People may struggle with a heavy, thick neck or undefined neckline from natural aging or genetics. The deep neck lift provides a smoother, more graceful neck appearance and defined jawline. Amit Arunkumar, M.D. specializes in deep neck lift in San Francisco and sculpts the tissues to help patients look like a younger version of themselves.

“Dr. Arunkumar is an incredible surgeon. Not only is he kind, with an impeccable bedside manner, but he also has an amazing aesthetic eye. I’ve done multiple invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures with him, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. His follow-up is unmatched, and he truly cares about his patients. I will be returning to his care for all future cosmetic procedures.”
– M.S.

What Is a Deep Neck Lift?

Deep neck lift surgery addresses cosmetic concerns with the jawline, chin, and neck. The procedure lifts the tissue layers to sculpt, refine, and smooth the jawline and neck for a smoother, more elegant neck appearance for women and a stronger jawline for men. Dr. Arunkumar adjusts the connective tissues, glands, fat, muscles, and skin to achieve a more attractive neck contour and facial profile.

The deep neck lift procedure was once touted as an incision-less surgery because it eliminates the markings made with the traditional neck lift, concealing a single incision in the crease behind the chin. Patients with full cheeks, may combine their deep neck lift with buccal fat reduction for more facial definition and rejuvenation.

Deep neck lift benefits include:

• Double chin reduction
• Refined jawline and neck
• Smoother, more elegant neck contour
• Minimal scarring
• Increased self-confidence

Neck fullness and the lack of a defined jawline may make men and women appear heavier. Some deep neck lift patients report looking thinner with their improved jawline and neck definition.

Candidates for Deep Neck Lift Surgery

Those interested in a deep neck lift have neck fullness and loose tissues but good skin quality and cheek definition. This procedure is best for patients with good skin elasticity, who tend to be under 40 with heavy necks from genetics or premature aging. The deep neck lift surgical technique does not remove loose, droopy, or crepey skin. Patients over 40 with sagging tissue and jowling are better suited to deep plane facelift, which incorporates deep neck lift techniques. The appropriate approach will be discussed with you in depth during your consultation.

Generally, candidates for deep neck lift surgery meet these criteria:

• In good physical health
• Excellent skin elasticity
• Realistic expectations for recovery and results
• Unhappy with an undefined jawline or thick neck appearance

Prior to Your Deep Neck Lift Procedure

Dr. Arunkumar will meet with you for a thorough consultation. He performs a physical examination and comprehensive assessment and discusses your cosmetic concerns. He reviews your medical history and recommends the procedure(s) most likely to achieve your desired results. Dr. Arunkumar may recommend deep neck lift surgery in conjunction with another facial rejuvenation procedure, such as eyelid surgery or buccal fat reduction, to balance the face and neck. If you’re a candidate for a deep neck lift, our office will schedule your pre-operative appointment and surgery.

The evening before your deep neck lift, do not eat or drink after midnight and only take approved medication with a small sip of water on the morning of the procedure. Have a loved one accompany you on your surgical date to help you get home and manage your care for the first 24 hours.

Before deep neck lift surgery and all procedures, Dr. Arunkumar reviews the surgical plan with the patient. He strategically places incisions to ensure they’re nearly invisible or well-blended with surrounding tissue once healed. The entire surgical team performs a pre-operative safety check before surgery ensues. Dr. Arunkumar and his staff work as a seamless unit to deliver exceptional results.

Deep Neck Lift Procedure

Dr. Arunkumar uses general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation (called twilight anesthesia). He makes a single incision under the chin and lifts the fibrous tissue layers to sculpt and refine the jawline and neckline. The deep muscle layers are reworked, and superficial and deeper fat are adjusted or removed under the chin and along the neck. Dr. Arunkumar lifts and tightens the neck muscles and reshapes the deeper foundation to create a smoother neck and jawline with more definition.

Deep Neck Lift Recovery

Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising that is managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medicines. Dr. Arunkumar advises patients to rest and sleep with their heads elevated.

Patients come in for a follow-up appointment the day after surgery and must stay within a 30-minute drive of our San Francisco office for the first one or two days after a deep neck lift. Traveling patients should remain in the area for approximately a week to attend post-operative appointments.

Most patients return to sedentary work one to two weeks after a deep neck lift and may resume exercise after about four weeks. Dr. Arunkumar tells patients they can return to normal social activities after two to three weeks when the swelling has gone down and they feel more comfortable in public.

Deep Neck Lift Results

Patients may notice some improvement soon after their deep neck lift, and the small incision line fades significantly in the first few months after surgery. Deep neck lift results are durable and often last up to 15 years or longer with good skincare and sun protection. The chin area will likely not need further rejuvenation, but patients may desire future procedures to address age-related changes to balance their face and neck appearance.

Why Choose Dr. Arunkumar in San Francisco

Dr. Arunkumar earned his accolades from prestigious institutions, including UCSF and Columbia University, and is a Park-Avenue-fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is known for bringing the most advanced techniques to the surgical table and achieving natural results for his patients. His surgical philosophy focuses on respecting one’s individuality to balance and restore the face and neck.

Dr. Arunkumar is a sub-specialist and exclusively performs face and neck procedures and has top-clinical training and experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His patients rave about his attention to detail and compassionate bedside manner.

If you’re interested in a deep neck lift, please contact Dr. Amit Arunkumar in San Francisco, California. You may book your appointment online or schedule a consultation by calling (415) 773-0800.