If you are researching a neck lift and want straightforward, trustworthy answers, this neck lift FAQ is your complete guide. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, with offices in Denver, Lone Tree and Castle Rock, Dr. Nicolette Picerno and Dr. Christopher Cote bring more than 50 years of combined experience in facial plastic surgery, along with double board certification, to every consultation.

This page covers the questions prospective patients ask most often, from candidacy and procedure details to recovery and cost considerations. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or are ready to schedule a visit, FacesFirst is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Contact the practice today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote in Denver, Lone Tree, or Castle Rock.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift in Denver, CO

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging along the jawline and neck, including loose or sagging skin, excess fat, and the appearance of vertical neck bands. The procedure may tighten underlying muscles, remove or reposition tissue, and create a smoother, more defined neck contour. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote tailor each neck lift to the individual patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals, drawing on their extensive experience in facial plastic surgery to deliver natural-looking outcomes.

How does a neck lift work?

During a neck lift, your surgeon makes discreet incisions, typically behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, to access the underlying structures of the neck. The platysma muscle may be tightened, excess fat may be reduced, and redundant skin is carefully repositioned or removed. In some cases, complementary techniques such as tumescent liposuction may be incorporated to refine the neck contour further. The incisions are placed to minimize visible scarring, and the procedure is typically performed under anesthesia for patient comfort.

What concerns can a neck lift address?

A neck lift may help improve the appearance of loose or crepey neck skin, excess submental fat commonly called a “double chin,” prominent platysmal bands, and a poorly defined jawline. It is often considered by patients who have noticed these changes due to natural aging, significant weight changes, or genetics. Many patients at FacesFirst in Denver also explore combining a neck lift with a facelift or other facial procedures to achieve a cohesive, balanced result across the face and neck.

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Good candidates for a neck lift are generally adults in good overall health who have noticeable laxity, excess skin, or fullness in the neck area and hold realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Non-smokers tend to experience smoother recoveries, and candidates should be at or near a stable weight before proceeding. During your consultation at FacesFirst, Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote will review your medical history, examine your anatomy, and discuss your goals to help determine whether a neck lift, or a combination of procedures, is the most appropriate path for you.

Who might not be an ideal candidate for a neck lift?

Patients with certain uncontrolled medical conditions, active skin infections in the treatment area, or unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes may not be appropriate candidates at this time. Those who smoke are typically asked to stop well in advance of surgery, as smoking can affect healing. Some patients who are in the earlier stages of skin laxity may find that non-surgical options, such as microneedling or laser treatments, are a better starting point. The surgeons at FacesFirst will always recommend the approach that best fits your individual situation.

What should I expect at my neck lift consultation at FacesFirst?

Your consultation with Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver, Lone Tree, or Castle Rock will begin with a thorough review of your aesthetic goals and health history. Your surgeon will examine your neck, jawline, and facial structure, then walk you through the recommended surgical plan, including incision placement, anesthesia type, and expected outcomes. You are encouraged to ask every question on your mind. Reviewing the before-and-after photo gallery before your appointment can help you articulate the results you hope to achieve and give your surgeon useful visual context.

How long does a neck lift procedure take, and how long do results last?

A neck lift typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether complementary procedures are performed at the same time. Results from a neck lift may last for many years, as the procedure addresses the underlying structural causes of neck aging rather than surface-level changes alone. Ongoing factors such as skin quality, lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process will influence how results evolve over time. Individual results may vary, and your surgeon will give you a realistic picture of what to expect during your consultation.

What is recovery like after a neck lift?

Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild tightness in the days following a neck lift, and these effects typically subside over the first one to two weeks. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light activity within seven to ten days, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks as directed by your surgeon. FacesFirst provides thorough post-operative guidance to support a smooth recovery. You can review helpful pre- and post-operative resources through the patient resources section of the FacesFirst website.

Do you serve patients from outside Denver?

Yes. FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery serves patients from across the Denver metro area and beyond, with offices in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, where our office is inside AOO’s Briscoe Building on the AdventHealth Castle Rock campus. Patients traveling from further away are welcome, and the team can help coordinate your care to minimize the number of trips required. Whether you live nearby or are traveling specifically to consult with Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote, FacesFirst strives to make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible from your very first contact.

What makes FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery different for neck lift patients in Denver?

FacesFirst brings more than 50 years of combined experience to patients in Denver, Lone Tree and Castle Rock, with a practice built exclusively around facial procedures. It is not a general plastic surgery practice. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote are both double board-certified, a distinction that reflects a concentrated focus on the anatomy of the face and neck. Both surgeons were named 5280 Magazine/Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025. This depth of specialization means neck lift patients are in the care of surgeons whose entire professional focus is the face and neck.

What factors influence the cost of a neck lift?

The cost of a neck lift at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver will depend on several variables, including the complexity of your individual anatomy, whether additional procedures such as a lower facelift are performed at the same time, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs. Because each neck lift is customized, a precise quote cannot be provided without a personal consultation. Financing options may be available to help patients manage costs; ask your patient coordinator for details when you schedule your appointment.

Is a neck lift safe, and what are the common concerns patients have?

A neck lift is a well-established surgical procedure that is considered safe when performed by a qualified, experienced facial plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks, including temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and in rare cases, complications related to healing or anesthesia. Choosing a double board-certified surgeon with a demonstrated focus on facial procedures, as both Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote at FacesFirst offer, is one of the most important steps patients can take to support a positive experience. Your surgeon will discuss all relevant risks and how they apply to your specific situation during your consultation.

Why Choose FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery for Your Neck Lift in Denver?

FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery has been a trusted name in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, built on a singular focus: the face and neck. Dr. Nicolette Picerno and Dr. Christopher Cote are both double board-certified, and both were named 5280 Magazine / Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025. Together, they bring more than 50 years of combined experience. Their combined expertise means that every neck lift consultation and procedure benefits from the kind of focused, in-depth knowledge that only comes from a career dedicated exclusively to facial anatomy. From your first appointment through your full recovery, the FacesFirst team is committed to providing attentive, compassionate care tailored to your individual goals.

Neck lift patients receive the same caliber of surgeon and care they would expect in New York, Los Angeles,f or Miami, without leaving Colorado. Through our partnership with AOO’s ENT specialists, our Castle Rock office is located inside AOO’s Briscoe Building on the AdventHealth Castle Rock campus, and FacesFirst also sees patients in Denver and Lone Tree.

Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation at FacesFirst in Denver

If this neck lift FAQ has helped you feel more informed and ready to take the next step, FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, with offices in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, is here to answer any remaining questions in person. Contact the practice to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote today.

Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno

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Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, Colorado. They have over 50 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.