What does a neck lift in Richmond treat?

A neck lift in Richmond treats loose neck skin, vertical banding, excess fat, and loss of jawline definition.

How long is recovery after a neck lift?

Neck lift recovery usually takes 10 to 14 days, with swelling reducing significantly during the first week.

Are neck lift results permanent?

Neck lift results are long-lasting and can maintain a youthful contour for 10 or more years with proper skin care.

Neck Lift

Smooth lines, wrinkles, creases and folds around your neck

At Kitto Plastic Surgery, we understand that excess skin on your lower face and neck can greatly diminish one’s confidence. Dr. Kitto can perform neck lifts to restore the contour of the neck and help you regain your self-esteem. The procedure smoothens and tightens the skin on the neck to provide a more toned and youthful appearance.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is designed for individuals who are experiencing visible signs of aging or skin laxity in the neck area and want to restore a smoother, more defined neck contour. While aging naturally affects the skin and underlying muscles, certain structural changes can make the neck appear older than the rest of the face.

People often consider a neck lift when non-surgical treatments are no longer effective in improving loose skin or muscle banding.

You may be a good candidate for neck lift surgery if you experience:

Loose or sagging skin in the neck, sometimes referred to as “turkey neck”
Excess fat under the chin, creating the appearance of a double chin
Vertical neck bands (platysmal bands) that become more noticeable with age
A poorly defined jawline or neck contour
Loss of the natural cervicomental angle, the angle between the chin and neck
Good overall physical health and realistic expectations about surgical outcomes

Ideal candidates are typically individuals who are bothered by the appearance of their neck and want to achieve a more youthful and refined profile. During a consultation, Dr. Kitto carefully evaluates each patient’s facial structure, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a neck lift is the most appropriate treatment.

For some patients, a neck lift may also be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or liposuction, to enhance overall facial harmony and achieve balanced, natural-looking results.

Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift can do more than simply tighten loose skin. When performed with careful surgical planning, the procedure can restore a smoother, more youthful neck contour and improve the balance between the face and neck.

At Kitto Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kitto focuses on natural-looking improvements that enhance the overall profile while maintaining facial harmony.

Some of the most noticeable benefits of neck lift surgery include:

A more defined jawline contour, helping restore youthful facial proportions
Removal of excess skin and tightening of loose neck tissue
Reduction of platysmal banding, the vertical bands that may appear in the neck with aging
Elimination or reduction of submental fat, often referred to as a “double chin”
A more defined cervicomental angle, the natural angle between the chin and neck
Improved confidence and self-image as the neck appears smoother and more youthful

These results can help patients achieve a refreshed appearance while still looking like themselves.

Dr. Kitto is amazing! She is so personable but very professional at the same time! You know that she really cares about her patients and wants to do the Best thing that will help you achieve “the why” you are seeking her care. The office is beautiful and it reflects the quality of work that she does.
Her kind and gentle way that she uses when she treats you helps with any nervousness or anxiousness that you might have about the procedure she is doing. The results speak for themselves- I get compliments all the time of “have you gone on vacation?” or have you had a “nice relaxing time- you look so good”? or just “wow you look Great!”.

Erika M.

The procedure

A neck lift is performed through small incisions under the sideburn, around the ear, and into the hair. The entire procedure usually takes two to three hours and may be performed under general anesthesia, depending on the preference of the patient.

Neck Lift Recovery Timeline

You can expect some swelling and bruising after the surgery. We advise you to take plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days. Most patients return to work and other normal daily activities within a week or two after the surgery.

Recovery after a neck lift typically occurs in stages. While every patient heals differently, most people follow a similar general timeline.

Week 1

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first few days
Patients are encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activities
Light walking is usually recommended to support circulation

Week 2

Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily activities
Swelling and bruising continue to improve

Week 3-4

Most visible swelling begins to resolve
Patients can gradually resume more physical activities as advised by their surgeon

One to Three Months

The majority of swelling subsides
The neck contour becomes more refined and natural-looking

Final Results

Final neck lift results typically become fully visible within three to six months as the tissues settle and healing completes.

Following all post-operative care instructions is essential to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

Neck lift surgery provides long-lasting improvements to the contour of the neck and jawline. While the natural aging process continues, the structural improvements created during surgery typically remain visible for many years.

Many patients enjoy the results of their neck lift for 10 years or longer, especially when they maintain healthy lifestyle habits and protect their skin.

Factors that may influence the longevity of neck lift results include:

Natural aging and skin elasticity
Sun exposure and skin care habits
Weight stability
Overall health and lifestyle

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure can help preserve results and keep the neck looking youthful.

My experience with Dr. Kitto set the bar high for my standards in a doctor. She was the first doctor I felt that took her time in listening to what I wanted while educating me in what to expect

Actual patient of Dr. Kitto

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a neck lift be done alone?

Yes, a neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure if your primary concern is sagging skin, excess fat, or muscle banding in the neck area. Many patients choose a neck lift by itself to specifically address the appearance of “turkey neck” without altering other facial features. During your consultation, Dr. Kitto will evaluate your goals and recommend whether a neck lift alone or in combination with other procedures is best for you.

Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?

Neck lift incisions are strategically placed in natural creases around the ears and sometimes under the chin to keep scars as discreet as possible. Most scars fade over time and become barely noticeable, especially with proper care. Dr. Kitto uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring and ensure a natural-looking result.

When can I return to work after a neck lift?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily activities within one to two weeks after a neck lift. The exact timing depends on the extent of your procedure and your individual healing process. Dr. Kitto will provide personalized guidance on your recovery timeline during your follow-up visits.

What is the difference between a neck lift and a facelift?

A neck lift focuses on improving the appearance of the neck and jawline by tightening loose skin, removing excess fat, and addressing muscle banding. A facelift, on the other hand, targets sagging skin and deep creases in the mid- and lower face, including the cheeks and jowls. These procedures can be performed separately or together, depending on your goals and the areas you want to improve. Dr. Kitto will help you determine which option is right for your needs.

Contact our practice

If you would like more information about neck lift surgery with Dr. Kitto, or wish to schedule a consultation, call us today.

Call 804-294-1777

Make An Appointment

MEET DR. KITTO

A highly skilled surgeon with an artist’s touch

"I strive to provide natural results to enhance my patients' unique beauty".

Dr. Kitto is a BOARD CERTIFIED trained plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures of the face, breast and body. She also performs procedures for men and offers a wide variety of non-surgical options. Procedures she commonly performs are facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement and body contouring. She empowers patients to make educated decisions about their procedures and helps them feel comfortable throughout their transformation.

Inzhili Kitto, MD, FACS