A Definitive Profile, Sharp Contours, and the "Holiday" Approach
The jawline is the architectural anchor of the face. When it is distinct, it conveys strength and vitality. When it softens due to genetics, gravity, or the inevitable passage of time, it usually creates a disconnect between how you feel and what you see in the mirror (or on a Zoom call).
For many patients in Beverly Hills, the neck is the first area to show signs of aging. Even those who are physically fit and protect their skin may notice the emergence of a double chin, turkey neck, or vertical banding that no amount of diet or exercise can resolve.
Dr. William Harris, a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in the face and neck, approaches neck lift surgery not simply as a tightening procedure, but as a structural restoration. Whether you require a comprehensive deep plane neck lift or the targeted efficiency of his signature Holiday Neck Lift™ (a refined midline neck lift variation), the goal is the same: a clean, defined jawline and a natural-looking profile that stands the test of time.
In the simplest terms, a neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. However, the modern medical definition and Dr. Harris’s specific approach go much deeper than the surface.
While many assume a neck lift simply involves trimming loose skin, effective neck lift surgery is actually an architectural restoration of the underlying muscles. The procedure targets the platysma muscle (which causes banding) and the deep fat compartments that create heaviness or a "double chin."
At Harris Facial Plastic Surgery, a neck lift is never a one-size-fits-all operation. It falls into two distinct categories based on anatomy:
By addressing the foundation rather than just the façade, the procedure restores a sharp, defined neck contour that aligns with your natural bone structure.
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To understand why Dr. Harris’s results look different, you must understand the anatomy of the aging neck.
In traditional neck lifts, surgeons often relied on pulling the skin backward and trimming the excess. While this smoothed the surface temporarily, it failed to address the root cause of the laxity: the underlying muscles. The skin, being elastic, would eventually stretch back out, leading to the dreaded "pixie ear" deformity or a swept-back, windblown look.
Dr. Harris focuses on the deeper layers. The primary culprit in neck aging is the platysma muscle, a thin sheet of muscle that separates in the middle and sags over time, creating those tell-tale vertical bands. By addressing these deeper tissues and tightening the muscle suspension system, Dr. Harris creates a youthful contour that is supported by anatomy, not tension.
This approach allows for neck lift results that are completely natural and long-lasting, avoiding the tightness associated with older techniques.
There is no single "standard" neck lift. Dr. Harris customizes every treatment plan based on your unique anatomy, the quality of your skin elasticity, and the specific issues you want to correct.
For patients with significant loose skin, heavy jowls, or prominent muscle banding, the deep plane neck lift is the gold standard. This surgical procedure releases the ligaments retaining the mid-face and neck, allowing the underlying tissues to be repositioned as a single composite unit.
Many younger patients (30s and 40s) do not need a full structural overhaul. They simply need a "clean up" of the submental area (under the chin). Dr. Harris developed the Holiday Neck Lift™ to bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and a full neck lift.
Often searched for as a mini neck lift, this procedure is distinct because it is technically a midline neck lift. It is performed entirely through a small, hidden incision under the chin—with no incisions around the ears.
For patients whose primary concern is fullness rather than aging, neck liposuction offers a targeted solution to reveal the jawline hiding beneath. This procedure is designed specifically to remove stubborn pockets of excess fat—often genetic "double chins" that resist diet and exercise—creating a leaner, more defined neck contour. However, it is critical to understand that liposuction removes volume; it does not tighten skin. Therefore, the ideal candidate is typically a younger patient (20s to 30s) with excellent skin elasticity that can "snap back" to the new shape. If you have significant loose skin or muscle banding, performing liposuction alone may result in an irregular appearance, making a Holiday Neck Lift™ or deep plane neck lift the necessary structural alternative.
Dr. Harris performs neck liposuction through tiny, hidden incisions—usually behind the earlobes or beneath the chin. Using fine cannulas, he meticulously sculpts the submental area to sharpen the transition between the neck and jaw. Because a weak chin often exacerbates the appearance of a fuller neck, this procedure is frequently combined with a chin implant. This combination balances the profile, extending the jawline forward while slimming the neck for a powerful, harmonious result.
| Procedure | Best Candidate | Incision Location | Key Technique | Recovery |
| Holiday Neck Lift™ (Dr. Harris’s Signature) | Patients (30s–40s) with double chin, early muscle laxity, or "blunted" jawline. Good skin elasticity. | Hidden Submental Only (Tucked under the chin; rarely requires incisions around the ears). | Structural Midline Work: Tightens central neck muscles (platysma) and removes deep fat without pulling the skin from the sides. | ~7 Days ("Restaurant ready" in one week). |
| Deep Plane Neck Lift (Gold Standard) | Patients with significant sagging, "turkey neck," heavy jowls, or banding. | Discreet Perimeter (Inside the hairline and around the ear curves). | Comprehensive Release: Repositions muscle, skin, and fat as one composite unit; releases ligaments to sharpen the jawline without tension. | 10–14 Days (Most bruising/swelling resolved). |
| Neck Liposuction | Younger patients with excess fat but tight skin and no muscle sagging. | Tiny Punctures (Behind ears and/or under chin). | Fat Removal Only: Suctions out subcutaneous fat to reveal the existing jawline structure. | 3–5 Days (Mainly for swelling/garment wear). |
| Traditional Neck Lift (Older Technique) | Patients with loose skin (historically). | Extensive (Often visible in front of the ear or hairline). | Skin Tension: Relies on pulling skin backward tightly. Often fails to address deep muscles, leading to "pixie ears" or short-lived results. | 14+ Days (Often looks "tight" or "windblown" initially). |
A neck lift in Beverly Hills is designed to correct the specific features that contribute to a tired or aged appearance:
By removing excess skin and tightening neck muscles, Dr. Harris restores a sleek, rejuvenated appearance.
Many younger patients (30s and 40s) do not need a full structural overhaul. They simply need a "clean up" of the submental area (under the chin). Dr. Harris developed the Holiday Neck Lift™ to bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and a full neck lift.
This procedure is technically defined as a midline neck lift. It is performed entirely through a small, hidden incision under the chin, with no incisions around the ears.
Your neck lift consultation with Dr. Harris is a detailed, collaborative session. He will review your medical history and listen to your specific aesthetic goals.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Harris uses digital imaging to demonstrate potential outcomes. He will assess whether a neck lift, neck liposuction, or a combination of face and neck procedures will achieve optimal results. Honesty is a core pillar of his practice; if he believes you need a facelift to address cheek descent alongside your neck concerns, he will explain why.
He helps you set realistic expectations regarding recovery, scarring, and the subtle nuances of your potential new look.
Dr. Harris performs neck lift surgery in his fully accredited, private surgical suite in Beverly Hills.
Recovery is a crucial phase of your facial rejuvenation. Dr. Harris and his team provide a comprehensive aftercare plan to speed up healing and minimize swelling.
Dr. Harris provides close follow-up, ensuring that your neck area heals smoothly and that any scarring remains inconspicuous.
A neck lift often serves as the foundation for broader facial rejuvenation. To maintain balance and harmony, most patients consider combining their neck lift surgery with:
Chin Implants: A weak chin can make the neck look fuller. Augmenting the chin improves the neck angle and maximizes the defined jawline.
Facelift: While a neck lift handles the jaw down, a facelift addresses the cheeks and nasolabial folds.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): To refresh the upper face and match the youthful appearance of the new neckline.
Potenza RF Microneedling: To improve skin texture and tighten skin surface irregularities after the structural work is done.
The investment for a neck lift is driven by the complexity of the procedure, tailored to your anatomy, whether you require a streamlined Holiday Neck Lift™ or a structural Deep Plane restoration. Because Dr. Harris prioritizes precision over standardized solutions, costs vary based on the technical requirements of your surgery. Your personalized quote will be all-inclusive, covering the surgeon’s fee, our private AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, board-certified anesthesiologists, and comprehensive aftercare, ensuring safety and privacy at every step.
To make your aesthetic goals more accessible, we offer flexible financing plans through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. These partnerships allow approved patients to schedule their procedure immediately while managing payments over time, often with interest-free options. During your consultation, we provide a transparent, line-item breakdown so you can plan your surgery with total confidence.
Choosing a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles can be daunting. Dr. Harris distinguishes himself through his background in Fine Arts and his strict specialization. He does not perform breast or body work; his entire focus is on the face and neck.
His neck lift philosophy prizes the beauty of difference. He avoids the "pulled" look that betrays cosmetic surgical procedure. Instead, he respects your unique anatomy, repositioning the underlying muscles to reveal a version of you that looks rested, refined, and intrinsically natural.
Whether you are visiting from out of town or live locally in Beverly Hills, Dr. Harris offers a level of concierge care that makes the surgical process seamless.
If you are bothered by a double chin, neck banding, or sagging skin, Dr. Harris can help you navigate your options. Schedule your neck lift consultation today to discuss whether a deep plane neck lift or a mini neck lift is the right path to restoring your natural beauty.
A full neck lift addresses significant excess skin, muscle banding, and heavy jowls with incisions around the ears. A midline neck lift (the technique used in the Holiday Neck Lift™) focuses on the central neck and submental fat through a single hidden incision under the chin, making it ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who don't need skin removal.
A neck lift sets the clock back roughly 10 to 15 years. While the procedure provides long-lasting improvements, the aging process continues. Maintaining a stable weight and good skincare can help prolong your youthful neckline.
Yes. A turkey neck is caused by the separation of the platysma muscle and loose skin. A neck lift surgery tightens these muscles and removes the redundancy, smoothing the contour.
Yes. Neck liposuction or direct fat excision is a standard part of the neck lift procedure to permanently remove the fat cells causing a double chin.
Dr. Harris places incisions in natural creases—behind the ears or under the chin—making them virtually undetectable once healed. His deep plane neck lift technique ensures there is no tension on the skin, which is key to preventing visible scars.
Not necessarily. Genetics can cause a distinct lack of jawline definition or excess fat in the neck, even in your 20s or 30s. In these cases, a midline neck lift or neck liposuction can be highly effective.
Absolutely. It is very common to pair neck lift surgery with chin implants, eyelid surgery, or laser treatments to achieve optimal results and comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
If you are considering plastic surgery, choose the doctor who goes above and beyond for his patients. Dr. William Harris makes it his mission to deliver artful, innovative, and detailed surgical and non-surgical procedures to help you live more beautifully every day. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey.
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