Neck Lift
Conveniently located to serve St. George and Ivins, Utah
What is a Neck Lift?
A Neck Lift is a relatively simple aesthetic procedure that can smooth your skin, tighten tissues and muscle, and when necessary remove excess skin and fat from the neck. This can help you look and feel younger. It’s an effective way to get rid of excess fat and skin around the chin, jawline, and neck with minimal risk, and it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. It may be done as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with a facelift. There are various surgical and non-surgical techniques to perform a neck lift. These include limited facelift techniques, submentoplasty, liposuction, Kybella, etc. Dr. Gardner can explain the details of these various options.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery, facelift procedures are performed by Dr. Kent E. Gardner, M.D., F.A.C.S., a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. With advanced fellowship training and over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Gardner provides patients with safe, natural-looking results in facial rejuvenation.
Conditions Treated & Areas of Neck Rejuvenation
Neck lift surgery at Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery addresses a range of concerns that affect the appearance and definition of the lower face and neck. Dr. Gardner treats patients from St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, Washington, and Cedar City, presenting with the following conditions:
- Turkey neck — loose, sagging skin along the front of the neck that creates a drooping or folded appearance.
- Neck bands — vertical cords caused by the platysma muscle that become more prominent with age.
- Double chin — excess submental fat beneath the jawline that resists diet and exercise.
- Jowls — sagging skin and tissue along the lower jawline that blur facial definition.
- Poor neck-to-chin transition — loss of the natural angle between the chin and neck, often associated with aging or weight changes.
Each of these concerns can be addressed individually or in combination, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Book an appointment today to start planning your care.
Meet Dr. Kent E. Gardner
Dr. Kent E. Gardner has performed thousands of surgical and non-surgical facial procedures and is widely recognized as a neck lift expert in St. George, Utah.
He is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He is certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, reflecting advanced training and a dedicated focus on facial and neck surgery.
Dr. Gardner earned his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Utah before completing medical school at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado, followed by advanced fellowship training in head and neck surgery, microvascular surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery through a combined Methodist Hospital-Indiana University program.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
There are basically two types of candidates for a neck lift. The first is young or middle-aged patients who desire correction of congenital or acquired deposits of adipose (fat) tissue under the chin and jaw lines. The second category is patients who develop excess laxity of skin, fat, or muscles in the anterior neck. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and tends to sag. The aging process particularly affects the neck tissues and jowls, especially after the age of 50. Candidates for the least invasive options for neck lifting will have excess adipose tissue with good skin elasticity. Those with more extensive amounts of excess skin with poor elasticity may require neck lifting procedures more in line with a traditional facelift.
Preparing for a Neck Lift Procedure
In your initial consultation with your surgeon, you will discuss your medical history and receive a physical exam. You should be healthy and have realistic goals for your procedure. Your surgeon will make recommendations based on your expectations and overall health. In some cases, a more minor procedure may be enough to satisfy your goals.
What to Expect from a Neck Lift Procedure in St. George, UT
Neck lift surgery begins with anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Small incisions are placed beneath the chin and, when needed, behind the ears. The platysma muscle is tightened to improve contour and reduce banding, and excess fat is removed to refine the jawline. Excess skin is repositioned for a smooth, balanced result.
Neck Lift Recovery and Aftercare
With most types of neck lifting, there will be some swelling and bruising. To minimize this, patients sleep with their head elevated thirty degrees from the waist up either with pillows or in a recliner for one week. For surgical procedures, a compressive garment will generally be worn during the entire first week. Discomfort is generally mild to moderate and usually well controlled with medications. Surgical techniques lead to immediate improvement with an improved slimmer neck and jawline. Conservative injection techniques require months for final results but have minimal downtime and recovery associated with each injection.
Potential Risks of a Neck Lift
A Neck Lift is a common and safe procedure, but there are risks inherent with any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, asymmetry, and skin contour irregularities. For many patients, the final results – a more youthful appearance that is long-lasting and easily visible – help restore confidence and far outweigh the possibility of any complications. You’ll appear younger and slimmer right away with a contoured, sculpted chin and a better-defined jawline. Your recovery time will take several weeks to heal thoroughly.
Neck Lift Cost & Financing in St. George, UT
Neck lift pricing in St. George varies based on the surgical technique used, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and the extent of correction required. Minimally invasive approaches such as liposuction or Kybella injections are less expensive than full surgical neck lift procedures. Dr. Gardner will outline all associated fees during your consultation.
Patients interested in making their procedure more affordable can explore financing options offered by the practice. Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery also offers monthly specials — contact our team today or visit our office to learn more about eligibility and available promos.
FAQs About Neck Lift Surgery
What is the recovery time for a neck lift?
Most patients in St. George resume normal routines in about 2 weeks, with full healing in 4–6 weeks.
Will a neck lift leave scars?
Yes, but incisions are placed discreetly behind the ears or under the chin and fade with time.
Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?
You may be a candidate if you have sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat under the chin and jawline.
Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine a neck lift with a facelift, neck liposuction, or non-surgical treatments for balanced results.
Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation in St. George, Utah
If concerns about your neck or jawline are affecting your confidence, a consultation at Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery is a supportive first step. We welcome patients from St. George, Ivins, and surrounding Southern Utah communities. Call (435) 628-1704 or send us a message online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gardner.
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