Neck lift surgery at Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery is performed by dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon Todd C. Hobgood, MD, who approaches the neck as part of comprehensive facial rejuvenation rather than as an isolated skin-tightening procedure. He uses versatile, facelift-based techniques that can address both moderate laxity and more advanced signs of aging.
With more than 2,000 deep plane facelifts performed over 20+ years of practice, Dr. Hobgood addresses the structural causes of neck aging, rather than just surface-level laxity, to deliver dramatic, long-lasting results that look natural.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to address muscle laxity and loose skin in the neck. For many patients, slimming and smoothing the neck can take years off their perceived age, especially if their facial skin is relatively firm. Dr. Hobgood’s surgical approach to neck rejuvenation surgery depends on the patient’s specific concerns. If you have significant skin laxity, he uses the same deep structural techniques that underpin his deep plane facelift procedures, prioritizing anatomical correction over surface-level tightening alone.
Patients concerned about the appearance of a double chin may be good candidates for submental liposuction if their skin retains most of its elasticity. In some cases, Dr. Hobgood may pair liposuction with a technique called platsymal plication to eliminate vertical neck bands and tighten a sagging jawline.
A neck lift can help improve the appearance of jowls by tightening the skin and underlying structures around the jawline.
When we address the neck, we’re not just tightening skin—we’re correcting the deeper structures that create aging in the first place.
– Dr. Hobgood
Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?
Every patient is unique, and not every patient with concerns about their neck needs a surgical procedure. The best candidates have loose skin, neck bands, and excess fat under the chin, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,700 facelifts and over 5,000 rhinoplasties. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood crafts a personalized surgical plan for your specific needs. He discusses your treatment goals, unique anatomy, and the different pathways to achieving your desired level of rejuvenation. He uses a graduated approach, producing the desired results with the least invasive treatment for your needs.
Your Neck Lift Options
For the best results, Dr. Hobgood customizes each neck lift based on your degree of aging, skin elasticity, and the underlying structures of the neck.
Submental Liposuction
Dr. Hobgood usually performs submental (under the chin) liposuction for patients with good skin elasticity. In younger patients, the skin is more likely to tighten after Dr. Hobgood removes the neck fat, creating a more defined and sharper appearance.
He performs the procedure with the patient under a general anesthetic and starts by making a ¼-inch incision under the chin. He then uses a specialized liposuction technique (liposculpture), designed for small areas. Dr. Hobgood removes the excess superficial fat with a thin tube called a cannula and sculpts toned, natural-looking contours.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and recovery is usually one week with limited bruising. Patients wear a compression dressing during the first week to minimize swelling and ensure the best results. Submental liposuction is considered one of the least invasive procedures for improving the neck and jawline.
Before and After Submental Liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Submental Liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Submental Liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Submental Liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Submental Liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Platysma Plication (Neck Muscle Corset Procedure)
During this surgery, Dr. Hobgood first separates the loose bands of muscle from the deeper tissues to allow movement. He then sews them together in a corset procedure to produce a permanently sharper angle under the chin.
Sometimes, Dr. Hobgood combines a platysma plication corset procedure with submental liposuction for excellent outcomes.
In patients with excess skin, Dr. Hobgood recommends a lower facelift with platysma plication to lift the skin and create a streamlined neck with a well-defined jawline. Patients usually need 3 weeks to recover.
Deep Neck Lift
Dr. Hobgood recommends a deep neck lift if you have sagging skin and excess deep tissue neck fat. In addition to the superficial neck liposuction and neck band tightening described above, he surgically contours fat under the platysma muscle.
In some cases, Dr. Hobgood may contour the digastric muscles in the neck (used for chewing and swallowing) and the salivary glands in the upper neck. Although he may perform a deep neck lift independently, most patients older than 40 get more impressive results by combining a deep neck lift with a lower facelift or a deep plane facelift. In either case, Dr. Hobgood’s precise technique conceals scars and produces natural-looking results.
Before and After Deep Neck Lift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Neck Lift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Neck Lift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Neck Lift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Hobgood is truly one of a kind.
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Dr. Hobgood begins your neck lift by making incisions under the chin and behind the ears. He removes unwanted fat, tightens the underlying muscles, and trims the excess skin. He carefully re-drapes the remaining skin without pulling it too tight to create a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
How Long Is Recovery After a Deep Neck Lift?
Neck lift patients can expect to need about 1 to 2 weeks to recover before returning to work. The length of time varies depending on each patient’s natural healing process and the extent of the surgery performed. Most patients experience some bruising and swelling, and some may also feel tightness or pulling in the days after the surgery. This tightness eases significantly after the first 2 weeks.
Once the swelling begins subsiding, you’ll start noticing the results. It can take a few more months before you see the final outcome of the surgery—a smoother, sleeker, more contoured neck. Because Dr. Hobgood takes great care when making the incisions, scarring is minimal.
How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?
A neck lift typically lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits. While a neck lift turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop aging. Patients can prolong their results by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting their skin from the sun, and using quality skincare products.
Can You Combine a Neck Lift With Other Procedures?
Dr. Hobgood may recommend pairing your procedure with a lower facelift or other facial plastic surgeries to create a fully rejuvenated look. These may include:
The price of any cosmetic surgery varies depending on several factors, including the geographic location of the practice, the experience and training of the surgeon, and the extent of the procedure itself. During your consultation, we discuss your facial plastic surgery cost based on your particular case.
Are neck lifts worth it?
Most patients are thrilled with their results. If neck sagging or excess skin has been affecting your confidence, a neck lift can be an invaluable investment.
Do neck lifts look natural?
Yes, when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, neck lifts look very natural. Our goal is to restore the contours of your neck in a way that enhances your features without appearing overly tight or “done.” If you’re wondering if a neck lift is worth it, you can see for yourself in our facelift and neck lift before and after gallery how naturally rejuvenated our patients look.
What is the best age for a neck lift?
There’s no ideal age for a neck lift; it varies based on your personal goals and signs of aging. Many patients consider a neck lift in their 40s to 60s, but good candidates can be younger or older depending on their skin quality and desired outcome. We’ll discuss the timing that makes the most sense for you during your consultation.
What's the difference between a mini neck lift and a neck lift?
A typical mini neck lift targets mild to moderate sagging. A traditional neck lift, however, addresses more extensive sagging and loose skin for a more dramatic rejuvenation and is usually necessary to achieve most patients’ aesthetic goals.
How painful is a neck lift?
Neck lift surgery is generally well-tolerated, although mild to moderate discomfort is normal during the initial recovery period. Pain is typically managed with prescribed medications, and most patients find that discomfort subsides within a few days.
A Must-Have for Facelift Patients
"The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift" is the definitive e-book that distinguishes facts from myths and describes the journey of a facelift patient with engaging content and easy-to-understand illustrations.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is one of the leading facelift experts in the U.S., and he's drawn on years of experience to create this Insider's Guide.
Dr. Hobgood's Insider's Guide describes:
Why modern facelift techniques create results that look natural
Who is a good candidate for a facelift
What the difference is between a full and a mini facelift
When you can expect to see friends socially after a facelift
Submit the form below to receive our free eGuide as part of a short series of emails on Facelift.
Ready To Talk With Dr. Hobgood?
Patients from Scottsdale and across the Southwest travel to Dr. Hobgood for his expertise in facial plastic surgery. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, he has years of experience in neck lift techniques that create natural, youthful-looking results. Request a consultation using the online form or call us at
(480) 214-9955 to schedule an appointment.
