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Non-Surgical Neck Lift in Denver and Fort Collins

The neck is one of the first places aging becomes visible, and one of the most common reasons patients come to Dr. Diane Duncan at Plastic Surgical Associates. The good news: surgery is not always the answer.

woman smiling with hands on her face

What Dr. Duncan Evaluates at a Neck Lift Consultation

No two necks age the same way. When a patient comes in concerned about their neck, Dr. Duncan looks at several distinct factors before recommending any treatment:

  • Skin laxity: How much loose or crepey skin is present
  • Fat distribution: Whether excess submental fat is contributing to fullness
  • Muscle banding: Whether the platysma muscle has separated or begun to cord
  • Jawline definition: How much jowling is affecting the neck's overall appearance
  • Skin quality: Texture, sun damage, and surface irregularities

This assessment shapes everything. What works for early skin laxity is different from what is needed for significant muscle banding or heavy jowling.

What Nonsurgical Techniques Can Achieve

For patients with early laxity, good skin quality, and minimal fat, nonsurgical options can produce real, visible improvement.
Dr. Duncan offers several approaches in this category, including neurotoxin injections into the platysma bands to relax muscle cording, radiofrequency treatments to tighten skin from within, and Emface, which uses HIFEM and RF technology to lift and firm facial and neck tissue without needles or incisions.
These treatments work best for patients who are not yet candidates for surgery or who want to maintain results between procedures.

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What Minimally Invasive Techniques Can Achieve

When nonsurgical options are not enough but a patient is not ready for or interested in full surgery, minimally invasive techniques can bridge the gap.
Dr. Duncan's BioLift uses your body's own growth factors combined with precision techniques to tighten and restore tissue with minimal downtime. Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction can address submental fat while simultaneously tightening the overlying skin, producing a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour.
These approaches require small entry points rather than full incisions and typically involve significantly less recovery than traditional surgery.

When a Traditional Neck Lift Is the Right Choice

Some patients come in hoping to avoid surgery but have concerns that nonsurgical or minimally invasive options simply cannot correct. Significant skin laxity, deep platysma banding, and heavy jowling generally require a surgical neck lift or face and neck lift to achieve meaningful, lasting results.
Dr. Duncan is straightforward with patients when this is the case. The goal is always the right result, not the path of least resistance.

When a Face and Neck Lift Alone Is Not Enough

In some patients, even a well-executed surgical lift does not fully address everything contributing to an aged appearance. Skin quality, volume loss in the midface, and changes in the brow and eye area may need to be addressed alongside lifting to produce a balanced, natural outcome.
Dr. Duncan often combines neck and face lifting with fat transfer, laser resurfacing, or eyelid surgery depending on what each patient's anatomy actually requires.

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Patient Testimonials

Successful Liposuction

“I had liposuction done on my lower abdomen and flanks and everything went really well. I think Dr. Duncan and her staff are incredible. Everyone is incredibly nice and welcoming, and they were patient with all of my questions. My body looks as well as it should 6 weeks after surgery and I can't wait to see the final results in several months. I would definitely choose her again.”

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58 Year Old Tummy Tuck

“I had 2 big babies. Every time I lost weight I still had an "apron" & had to Stuff it in my pants; also had a "roll" over the top. Have seen women who got yeast infections & skin breakdown under it & I didn't want that as I age. I feel so much better & healthier which was my goal! Well worth it!”

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I had an amazing experience and results!

“My experience was great from the beginning. My options were reviewed and explained in detail. The staff took extra time to explain the procedure that would be best for me, considering my desired look and the doctors professional opinion. Doctor Duncan and staff always took the time to work with me during my follow-up visits and explained exactly what I needed to do to get the maximum results. My results were amazing,...”

My experience was great from the beginning. My options were reviewed and explained in detail. The staff took extra time to explain the procedure that would be best for me, considering my desired look and the doctors professional opinion. Doctor Duncan and staff always took the time to work with me during my follow-up visits and explained exactly what I needed to do to get the maximum results. My results were amazing, much more than I expected! Thank You all!

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A smooth and wonderful experience

“Duncan and her staff were wonderful. Duncan showed an extremely high level of professionalism and concern for the best results. She was strict in a way I appreciated and the staff made me comfortable”

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NEO resolving chronic back pain

“I had chronic back pain before I started EmSculpt Neo treatment. I could never bend over without having a lot of pain. Now, even three months after treatment, I can move freely without issue! I can lie on the floor or the couch, do workouts, and stand for long periods of time without any back issues whatsoever. I highly recommend this treatment.”

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I feel beautiful and look natural

“I want to thank Dr. Duncan and PSA for the incredible transformation they were able to achieve with my body. Having children and age had made me feel disfigured and unfeminine. I researched for a long time, many different surgeons, and even considered going out of the country. I am so glad I went with Dr. Duncan and PSA. I feel beautiful and look natural. She is a true artist. Thank you for giving me my femininity ba...”

I want to thank Dr. Duncan and PSA for the incredible transformation they were able to achieve with my body. Having children and age had made me feel disfigured and unfeminine. I researched for a long time, many different surgeons, and even considered going out of the country. I am so glad I went with Dr. Duncan and PSA. I feel beautiful and look natural. She is a true artist. Thank you for giving me my femininity back.

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I immediately felt comfortable

“Most of my life, I was happy with my C-cup breast size. But after having four children and turning 41, my breasts were small and sagging and barely an A-cup! I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Duncan because of her 20+ years of experience, and at my initial consultation, I immediately felt comfortable. Dr. Duncan listened to me and took the time to answer all of my questions. I consulted with two other plasti...”

Most of my life, I was happy with my C-cup breast size. But after having four children and turning 41, my breasts were small and sagging and barely an A-cup! I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Duncan because of her 20+ years of experience, and at my initial consultation, I immediately felt comfortable. Dr. Duncan listened to me and took the time to answer all of my questions. I consulted with two other plastic surgeons, who both recommended an implant size larger than that of Dr. Duncan. I would have been very unhappy with breasts larger than I have now!! I definitely made the right choice in selecting Dr. Duncan for my breast augmentation.

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Your staff was especially courteous, prompt, and caring

“Please accept my sincere gratitude for the excellent medical care I received from you and your staff. Your patience and understanding regarding my many inquiries were handled in a very professional manner. Your staff was especially courteous, prompt, and caring. Thank you for being the greatest Doctor I have ever met in a long, long time.”

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Dr. Duncan exudes confidence in her craft, and it is displayed in her work

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Duncan and her staff! I was made to feel comfortable every step of the way, and I genuinely had a great time through the whole process, even during surgery. Diane Duncan exudes confidence in her craft, and it is displayed in her work, experience, and reputation worldwide. I have never had any type of surgery, and Dr. Duncan, the nurses, and staff members were wonderful on the day of...”

I can’t say enough about Dr. Duncan and her staff! I was made to feel comfortable every step of the way, and I genuinely had a great time through the whole process, even during surgery. Diane Duncan exudes confidence in her craft, and it is displayed in her work, experience, and reputation worldwide. I have never had any type of surgery, and Dr. Duncan, the nurses, and staff members were wonderful on the day of surgery (and throughout the process) and set me completely at ease. I am VERY pleased with my experience and would recommend Dr. Duncan to anyone interested in Plastic Surgery.

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I am renewed, whole again, and complete

“Only after this wonderful surgery have I come to realize what you have given back to me, almost as a by-product of the surgical procedures. Joy, pure and simple joy! I am renewed, whole again, and complete. Astonishing discoveries, for someone whose expectations were so very limited. Thank you for being a part of the most positive experience of my life. I hear the scientist speak as I listen to your words. I see the ...”

Only after this wonderful surgery have I come to realize what you have given back to me, almost as a by-product of the surgical procedures. Joy, pure and simple joy! I am renewed, whole again, and complete. Astonishing discoveries, for someone whose expectations were so very limited. Thank you for being a part of the most positive experience of my life. I hear the scientist speak as I listen to your words. I see the artist’s work as I glance at my face. Thank you.

5 star rating

Dr. Duncan achieved a very natural look for my body

“From the beginning to the end, my experience with Dr. Duncan and staff was over-the-top exceptional. Everyone was helpful, knowledgeable, and very friendly. I feel the work I had done was perfect and that Dr. Duncan achieved a very natural look for my body. I highly recommend PSA and will be visiting them again in the near future for other procedures.”

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Everything went smoothly and healed up great

“I had a rhinoplasty with Dr. Duncan about a month and a half ago. Everything went smoothly and healed up great! I had to get a septoplasty as well with a different doctor, and she was so great with accommodating for that. Little to no bruising anywhere, just a scar where my nose was opened, but with scar cream it is fading slowly. I love my new nose!”

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Read More Testimonials

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Face and Neck Lifting for Men

Men present differently than women when it comes to neck aging, and their goals for results often differ as well. Dr. Duncan has specific experience treating male patients who want a sharper, more defined jawline and neck without looking pulled or feminized.
Incision placement, technique, and the degree of correction are all adjusted to account for male facial structure, beard distribution, and skin thickness.

woman's side profile with long hair

Recovery Time for Neck Lifting Procedures

Recovery varies significantly depending on the approach taken.

  • Nonsurgical treatments: No downtime; most patients return to normal activity immediately.
  • Minimally invasive procedures: Typically one to five days of mild swelling and bruising.
  • Surgical neck or face and neck lift: Most patients take two weeks before returning to social activities, with final results developing over three to six months.

Dr. Duncan will walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific treatment plan during your consultation.

Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation With Dr. Duncan

Dr. Diane Duncan is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience and recognition as one of America's Top Surgeons and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She treats patients at Plastic Surgical Associates in Fort Collins, with access to the full Denver metro area.
Contact our office to schedule your consultation today.

Meet Dr. Duncan
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What is a non-surgical neck lift?

A non-surgical neck lift uses minimally invasive or noninvasive treatments to improve neck contour, tighten skin, and reduce visible signs of aging without traditional surgery. Dr. Diane Duncan offers treatments such as neurotoxin injections, radiofrequency skin tightening, and Emface technology to address early neck aging concerns.

Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical neck lift?

Patients with early skin laxity, good skin quality, minimal excess fat, and mild neck aging are often ideal candidates for non-surgical neck lift treatments. These options work best for individuals who are not ready for surgery or want to maintain previous surgical results.

What does Dr. Duncan evaluate during a neck lift consultation?

During a consultation, Dr. Duncan evaluates several factors including skin laxity, fat distribution, platysma muscle banding, jawline definition, and overall skin quality. This assessment helps determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

What nonsurgical treatments are available for neck rejuvenation?

Dr. Duncan offers several nonsurgical options, including neurotoxin injections to relax platysma bands, radiofrequency treatments to tighten skin, and Emface technology, which combines HIFEM and RF energy to lift and firm facial and neck tissues without needles or incisions.

What are minimally invasive neck lift techniques?

Minimally invasive neck lift techniques include procedures like BioLift and radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. These treatments use small entry points instead of full incisions to tighten tissue, reduce submental fat, and improve jawline definition with less downtime than traditional surgery.

When is a traditional neck lift necessary?

A traditional neck lift may be recommended for patients with significant skin laxity, deep platysma banding, or heavy jowling that nonsurgical or minimally invasive treatments cannot adequately correct. Surgical lifting provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results in these cases.

Can a neck lift be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures?

Yes. Dr. Duncan often combines neck and face lifting procedures with treatments such as fat transfer, laser resurfacing, or eyelid surgery to address volume loss, skin quality, and aging around the eyes and brow for more balanced, natural-looking results.

Are neck lift treatments different for men?

Yes. Men often have different concerns and anatomical considerations, including thicker skin, beard distribution, and a desire for a stronger jawline without looking overdone. Dr. Duncan customizes incision placement and techniques specifically for male facial structure and aesthetic goals.

What is recovery like after a neck lift procedure?

Recovery depends on the type of treatment performed. Nonsurgical treatments usually require no downtime, minimally invasive procedures may involve one to five days of mild swelling or bruising, and surgical neck lifts typically require about two weeks before returning to social activities, with final results developing over several months.

How long do results from a non-surgical neck lift last?

The longevity of results varies based on the treatment used, the patient’s skin quality, and the aging process. Many patients choose maintenance treatments over time to preserve and enhance their results.

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