Experience the confidence of a perfectly contoured profile and a rejuvenated appearance that feels entirely natural. Dr. De La Cruz combines advanced neck contouring with artistic precision to restore the elegant lines of your neck and jawline.
When it comes to facial plastic surgery, the neck is often the first area to show visible signs of gravity and time. At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, we believe that neck rejuvenation should be as unique as the patient themselves. Dr. De La Cruz, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in creating a customized treatment plan that addresses not only sagging skin but also the underlying tissues, neck muscles, and fat. By focusing on the structural harmony of the face and neck, he delivers results that dramatically enhance your profile while maintaining your authentic look.
Corrects "turkey neck," a double chin, visible muscle banding, and excess fat
Often combined with neck liposuction to maximize jawline definition
Typically 2 to 3 hours, depending on if it is paired with facelift surgery
Performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation
Most patients return to daily routines within 10–14 days
1 of 2
The neck may sag as a result of aging or weight loss, and is often affected before the face. Loose neck muscles can lead to an appearance of bands on the neck or drastic drooping of the skin. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can smooth and tighten the skin on the neck and provide a more toned and youthful appearance. The results of this procedure offer a drastic improvement to the appearance of the neck and subtle changes to overall appearance. A neck lift may be performed alongside a facelift, or may be performed alone, after which your friends and family may not even realize that a surgical procedure was performed.
Dr. De La Cruz distinguishes his neck rejuvenation procedures by integrating the precision of neck liposuction with traditional lifting techniques to achieve a truly defined contour. By utilizing specialized high definition liposuction, he is able to meticulously remove excess fat deposits, such as a stubborn double chin, that often obscure the facial contours and the hyoid bone. This dual-layered surgical approach ensures that once the neck muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed, the jawline is left with a sharp, athletic definition that standard neck lift techniques alone cannot replicate.
On the day of your neck lift surgery, you will be cared for in our state-of-the-art facility. The surgical procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure your total comfort. Dr. De La Cruz typically begins by making small incisions behind the ears and sometimes a small, discreet incision under the chin.
A hallmark of Dr. De La Cruz’s approach is the integration of neck liposuction for a truly defined contour. By removing excess fat through a thin cannula, he sculpts the area around the jawline and hyoid bone. Next, he addresses muscle laxity by tightening the platysma (the neck muscles) to eliminate vertical bands. Finally, the remaining skin is redraped, excess skin and fat are removed, and the incisions are closed with precision to ensure minimal scarring.
The aging neck often presents several distinct concerns that non-surgical treatments cannot fully resolve. A surgical neck lift is highly effective at addressing:
A Defined and Masculine or Feminine Jawline
The primary benefit of neck contouring is the restoration of a sharp, defined contour. By removing excess fat and tightening the skin, Dr. De La Cruz recreates the youthful contours that define a fit and healthy appearance.
Comprehensive Neck Rejuvenation
Unlike simple neck liposuction, a surgical neck lift treats the skin, fat, and muscle simultaneously. This multi-layered approach ensures that your results look natural and last much longer than those achieved through cosmetic procedures that only treat the surface.
Seamless Integration With Other Procedures
A neck lift procedure is one of the most versatile neck rejuvenation procedures. It is typically performed as part of a face and neck lift or alongside a mini facelift to ensure the face and neck age harmoniously. For some, adding a chin implant or chin augmentation can further optimize the results by providing better structural support for the neck skin.
A good candidate for a neck lift is someone who is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about their desired outcome. While there is no perfect age for plastic surgery, most patients are in their 40s to 70s. Ideal candidates often have a double chin or sagging skin but still possess some level of skin elasticity. If you have recently reached a healthy weight but are left with excess skin, or if you feel your neck makes you look older or heavier than you are, you should schedule a neck lift consultation to explore your options.
During the first few weeks following your neck surgery, it is essential to follow your recovery instructions to ensure the best neck lift results. You will likely wear a medical compression strap to support the underlying tissues and reduce swelling. To aid the healing process, you must keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, for several days.
While some bruising and swelling are normal, these visible signs fade quickly. Most men and women find that they can return to work and social activities within two weeks, feeling a renewed sense of well-being. Dr. De La Cruz will monitor your progress closely during your follow-up visits to ensure your neck is healing beautifully.
The results of a neck lift surgery are visible almost immediately, though the full impact of your neck rejuvenation will emerge over 3 to 6 months as the swelling subsides. You will enjoy a more youthful appearance characterized by a smooth neck and a crisp jawline. Because Dr. De La Cruz addresses the underlying muscles, these youthful contours are built to stand the test of time.
While no cosmetic surgery can stop the clock entirely, a neck lift effectively resets it. By maintaining a healthy diet and protecting your skin from the sun, you can enjoy your youthful facial appearance for a decade or more.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your neck lift Houston is a decision rooted in trust. Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz is a double board-certified expert recognized by the American Board for his clinical excellence. His specialized technique of combining neck surgery with neck liposuction ensures that patients with stubborn fat cells achieve a level of definition that standard techniques cannot match. At our Houston practice, your safety and satisfaction are the foundation of our philosophy of uncompromising safety and attentive care.
The cost of a neck lift varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether you choose additional procedures like a mini facelift or chin augmentation. We provide a transparent quote during your neck lift consultation.
Absolutely. For younger patients or those who have lost weight, a central neck lift or isolated neck surgery may be all that is needed to achieve their aesthetic goals.
While non-surgical treatments can stimulate collagen production or slightly improve skin quality, they cannot remove excess skin or tighten neck muscles. For significant neck rejuvenation, a surgical neck lift is the gold standard.
Dr. De La Cruz places incisions in the natural creases behind the ear and under the chin. These fade significantly over time and are virtually unnoticeable to others.
While most patients undergo the procedure under general anesthesia, certain limited neck contouring cases can be performed under local anesthesia with sedative medications.
