Neck Lift

Reveal a more rested, vibrant version of yourself

What is a Neck Lift?

The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, yet it is often overlooked. A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck area. It addresses concerns like excess fat, sagging skin, and prominent muscle “bands,” restoring a smoother, more defined, and graceful neckline.

Facial surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science in plastic surgery. It requires a profound respect for the individual’s identity. My goal is to enhance, not alter, the features that make you uniquely you.

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Who is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Each face is different. It is the focus of our personality and identity

A neck lift can be a standalone procedure for patients whose primary concerns are limited to the neck, or it can be combined with a facelift for more harmonious, comprehensive rejuvenation.

A neck lift is an excellent procedure for individuals who are concerned about:

  • A “turkey wattle” or sagging skin under the chin.
  • Vertical bands in the neck (platysmal bands).
  • Excess fat that creates a “double chin.”
  • Loss of a sharp, defined jawline and the development of jowls.
What to Expect
Face and Neck Lift
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Feel Like Yourself

Natural, Elegant Results

There is an art to an exceptional neck lift. It requires not only surgical expertise but also a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an eye for balance. More is not always better—a refined, natural result comes from thoughtful restraint, technical precision, and a shared vision.

What To Expect

I take a comprehensive view to ensure your facelift harmonizes with your overall anatomy, including your hairline, ears, eyes, and brow. Together, we’ll craft a plan that balances your lifestyle, expectations, and the nuances of your unique face.

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What I Evaluate During Your Consultation

A successful neck lift requires a careful analysis of the neck’s unique anatomy
The degree of laxity and sun damage.
Pockets of fat both above (submental) and below (subplatysmal) the platysma muscle.
The integrity of this sheet-like muscle and whether it has separated or loosened, causing bands.
The underlying bony support of your jaw and chin.
The Neck Lift Procedure
Typically, a neck lift involves a small, discreet incision hidden under the chin, often accompanied by incisions behind each ear

Through these incisions, I can:

Directly remove excess fat or use liposuction to contour the neck.
Tighten and suture the platysma muscle back together in the midline, creating a supportive “corset” for the neck.
Gently lift and redrape the skin, removing any excess to create a smooth, refined contour.

Recovery & Healing

After surgery, a light compression dressing will be used to minimize swelling. You will be up and about the same day. Most bruising and swelling subsides within the first two weeks. Stitches are removed in about one week, and many patients are able to return to non-strenuous work within 7 to 14 days.

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Turn your dreams into reality

Get in-depth personal consultation where I will review your goals, anatomy, and medical history to formulate a plan that is specific to you.

I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.

Directions: Apple | Google

Phone: 415-981-3911

hippa
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American_Society
ucsf
UCI School of Medicine
ucla
Berkeley

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no “best” age. The right time for surgery depends on your individual anatomy, the degree of aging, and when you feel ready. I have performed facial rejuvenation on patients in their 40s as well as their 70s. The key factor is your health and your personal goals, not the number on your driver’s license.

This is the most common and important concern. My entire surgical philosophy is centered on creating natural results. An “overdone” look is the result of pulling the skin too tight. My modern techniques focus on repositioning the deeper foundational layers (the SMAS) vertically, against gravity. The skin is then gently redraped without tension. The goal is to make you look rested and refreshed, not like a different person.

While surgery turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop it from ticking. The results of a facelift or blepharoplasty are very long-lasting. You will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. A healthy lifestyle, diligent sun protection, and a good skincare regimen will help maintain your beautiful results for years to come. See my skincare page for more information. Any fat grafting results are considered permanent, as the transferred cells become a living part of your tissue.

Absolutely. In fact, combining procedures is often ideal for achieving the most harmonious and balanced result. For example, a facelift is frequently paired with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat grafting to address all aspects of facial aging simultaneously. This approach is both effective and efficient, requiring only one recovery period. We will discuss the safest and most effective combination for you during your consultation.
Non-surgical treatments are excellent tools for maintenance and for addressing specific, less advanced concerns like fine lines (Botox) or minor volume loss (fillers). See my injectables page for more information here*** They can be a great starting point or used to complement surgical results. However, for significant sagging, skin laxity, and extensive volume loss, surgical rejuvenation provides a more definitive and long-lasting solution. We can discuss a comprehensive plan that may include both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Your Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options

Every face tells a different story, and every surgical plan is tailored to that story. Below are the core procedures I utilize, often in combination, to achieve comprehensive and balanced facial rejuvenation.

To address sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and deep facial folds.

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To rejuvenate tired-looking eyes by addressing sagging skin and puffiness.

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To elevate a heavy or drooping brow and smooth the forehead.

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To redefine the jawline and correct sagging skin or bands in the neck.

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To restore youthful volume and improve facial contours using your own natural fat.

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To remove targeted fat deposits and sculpt the jawline and neck.

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To selectively reduce fullness in the lower cheeks for a more contoured look.

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Dr. Audrey Nguyen

My Approach

I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.

Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.

Patient Testimonials
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Dear Dr. Nguyen, I wholeheartedly want to thank you for making possible my facelift surgery. You were with me every step of the way. I am so very very happy with my results; lovely and natural appearance. Just what I wanted! I appreciate that you considered my health and well-being above all else and together we made this happen. Lastly, each morning when I wake up, I look in the mirror and “smile.” I am so pleased!
Facelift
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Dear Dr. Nguyen, I am so grateful I chose you as my breast augmentation surgeon. My results are not only natural, but feel authentic to me! Beyond what I hoped for.

I feel happier and more like myself than ever before. I only wish I had found you sooner! THANK YOU!!
Breast Augmentation
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Words cannot explain our gratitude for all your thoughtfulness and care. You will always be in our hearts.
Male Abdominoplasty, Gynecomastia Excision & Reconstruction
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I have had a facelift , neck lift and scar removal performed by Dr. Nguyen. I have had the face and neck procedure done before, but with my last surgery I had less discomfort. The outcome of her surgery was superior to the previous surgery.

Dr. Nguyen is very professional with her patient consultation. I highly recommend her for any surgical procedure.
Facelift, Neck Lift & Scar Removal
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Dr. Nguyen, Thanks isn’t enough for the exceptional care you’ve given me. Thank you and my sincerest gratitude for making me feel like myself again.
Abdominoplasty
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Dr. Nguyen was incredible during my entire process with my BA procedure. She helped me select the size that felt perfect and natural for me and was incredibly attentive with all of my questions and concerns both during and after my procedure.

I am thrilled with my results 7 months post-op and highly recommend Dr. Nguyen.
Breast Augmentation
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Thank you for not only helping me achieve the natural look I was looking for but also remaining so kind and genuine throughout the whole process. You don’t know how much it means to find a doctor that is not only knowledgeable but also truly cares about their patients. My breasts look and feel amazing, you are truly an artist, and I can’t thank you enough.
Breast Augmentation
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Thank you for realizing a life-long dream I’ve had for over 25 years, and doing it with such compassion, skill, and attention to detail. Every aspect of my experience was exceptional–from thoroughly answering my questions and offering assurance during consult and pre-op to ensuring my comfort and expertly transforming my body during surgery, to taking the time to support me in the healing process and post-op visits. I felt so respected and at ease through this experience! And the results. Oh, the results!!!
Breast Augmentation
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Dr. Nguyen is wonderful in every way. Her manner is calm, gentle, confident, reassuring, and thorough. She answered all of my many questions in a thorough and documented way. The measures she took to prepare me for the most smooth, painless, and successful surgery all worked great–I had barely any pos-top discomfort and went on a date a week after my surgery. The results have been outstanding, and Dr. Nguyen provides great post-op care as well!
Breast Augmentation
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I highly recommend Dr. Nguyen! From my first consultation through surgery and post-surgery, she consistently made me feel like the most important patient she was working with. I never felt rushed in our meetings, she always encouraged questions and her expertise and passion for this work shined in all of her answers. Choosing a surgeon and choosing to have surgery can be scary, but there was a calm that came over me every time I met with her. I'm so happy with her natural results and her attention to detail.
Katherine G.Mommy Makeover