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Neck Lift, La Jolla & San Diego
A neck lift addresses loose neck skin, visible vertical bands, and fullness under the chin that can blur the jawline. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD examines your skin, muscle, and fat distribution, then discusses whether a neck lift, liposuction alone, a facelift, or a combination fits your anatomy.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Consultations and follow-ups take place here. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices, not at the University City office.
A neck lift does not change your face. It restores the clean line between the jaw and neck that a heavy, banded, or loose neck has blurred.
What it treats
A loose, banded neck, vertical cords, hanging skin, a double chin, and a jawline blurred by fullness under the chin.
Who it is for
Adults whose neck has loosened or whose jawline has softened, with realistic goals. Often in their 40s to 70s, and often paired with a facelift.
Technique
Tightening the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty), refining fat under the chin, and trimming loose skin, through hidden incisions.
Anesthesia and time
General anesthesia or deep sedation, about 2 to 3 hours, longer if combined with a facelift.
Downtime
About one to two weeks before being social, with swelling and bruising settling over 3 to 4 weeks.
How long it lasts
A neck lift does not stop aging, but most patients enjoy the result for roughly a decade, longer with good skin care.
Why a neck lift
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Request a neck lift consultation in La Jolla · (858) 247-2933
Options
A neck lift is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation as an outpatient procedure. Incisions are commonly placed under the chin and/or around and behind the ears. Through these incisions, fat may be reduced, the platysma muscle tightened, and excess skin removed. Drains and a compression dressing may be used.
Plan for an adult to drive you home from the operating facility and to help during the first days of recovery.
| Procedure | What it addresses and who it suits |
|---|---|
| Submental liposuction | Fullness under the chin with good skin tone. Removes fat through a tiny hidden incision, best for younger necks. |
| Neck lift (platysmaplasty) | Loose skin and vertical bands. Tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin for a defined neckline. |
| Neck lift with facelift | A loose neck and a sagging lower face together. Addresses both in one recovery for a balanced result. |
| Non-surgical tightening | Very mild, early laxity. Energy-based devices can help before true sagging sets in, but will not replace surgery. |
Most patients with true neck laxity do best with a platysmaplasty, often combined with a facelift. Dr. Sayed examines the skin, muscle, and fat and recommends the least surgery that gives a lasting result.
Consultation
Bring a list of medications and supplements, your smoking or nicotine history, and any history of neck or facial surgery. Note whether your main concern is loose skin, bands, fullness, or the jawline.
Ask which tissue the plan addresses—skin, the platysma muscle, fat, or a combination—where the incisions would be, and whether a facelift would be recommended alongside the neck lift.
Related options include facelift surgery in La Jolla, male facelift and neck lift in La Jolla, and facial fat transfer in La Jolla.
The procedure
A neck lift may tighten loose skin, address visible platysma bands through platysmaplasty (muscle tightening), and reduce fullness under the chin. It aims to restore definition between the jaw and neck.
When fullness is mainly fat and skin quality is good, liposuction alone may be considered. When jowls and lower-face laxity are significant, a facelift may be discussed with the neck lift. A neck lift does not stop aging.
Risks include bleeding or hematoma, infection, anesthesia complications, poor wound healing, numbness, visible scars, irregular contour, asymmetry, nerve injury affecting movement of the lower lip, and the need for further surgery. Smoking and nicotine increase the risk of wound problems.
Tell the team about blood thinners, blood pressure, and nicotine use. Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or chest pain.
Case studies
Ask to see before-and-after photographs relevant to your concerns. The same practice gallery is used for both offices; these are not location-specific results. Photographs do not guarantee your outcome. Practice photo gallery information for La Jolla patients
Results vary from patient to patient, and photographs are shared with consent. A consultation is the only way to know what is realistic for you.
Cost
The practice’s current guide for a neck lift is about $10,000–$18,000, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with a facelift. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic surgery; check with your insurer if a functional concern is involved.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected. Many patients need about one to two weeks before they feel comfortable in public, and swelling continues to settle over several weeks. A compression garment may be recommended.
Sleep with your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity until cleared, and ask about turning your neck, shaving, and returning to exercise. Scars usually fade over months.
Your surgeon
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Ask about neck lift cases similar to yours, whether a facelift would be recommended, and how complications would be managed.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certified and recertified
American Board of Surgery
Board certified and recertified
UCSF School of Medicine
MD and plastic surgery residency
Harvard, Mass General
General surgery training
Kellogg School of Management
Executive MBA, Northwestern
Alpha Omega Alpha
National medical honor society
Office
For your La Jolla neck lift consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Tim Sayed MD, La Jolla / University City
Address
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone
(858) 247-2933
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tue–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM PT; Sat–Sun closed
Surgery
Accredited operating rooms only, separate from both consultation offices
Approved copy
For your La Jolla neck lift consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Bring a list of medications and supplements, your smoking or nicotine history, and any history of neck or facial surgery. Note whether your main concern is loose skin, bands, fullness, or the jawline.
Ask which tissue the plan addresses—skin, the platysma muscle, fat, or a combination—where the incisions would be, and whether a facelift would be recommended alongside the neck lift.
Swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected. Many patients need about one to two weeks before they feel comfortable in public, and swelling continues to settle over several weeks. A compression garment may be recommended.
Sleep with your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity until cleared, and ask about turning your neck, shaving, and returning to exercise. Scars usually fade over months.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation. Ask when each check is needed and how to reach the team with concerns outside office hours. The office hours above are not an emergency-care schedule.
The practice’s current guide for a neck lift is about $10,000–$18,000, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with a facelift. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic surgery; check with your insurer if a functional concern is involved.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
Approved copy
For your La Jolla neck lift consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Bring a list of medications and supplements, your smoking or nicotine history, and any history of neck or facial surgery. Note whether your main concern is loose skin, bands, fullness, or the jawline.
Ask which tissue the plan addresses—skin, the platysma muscle, fat, or a combination—where the incisions would be, and whether a facelift would be recommended alongside the neck lift.
Swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected. Many patients need about one to two weeks before they feel comfortable in public, and swelling continues to settle over several weeks. A compression garment may be recommended.
Sleep with your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity until cleared, and ask about turning your neck, shaving, and returning to exercise. Scars usually fade over months.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation. Ask when each check is needed and how to reach the team with concerns outside office hours. The office hours above are not an emergency-care schedule.
The practice’s current guide for a neck lift is about $10,000–$18,000, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with a facelift. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic surgery; check with your insurer if a functional concern is involved.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
Questions
Through incisions under the chin and/or around the ears, fat may be reduced, the platysma muscle tightened, and excess skin removed. The plan depends on what is causing your neck concern.
Platysmaplasty tightens the platysma muscle in the neck. It may help when visible vertical bands are part of the concern. It is often one part of a neck lift.
The practice’s current guide is about $10,000–$18,000, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with a facelift. The same guide applies at both offices; request a written quote for your plan.
If fullness is mainly fat and skin quality is good, liposuction alone may be considered. Loose skin or bands usually require more than liposuction. An examination decides.
It may help when fullness under the chin is part of the concern. The cause matters—fat, skin, muscle, or other structures—so the plan depends on your examination.
When jowls and lower-face laxity are present, combining may produce a more balanced result. Combining changes recovery and cost. Ask whether it fits your anatomy.
Incisions are commonly placed under the chin and around or behind the ears. Scars usually fade, but healing varies.
Tightness and soreness are common in the early days and are usually managed with prescribed or recommended medication. Pain that is severe or worsening should be reported.
Many patients feel comfortable in public after about one to two weeks, and swelling continues to settle over several weeks. Timelines vary.
Results can be long-lasting, but aging continues. Weight change and skin quality also affect how long a result looks its best.
Non-surgical options may help mild concerns, but they cannot remove significant loose skin. Your consultation should cover both surgical and non-surgical options.
It can sometimes be combined with a facelift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat transfer. Ask how combining would affect recovery and risk.
Yes. The plan considers beard and hairline position. Male patients may also review the male facelift and neck lift page.
Risks include bleeding, hematoma, infection, numbness, scars, contour irregularity, nerve injury, and the need for further surgery. Nicotine use increases wound risk.
The office is in University City at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Monday hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Pacific Time. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. Call (858) 247-2933.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office as your consultation. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices. Get the operating facility's address before arranging transportation. If you are traveling, ask how long to stay nearby and when to return for follow-up.
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