Say Goodbye to Sagging Skin with Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery’s Mini Neck Lift
March 15, 2023 – Fredric M. Barr

Natalie had it all: a successful career, a loving family, and an active social life. But since she turned 50, her self-esteem erodes every time she looks at her reflection in the mirror, and her self-confidence plunges as she notices the sagging skin on her neck. Whereas before, she looked forward to special occasions like weddings, parties, school activities, and work retreats, now every time a new event pops up on the calendar, the only emotion she experiences is dread.
Knowing she couldn’t reject these invitations without hurting her family and friends, Natalie started wearing scarves and chokers when she went out as if they were accessories instead of cover-ups. She hoped no one would realize that she wore them to hide the inevitable signs of aging because no matter how advanced her make-up techniques or how much money she spent on expensive skincare products, nothing worked.
Natalie missed the days when she looked forward to dressing up for an evening out with the girls or date night with her husband. Now she feels apprehensive about these occasions because seeing herself in photos reminds her once more how much time had passed since she’d last seen herself through youthful eyes.
Frustrated, unhappy, and anxious, Natalie searched online for solutions to her sagging skin problem and discovered a Mini Neck Lift from Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. She learned that this simple outpatient procedure could help restore her neck’s youthful appearance without undergoing general anesthesia or suffering through the long recovery period required by more invasive procedures. It seemed perfect for someone with such a full life as hers.
Like Natalie, do you feel self-conscious about the sagging skin on your neck? Is it affecting your self-confidence, forcing you to hide behind high-collared clothes and scarves, spend money on ineffective but expensive creams, and employ every makeup trick you can find?
At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we understand how sagging skin around your neck impacts your quality of life. This blog describes how our Board-Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., can help you achieve a natural, refreshed look with a Mini Neck Lift. Call us at (561) 833-4122 to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor to learn more.
What Is A Mini Neck Lift?
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness, leading to sagging skin in areas like the face and neck. It can be a frustrating and disheartening experience, especially if you’ve tried various anti-aging creams, serums, and makeup with no luck. Fortunately, a solution exists— Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery’s Mini Neck Lift.
This minimally invasive procedure targets explicitly under the chin, jowl lines, and cheek area, reducing sagging skin and tightening the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), similar to a traditional facelift.
The Mini Neck Lift offers incredible benefits, most notably, feeling 10 years younger. Even better? It is not as invasive as a regular facelift, resulting in a much shorter recovery. Naturally, it is popular for patients with active lives like Natalie, who want to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing a complete facelift.
Characteristics of a Mini Neck Lift procedure:
- Local anesthesia only (quick, simple numbing injection)
- A fraction of the investment of traditional lift (affordable)
- Creates long-lasting results
- Safely performed in the office (in and out faster)
- Limited bruising, swelling, recovery (minimal downtime)
- Resume your lifestyle & most normal activities the next day
- Popular for both healthy men and women of all ages
How Is A Mini Neck Lift Performed?
In a Mini Neck Lift procedure, our West Palm Beach plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the skin around the neck area. Dr. Barr can access the underlying muscles and tissues through these incisions and tighten them to create a more lifted appearance. He also removes excess skin to enhance the results further.
During the procedure, Dr. Barr uses local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure your comfort. He makes small, strategically placed incisions to minimize and easily hide scarring.
On the day of the procedure, you will arrive at the surgical facility, where our medical team will prep you for surgery. This preparation may involve giving you medication to help you relax or hooking you up to monitoring equipment to ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
Once you are ready for surgery, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions and begins tightening the muscles and tissues in the neck area. He removes excess skin and closes the incisions with sutures or staples. The Mini Neck Lift procedure generally takes three to four hours to complete.
Before undergoing the Mini Necklift, you will consult with Dr. Barr to discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. He will also evaluate your skin and neck muscles to determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery.
Is A Mini Neck Lift Worth It?
Restoring your confidence with a refreshed appearance is priceless. A Mini Face Lift, which delivers long-lasting results and improves your overall quality of life without the invasiveness of a traditional facelift, is worth it for patients who are just starting to notice signs of aging and have not achieved the results they desire with fillers. A Mini Neck Lift is an excellent choice for older patients seeking a more natural, refreshed look and patients who want a refresher after having undergone previous facial surgery.
A Mini Neck Lift also saves time. Dr. Barr usually completes the Mini Neck Lift procedure in a few hours at our Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery plastic surgery center. The cost of the Mini Neck Lift procedure varies depending on the patient, but in many cases, it is lower than more extensive plastic surgeries. In addition to a more youthful appearance, the Mini Neck Lift boosts your self-esteem and confidence. Potential health risks are associated with West Palm Beach plastic surgery; however, with Dr. Barr and the Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery team, you can expect fewer of them and feel confident in our ability to manage them.
Every patient considering plastic surgery should examine their circumstances before opting for a Mini Face Lift, including their expectations, budget, and other vital factors. If you have further questions about whether or not a Mini Face Lift is suitable for you, contact us at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery at (561) 833-4122, so we can help you make an informed decision. You can also download our free Mini Face Lift E-course.
What is the Difference Between a Face Lift and a Mini Neck Lift?
A plastic surgeon performs a traditional or complete facelift while the patient is under general anesthesia, targeting the neck muscles, known as bands or chords. Often, a traditional facelift requires face wraps and drains and a month’s recovery. As indicated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a conventional facelift specifically addresses the following problems:
- Sagging in the mid-face
- Deep creases near the nose and down to the corners of the mouth
- Loss of skin tone in the lower face that creates jowls sagging
- Loose skin and fatty deposits under the chin, sagging neck & skin (turkey neck).
In the hospital, patients undergo this procedure, which takes approximately four hours. The plastic surgeon makes incisions in front and behind the ear, under the chin, and the back of the neck into the lower hairline.
Because a traditional facelift is much more complex, it requires a longer recovery time than a Mini Neck Lift. Following a traditional facelift, the doctor advises the patient to wait at least four to six weeks before resuming normal activities.
By contrast, a Mini Neck Lift, a targeted procedure, explicitly addresses the neck and the bands that run vertically and sag around the jawline and upper neck. It does not target sagging eyes, although Dr. Barr can perform a Mini Eyelid Lift with the Mini Neck Lift.
If, like Natalie, you’re just beginning to see signs of aging, a Mini Neck Lift is perfect. Unlike a traditional facelift, you remain awake, relaxed, and numb during a Mini Neck Lift, yet you will not feel any pain. You can also return home without bandages and shower and drive within 24 hours.
Benefits of a Mini Neck Lift over a Neck Lift
The cost of a complete facelift starts at about $20,000. However, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the price can go much higher. Aside from the convenience of an outpatient procedure and a shorter recovery time, a Mini Neck Lift costs about half the price of a complete facelift. Further, based on your genetics and health factors, the results last equally as long. With a Mini Neck Lift, there are no bandages or tubes; you can expect minimal discomfort and a quick recovery.
Although you’ll be awake during your Mini Neck Lift procedure, don’t let this discourage you. First, we’ll give you oral medication to help you relax. After that, we use local anesthesia. Rest assured. You will NOT feel any pain during the procedure.
Our staff will secure your comfort as you listen to calming music and enjoy the tranquil views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach. After the procedure, most patients only need extra strength Tylenol and a mild oral sedative; however, pain is subjective. Since everyone’s pain tolerance levels differ, Dr. Barr will discuss the appropriate pain management plan for your needs.
Most patients experience slight discomfort one to two days after the procedure, but it usually subsides by the third day. Using a cold compress throughout the day helps immensely.
Considerations for Choosing Between a Face Lift and a Mini Neck Lift
When choosing between a traditional facelift or a Mini Neck Lift, patients must consider multiple factors, including age, skin laxity, and desired outcomes. All of these play an essential role in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the surgical technique you choose affects your results. Traditional facelifts involve skin and muscle tightening, while Mini Neck Lifts typically only involve skin tightening and fat removal. The amount of necessary incision lines depends on the procedure, too.
Lifestyle considerations also come into play. As mentioned above, traditional facelifts require a more extended healing period than Mini Neck Lifts. Ultimately, you should consult a patient counselor at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery to determine which procedure best suits your needs and will provide your desired results.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Mini Neck Lift?
As an outpatient procedure, the recovery time for a Mini Neck Lift is shorter than traditional facelift surgery. After a Mini Neck Lift, most patients return to work within three to five days. Because your body needs sufficient time for proper healing, we recommend that our patients wait 10 to 14 days before strenuous aerobic exercise. However, you can resume walking and light exercise.
At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we recognize and understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we take the time to discuss your options with you in more detail to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
What Can I Expect After a Mini Neck Lift?
Following the Mini Neck Lift, you can expect swelling and bruising around the neck area. You may also experience some discomfort or pain, which you can manage with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Most patients can return to work and their daily activities within a week or two of the surgery. However, avoiding strenuous exercise and other activities that could strain the neck area for several weeks following the procedure is essential.
Why the Mini Necklift May Be Right for You
There are many reasons why the Mini Neck Lift may be the right choice for you if you are experiencing sagging skin in the neck area. Here are just a few of the benefits of the procedure:
- Minimally invasive: The Mini Neck Lift is a minimally invasive procedure that can achieve significant results with minimal scarring and downtime.
- Quick recovery: Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can return to their daily activities within a week or two of the surgery.
- Natural-looking results: The Mini Neck Lift can create natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without looking “overdone.”
- Boost in self-confidence: Sagging skin in the neck area can make you feel self-conscious and less confident. The Mini Neck Lift can help you to feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.
- Long-lasting results: While the results of the Mini Neck Lift are not permanent, they can last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
Why Choose Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery?
We know you have many choices in West Palm Beach plastic surgeons. However, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in West Palm Beach provides a unique and personalized experience for those considering a Mini Neck Lift. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., provides our patients with compassion and attention to their individual needs. He listens with empathy and answers all questions with thorough explanations, so you can make the right choice for you and know what to expect.
For over three decades, Dr. Barr has been helping patients achieve results that exceed their expectations, using advanced techniques and performing every procedure with precision and care.
With various financing options, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery makes treatments affordable for patients while providing them with the highest possible care. We designed our array of services to meet the needs of all patients.
Are you unhappy with the image staring back at you in the mirror because of your sagging skin? Don’t let it ruin your self-confidence when a solution is available. Call Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery at (561) 833-4122 to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor and discover how you can have an unparalleled experience with a Mini Neck Lift.