What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the neck and jawline by tightening muscles (platysmaplasty), removing excess fat, and redraping the skin. This procedure brings harmony to the lower face and neck, ensuring your proportions remain balanced as you age. Here, the goal is elegance, not exaggeration or overcorrection. Neck lifts can address the following concerns:

  • “Turkey neck”
  • Jowling
  • Neck banding
  • Loosened muscles

Elevating Graceful Aging

Pursuing plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision, and Dr. Teitelbaum understands that every patient has their own motivations for seeking treatment. Regardless of your driving force, all patients can expect the following benefits from a neck lift:

  • More sculpted, defined jawline
  • Reduced jowling along the cheeks and neck
  • Removal of excess skin and vertical bands
  • Restored neck contours, creating a firmer and smoother appearance
  • Improved transition from the face to the neck

Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Ideal candidates for a neck lift in Los Angeles are healthy, non-smoking adults who fit the following criteria:

  • Have visible signs of neck aging, including loose skin, vertical banding, and fullness beneath the chin
  • Lack of jawline and cervical angle definition
  • Have soft tissue descent or excess submental fat along the jawline and chin
  • Possess adequate skin elasticity
  • Do not have significant scarring, radiation exposure, or previous neck surgeries that could compromise tissue health

During your consultation, Dr. Teitelbaum will perform an in-depth physical exam to confirm your candidacy.

Before & After Face and Neck Lift

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Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond, Dr. Teitelbaum delivers high-quality, natural-looking results for all of his patients. His expertise in neck anatomy, particularly the interaction of the platysma muscle, submental fat, and skin tension, enables him to customize each neck lift with remarkable precision.


Leading With Clinical Excellence

Dr. Steven Teitelbaum received his doctorate degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, where he now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery. He completed his residency training at Harvard University and earned dual board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Dr. Teitelbaum opened his private practice in 1995 and has performed thousands of successful procedures in the 30+ years since. Reflecting his commitment to uplifting the next generation of surgeons, Dr. Teitelbaum has given lectures to peers and students alike on five continents. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals like the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he’s earned leadership roles in the following professional organizations:

  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

A Patient-First Philosophy

Patients come to Dr. Teitelbaum from across the country to experience his beautiful results and thoughtful, personalized patient care. He and his licensed team, which includes a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, work with integrity, transparency, and trust to deliver the outcomes patients deserve without gimmicks or trendy treatments. Every procedure is fully customized to the patient’s needs and performed in accordance with the highest safety and quality standards in the industry.

Schedule A Consultation

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Your Confidential Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive one-on-one consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and medical history, and he’ll evaluate your neck anatomy, skin quality, muscle tone, and aging patterns to determine whether a neck lift is right for you.

Depending on his findings, he may recommend a combination neck lift/facelift procedure or begin building your targeted neck lift plan.

Pricing Your Procedure

After your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed, personalized quote with extensive financing options. Most neck lifts range from  $12,500 - $15,000 and are typically not covered by insurance.

The cost of your neck lift in Los Angeles will depend on the following factors:

  • Surgical complexity
  • Extent of correction
  • Whether additional procedures will be performed in the same surgical session

What to Expect From Your Neck Lift in Los Angeles

Your neck lift will be performed under general anesthesia at Dr. Teitelbaum’s private, AAAHC-accredited surgical center in Santa Monica. During surgery, Dr. Teitelbaum will make small incisions behind the ears and under the chin to access your neck tissue and begin the reshaping process. He’ll tighten underlying musculature, remove or redistribute fat, and cut away excess skin.

Once corrections have been made, Dr. Teitelbaum will redrape the remaining skin on your neck to create a smoother, more defined silhouette. All incisions will be carefully closed with small sutures to avoid distortion and encourage a smooth, consistent scar.

Doctor media

Dr. Teitelbaum changed my life. From start to finish, he was kind, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. His team was amazing, too. If you're considering this, I can't recommend him enough!

Vicky Edwards

Gentle, Patient-Centered Recovery

Recovery after a neck lift in Los Angeles typically involves mild bruising, swelling, and tightness across the neck and jaw, which should resolve within two weeks. Most patients return to light activity, including desk work, gentle movement, and social gatherings, within 10-14 days. You’ll need to keep your head elevated for at least 12 hours following your procedure to reduce swelling and promote circulation. After your surgery, you’ll receive a customized recovery plan from Dr. Teitelbaum and his team. This plan may include the following items:

  • Incision site care and cleaning protocols
  • Hygiene recommendations
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Supportive garment guidance, if applicable
  • Activity limitations
  • Swelling and pain management strategies

Over the coming weeks, you’ll return to Dr. Teitelbaum’s Los Angeles practice for regular follow-up appointments. There, he’ll remove any remaining sutures, monitor your healing progress, and approve you for strenuous physical activity when appropriate. Your final results will become apparent once all residual swelling has faded, which may take up to two months.

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Completing Your Transformation

Many patients in Los Angeles and Santa Monica incorporate a neck lift into a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation program. Complementary procedures include the following:

Neck Lift FAQs

How long will my procedure take?

Most neck lifts take two to three hours to complete, depending on the surgical complexity and extent of correction. Dr. Teitelbaum will review expected timelines with you during your consultation.

Will a neck lift address my double chin?

Yes, if excess fat is causing the double chin. Dr. Teitelbaum will remove a small amount of fat from underneath the chin to smooth your silhouette and create a firmer appearance.

How long will my results last?

The final results of your neck lift are designed to be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their results for 10-15 years or longer. Aging and gravity will naturally affect the neck over time, but revision procedures are uncommon.

Can a neck lift be done under local anesthesia?

No. Full neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia for your comfort and to simplify the surgery. If you’re concerned about anesthesia, discuss your options with Dr. Teitelbaum during your consultation.

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