Restore a Defined, Youthful Neck and Jawline
The neck is one of the first areas of the face to show visible signs of aging, and for many patients in San Diego, it becomes a source of self-consciousness long before they feel ready to address it. Loose, sagging skin beneath the chin, prominent vertical neck bands, and stubborn submental fullness can make you look older or heavier than you feel. Neck lift surgery, also called cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty, is one of the most transformative procedures in facial plastic surgery, restoring a smooth, contoured neck and a sharper jawline with results that can last a decade or more.
At the practice of Dr. John M. Hilinski in San Diego, neck lift surgery is performed with a level of precision and artistry that comes from more than 25 years of dedicated facial plastic surgery experience. Dr. Hilinski is one of the few Harvard Medical School-trained facial plastic surgeons on the West Coast, and his double board certification reflects a depth of training that goes well beyond the standard. He has performed hundreds of neck lift and facial rejuvenation procedures throughout his career, treating patients with a wide range of neck concerns, from early-stage laxity to advanced platysmal banding and significant submental fullness.
Whether you are bothered by a turkey neck, excess fat under the chin, or the gradual loss of jawline definition, a personalized neck lift with Dr. Hilinski can help you look as youthful as you feel.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to address the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. It targets the underlying structural causes of neck aging, not just the surface skin, which is what separates a well-performed neck lift from a temporary fix.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, a neck lift may include one or more of the following techniques:
- Cervicoplasty: Removal of excess, sagging skin from the neck
- Platysmaplasty: Tightening or repairing the platysma muscle to eliminate neck bands and restore a smooth contour
- Neck liposuction: Removal of submental fat (double chin) to define the cervicomental angle
- Deep plane technique: Repositioning of deeper tissue layers for more comprehensive, longer-lasting rejuvenation
Dr. Hilinski tailors each procedure to the individual patient. Some patients benefit from a standalone neck lift, while others achieve the most harmonious results when neck lift surgery is combined with a facelift to address the lower face and jowls simultaneously. During your consultation, Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your anatomy and develop a personalized surgical plan designed specifically for your goals.
What Can a Neck Lift Improve?
Neck lift surgery is designed to address a range of concerns in the lower face and neck, including:
- Loose, sagging skin beneath the chin and along the neck
- Prominent vertical platysmal bands (neck cords or turkey neck)
- Submental fullness or a double chin that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Loss of jawline definition and the appearance of jowls
- A blunted or poorly defined cervicomental angle (the angle between the chin and neck)
- Horizontal neck creases and wrinkles1
Dr. Hilinski’s Approach: Structural Correction, Not Surface Treatment
What distinguishes an exceptional neck lift from an average one is not the removal of skin. It is the correction of the underlying structures that cause the neck to age in the first place. Dr. Hilinski’s approach to neck lift surgery goes beyond surface-level skin tightening to address the platysma muscle, subplatysmal fat, and deeper tissue layers that determine the long-term shape and contour of the neck.
When platysmal bands are present, Dr. Hilinski performs a platysmaplasty, suturing the muscle edges together at the midline to eliminate cording and restore a smooth, youthful neck profile.2 When submental fat is a contributing factor, precise liposuction is used to define the cervicomental angle and create a cleaner jawline-to-neck transition. When deeper tissue laxity is present, a deep plane approach allows for repositioning of the foundational structures rather than simply pulling the skin taut.
This layered, individualized approach is what produces results that look natural, last longer, and avoid the telltale signs of an overdone neck lift.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
The best candidates for neck lift surgery in San Diego are adults who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Have visible sagging or loose skin in the neck or under the chin
- Notice prominent vertical neck bands or cords
- Have submental fat that has not responded to non-surgical treatments
- Have lost jawline definition due to aging or weight changes
- Are a non-smoker, or are willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Do not have medical conditions that would increase surgical risk3
Age is not a disqualifying factor. Neck lift surgery is performed on patients ranging from their 40s through their 70s and beyond. What matters most is your overall health, your anatomy, and your goals.
The Neck Lift Procedure: What to Expect
Neck lift surgery at Dr. Hilinski’s San Diego practice is performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility, typically under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure generally takes two to four hours, depending on the techniques involved.
Incision Placement
Incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring. For most patients, incisions are made beneath the chin (submental) and, if needed, behind the ears within the natural skin folds. These locations allow Dr. Hilinski to access the underlying muscle and tissue while keeping scars well-concealed.
Muscle and Tissue Correction
The platysma muscle is tightened and, in some cases, partially sutured together at the midline (platysmaplasty) to eliminate neck bands and restore a smooth, youthful contour. Excess subplatysmal fat may also be addressed at this stage.
Liposuction
When submental fullness is present, neck liposuction is used to remove excess fat and define the cervicomental angle, creating a cleaner transition between the chin and neck.
Skin Excision and Closure
Excess skin is carefully trimmed and the remaining skin is re-draped smoothly over the newly contoured neck. Incisions are closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring.
Recovery and Results Timeline
Recovery from neck lift surgery is gradual, and most patients find it more manageable than they anticipated. Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
- Days 1-3: Swelling, bruising, and tightness are most pronounced. Rest is recommended. A compression garment is worn to support healing.
- Days 4-10: Swelling begins to subside. Most patients feel comfortable moving around the home. Drains, if placed, are typically removed within the first week.
- Weeks 2-3: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light social activities. Bruising is largely resolved.
- Weeks 4-6: Residual swelling continues to fade. Strenuous activity may be gradually resumed with Dr. Hilinski’s clearance.
- Months 3-6: Final results become fully visible as swelling resolves completely and tissues settle into their new position.
How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?
A neck lift addresses the structural causes of neck aging, which means results are long-lasting. A long-term study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that more than 68% of facelift and neck lift patients rated their results as “very good or beyond expectations” 10 to 15 years after surgery, and the majority reported looking approximately 10 years younger at that follow-up.4 While aging continues naturally after surgery, the structural improvements made during a neck lift provide a lasting foundation. Many patients choose to complement their results over time with non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing.
Why Dr. Hilinski: Harvard-Trained Precision, Personalized Care
When choosing a surgeon for neck lift surgery in San Diego, credentials and experience matter. Dr. John M. Hilinski brings a combination of elite academic training, double board certification, and more than 25 years of focused facial plastic surgery experience to every procedure.
Dr. Hilinski earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world. He completed a General Surgery internship and a five-year Head and Neck Surgery residency at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), followed by a dedicated Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship. He is double board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABOto-HNS).
Double board-certification in both facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery means Dr. Hilinski has met the highest standards of training and examination in two distinct surgical specialties. This level of credentialing is held by a small percentage of facial plastic surgeons and reflects a depth of anatomical knowledge and surgical skill that directly benefits patients undergoing neck lift surgery.
Dr. Hilinski has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, a distinction awarded through a rigorous peer-nomination and review process that identifies fewer than 5% of physicians in the United States. He has served as the facial plastic surgeon for the San Diego Chargers NFL team, a role that reflects the trust placed in him by elite athletic organizations requiring the highest standard of surgical care. He is also a member of The Rhinoplasty Society, one of the most selective professional organizations in facial plastic surgery, and has contributed to the field through academic lectures and presentations.
Dr. Hilinski’s focus is exclusively on the face and neck. Every technique he employs, every incision he places, and every result he delivers reflects a depth of specialization that generalist surgeons simply cannot match.
Patient Reviews and Results
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Hilinski and his entire staff for being so friendly, helpful, and professional throughout the process. Everything went as smoothly as I had hoped. Dr. Hilinski is highly skilled and very thorough, qualities clearly evident in his work. In my opinion, he is a true master of his craft.”
– J.C. Google Review
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“Had a surgery with Dr Hilinski 11 years ago and it was the best personal decision. Dr Hilinski has wonderful bedside manner, he’s understanding of your goals and is easily reachable to answer any questions. As far as results, he is meticulous and his approach is a natural aesthetic while still showing an improved difference, a balance that is not easy to achieve.”
– Q., Google Review
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“Dr. Hilinski has been my plastic surgeon since 2010, and I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else. Dr. Hilinski and his team are incredibly skilled and genuinely care about their patients. Their new office is modern, beautiful, and comfortable. With their attention to detail, personalized approach, and consistently exceptional results, I wouldn’t trust my face with anyone else.”
– F.R., Google Review
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Before & After Gallery
Neck Lift FAQs
A neck lift focuses specifically on the lower neck and submental area, addressing sagging skin, neck bands, and submental fat. A facelift addresses the mid and lower face, including jowls, nasolabial folds, and cheek laxity. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation. Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your anatomy during your consultation and recommend the approach that best fits your goals.
Most neck lift procedures at Dr. Hilinski’s San Diego practice are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia. The choice depends on the extent of the procedure and your individual health profile. All surgical procedures are performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
Incisions are placed in discreet locations, including beneath the chin and behind the ears, where they are naturally concealed. With proper wound care and sun protection, scars typically fade significantly over the months following surgery. Dr. Hilinski’s meticulous technique prioritizes minimal, well-hidden incisions.
The cost of neck lift surgery varies based on the techniques involved, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Pricing depends on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s level of experience and specialization. Dr. Hilinski’s team provides personalized quotes during the consultation process. Financing options are available.
As with any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery carries potential risks, including temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, scarring, infection, and asymmetry. Serious complications are uncommon when surgery is performed by a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. Dr. Hilinski will discuss all potential risks and how they are minimized during your consultation.
Contact Us
Ready to restore a more defined, youthful neck and jawline? Schedule your consultation with Dr. John M. Hilinski, San Diego’s Harvard-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
Sources
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is a neck lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift. Accessed May 14, 2026.
2 Khan MAA, Ma Y, Dargan D, Kelemen N, Bhatti D, Riaz A, Riaz M. Open Neck Lift: Surgical Technique and A Clinical Classification for Cervical Rejuvenation. Facial Plast Surg. 2025 Jun;41(3):371-376. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1788325. Epub 2024 Jul 22. PMID: 39038498. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39038498/. Accessed May 14, 2026.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for neck lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift/candidates. Accessed May 14, 2026.
4 Friel MT, Shaw RE, Trovato MJ, Owsley JQ. The measure of face-lift patient satisfaction: the Owsley Facelift Satisfaction Survey with a long-term follow-up study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul;126(1):245-257. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181dbc2f0. PMID: 20224460. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20224460/. Accessed May 14, 2026.