patients describe neck lift recovery as involving tightness and mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain. Prescription medication is provided for the first few days, and discomfort typically subsides within a week.

When can I return to exercise after a neck lift?

Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery. Most patients resume light exercise around two weeks and more strenuous activity at four to six weeks, depending on healing progress.

Will I have drains after neck lift surgery?

In some cases, small surgical drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation. If used, they are typically removed within a few days.

Can men get a neck lift?

Yes. Many male patients seek neck lift surgery to restore jawline definition and reduce excess skin beneath the chin. Dr. Thompson tailors techniques to preserve masculine contours.

What is the best age for a neck lift?

There is no perfect age for a neck lift. Most patients are between 40 and 70, but candidacy depends more on skin laxity, muscle banding, and overall health than chronological age.

Is a neck lift permanent?

A neck lift cannot stop the natural aging process, but results typically last 10 to 15 years. Maintaining a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and proper skincare can help extend longevity.

Can a neck lift fix a double chin?

If a double chin is caused primarily by excess fat, liposuction alone may be sufficient. If skin laxity and muscle banding are present, a neck lift provides more comprehensive correction.

Does insurance cover neck lift surgery?

Neck lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance unless performed for reconstructive purposes.

How long until I see final results?

Initial swelling improves within a few weeks. Final results typically become fully visible after three to six months once residual swelling resolves.

How do I know if I need a neck lift or non-surgical treatment?

Non-surgical treatments may improve mild skin laxity but cannot correct significant sagging or muscle banding. A consultation with Dr. Thompson will determine the most effective treatment plan for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Neck Lift In Denver, CO

Neck Aging Explained

Neck Lift Overview

Subtle, Yet Long Lasting Results

Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?

Schedule A Consultation

Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Types of Neck Lift Procedures Offered in Denver

Traditional Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty + Platysmaplasty)

Mini Neck Lift

Deep Neck Lift

Neck Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)

Neck Lift Combined with Facelift

Why Choose Dr. Thompson for Neck Lift in Denver?

Your Initial Consultation

Testimonial

Expertise You Trust

Surgical Procedures Often Paired with a Neck Lift

Benefits of Combining Procedures:

The Day of Your Procedure

Recovery and Results

Neck Lift FAQ

How painful is a neck lift?

When can I return to exercise after a neck lift?

Will I have drains after neck lift surgery?

Can men get a neck lift?

What is the best age for a neck lift?

Is a neck lift permanent?

Can a neck lift fix a double chin?

Does insurance cover neck lift surgery?

How long until I see final results?

How do I know if I need a neck lift or non-surgical treatment?

Book NowSchedule a Consultation