Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery in Scottsdale with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth to restore a smoother, more refined neckline. Each outcome is thoughtfully tailored to your features, your goals, and the natural confidence you deserve.
Experience the exceptional care and personalized touch of a board-certified female plastic surgeon who prioritizes your well-being every step of the way. Discover why Dr. Ashley Howarth stands out as one of the best plastic surgeons in Arizona for results that look and feel beautifully natural.
Neck Lift in Scottsdale
A neck lift is one of the most transformative ways to rejuvenate the lower face and neck, restoring a smoother contour and a more youthful silhouette. With age, skin laxity, muscle banding, and fat accumulation can cause the neck to lose definition, leading to jowling, a “turkey neck,” or a blunted jawline.
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a Mayo Clinic–trained, board-certified plastic surgeon known for neck lift results that are refined, natural, and enduring. Her approach focuses on restoring youthful anatomy, enhancing your natural profile, and helping you feel confident in every angle.
Recognized as one of Arizona’s best plastic surgeons for facial rejuvenation, Dr. Howarth is trusted for her meticulous technique, artistic eye, and calm, supportive presence. Every detail—from incision placement to sculpting technique—is thoughtfully planned to create results that feel beautifully authentic.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a procedure designed to smooth and redefine the neck and jawline by addressing sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat.
Depending on your needs, a neck lift can:
- Tighten loose or sagging neck skin
- Smooth vertical neck bands
- Define the jawline and chin
- Remove or reposition excess fat
- Create a more youthful, elegant profile
Dr. Howarth personalizes every neck lift based on your anatomy and goals, often combining skin tightening with muscle repair (platysmaplasty) and fat sculpting to achieve a seamless, natural-looking result.
Why Patients Choose a Neck Lift
Restore Jawline Definition
Loss of jawline definition can make the face and neck appear aged or heavier. A neck lift restores a sharper, more youthful contour between the chin and neck.
Smooth Loose Neck Skin
Sagging skin and wrinkles in the neck are common with age. A neck lift tightens the skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.
Correct Neck Banding
Vertical neck bands, caused by muscle laxity, can be corrected by repairing and tightening the underlying platysma muscle.
Enhance Overall Facial Harmony
A youthful neck and jawline enhance the overall proportions of the face, complementing other features and creating a refreshed, balanced look.
Neck Lift Consultation Process
A Thoughtful, One-on-One Conversation
Your consultation with Dr. Ashley Howarth is a relaxed, one-on-one conversation focused entirely on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. You’ll discuss your concerns, review areas of focus, and learn how a neck lift—or a combination of procedures—can achieve your desired outcome.
Dr. Howarth will carefully evaluate your skin quality, muscle tone, fat distribution, and overall facial structure. She will explain surgical options, such as whether to incorporate platysmaplasty or liposuction, and guide you through what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Every surgical plan is customized to your needs, ensuring a natural, balanced result that enhances your features—not changes them.
From consultation to confidence
Selecting a Plastic Surgeon with a Commitment to Excellence
Careful Planning
Every neck lift begins with careful analysis of your natural anatomy and goals. Dr. Howarth designs a tailored surgical plan to create results that are harmonious, authentic, and built to last.
Surgical Expertise
With advanced training at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Howarth combines technical skill with an artistic eye to execute each neck lift with precision. Her goal is to restore youthful structure while maintaining a soft, natural appearance.
Supportive Recovery
Healing after a neck lift is supported by detailed aftercare instructions and thoughtful follow-up. Dr. Howarth and her team ensure you feel confident, informed, and well-cared for throughout your recovery.
Begin Your Transformation
Meet your surgeon
Ashley Lynn Howarth, MD, FACS
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed her training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. Prior to that, she trained in general surgery at Texas A&M Baylor Scott & White, and earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. With nine years of combined surgical training, few surgeons possess the level of academic experience as Dr. Howarth.
She has quickly become one of Arizona’s most in-demand plastic surgeons, recognized for her surgical precision, natural aesthetic, and obsession with detail. Her clinical interests include cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body, and she is known for delivering results that are refined, balanced, and thoughtfully executed.
In addition to her surgical practice, Dr. Howarth serves as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where she helps train the next generation of plastic surgeons. She also serves as the youngest board member and Member-at-Large for the Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons, a leadership role awarded by her peers.
As a working mother of three young boys, Dr. Howarth understands the challenges that women face. Her care is grounded in empathy, honesty, and individualized attention, with the goal of helping every patient feel confident, supported, and beautifully themselves throughout the entire process.
She proudly supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and sponsors their Celebrate Youth Gala each year. She also mentors young women interested in medicine and surgery by offering shadowing opportunities and career guidance, continuing her dedication to helping others grow—both in and out of the operating room.
“My life feels full and wonderful due to this transformation. I’m blessed to have had Dr. Howarth complete my surgery. Don’t wait to love your body and yourself!” – M.A.
FAQ
What concerns can a neck lift address?
A neck lift can correct sagging or loose skin, excess fat under the chin, vertical neck bands, and loss of jawline definition. It restores a smoother, more refined contour between the chin and neck. Patients often notice that enhancing the neck also rejuvenates the entire lower face, creating a more harmonious and youthful overall appearance.
What is recovery like after a neck lift?
Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are normal in the first 10 to 14 days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within two weeks and to social activities within three to four weeks. Dr. Howarth and her team provide detailed post-operative instructions and personalized support throughout your recovery, helping you feel confident and cared for at every stage.
Will I have visible scars after a neck lift?
Incisions for a neck lift are discreetly placed around the ears and, when needed, under the chin. Dr. Howarth uses meticulous closure techniques to promote optimal healing and minimal scarring. With proper aftercare and time, scars typically fade beautifully and are well-hidden within the natural creases of the skin.
Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A neck lift is often combined with procedures like a facelift, eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, or liposuction under the chin. Combining procedures can create a more comprehensive and balanced rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Howarth will help you determine the best approach to meet your aesthetic goals.
Is a neck lift the same as a facelift?
While the two procedures are related, they address different areas. A facelift focuses on rejuvenating the mid to lower face, while a neck lift targets the neck and jawline. In many cases, the procedures are performed together to create a seamless, natural-looking rejuvenation from the cheeks to the collarbone.
How long do neck lift results last?
While no procedure can stop the natural aging process, neck lift results are long-lasting. Most patients enjoy a firmer, more youthful neck contour for 10 years or more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and a good skincare regimen can help preserve your results over time.
How much does a neck lift cost in Scottsdale?
The cost of a neck lift varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, your anatomy, and whether additional treatments are performed at the same time. After your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed, personalized quote tailored to your specific surgical plan. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who prioritizes natural results and patient safety is the best investment in achieving a beautiful, lasting outcome.
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