Introduction to Neck Aesthetics

Ideally, a woman has a long, smooth neck that makes her look and feel graceful. A man’s neck, meanwhile, should provide support for a masculine jawline that signifies strength. As men and women age, the skin of the jaw and neck naturally loses strength, and tissue begins to sag. In many cases, excess fat and muscle develop, dramatizing this effect. An aging neck can cause the jawline and chin to lose their youthful angles and make the person appear older or even overweight. A platysmaplasty, or neck lift, restores the jawline, chin, and neck to their youthful appearance to produce a proportional chin. Issues addressed include excess skin, excess fat, neck bands, or a “turkey wattle” appearance. 

At Shapiro Plastic Surgery, we understand that your decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure is a deeply personal one. Dr. Daniel Shapiro is nationally recognized for his prowess with facial plastic surgery, having been included in Newsweek Magazine’s annual list of the top 100 Plastic Surgeons in the country. His extensive skill enables him to create subtle, naturalistic results that will restore your appearance and your quality of life along with it.

Neck Lift Overview

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Are You a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

The best neck candidates for the neck lift in Scottsdale & Phoenix are in good physical health with fairly good skin elasticity. Patients should have realistic expectations about their results and be able to devote at least one full week to the recovery process. In addition, the procedure is ideal for Phoenix men and women who want to address any of the following issues:

  • Double chin or fat under the chin
  • Turkey wattle appearance or loose neck skin
  • Jowls, or excessive skin and fat along the jaw
  • Excessive skin or fat on the neck
  • Neck bands
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Schedule A Consultation

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Neck Lift Before & After

Patient is a 73-year-old female who thought she looked much older than she felt. She thought that her neck had become quite matronly, and did not like the loss of the youthful definition of her cheekbones, her puffy eyes, the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her downturned mouth that imparted a sour tone to her face. She wanted to appear younger, more youthful, and more attractive.

Before
After

Patient is a 73-year-old female who thought she looked much older than she felt. She thought that her neck had become quite matronly, and did not like the loss of the youthful definition of her cheekbones, her puffy eyes, the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her downturned mouth that imparted a sour tone to her face. She wanted to appear younger, more youthful, and more attractive.

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An Overview Of The Traditional Neck Lift

The traditional neck lift is the most common form of this procedure. It is ideal for men and women with advanced signs of aging.

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The Procedure

A platysmaplasty involves the removal of excess fat and skin beneath the chin and neck to restore definition to the area. Dr. Shapiro, a Scottsdale plastic surgeon, will also tighten the neck muscles to restore a sharp jawline. Our Paradise Valley patients with good skin elasticity, who are typically younger, may have this procedure performed through a single small incision beneath the chin.

For older patients who have a very relaxed neck or poor elasticity, incisions will be located behind the ears to remove excess skin. If a significant amount of tissue must be removed, a drain may be placed overnight to prevent a build-up of fluids that may cause complications. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an operating room setting. If you choose to receive liposuction as well, this will be performed first to target fat on the neck and diminish a “double chin.” Next, muscles are released from the skin and tightened. Skin will be firmed and excess tissue removed through hidden incisions under the chin and around the ears.

Testimonials

Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery!

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and medi...

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and media commentator trusting my face and appearance to a surgeon is critical. Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery! Thank you Dr. Shapiro! 

Martha Boneta 5 out of 5 stars

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming.

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love tha...

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love that she explains everything to me and makes my services short and sweet. I plan to go there for a Skin Consultation soon so that I can find what products would work well for my skin. Thank you to the incredible team at Shapiro Aesthetics! 

Jacque King 5 out of 5 stars

I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future!

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shap...

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shapiro and his team were so kind and professional through the entire experience. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic they made my dream nose come to life. & took every precaution to make sure we’re all safe by checking temperatures and wearing face masks. Being in the hands of someone with so much knowledge and experience made it so easy for me to go into surgery. I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future! Thank you so much! 

McKenna Commans 5 out of 5 stars

Can’t say enough kind words. 

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face l...

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face lift, eyes and neck done, and fat transfer to eyes and nasolabial folds. I wish I had done it years ago. Office staff is wonderful and attentive too. Can’t say enough kind words. 

Denise Young 5 out of 5 stars

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!!

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I ...

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I could not be more happy with my results. After years of research and various consultations with plastic surgeons (in and out of state) I knew I had found the one when I met Dr. Shapiro!

During my first consultation with Dr. Shapiro he pointed out all the things that bothered me about my nose before I even brought it to his attention. That’s when I knew he and I were on the same page about what I wanted. He is EXTREMELY detail-oriented and a perfectionist (which is exactly what you want when undergoing any procedure especially if it’s on your face). He truly listens to you and makes you feel so comfortable. The thing I love the most about Dr. Shapiro’s technique is that he works with what you have and enhances it to its maximum potential, he is truly an artist. Dr. Shapiro’s makes it seem as though you never had any work done. His work is astounding, he gives you the nose you were supposed to be born with but even better! The before and after pictures of his patients will leave you speechless. When it comes to plastic surgeons there is truly no doctor that can compete with Dr. Shapiro’s beyond amazing work!

If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon I would recommend him 100%. I’m so in love with my results and I’m extremely lucky to have found him. Dr. Shapiro I seriously cant thank you enough!!!! 

mariela casas 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona.

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your ...

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your personal goals. Everything about the experience at his office is what you would expect from a top surgeon and professional medical staff. Conveniently, the Skin Klinic inside his office offers the best aesthetic services to really complete the package of an even more beautiful you. You always feel welcomed in his office and can ask as many questions as you need regarding procedures, products, financing, and after surgery care. I have had several procedures performed by Dr. Shapiro and I must say if you want the body that you dream of that cannot be accomplished by diet and exercise then you need to make time for a consultation. I struggled for most of my life with a poor body image and after many years of trying to change things on my own I finally decided to make an appointment and was forever on a different path. I have amazing proportionate breasts now and my thighs are the thighs of my dreams. Life is truly different when you are content with your body image. That is not to say I was trying to look like someone else or had a false hope; it is about being happy in your own skin. Dr. Shapiro made that possible for me and I cannot thank him enough for his expertise, caring nature, and professionalism. His quality and follow on care are the best you can invest in for your ideal body image. Do something wonderful for yourself and allow him the opportunity to exceed all expectations as he did for me :) 

Rachel Hewitt 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception!

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my resu...

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my results or my experience with Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From the moment I walked in for my consult, to my last post surgical visit, everyone treated me like family! 

Kara Koechell 5 out of 5 stars

I never felt this beautiful with myself until now!

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never ...

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never felt this beautiful with myself until now! Thank you so much Dr. Shapiro for taking the timeout for me and listening to what I wanted to accomplish. You made this happen!! Also, you have a wonderful staff working for you and your patients.

Theresa Gillen 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!!

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even ...

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even see it. He is professional and charming, we love that!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be back ;) 

Mariel Sallustio 5 out of 5 stars

The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times.

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up ...

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend getting a procedure done here. Your in good hands 😊 

Jasmine Renteria 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro is the knocked it out the park!!!

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process fr...

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process from start to finish far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Shapiro and his surgical nurse Sage Hallman work as an amazing team and will make you feel like you're their only patient. Experience matters and that is exactly what you will get at Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Thank you Doc , you have truly changed my life in the best way! 

melissa massey 5 out of 5 stars

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro.

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and ...

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr Shapiro! 

Lauren Curry 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly rec...

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly recommend! Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Lindsay Diephuis 5 out of 5 stars

Neck Lift Recovery

The final result will take time as the swelling dissipates; however, some results will be apparent immediately following surgery. Most of our Phoenix patients achieve full, optimal results within six months. Bruising and swelling after the platysmaplasty surgery are usually minimal, although the neck may feel sore and tight with mild to moderate pain that will be controlled with oral pain medication prescribed by Dr. Shapiro. There may also be numbness around the incision sites for a few weeks. 

Bruising and swelling -should dissipate within seven to 14 days. Patients are encouraged to keep their head and neck still following the procedure to allow for healing. The head should also remain elevated during sleep for the first one to two weeks to minimize swelling. Most of our Paradise Valley patients are back to socializing after a week or so, and we’ll ensure that you have detailed aftercare instructions.

Combining a Neck Lift and Chin Implant

A balanced chin is necessary for a beautiful neck, for both men and women. Many of our Scottsdale patients who have chosen the platysmaplasty procedure also have chin implant surgery performed at the same time. This implant can be added through the same incision beneath the chin and complements the results beautifully.

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Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients who retain good elasticity in their skin, usually younger patients, and for whom a neck lift would be unnecessarily extensive. Neck liposuction is different than a neck lift; only extra fat is removed with liposuction, but many of the newer forms of ultrasonic liposuction can assist in significant skin tightening. No skin is removed, and as a result, there are fewer, smaller scars than with a neck lift. Dr. Shapiro, a facial plastic surgeon, performs this procedure in his Scottsdale office.

Learn More About Neck Liposuction

Nefertiti Neck Lift

This procedure uses Botox to redefine the neck and jawline by smoothing, lifting, and tightening the area. Injections are placed along the lower jawline and down the sides of the neck. The toxin causes the neck muscles, skin, and wrinkles to relax. Once the muscles are relaxed in the neck, the facial muscles will actually overcome the pull of the neck muscles and help lift the fat and skin into place. The net effect is a shapely jawline, a youthful neck, and a smooth lower face.

Learn More About Nefertiti Neck Lift

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Experience World-Class Excellence

For 34 years, longer than almost any plastic surgeon in the Phoenix area, Dr. Shapiro has delivered results that patients travel from across the country to receive. His practice is built on expertise, safety, and a standard few surgeons can match.

  • Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek across five specialties in both 2024 and 2025: facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and liposuction
  • Trained at Cornell, an Ivy League program on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
  • Assistant Professor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic, ranked the nation’s #1 hospital for multiple consecutive years
  • Named Best Cosmetic Surgeon at The Phoenician Awards
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Board Certifications & Memberships

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