RHYTIDECTOMY (NECK LIFT)

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles in the neck area. The procedure can also help remove fat deposits, known as jowls, that can develop along the jawline.

During the procedure, a plastic surgeon will make incisions behind the ears and under the chin. They will then remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the muscles in the neck. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

What are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

A neck lift can have several benefits, including::

Improved appearance: A neck lift can improve the appearance of sagging skin in the neck and jawline, giving a more youthful and defined look.
Boost in self-confidence: Sagging skin in the neck area can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. A neck lift can help boost self-confidence and improve quality of life.
Long-lasting results: The results of a neck lift are long-lasting and can help a person look younger and more refreshed for years to come.

Is a Neck Lift Right for You?

If you are considering a neck lift, it is important to speak with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if the procedure is right for you. Candidates for the procedure typically have excess skin and fat in the neck area, as well as weakened or sagging muscles.

It is also important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. While a neck lift can improve the appearance of the neck and jawline, it cannot stop the natural aging process.

Take the First Step

If you are interested in a neck lift, take the first step by speaking with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can help determine if the procedure is right for you and answer any questions you may have.

At our practice, we offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, including neck lifts. Our experienced plastic surgeons will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Dr. Speron offers over 22 types of minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures, each designed to enhance your natural beauty. Below are a few examples highlighting scar locations for these treatments. Every procedure can be performed individually, and you can explore patient transformations in our photo gallery, showcasing real before-and-after results

There are four different options to improve a neck. Depending on how much extra skin you have, fat, and how lax your muscles are these options will be discussed during your private consultation. First option is just liposuction. Second option is a mini neck lift through a small scar in the submental crease. This pulls the neck medially or inward. Next option is a mini lateral neck lift, which has two small scars, and pulls the neck laterally or out to the side. Finally, the last two options are a T or Z neck lift, where the submental skin excess is removed and a full neck lift, which includes the T or Z scar as well as a vertical scar all the way down to the sternal notch. This last option is the most aggressive, but has the most scarring.

In a lower blepharoplasty, typically a canthopexy is done at the same time to tighten the loose orbicularis muscle and give a more natural look while diminishing ectropion or lateral scleral show.

A Midface or cheek lift is done through the same incision as a lower blepharoplasty with the addition of a small incision in the hairline. The muscle is lifted in two directions, one with the lower blepharoplasty and canthopexy, and secondly, in a different vector superiorly to lift the mid face or cheek. Most people lift this laterally, but I have changed my approach, because that did not look as natural and it was not as powerful a lift. The midface or cheek ages and descends downward. Please remember that with a mid face or cheek lift, you are also getting a lower blepharoplasty at the same time. It is included and not a separate procedure.

Most surgeons will lift the muscle or SMAS in 1 direction. I have evolved my technique over the years to lift it in 3 separate directions, which results in much more powerful lift, as well as a more natural look. The 3 vectors are determined the day of surgery, depending on what priorities the patient has in terms of jowls, jawline, neck etc. Even though this improves the midface about 30% and the neck, further work can be done with a midface or cheek lift, as well as additional work to the neck, depending on the patient's examination and their expectations.

With over 26 years in private practice and thousands of facelift procedures performed, Dr. Sam Speron is one of the most experienced and trusted plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Speron has performed every type of facelift—from traditional full facelifts and mini facelifts to advanced deep plane and SMAS techniques—customizing each procedure to meet the unique anatomy and goals of every patient.

Facelift surgery, like any surgical procedure, comes with potential risks—including hematoma, seroma, parotid gland injury, nerve injury (including facial nerve branches), skin flap necrosis, and noticeable scarring. Remarkably, Dr. Speron’s personal complication rate is virtually zero across these categories, with the only occasional issue being minor scar revisions—seen in fewer than 1% of cases. His outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks, demonstrating the skill, precision, and safety patients can count on. With over 6,400 five-star reviews and an impeccable track record, Dr. Speron continues to set the standard in facelift excellence.

Complication Rate Comparison Table (Dr. Speron vs National Average)

Complication	National Average Rate (%)	Dr. Sam Speron’s Rate (%)
Hematoma	2–8%	0%
Seroma	1–3%	0%
Parotid Gland Injury	~1%	0%
Facial Nerve Injury (temporary)	1–2.6%	0%
Facial Nerve Injury (permanent)	0.1–0.7%	0%
Skin Flap Loss (necrosis)	1–3%	0%
Infection	1-2%	<1%
Major Scarring / Hypertrophic Scar	1–2%	<1%