Is a Neck Lift Painful?

Most of our San Diego patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after a neck lift. This usually presents as tightness or soreness in the neck and jawline area. Dr. Kolstad provides detailed pain management instructions, including prescription medications if needed, to keep you comfortable during the initial recovery period. Any discomfort typically diminishes significantly within the first week, and most patients find it manageable with rest and proper care.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments varies depending on your plan, but most patients have a preoperative consultation, a consultation on the day of surgery, and several postoperative follow-ups. Your first follow-up will occur within the first week to check healing and remove or adjust sutures if necessary.

How Long Until I See Results?

Patients should notice some changes after their surgery, but they should not expect initial swelling to mask the full results. Typically, visible improvements become apparent within two to three weeks as swelling begins to subside. The final, refined contours of the neck and jawline continue to settle over the next two to three months. By the end of this period, patients usually see the smooth, natural-looking results they were hoping for.

Can I Combine a Neck Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, a neck lift can often be safely combined with complementary procedures. Many of our San Diego patients choose to pair it with a facelift, chin augmentation, or other facial rejuvenation treatments to achieve balanced, harmonious results. Dr. Kolstad will carefully evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine which combination of procedures is safe and will maximize your overall outcome.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Neck Lift?

Risks associated with a neck lift include infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising, numbness, and temporary or permanent scarring. Rarely, patients may experience asymmetry or delayed healing. Dr. Kolstad’s expertise and surgical technique significantly reduce these risks.

San Diego & La Jolla, CA

Neck Lift

Name: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Brand: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (95 reviews)

Neck Lift in San Diego

Looking to achieve a tighter, more defined neck without the downtime of a facelift? A youthful look doesn’t stop at the jawline, and Dr. Christopher Kolstad understands that better than anyone. Over time, the neck is often one of the first places to show signs of aging. Loose skin, visible bands, and loss of definition can make you look older or more tired than you feel.

A neck lift targets loose, crepey skin on the neck for a smoother, more youthful look—ideal for those without significant jowling or facial sagging. Neck lifting (as opposed to facelifting) is for individuals without significant jowling or facial sagging, typically those in their late 30s to early 40s who want noticeable tightening without more advanced facial surgery.

A neck lift at Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery helps restore a refined, elegant profile that looks naturally refreshed, not overdone. Dr. Kolstad is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Kolstad’s artistry and precision deliver results to patients in San Diego that look seamless and balanced from every angle.

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What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a procedure we offer our San Diego patients that helps tighten and smooth the skin and underlying muscles of the neck, giving them a firmer, more youthful look. It can address sagging skin, excess fat, and vertical banding that appear with age. No diet, exercise, or supplement can match the transformative results of an expertly performed neck lift. Can I achieve the same results with a thread lift, radiofrequency, or ultrasound treatment? Dr. Kolstad’s short answer: absolutely not. There’s simply no comparison between an expertly performed surgical neck lift and any nonsurgical option.

Dr. Kolstad performs neck lift surgery with a focus on natural refinement, often combining the procedure with subtle facial enhancements to ensure harmony between the face and neck. The result is a smoother neckline that enhances your entire facial contour.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

A neck lift can dramatically refresh your appearance without changing who you are. The beauty of a neck lift lies in its subtlety. The results are yours to enjoy without revealing that you’ve had anything done. It smooths and tightens loose skin, defines your neckline, and removes excess fat that can cause a double chin or heaviness under the jaw. The result? A more youthful, refined, and naturally balanced profile.

Beyond aesthetics, many people feel a renewed sense of confidence, enjoying how their outer appearance finally matches how young and energized they feel on the inside.

Why Choose Dr. Kolstad?

Dr. Christopher Kolstad is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a proud member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Patients in San Diego choose Dr. Kolstad because he treats each face as unique, creating results that enhance each client’s natural features.

With years of experience in complex facial procedures, he carefully designs each surgical plan to balance structure, proportion, and symmetry. Dr. Kolstad takes the time to listen to his patients, discuss realistic outcomes, and explain every step of the process.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Neck Lift?

The best candidates for a neck lift are typically adults who are beginning to see sagging skin or fullness beneath the jaw that doesn’t improve with healthy habits or non-surgical treatments. Most patients are in their late 30s to 40s, but age is less important than skin elasticity and overall health. If you feel your neck makes you look older or heavier than you are, and you want a long-lasting solution that looks natural, a neck lift performed by Dr. Kolstad could be a great fit.

What’s the First Step?

Your Neck Lift Journey with Dr. Kolstad

Customize your Neck Lift!

The first step is a private consultation at Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego. During this visit, Dr. Kolstad will take time to understand your concerns, evaluate your facial and neck structure, and discuss your goals.

He will explain the neck lift procedure in detail, including what techniques will be used, expected outcomes, and the recovery process.

What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery

On the day of surgery, you will meet with Dr. Kolstad and his team to review your surgical plan and ensure every detail is carefully marked and mapped.

Your neck lift will begin with Dr. Kolstad making small incisions behind the ears or under the chin. Through these, he will tighten the underlying muscles, remove excess fat, and reposition the skin.

Liposuction may also be used to contour the jawline and refine the neck profile.

After that, your incisions are closed with fine sutures, and most patients can go home the same day.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Neck Lift Surgery?

Recovery from our neck lift procedure will depend on the complexity of your procedure, but most of our patients experience mild swelling and tightness for a couple of days. Some bruising is common during this time, but it should resolve within one to two weeks.

Dr. Kolstad will provide you with detailed instructions for wound care, activity limitations, and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing.

That said, most of Dr. Kolstad’s patients can resume light activities and return to work within a week or two. However, any strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost of a neck lift in San Diego varies depending on the complexity of your procedure, the techniques used, anesthesia, facility fees, and any necessary complementary procedures.

During your consultation, Dr. Kolstad and his team provide a detailed estimate tailored to your individualized plan. Financing options are also available for patients who wish to make the procedure more manageable financially.

Neck Lift FAQ’S

Most of our San Diego patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after a neck lift. This usually presents as tightness or soreness in the neck and jawline area.

Dr. Kolstad provides detailed pain management instructions, including prescription medications if needed, to keep you comfortable during the initial recovery period. Any discomfort typically diminishes significantly within the first week, and most patients find it manageable with rest and proper care.
Patients should notice some changes after their surgery, but they should not expect initial swelling to mask the full results. Typically, visible improvements become apparent within two to three weeks as swelling begins to subside.

The final, refined contours of the neck and jawline continue to settle over the next two to three months. By the end of this period, patients usually see the smooth, natural-looking results they were hoping for.
Yes, a neck lift can often be safely combined with complementary procedures. Many of our San Diego patients choose to pair it with a facelift, chin augmentation, or other facial rejuvenation treatments to achieve balanced, harmonious results.

Dr. Kolstad will carefully evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine which combination of procedures is safe and will maximize your overall outcome.

Trusted by Patients

5.0

Highly recommend!

Dr. Kolstad has such a strong attention to detail and truly listens to what you want. He makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. His professionalism and calm demeanor really put me at ease, and I trust his expertise completely. Highly recommend!

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Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor!

Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor! I had two hair transplant surgeries over a span of 12 months with him, 4,800 grafts. I saw a number of other hair transplant surgeons in the area, and Dr. Kolstad’s prices are very reasonable. The outcome was exceptional, I am so happy with my new look! The scheduling of pre- and post-op visits was easy and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend!

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Dr. Kolstad is so incredibly talented

Been coming here for years for filler and Botox. Dr Kolstad is so incredibly talented with his work and keeping a natural look to enhance the beauty you already have! He’s so thorough and communicates with such intent and everyone who works here is so amazing and kind! 10/10

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Dr.Kolstad is a blessing

Dr.Kolstad is a blessing to patients who are looking for a facial rejuvenation and natural beauty changes. He has state of the art with all the latest technology in house operation theatre which is emergency equipped bringing costs to patients lower. The office is immaculately hygienic. Dr K and his staff – Jaina, Saranya and Janice are the entire team is top notch, so caring that I didn’t miss a family member. His facial plastic surgery skills are exquisite. He has amazing bed side manners. Very caring and considerate , putting patient care first. I highly recommend him for any facial plastic surgery without breaking your bank along with top notch care. He is the perfect package.

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Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted

I absolutely love Dr. Kolstads office! I’ve been going here for a few years now for lip filler and Botox. Everyone here is so welcoming and incredibly smart! Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted at what he does all while making sure you still maintain a natural look! Thank you to the team for an amazing experience!

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re in San Diego, your first step toward a smoother, more defined neck is to book a private consultation with Dr. Kolstad at Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery.

Call (858) 859-2563 to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a rejuvenated neck and jawline.

Schedule a Consultation

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