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What is a Necklift?

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and smooth the neck by removing excess skin, refining muscle structure, and reducing fat deposits. It’s often performed to address common signs of aging such as loose, crepey skin, vertical banding, and fullness under the chin, sometimes referred to as a "turkey neck" or double chin. A neck lift restores a firmer, more defined jawline and neckline, helping patients look naturally refreshed without appearing overdone. When performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Grace Graw, the results are subtle, elegant, and long-lasting.

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Define Your Profile — Book a Neck Lift Consultation With Dr. Graw

An Eye for Balance and Beauty: Dr. Grace Graw

Dr. Grace Graw excelled at every phase of her education. Her innate talent, combined with advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, can transform your look.

A Woman’s Perspective Female Plastic Surgeon in Palo Alto

As a woman, Dr. Graw understands the challenges women face. With an artist’s eye for balance and beauty, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, she achieves results that are extraordinary.

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Benefits of a Necklift

If you feel your appearance would be enhanced by restoring definition to your neck and jawline, a personalized neck lift by Dr. Graw could be ideal for you. A youthful neck has firm, elastic skin, free from excess skin, fat, or vertical bands. Every neck lift is customized for the individual, as each person has a unique set of issues they would like addressed. Your custom neck lift in Palo Alto, Menlo Park & Atherton, CA can treat any of these aesthetic concerns:

  • Loss of definition between chin and neck
  • Neck wrinkles and lines
  • Excess, sagging skin of the neck
  • Vertical neck bands
  • Fat deposits on the neck

Achieve a Smoother, Firmer Neckline With Dr. Graw

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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is ideal for individuals who are bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline that cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments alone. Good candidates typically include those who:

  • Have loose, sagging skin or a “crepey” appearance of the neck
  • Notice vertical neck bands or loss of jawline definition
  • Have fullness or fat deposits beneath the chin
  • Are in good overall health and non-smokers
  • Have realistic expectations and desire natural-looking rejuvenation

A personal consultation with Dr. Grace Graw allows for a thorough evaluation of your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine whether a neck lift is the most effective option for you.

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We Take the Time to Get to Know You

Every aesthetic surgery starts with a private meeting to speak with you, understand your concerns, and answer all your questions and concerns. 

Your skin quality and condition will be examined to determine the right approach for your unique condition. In close collaboration with you, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, to ensure the outcome matches your personal aesthetic vision. 

You Are Unique

You are a unique individual, in every way, from your personality to your lifestyle, age, and background. To create the most natural and superior outcome, you deserve to be under the care of a true master of the art of facial plastic surgery. Depending on your condition, and your wishes, various techniques may be advised.

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Neck Lift – What to Expect

The surgery takes several hours, typically involving hidden incisions behind your ears and within your scalp, and a smaller incision hidden within a chin crease. Through these access points, your neck lift is performed. The goal is one of the universally recognized signs of natural beauty – a rejuvenated neck that enhances the beauty and youthfulness of your other features. 

If you are considering a neck lift in Palo Alto, we invite you to visit us at our private Palo Alto office suite or our Menlo Park or Atherton, CA offices. We are proud to be recognized as one of the region’s premier facial plastic surgery centers. We look forward to welcoming you in person and helping you explore the best options for your aesthetic goals.

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Advanced Techniques Bring Superior Results

Dr. Graw may combine several techniques to create the most natural look. Her private offices in Palo Alto are equipped with an array of technologies, including high-definition liposuction, laser skin resurfacing, and world-class fat transfer technology. Your neck lift will be geared to restore the firm, refined neck contour that you envision. The change in your appearance will be both subtle and dramatic – natural-looking, but beautifully restored.

What is the Recovery From a Neck Lift?

You will need to be patient to enjoy the full results of your neck lift surgery. Initially, swelling and bruising are normal, which fade within the first couple weeks. You will have full instructions for aftercare and will see Dr. Graw closely over several follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery. You can expect to recover within three weeks, ready to reveal your refreshed look at social events, a reunion, or in your day-to-day life.

Neck Lift vs. Non-Surgical Options

Non-surgical treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and energy-based skin tightening can offer subtle improvements for early signs of aging. However, these treatments cannot remove excess skin or fully correct muscle laxity in the neck.

A surgical neck lift provides a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution by addressing:

  • Excess and sagging skin
  • Underlying muscle banding
  • Fat accumulation beneath the chin

For patients with moderate to advanced aging of the neck, a neck lift offers significantly more dramatic and durable results than non-surgical options. Dr. Graw will help guide you toward the most appropriate approach based on your unique needs.

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Schedule Your Personalized Neck Lift Assessment Today

Why Choose Dr. Graw for a Neck Lift in Palo Alto?

If you are considering a neck lift, we invite you to meet with us at our private Palo Alto office suite. We are proud to be considered one of the premier facial plastic surgery centers in the Bay Area and we look forward to meeting you in person!

Learn more about Dr. Grace Graw

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Neck Lift FAQs

How long do neck lift results last?

Will a neck lift help jowls?

What age is best for a neck lift?

Does a neck lift look natural?

Is neck lift recovery painful?

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

How long before I can return to normal activities after a neck lift?

How long do neck lift results last?

Neck lift results are long-lasting and can endure for many years. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy a more youthful and defined neck contour well into the future.

Will a neck lift help jowls?

Yes. A neck lift can improve early jowling by restoring definition to the jawline. In some cases, it may be combined with a facelift for more comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation.

What age is best for a neck lift?

There is no ideal age for a neck lift. Many patients seek surgery in their 40s to 60s when skin laxity and muscle banding become more noticeable and non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.

Does a neck lift look natural?

When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, a neck lift produces refined, natural-looking results. The goal is to restore youthful contours without an over-tightened or artificial appearance.

Is neck lift recovery painful?

Discomfort after a neck lift is typically mild to moderate and well managed with prescribed medications. Most patients describe recovery as very manageable.

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. A neck lift is often combined with procedures such as a facelift, chin augmentation, or liposuction to enhance overall facial balance and results.

How long before I can return to normal activities after a neck lift?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within two to three weeks, once swelling and bruising have subsided and healing has progressed.

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