Neck Lift in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks

Restore balance to your profile and renew your sense of self with a neck lift performed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Jennifer Stark. Her work celebrates your natural beauty, helping you look and feel your best.

Bringing a Youthful Brightness to Your Face With Neck Rejuvenation

The neck can show signs of aging before the face, creating a sagging, heavy appearance that changes your profile. Dr. Stark’s customized neck lifts in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks strategically tighten the skin to improve definition and restore proportion between the face and the neck. Her signature blend of technical mastery and artistic judgment ensures your results feel authentic and aligned with your aesthetic goals.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging along the neck and jawline. A neck lift can target the following concerns:

Loose or sagging skin at the neck
Visible muscle banding
Fullness or heaviness beneath the chin
Loss of definition at the jawline
Premature signs of aging
Lack of balanced aging between the neck and face

Dr. Stark achieves these outcomes by tightening loose skin, removing excess fat, and repositioning banding muscles around the neck and jawline. Her work feels natural and avoids an overly tight appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery is an excellent option for healthy adults who are bothered by loose skin, muscle banding, or excess fullness beneath the chin. Many patients seek treatment because they feel their neck appears older than the rest of their face or no longer reflects how youthful they feel.

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have loose or sagging skin along the neck
Notice visible neck bands or loss of jawline definition
Are bothered by a double chin or heavy neck appearance
Are in good overall health
Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
Maintain a stable body weight
Have realistic expectations for your results

The best way to determine whether a neck lift is right for you is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Jennifer Stark. She will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the procedure that best aligns with your desired outcome.

Benefits of a Neck Lift

A neck lift offers more than a smoother neckline. By restoring definition beneath the chin and along the jawline, the procedure creates facial harmony that can make you look refreshed without appearing dramatically different.

Benefits of neck lift surgery include:

A firmer, smoother neck contour
Improved jawline definition
Reduction of loose, sagging skin
Softening of prominent neck bands
A slimmer, more youthful profile
Long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Natural-looking results tailored to your anatomy
Increased confidence in your appearance from every angle

Because Dr. Stark customizes every procedure to each patient's unique anatomy, your results are designed to enhance your natural features rather than change them.

What Can a Neck Lift Correct?

A neck lift is designed to improve many of the visible signs of aging that develop beneath the chin and along the jawline. By addressing both the skin and the deeper supporting structures, Dr. Stark creates smoother, more refined contours that complement your natural facial features.

A neck lift may improve:

Loose or sagging skin beneath the chin
A "turkey neck" appearance
Vertical neck bands caused by separated platysma muscles
Excess fat beneath the chin and along the neck
Poor jawline definition
A heavy or full-looking neck
Neck laxity following significant weight loss
Age-related changes that make the neck appear older than the face

Every treatment plan is customized to your anatomy and goals, allowing Dr. Stark to achieve results that look elegant, balanced, and naturally youthful.

The Dr. Stark Difference

As one of the leading female plastic surgeons in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, she understands the profound impact cosmetic surgery can have on one’s confidence. Her work is rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She wants her patients to feel heard during this process and is committed to being a genuine source of support every step of the way.

Dr. Stark will never suggest change for the sake of change or design exaggerated, overpowering outcomes. Her work honors your anatomy, and she cares deeply about helping patients recognize themselves in the mirror again. She’s guided by a deeply held belief that everyone deserves to rediscover the joy of loving themselves fully.

What to Expect From Your Neck Lift in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks

A Personalized Consultation

Every patient’s journey in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Stark. She’ll conduct an in-depth examination of your skin health and quality, muscle banding, and fat distribution along the neck.

Comprehensive Muscle and Structural Support

Dr. Stark goes beyond tightening the skin to ensure your newly enhanced shape is supported for years to come. She’ll gently adjust your neck muscles to address banding and restore a smoother, firmer contour.

Refined Silhouettes With Excess Skin Removal

During surgery, Dr. Stark will carefully remove excess skin and fat to reshape the neck gradually. Her work emphasizes balance and proportion to avoid pulled-back, overly tightened, or unnatural-looking profiles.

Strategic Incision Placement

Dr. Stark knows that scarring may be a concern for some patients, so she designs your surgical plan to minimize scarring over time. She places incisions along the natural creases of the neck, such as around the ears or beneath the chin, to create smooth skin transitions and reduce the visibility of scars.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

A neck lift provides long-lasting improvement, with many patients enjoying their results for 10 to 15 years or longer. While the natural aging process continues, surgery effectively turns back the clock by restoring youthful contours that age gracefully over time.

Several factors influence the longevity of your results, including genetics, sun exposure, skincare habits, weight stability, and overall health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and following a consistent skincare routine can help preserve your refreshed appearance for many years.

Although no cosmetic procedure can permanently stop aging, patients typically continue to look younger than they would have without surgery. With Dr. Stark's meticulous surgical technique and focus on natural-looking outcomes, your results are designed to remain elegant and balanced well into the future.

Neck Lift Recovery Timeline

While every patient's recovery is unique, most people are pleasantly surprised by how manageable healing can be. Dr. Stark provides detailed postoperative instructions and closely monitors your recovery to help you heal comfortably and confidently.

First Week

Swelling, bruising, and mild tightness are normal during the first several days. You'll wear your compression garment as instructed to minimize swelling and support healing. Most patients spend this time resting, taking short walks, and avoiding strenuous activity.

Weeks Two to Three

Bruising continues to fade, swelling gradually improves, and many patients begin returning to work and other non-strenuous daily activities. Incisions continue healing, and your neck begins revealing its new contour.

Weeks Four to Six

Most patients can resume regular exercise and more vigorous activities after receiving clearance from Dr. Stark. While some residual swelling may remain, your jawline and neck definition become increasingly visible.

Three to Six Months

Your final results continue to refine as all remaining swelling resolves and tissues fully settle. Incisions continue fading, leaving discreet scars that are carefully concealed within natural creases whenever possible.

Procedures That Pair Well With a Neck Lift

Our neck lift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to create more balanced, comprehensive results. Treating multiple areas at once often produces a more harmonious appearance while allowing you to recover during a single healing period.

Facelift: Addresses sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose skin to create a seamless transition between the face and neck.
Chin Liposuction: Removes excess fat beneath the chin to further define the jawline and enhance neck contours.
Fat Grafting: Restores youthful volume to the cheeks, temples, and other areas for improved facial balance.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Brightens tired or heavy-looking eyes, complementing the refreshed appearance of the neck.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin tone, texture, fine lines, and sun damage for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Testimonials

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I highly recommend her to anyone seeking superior quality and outstanding results!

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“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Stark. At each appointment, I was always welcomed by smiles from everyone, particularly Sabrina, Dr. Stark's assistant. She is extremely kind and creates a comforting atmosphere. Dr. Stark is highly knowledgeable and compassionate. I felt anxious about my procedure, but she alleviated my concerns with her gentle nature, professionalism, and effective communication skills. Following my surgery, she consistently checked on my well-being, and I was amazed by the exceptional treatment and personal attention I received. My procedure went great, and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Dr. Stark is an exceptional surgeon who goes beyond expectations. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking superior quality and outstanding results!”

- T.W.

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Thank you, Dr Stark, for making my life HAPPIER!!

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“Dr Stark and her medical team are amazing. Went in to have an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and the care is excellent. Currently at 9 weeks post surgery, swollen a lot less, and loving my results so far. Going into surgery, I was nervous about the after-pain because I heard several horror stories of how painful it is. Surprisingly, my pain level was mild ( 1-10 I was at 2). My experience exceeded my expectations from the consultation, to surgery, to post op. Dr Stark, Sabrina Esquivel, and the whole team have been very caring and attentive, and delivered an A+ service. Thank you, Dr Stark, for making my life HAPPIER!!”

- A.Q.

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I cannot thank Dr. Stark enough.

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“Dr. Stark is not only a meticulous professional and at the top of her field, but she and her team are one of the warmest and most engaged treatment teams I have ever met. Dr. Stark and Sabrina walked me through every moment of the procedure and recovery, and they were attentive and responsive. Her nurses in recovery were incredibly kind and thorough. Dr. Stark’s sense of humor mixed with her attention to detail makes her truly exceptional, and she makes you feel understood. The results of my mini abdominoplasty with liposuction were beyond anything I would have imagined. I cannot thank Dr. Stark and the Schwartz Institute enough.”

- C.B.

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Dr. Stark is absolutely the best plastic surgeon.

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“Dr. Stark is outstanding! She is an artist and a perfectionist. For years, I questioned if my prophylactic mastectomy was worth it because I didn’t love the way I looked. I booked a consultation with Dr. Stark to correct an encapsulated breast implant. She was thorough and made me feel comfortable. The morning of my procedure, as she was marking me, I knew I was not going to regret the results I would be waking up to. I have never felt so confident and happy with my body as she has made me feel. From her pre-op routine and post op routine that helps your body heal quickly without any complications, to her amazing skill of injecting with Botox and Filler, Dr. Stark is absolutely the best plastic surgeon.”

- K.O.

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Start to finish, you will have no complaints guaranteed.

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“Dr Stark is an incredibly talented surgeon. I am an extremely happy patient of hers; she pays attention to everything! She listens to your concerns and is so thorough and detailed. She is also kind and trustworthy, and an artist. I cannot say enough about her. I trust her completely; consider yourself lucky if you're a patient of hers. Start to finish, you will have no complaints guaranteed.”

- M.V.

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Dr. Stark is a true artist.

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“Dr. Stark is a true artist. She takes her time to go over absolutely everything with you. She explains the surgery in full detail and makes you feel extremely comfortable. Her work mimics her bedside manner: it’s incredible. I hardly even notice my incisions, and it looks like I was just blessed with an amazing body, all thanks to her! I finally have my confidence back, and I have to thank it all to her! If you are looking for a surgeon, don’t look any further! Highly recommend!!”

- G.

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I would definitely go back to Dr. Stark in the future...

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“I highly recommend Dr. Stark! I had liposuction and excision of axillary breast tissue performed by Dr. Stark in October 2023. She is incredibly knowledgeable and explains every step in a clear, comforting manner. She does not push procedures and, in fact, recommended I hold off on several additions to my procedure that I was interested in. I had no problems with my healing and am incredibly pleased with the results so far. The nursing and administrative staff are also top-notch. They are all so friendly and responsive, and I never felt awkward about any part of the process. I would definitely go back to Dr. Stark in the future if I ever want to have anything else done.”

- H.F.

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If I were to ever have more work done, Dr. Stark is definitely my go-to.

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“It was an easy decision to choose Dr. Stark after my initial consultation, where she made me feel welcomed and excited to be a patient of hers. I’m so happy with my results, and everything turned out exactly as we had planned. Leading up to and even after my procedure, Dr. Stark proved to be very attentive with the most genuinely friendly bedside manner I’ve ever experienced with any doctor. Her assistant, Sabrina, was wonderful. She answered every email and question I had and was always welcoming with a smile. If I were to ever have more work done, Dr. Stark is definitely my go-to.”

- K.S

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Dr. Stark is the absolute BEST!

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“Dr. Stark is the absolute BEST! I was so grateful to have found someone that I could completely trust to handle my concerns. Through her surgical expertise, I have restored confidence and a new outlook on life. I was so pleased with my procedures and the experience that I have recommended friends.”

- M.H.

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I've already referred friends to Dr. Stark...

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“I can't say enough amazing things about Dr. Stark and her incredible team! From the moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Stark's attention to detail and patience throughout the entire process, especially during my recovery, were beyond impressive. Talking about my insecurities and vulnerabilities felt as comfortable as chatting with a close friend. The aftercare nurses were wonderful, and the entire facility was spotless. Everything went so smoothly from start to finish. I'm absolutely obsessed with my results and can't wait to return for more work in the future! I've already referred friends to Dr. Stark, and they are just as thrilled with her attentiveness and dedication to making them feel confident and beautiful. Highly recommend!”

- T.F.

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I am in love with my results!

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“Dr. Stark did my liposuction procedure! This was my first ever surgery, but Dr. Stark made me feel completely comfortable the entire time and answered all of my questions and concerns. I am in love with my results! Not only is she a great plastic surgeon, but she has a great bedside manner! I highly recommend her!”

- J.T.

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I am beyond grateful to Dr. Stark for completely transforming my life.

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“I am beyond grateful to Dr. Stark for completely transforming my life. The results are absolutely stunning. From my first consultation for my tubular breasts, Dr. Stark's expertise and reassuring manner immediately instilled confidence in me. Her exceptional professionalism, kindness, and unwavering artistry make her the perfect doctor for me. During my recovery, she consistently followed up to ensure my comfort and made herself available whenever needed. Thank you so much, Dr. Stark, you are a miracle worker! I love my breasts and my small waist!”

- H.C.

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I can’t say enough about how truly amazing Dr. Stark has been...

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“I can’t say enough about how truly amazing Dr. Stark has been through my surgical journey. I had two babies back to back and couldn’t get my body back to a place of feeling like me again. I met with her, and I knew right then and there that her vision was my vision. She saw exactly what I was saying and made me feel so comfortable making the decision to move forward with a Mommy Makeover procedure in her surgery center. She recommended a Breast Implant with a Lift, some Liposuction, and Upper and Lower Eyelids. She is a true artist. I am two weeks post-op and this experience is life-changing. I couldn’t be happier with how everything looks. I finally feel confident again, and just in time for summer. I one hundred percent recommend her to anyone who is looking to inquire about cosmetic surgery. You will not be disappointed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Stark!!!”

- D.M.

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Dr. Stark is extremely thorough and so supportive...

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“Dr. Stark performed an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and some lipo to my bra line and flanks. To say my expectations were met is an understatement!! I am so thrilled with my results. After four children, I definitely noticed an overall lack of confidence in my body, and that confidence has been restored! Dr. Stark is extremely thorough and so supportive throughout the entire process. I have no regrets whatsoever and would highly recommend Dr. Stark for beautiful results.”

- T.M.

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I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Stark!!

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“Dr. Stark performed an upper blepharoplasty for me, and I'm thrilled with the results!! It was a simple (virtually painless) procedure, and the recovery time was minor. Dr. Stark is brilliant, and she's a true artist. Not to mention she's so lovely along with her staff. I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Stark!!”

- S.E.

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woman hugging herself with her chin tilted up

Dr. Stark’s Patient-First Recovery Philosophy

Recovery from a neck lift in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village typically involves mild swelling, bruising, and tightness along the neck, which should improve after one to two weeks. Dr. Stark may use drains to support your healing and will provide you with bandaging guidelines to facilitate a smooth recovery. Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the neck to keep tissues still as they settle.

Dr. Stark will send you home from your procedure with extensive aftercare instructions and may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to apply to your incisions. Over the coming months, you’ll return to her office for multiple follow-up appointments. There, she’ll assess your healing progress and will clear you for strenuous exercise when appropriate.

Results You Love

Your final neck lift results will appear gradually over several weeks as swelling subsides. Patients notice an immediate improvement in their jawline contour and neck definition, with their newly enhanced profile taking shape over time. Dr. Stark thoughtfully plans her outcomes to help you age gracefully.

Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Ideal candidates for a neck lift in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks are healthy individuals with visible neck laxity or muscle banding. Dr. Stark will determine if you’re a good fit during your personalized consultation.

When can I return to work after a neck lift?

Most patients can return to stationary work, including desk work, within one to two weeks of their procedure. Dr. Stark will clear you to return to more active or strenuous work as your healing progresses.

Can a neck lift improve a double chin

Yes. A neck lift can remove excess fat and skin under the chin to create a stronger jawline definition and improved neck contour.

How long does neck lift surgery typically last?

Most neck lift procedures last for several hours, depending on the extent of your treatment. Dr. Stark will walk you through a realistic timeline on surgery day, so you go into the procedure feeling confident and fully informed.

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients opt to include a neck lift with a facelift or eyelid surgery to achieve balanced rejuvenation along the face and neck.