As the year slowly comes to an end, many people begin exploring ways to look and feel their best before upcoming gatherings and the New Year. Subtle facial rejuvenation can make a remarkable difference, especially in areas that tend to show early signs of aging, such as the neck and jawline.
Over time, skin laxity, vertical bands, and soft contours can make the neck appear older or less defined. For some, these changes are mild and may respond well to a smaller procedure, while others may need a more comprehensive approach to achieving long-lasting results. This leads to one of the most common questions patients ask: Is a mini neck lift enough, or do I need a full neck lift?
Both procedures can dramatically improve the neck’s appearance, but the best choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and how much downtime you can allow for recovery. At John Diaz, MD Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, each neck lift is personalized to deliver natural, balanced rejuvenation that complements your unique features.
So, let’s take a closer look at what sets the mini neck lift and full neck lift apart, and discover how each can help you achieve a smoother, more youthful neckline.
Understanding the Neck Lift: What It Does and Why It Is Popular
The neck is one of the first areas to reveal signs of aging. Skin laxity, muscle banding, and fat accumulation beneath the chin can make you look older than you feel. Fortunately, a neck lift addresses these concerns by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and restoring a smoother, more defined contour.
Modern techniques focus on achieving a natural neck lift, one that refreshes your appearance without changing who you are. In Beverly Hills, neck lift procedures are popular because they offer visible yet refined results, often with little evidence of surgery.
Understanding your options begins with recognizing the difference between a mini and full neck lift.
What Is a Mini Neck Lift?
A mini neck lift is a less invasive procedure designed for patients with early signs of aging, such as mild sagging under the chin or along the jawline. Using smaller incisions, often hidden behind the ears or under the chin, Dr. Diaz tightens limited areas of muscle and skin for subtle, natural improvement.
Since the corrections are minor, recovery time is shorter, and swelling is minimal. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week. This makes the mini neck lift a popular choice for those wanting a quick, natural refresh before social events or professional milestones.
However, while a mini neck lift can refine contours, it does not address deeper structural concerns or significant skin laxity. For this reason, patients seeking more dramatic or long-lasting rejuvenation may benefit from a full neck lift instead.
What Is a Full Neck Lift?
In contrast to the mini approach, a full neck lift provides comprehensive rejuvenation for individuals with more advanced signs of aging. It involves tightening the deeper platysma muscle, repositioning underlying tissues, and removing excess skin for a smoother and firmer appearance.
This approach is ideal for patients with:
- Noticeable neck banding
- Loose or sagging skin beneath the chin
- Loss of jawline definition
While recovery takes longer than a mini lift, the transformation is more dramatic and enduring. Additionally, many patients combine a full neck lift with a facelift or liposuction to achieve balanced, natural results across the lower face and neck.
Ultimately, the transition between these two options often comes down to how much change you are seeking, and how long you want it to last.
Mini Neck Lift vs. Full Neck Lift — How to Know What’s Right for You
Both procedures enhance the neck’s contour and restore definition, but they differ in how much correction they provide and how long the results last.
Mini Neck Lift
Ideal for those with early signs of aging who want subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
Benefits include:
- Targets mild sagging and early skin laxity
- Uses small, hidden incisions
- Short recovery time (about 5–7 days)
- Creates refined, natural-looking results
- Results last several years with proper care
Full Neck Lift
Designed for patients with more advanced aging or visible muscle banding who want comprehensive, long-lasting improvement.
Benefits include:
- Corrects deeper tissue laxity and excess skin
- Involves longer incisions behind the ears or under the chin
- Requires 1–2 weeks of recovery
- Produces dramatic, long-term rejuvenation
- Results can last 10 years or more with maintenance
Choosing between a mini and full neck lift depends on your anatomy, age, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Diaz conducts a detailed evaluation to determine the best option for you. His focus is always the same, to deliver natural, elegant neck lift results that enhance your confidence and reflect your best self.
What Affects Neck Lift Price in Beverly Hills?
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “What does a neck lift cost?” The answer varies depending on several factors.
At Dr. Diaz’s Beverly Hills practice, neck lift price is influenced by:
Surgeon expertise: A board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced skill and experience ensures the safest, most refined outcome.
Extent of correction: A mini neck lift is generally less complex than a full procedure, which addresses deeper tissues and skin.
Customized approach: Combining a neck lift with a facelift often provides the most seamless and rejuvenated appearance, which can also influence the overall cost.
Facility and anesthesia: Accredited surgical centers and board-certified anesthesiologists contribute to both safety and comfort.
Geographic location: Beverly Hills is home to world-class surgeons and facilities, which is reflected in the pricing structure.
Rather than focusing solely on cost, patients should prioritize quality, safety, and surgeon expertise. A beautifully executed neck lift not only rejuvenates your appearance but also delivers results that age gracefully over time.

Check out more before and after neck lift results here.
Achieving a Natural Neck Lift Result
No two patients share the same anatomy or aesthetic goals. As a result, Dr. Diaz focuses on creating natural neck lift results through individualized planning and meticulous surgical technique.
Every incision, suture, and adjustment is made with precision to ensure smooth transitions between the face, jawline, and neck. Instead of pulling the skin tight, Dr. Diaz repositions the underlying muscles and tissues for a refreshed appearance that looks effortless, and not operated on.
This artistry, combined with advanced surgical training, distinguishes his work and maintains his reputation for natural results in Beverly Hills.
When done correctly, a neck lift enhances how you look and how you feel, restoring both definition and confidence.
Discover Your Best Neck Lift Options in Beverly Hills
Whether you are considering a mini neck lift for subtle enhancement or a full neck lift for comprehensive rejuvenation, the first step is a personalized consultation. During your visit, John Diaz, MD, will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and design a surgical plan tailored to you.
Each procedure is performed at an accredited Beverly Hills facility that meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and privacy.
As the holidays approach, now is the perfect time to discover how a customized neck lift can help you look refreshed, confident, and naturally youthful, without changing what makes you unique.
Schedule your private consultation with John Diaz, MD, in Beverly Hills today to begin your journey toward a smoother, more defined neckline.