Archives August 2026

Natural aging, genetics, and gravity all take a toll on the neck. This includes loose skin, muscle banding, and fat accumulation under the chin. These changes can make the neck appear years older than the rest of the face. When you notice the signs of aging on the neck, cosmetic intervention is often necessary. Topical products cannot address these structural changes. A skilled plastic surgeon can help restore a firmer, more youthful neck. You may wonder, am I a good candidate for a neck lift? Below is helpful information about the procedure and why it may be right for you.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A neck lift addresses sagging skin, excess fat, and weakened muscle bands in the neck. Many patients wonder if a neck lift is right for them. Several physical characteristics point to the need for the procedure. Below are some of the common signs a neck lift is right for you.

Sagging Skin

Skin loses its natural elasticity with age. Collagen and elastin begin to decline as early as your 20s. This makes skin less firm and more prone to sagging and wrinkles. As a result, gravity pulls the skin downward over time. This creates a loose, crepey appearance beneath the chin and along the jawline. This can make you look much older than you are. It can also negatively impact your self-confidence. Early intervention is key to ensure natural-looking results that blend seamlessly. A neck lift is often combined with a facelift or liposuction to enhance results.

Neck Bands

One telltale sign that it is time for a neck lift is visible vertical bands on the neck. Vertical bands can form in the center of the neck as you age. This occurs when the platysma muscle separates and weakens over time. These bands become more visible when you speak, smile, or turn your head. A neck lift directly addresses these bands. This leaves the neck looking smoother and more youthful.

Chin Fullness

Fat can accumulate beneath the chin, creating what many patients call a double chin. This fullness does not always respond to diet or exercise. This can happen even in patients who maintain a healthy weight. Genetics often plays a key role in submental fat. This can be extremely challenging for those who maintain healthy lifestyle habits. A neck lift can address the signs of aging on the neck. However, combining a neck lift with liposuction can resolve stubborn submental fat.

What to Expect from a Neck Lift

The process of getting a neck lift starts with a consultation. The plastic surgeon will evaluate your neck and skin laxity. They will also review your medical history and assess your current health. Share any medications you are on and whether you are a smoker. You may need to stop taking certain medications and supplements before surgery. You will also have to stop smoking before and after surgery. This helps reduce your risk of complications during and after surgery.

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, you will receive pre-operative instructions. Read these right away and follow them as closely as possible. If you have any questions, consult with your surgeon right away.

Neck Lift Procedure

Most neck lifts are performed under local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, we use general anesthesia. This is often when a neck lift is combined with a face lift or liposuction. We will discuss this at your consultation so you are prepared for surgery. Anesthesia and sedation keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Once you are sedated, the incisions are strategically placed. They are often placed behind and beneath the ears to reduce visible scarring after surgery. A small incision is made under the chin to access the platysma muscle. The surgeon tightens the muscles and removes excess skin and fat. The entire surgery takes roughly two hours, depending on the case’s complexity. It may take longer if you combine a neck lift with a face lift or liposuction. Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon closes the sutures. You are then transferred to an observation area before you are cleared to go home.

Recovering from a Neck Lift

Recovering from a neck lift takes roughly two weeks. Each patient is different, so be patient. Right after surgery, you will notice swelling, bruising, and discomfort. This is completely normal after surgery. Symptoms will gradually subside as you heal. Take your prescribed medications as directed. You should also keep your head elevated, even when you sleep. A cold compress can also help reduce swelling.

Rest is essential for the first few days. Taking your time can promote healing and speed recovery. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions as closely as possible. When you feel up to it, light walking around the house can help as early as the first few days. Gentle movement not only promotes blood circulation, but also supports optimal healing. You will have a follow-up appointment after surgery. Be sure to attend, as your surgeon will assess your recovery progress. Ask any questions that you have at this appointment as well.

Most patients are back to their normal routine within two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least one month after surgery. Your surgeon will clear you for intense physical activity when you are ready. Doing too much too soon can impact your recovery timeline and your long-term results. Be sure to talk with your surgeon about how to protect your long-term results. A neck lift is a permanent procedure, but you do need to take reasonable steps to maintain your results.

Leading Plastic Surgeon

Natural aging and poor lifestyle habits can age the neck. If you want to reverse the signs of aging, contact the team at Elise Min Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!

If you experience chest pain that is severe and sudden or presents as a form of crushing or squeezing, you should go to the emergency room immediately. If chest pain isn’t isolated and spreads to your back, shoulders, one arm, or jaw, getting to an emergency room as fast as possible can be the difference between a heart attack and the prevention of one. Although we each may have a different pain tolerance, the type of chest pain experienced will be extreme and should alarm you enough to make a quick visit to the emergency room.

Thankfully, there have been great advances in medicine and the treatment of heart conditions. Helpful forms of treatment include advanced heart imaging. With this form of imaging, doctors can get a better glance at your heart and cardiovascular system, determining if blood flow is normal. Tests can also inform doctors if you are suffering from a heart attack.

Types of Chest Pain

Unfortunately, chest pain is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. Even though a person experiences chest pain, it may be completely unrelated to the heart or cardiovascular system. For instance, a person having a panic attack may feel heavy pain in the chest for a prolonged period of time. However, the pain will ultimately dissipate.

Heartburn and certain esophageal disorders can create chest pain. Those who recently engaged in strenuous physical activity may develop sore or pulled muscles that can mimic chest pain. In addition, lung diseases such as pneumonia can cause chest pain due to a severe cough.

Testing Methods

According to the National Library of Medicine, chest pain is the second-leading cause of emergency department visits among adults in the United States. This accounts for nearly 11 million encounters each year. There are a variety of traditional methods for determining a patient’s condition. Some of these methods consist of:

• Physical exams
• The use of diagnostic tools
• Cardiac biomarkers
• An echocardiogram

There are several types of echocardiograms:

• Stress Echocardiogram: A test performed before and after stress is placed on the heart through exercises or medications that make the heart beat more rapidly.
• Transthoracic Echocardiogram: This test provides views of the heart as well as different locations on the chest or abdominal wall.
• Doppler Echocardiogram: A test to examine the way in which blood flows through the heart, the surrounding blood vessels, and the heart valves.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram: This test involves a probe inserted down the esophagus and provides higher-resolution images of the patient’s heart due to the probe’s position.

Once your condition is determined, doctors will begin to work on a treatment plan.

When Patients Are Admitted to the ER

Patients may be admitted to the emergency room for several reasons due to chest pain history. Those with the following should be admitted to the emergency room right away:

• Known coronary disease
• Ischemic changes on the electrocardiogram
• Possible pericarditis
• Possible aortic dissection
• Multiple cardiac risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes
• Family history of premature coronary artery disease

Understanding the different types of chest pain can help you better identify severe pain when it occurs.

Find Treatment Today

If you struggle with chest pain or cardiovascular issues, reach out to Apex Cardiology to learn about our treatment options. Personal attention is given to each patient, enhancing the care they receive. Not only can doctors treat certain conditions, but they can also run tests to better understand the health concern.

Our cardiologists proudly serve the Los Angeles area. Reach out to us today to speak with one of our experts who can explain our treatment plans for individuals experiencing cardiovascular symptoms. Schedule a consultation to speak with one of our doctors, who will assess the severity of your condition and offer solutions.

Neck and facial aging often occur in tandem for most people. Facial aging includes sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and loose jowls. The neck also shows signs of aging. This includes horizontal lines, banding, and sagging skin. These signs of aging can be accelerated by excess phone usage, often referred to as “tech neck.” A face lift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face. A neck lift addresses the neck from the chin down. You may wonder, can you combine a neck lift with a facelift? Below you will find helpful information about both procedures and why they are right for you.

Can You Combine a Neck Lift with a Facelift?

Aging rarely affects the face or neck alone. In fact, they often develop at the same time. This is because the skin on the neck and face is often exposed to the sun. Patients often wonder if they can combine cosmetic procedures. Many patients pursue more than one procedure at a time. This is especially beneficial when you combine a face lift and a neck lift. Undergoing two treatments during a single surgery offers convenience, cost savings, and one unified recovery period.

Combining the two procedures offers comprehensive results. The neck and lower face share connected muscle and skin structures. Treating both areas together produces smoother, more natural-looking results. A face lift addresses sagging jowls and improves the jawline. A neck lift addresses loose skin, banding, and fullness beneath the chin. Combining both results blends the results seamlessly. Without both procedures, the results can often appear as a mismatch.

Why Choose to Combine Cosmetic Procedures

Choosing to combine procedures comes with several advantages. These are both practical and aesthetic. If you are interested in combining a face lift and neck lift at the leading plastic surgery center, consider the following benefits.

One Recovery Period

Undergoing two procedures separately means two rounds of downtime, swelling, and restricted activity. Combining a neck lift with a face lift condenses recovery into one single period. This is especially beneficial for those with busy lifestyles. The recovery process after the combined procedures is roughly two weeks. Each patient is uniquely different, so times can vary. Swelling and bruising subside within the first few weeks as well. Getting a neck lift and face lift at the same time cuts your recovery time in half.

Cost Advantages

Scheduling one combined surgery often reduces overall costs. Two separate procedures involve two facility fees, two anesthesia fees, and two surgical fees. When you combine two cosmetic procedures, it reduces the overall cost by a substantial amount. It also reduces the total amount of time you need to take off work for surgery and the recovery process. This is a meaningful consideration for patients balancing surgery with their career and family responsibilities. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown before surgery.

Balanced Results

Blending both procedures into one surgical plan helps the neck and lower face heal along a similar timeline. This creates a more unified, natural transition between the lower face and neck. Patients report a boost in their self-confidence due to their results. Undergoing the surgeries separately often leaves the face and neck looking dramatically different. This defeats the purpose of the results, which is taking years off your look.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The first step in moving forward with getting combined cosmetic surgery is scheduling a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. They can assess your neck and facial anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The surgeon will review your medical history and assess your current health. Any medical conditions must be well-managed before surgery. You must also be a non-smoker. If you do smoke, let your surgeon know right away. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you can move forward with scheduling your consultation. The surgeon will provide you with pre-operative instructions. It is important to read these as soon as you get them. You should also follow those instructions exactly, so you are prepared on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements. If you have any questions before surgery, consult with your surgeon right away.

Leading Plastic Surgery Center

Combining procedures provides comprehensive results that leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation!