Is a Neck Lift Painful?

A neck lift is not considered painful, as the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be completely unconscious during the procedure. After a neck lift, you will feel mild to moderate soreness. However, discomfort can be greatly lessened through the use of prescription and over-the-counter pain medications.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

In addition to your consultation and surgery date, you will need to return to the office several times to have your sutures removed and for Dr. Slocum to evaluate your healing progress and ensure no complications have arisen.

How Long Until I See Results?

With a neck lift, initial swelling may persist for several weeks, initially obscuring your cosmetic results. Over time, as this swelling fades, you will begin to see a more toned, slender, and smooth neck appearance emerge.

Can I Combine a Neck Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes. Our Dover, Boston, and New England area patients have found that a neck lift can be well paired with a facelift , brow lift , blepharoplasty , facial fat transfer , or other aesthetic procedures as desired. Speak with Dr. Slocum during your private consultation to enquire about a combination approach to reversing the signs of aging.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Neck Lift?

Neck surgery is considered safe and effective when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Slocum in the Portsmouth and Dover area. However, all surgeries come with inherent risks. For a neck lift, these include: Infection Bleeding Anesthesia risks Hematoma Skin loss Nerve injury Asymmetry Poor scarring Pain Swelling Skin discoloration Rare risk of deep vein thrombosis

Portsmouth, NH

Neck Lift

Introduction to Neck Lift Surgery

While many anti-aging procedures focus primarily on the face, it is also critical to address sagging contours, crepe-like skin, vertical muscle banding, and stubborn submental fat in the neck to rejuvenate the appearance comprehensively. Dr. Alexander Slocum, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving Portsmouth and Dover, New Hampshire, delivers nuanced, customized changes that boost self-confidence and help patients feel like the best versions of themselves.

A woman with long, sleek black hair, standing in front of a mirror, gently touching her neck with a smile, appreciating her reflection - Neck Lift in Portsmouth, NH

Achieve a Balanced, Refined Look

What is a Neck Lift?

As the body is slowly depleted of vital proteins like collagen and elastin during the aging process, it is typical to see the skin on the neck lose its tautness and begin to droop. At the same time, muscles become lax, and fat cells accumulate, distorting the natural elegance of the neck. A neck lift is a surgical procedure to restore youthful contours and smooth, wrinkle-free skin. It can be performed alone or in tandem with a facelift to refresh the patient’s appearance and make them feel years younger.

A young man with dark hair, standing outside in the sunlight, wearing a beige polo shirt. He is gazing off into the distance with a focused expression - Neck Lift in Portsmouth, NH

Neck Lift Surgery for Men

Dr. Slocum can tailor any of his facial procedures to the unique needs and wishes of his male patients. With a deep understanding of male anatomy, he is able to make expert changes to the profile while performing a customized neck lift, helping men enjoy a more positive self-image in social and professional settings.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

A neck lift comes with a wide array of benefits that can be life-altering for patients who are unhappy with how they look in the mirror and in photos. Advantages our Portsmouth and Dover patients have cited include:

Smooth, wrinkled, creased skin
Firms the platysmal muscle band
Streamlines the submental region
Eradicates crepe-like skin
Expands the patient’s clothing and hairstyle choices
It can be well-combined with other facial surgeries
Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
Long-lasting results
Natural-looking improvements

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Neck Lift?

Patients who are unhappy with drooping skin in the neck and an overall aged appearance will make excellent candidates for a neck lift, provided that they are in good health and are not currently struggling with any uncontrolled medical issues. They should be non-smokers who are realistic in their expectations, anticipating improvement rather than “perfection.” Dr. Slocum will meet with you for a private and informative consultation, during which we will investigate your skin quality, review your medical history, and practice active listening to understand your individual aesthetic goals best.

Let’s Get Started

What’s The
First Step?

If you are in the Dover or Portsmouth area and are seeking changes in your neck’s appearance, your first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Alexander Slocum. When you come in for your appointment, he will examine your face and neck to determine the best techniques to achieve your aesthetic goals. He will also answer any questions you may have and discuss your medical history and lifestyle to ensure you are a viable candidate. Being as open and honest with Dr. Slocum as possible is vital because it helps him make the safest choices for your procedure.

After Dr. Slocum has approved you for surgery, your procedure date will be scheduled, and you will be asked to follow a series of instructions to prepare yourself for your neck lift. You may need to undergo additional medical testing, and you will be advised to discontinue certain medications that might compromise your safety during and after surgery. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least 4-6 weeks before your neck lift. Make sure to fill your prescriptions early and schedule a helper to drive you home and assist you for the first 24-48 hours of your healing process.

What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery

Neck lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours to complete. With a traditional neck lift, Dr. Slocum will create incisions that begin in the hairline and hide within the folds of the ears, with postoperative scarring later noticeable. During the surgery, he will reposition pockets of fat, tighten the underlying platysma muscle, and remove excess sagging skin, all with the intention of creating a firmer, more inviting neck appearance. An additional incision may be required under the chin. Once all changes are complete, Dr. Slocum will close your incisions with a masterful suturing technique.

Neck Lift Recovery

As with other cosmetic surgeries, there will likely be mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and soreness after a neck lift, symptoms that will peak during the first week of recovery and then slowly dissipate over the coming weeks. Dr. Slocum will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan and prescriptions for pain medications to ensure your healing journey is stress-free and manageable. You will be advised to keep your head elevated while sleeping and to avoid turning your head from side to side at first, as this can put pressure on your incisions. You can apply a cold compress to the treated area for the first 48 hours to help offset any discomfort. Sutures are usually removed after one week, and most patients resume normal activities within around two weeks.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Dover or New Hampshire?

The cost of a neck lift in Portsmouth, Boston, and the greater New England area usually starts at around $7,000 and may climb depending on the extent of the work performed, the specific techniques used, and whether you undergo additional aesthetic treatments like a facelift or chin and neck liposuction in tandem with your neck lift. Dr. Slocum can provide a customized quote for services once he examines you during your private consultation in New England.

SPS Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Slocum?

Dr. Alexander Slocum, Jr, MD/PhD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is credentialed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the Aesthetic Society for American Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), cementing his reputation as a highly trained and accomplished aesthetic authority. He attended medical school at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University in West Virginia before going on to complete a competitive general surgery internship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Slocum then moved to Wisconsin, where he graduated from an integrated plastic surgery residency. Today, Dr. Slocum practices in his home state of New Hampshire, where he founded Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics as a sanctuary for patients seeking cosmetic excellence and a compassionate, inclusive approach to care.

Neck Lift FAQ’S

Neck surgery is considered safe and effective when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Slocum in the Portsmouth and Dover area. However, all surgeries come with inherent risks. For a neck lift, these include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia risks
- Hematoma
- Skin loss
- Nerve injury
- Asymmetry
- Poor scarring
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Rare risk of deep vein thrombosis

Schedule a consultation

Your Seacoast Journey Starts Here

If you are in the greater New England area and are unhappy with sagging skin, vertical banding, and wrinkles, lines, and creases in the neck, you may be interested in learning more about a strategic neck lift with Dr. Alexander Slocum in Portsmouth and Dover, New Hampshire. Call today to set up a private consultation.

Schedule a Consultation