Your neck is typically one of the first visible areas to lose its firm, youthful quality due to constant motion, genetics, and reduced amounts of collagen and elastin. As the years go by, submental fat (a double chin) can appear. Folds in the skin develop, and the neck and jawline begin to sag, giving you an aged look that is impossible to hide with cosmetics or clothing. This procedure involves removing excess skin, vertical bands, and fat and surgically tightening the “deep plane,” the underlying supporting structure of the face and neck. The end result? A firmer, youthful, refined look that appears entirely natural, not pulled.

What Is a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

A deep plane neck lift in San Diego is an advanced surgical technique focusing on the underlying connective tissues beneath the skin—referred to as the “deep plane”—supporting the facial and neck muscles. By lifting and tightening these deeper structures and overlying skin, Dr. Moradi can restore a youthful definition to the neck and jawline without creating the tight or overstretched appearance often seen with more superficial techniques.

The procedure typically involves a small, discreet incision beneath the chin, which becomes virtually invisible once healed. Excess fat may be gently removed using liposuction through this incision, and the deeper supportive tissues are precisely repositioned. This approach addresses sagging skin and submental fullness and smooths out vertical neck bands, resulting in refined, natural-looking results that are significantly superior to those achieved with conventional neck lift methods.

Banner media

Are You a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for a deep plane neck lift in San Diego if you are experiencing:

  • Sagging skin along the jawline or under the chin
  • Prominent neck bands or folds
  • Submental fullness (double chin)
  • A desire for more dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation than nonsurgical options can provide

Ideal candidates are in good general health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. A consultation with Dr. Moradi will help determine whether this approach is right for your anatomy and goals.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

Your Consultation

Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Moradi. During this visit, he will:

  • Examine the structure of your neck, jawline, and skin elasticity
  • Discuss your goals and concerns
  • Review your medical history to ensure candidacy
  • Present a custom treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic vision

You’ll also have an opportunity to view 3D imaging to help visualize your potential results and ask any questions about the procedure, recovery, and outcomes.

Alternative Procedures

Dr. Moradi may recommend complementary or alternative treatments based on your goals:

  • Lower Facelift: Often paired with a neck lift to fully rejuvenate the jawline and mid-to-lower face.
  • Chin Liposuction: Targets stubborn fat under the chin without skin tightening.
  • Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: Includes RF or ultrasound-based treatments for mild laxity.
  • Injectable Fillers: Can help improve jawline definition or fill volume loss.
  • Eyelid Surgery or Brow Lift: Ideal for patients wanting upper face rejuvenation in conjunction with a neck lift.
Banner media
woman with brown hair smiling

Subtypes of Neck Lift

Dr. Moradi customizes your procedure based on your unique anatomy and aging patterns. Options include:

  • Deep Plane Neck Lift: Offers the most comprehensive and natural-looking results by lifting deeper tissue layers.
  • Traditional Neck Lift: Tightens the skin and underlying muscles, often combined with liposuction.
  • Mini Neck Lift: A less invasive option for those with early signs of sagging and minimal skin laxity.
  • Cervicoplasty or Platysmaplasty: Targets specific concerns like excess skin or vertical neck banding.


Each technique is selected to achieve refined, long-lasting rejuvenation tailored to you.

Why Choose Moradi MD?

At Moradi MD, every neck lift is performed with the goal of achieving an elegant, youthful result that looks entirely natural—never overdone. Dr. Amir Moradi is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience and a reputation for excellence. His precision, artistry, and commitment to innovation have positioned Moradi MD as one of the premier aesthetic destinations in the United States. Our private, state-of-the-art facility is more than just a surgical center—it’s also one of the busiest clinical research hubs in the country. This unique combination allows us to offer our patients access to the most advanced techniques, technologies, and treatment options available in aesthetic medicine today.

Whether your concerns stem from the natural aging process or sudden weight loss, Dr. Moradi's advanced neck lift techniques are designed to restore the sculpted, refined jawline and smooth contours of youth. We invite you to schedule a private consultation to meet our expert team, explore your options, and experience the personalized care and luxury environment that set Moradi MD apart. He's proud to care for patients from Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, Encinitas, and throughout greater San Diego.

The Procedure: What to Expect

A deep plane neck lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesiaor IV sedation with local anesthesia. It involves:

  • A small, well-hidden incision beneath the chin and/or behind the ears
  • Gentle removal of excess fat, often via micro-liposuction
  • Tightening and repositioning of the deep plane tissue for durable lift and definition
  • Excision of loose skin to restore a smooth, youthful contour

The surgery generally takes about two hours. You'll return home the same day with your neck protected by a soft dressing or compression garment.

the ocean
Logo media

Before & After

View Gallery

Cost of a Deep Plane Neck Lift

Pricing for a deep plane neck lift varies depending on:

  • The extent of correction needed
  • Whether it is combined with other procedures (e.g., facelift)
  • Anesthesia type and surgical complexity

When you meet with Dr. Moradi, you will receive a customized quote and a full explanation of what’s included. Financing options are available to make this transformative procedure more accessible.

Banner media

After the Procedure: Recovery & Results Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Swelling and mild bruising are expected and typically peak around day three. Prescription medication will manage any discomfort.
  • Days 4–10: Swelling begins to subside, and tightness gradually eases. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities.
  • 2–3 Weeks: Most visible signs of surgery have resolved. Patients often return to work or social activities.
  • 1–3 Months: Results continue to refine as tissues settle. Scars become less noticeable, and neck contours appear smoother and more youthful.
  • Beyond: Final results can be appreciated within a few months and are long-lasting—often 10–15 years or more with proper care.

Neck lift FAQ

Will a deep plane neck lift remove a double chin?

Can vertical bands be smoothed with a deep plane facelift?

How does a deep plane neck lift differ from a traditional neck lift in terms of longevity?

Will I need to lose weight before undergoing a deep plane neck lift?

Can a deep plane neck lift improve the appearance of my jawline from the side profile?

Is a deep plane neck lift suitable for men?

Will I have drains after surgery?

What type of scarring should I expect from a deep plane neck lift?

Can this procedure help with “tech neck” or neck wrinkles caused by looking down at screens?

Can a deep plane neck lift be revised or touched up later on?

How soon before a major event should I schedule my surgery?

Does sun exposure affect my neck lift results?

Will a deep plane neck lift remove a double chin?

If you are one of the millions of people who have fat beneath your chin, a deep plane neck lift can restore a refined, sculpted neck contour, with excess fat and skin removed for good.

Can vertical bands be smoothed with a deep plane facelift?

If you have visible vertical bands that appear whenever you speak or laugh, a deep plane facelift may be the procedure that will restore the smooth, elegant structure of your neck.

How does a deep plane neck lift differ from a traditional neck lift in terms of longevity?

Because it addresses the deeper structural layers of the neck rather than just the skin, a deep plane neck lift typically produces results that last significantly longer—often 10 to 15 years—with a more natural aging process over time.

Will I need to lose weight before undergoing a deep plane neck lift?

Not necessarily. If you are at a stable weight and in good overall health, you may be a candidate regardless of your BMI. However, major weight fluctuations after surgery can affect your results, so it’s best to be near your goal weight beforehand.

Can a deep plane neck lift improve the appearance of my jawline from the side profile?

Yes. One key benefit of this procedure is redefining the jawline and neck angle, which significantly improves the side profile and overall facial harmony.

Is a deep plane neck lift suitable for men?

Absolutely. Dr. Moradi performs deep plane neck lifts for both men and women, carefully tailoring the procedure to preserve masculine features such as a strong jawline and natural beard lines.

Will I have drains after surgery?

Dr. Moradi may or may not use drains, depending on the extent of your procedure. If drains are placed, they are usually removed within 24–48 hours and are part of ensuring a smooth, safe recovery.

What type of scarring should I expect from a deep plane neck lift?

Scars are minimal and strategically hidden beneath the chin and sometimes behind the ears. These scars typically fade into barely noticeable, fine lines with proper care and time.

Can this procedure help with “tech neck” or neck wrinkles caused by looking down at screens?

Yes. Deep plane neck lifting addresses sagging and creasing caused by repeated motion or poor posture—commonly called “tech neck”—by tightening skin and underlying tissues for smoother, firmer results.

Can a deep plane neck lift be revised or touched up later on?

While revision is rarely needed, it is possible. Dr. Moradi can assess your results years down the line if you wish to maintain or enhance your appearance further as you age.

How soon before a major event should I schedule my surgery?

Ideally, plan your surgery at least 2–3 months before a major event. While you’ll see early improvements within a few weeks, full results take time to refine, and this window allows for optimal healing and confidence.

Does sun exposure affect my neck lift results?

Yes. Sun exposure can accelerate skin aging and affect the longevity of your results. Wearing SPF daily and avoiding direct sun during healing will protect your investment and help preserve your youthful look.

Doctor media

Meet with the Moradi MD team today

For advanced facelift surgery, meet with us for a free, private consultation. We serve patients throughout the areas of Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Encinitas, San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, and Del Mar.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

© Moradi MD. All Rights Reserved.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 760-762-4245.