Does it feel like your neck gives away your age, even when the rest of you doesn't? If you've started avoiding side profile photos or are reaching for scarves year-round, you may have a "turkey neck." At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, T-Z plasty can dramatically improve your neck's contours.
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037 Call: (858) 452-1981Text: (858) 203-2944 M–F: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
T-Z Plasty Neck Lift in San Diego
For some people, a traditional neck lift isn’t the best solution. That’s where T-Z plasty comes in. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes performs this highly specialized procedure for carefully selected patients with significant loose neck skin. It’s a less common operation, but in experienced hands, it can dramatically improve neck contours while preserving a natural appearance.
T-Z Plasty Neck Lift Surgery at a Glance
Goal: A sleek, streamlined neck and well-defined profile
Anesthesia: General
Average Procedure Time: 90 minutes to 2 hours
Recovery: 5 to 7 days
Resume Exercise: 2 weeks
Final Results: 2 months
Longevity: Permanent, with normal aging
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T-Z plasty is a specialized neck lift technique designed to remove crepey, wrinkly skin beneath the chin and along the front of the neck, often called a “turkey gobbler” or wattle. Unlike a traditional neck lift, which typically places incisions around the ears, T-Z plasty uses a carefully planned incision on the front of the neck to directly remove redundant skin and improve neck definition.
While many people initially worry about a visible scar, the tradeoff is often well worth it. For patients with severe skin laxity, the procedure can produce improvements that simply aren’t possible with traditional techniques alone.
Dr. Salazar strategically designs the incision to heal as inconspicuously as possible, incorporating advanced techniques to help optimize scar quality.
"Dr. Salazar was an excellent surgeon. I am very pleased with my results. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. Befor…"
Jul 3, 2026
"Dr Salazar is a great plastic surgeon and very attentive. "
Mar 19, 2025
"Dr. Salazar laid out in detail what I could expect, which helped me prepare."
Mar 17, 2025
Is T-Z Plasty Right for Me?
T-Z plasty isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why you should choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure, such as Dr. Salazar.
This procedure is best suited for people with:
Significant loose or hanging neck skin
Poor neck definition caused primarily by excess skin
Good overall health and realistic expectations
A desire to improve the appearance of the neck without an extensive facelift
During your consultation, Dr. Salazar will examine your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether T-Z plasty, a traditional neck lift, or another rejuvenation procedure will provide your best result.
Why Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre?
T-Z plasty is one of the least commonly performed cosmetic procedures in plastic surgery. Many experienced aesthetic surgeons perform only a handful throughout their careers. However, Dr. Salazar performs this procedure regularly.
Dr. Salazar’s expertise and frequency performing T-Z plasty is virtually unmatched. This consistent experience has allowed him to continually refine the procedure and establish La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre as a referral center for patients seeking this highly specialized operation.
Dr. Salazar has developed a particular interest in treating severe neck laxity. Having performed over 50 T-Z plasty procedures, he has continued to refine the operation to provide natural-looking results for both men and women. He is one of a small number of surgeons who was trained directly by the pioneers of T-Z Plasty—a rare credential in this field.
During his plastic surgery residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston—where T-Z plasty originated—Dr. Salazar trained under Dr. Tom Biggs, along with Dr. Benjamin Cohen, Dr. Ernest Cronin, and Dr. Donald Collins, pioneers who routinely performed and taught the operation. That direct training lineage is increasingly rare today and continues to influence every T-Z plasty procedure Dr. Salazar performs.
LIVE WEBINAR: Don’t miss Dr. Salazar discussing T-Z plasty—including who is a good candidate—during a live webinar on August 26, 2026. Get more details or REGISTER NOW.
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While the original T-Z plasty technique has stood the test of time, Dr. Salazar has thoughtfully evolved the procedure to deliver even better outcomes.
Traditionally, T-Z plasty was performed primarily in male patients. Dr. Salazar has modified surgical planning and tissue handling to successfully expand the procedure to carefully selected female patients, achieving natural-looking, elegant results while preserving feminine neck contours.
Other refinements include:
Developing extended T-Z plasty techniques to address more advanced neck laxity.
Tightening the platysma muscles in the midline to improve neck definition, sharpen the jawline, and soften the appearance of early jowls.
Using nanofat grafting around the incisions to support tissue quality and encourage optimal scar healing.
These enhancements transform T-Z plasty into a more comprehensive neck rejuvenation procedure, with every refinement designed to preserve the natural-looking results patients want.
What Is Nanofat Grafting?
The use of nano fat grafting is an innovative technique that studies show is effective for optimizing healing and minimizing scarring. Nanofat is rich in stem cells and powerful growth factors that improve tissue quality and accelerate healing. The technique begins with taking a small amount of your own fat using a gentle liposuction procedure and then processing it until it’s a thin liquid. Because it is so fine, Dr. Salazar can inject it into the skin’s upper layers, improving skin quality and smoothing its texture.
Your Safety Is Our #1 Priority
Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
T-Z plasty requires more than technical execution. It requires careful patient selection, a deep understanding of neck anatomy and facial aesthetics, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to achieving results that look refreshed—not operated on. Dr. Salazar’s goal is always to provide individualized treatment while honoring the principles of the original operation and continuously improving upon them.
Recovery After T-Z Plasty
Most patients return home the same day after surgery. Swelling and bruising are expected during the first couple of weeks, and you’ll receive detailed recovery instructions to help ensure comfortable healing.
As swelling subsides, your new neck contour gradually becomes more visible. Scar maturation continues over several months, becoming softer and less noticeable with time.
Dr. Salazar follows patients closely throughout recovery and is always available to answer questions along the way.
T-Z Plasty Neck Lift FAQs
What is the difference between T-Z plasty and a traditional neck lift?
Both procedures rejuvenate the neck, but they’re designed for different concerns. A traditional neck lift tightens the neck through incisions hidden around the ears and is ideal for many patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. T-Z plasty is a specialized procedure intended for people with significant hanging skin beneath the chin—often called a “turkey neck.”
Will the scar be noticeable?
This is understandably the biggest concern for most patients. While T-Z plasty does involve an incision on the front of the neck, Dr. Salazar carefully designs and closes the incision to promote the best possible healing. He also incorporates nanofat grafting around the incision to support tissue quality and optimize scar appearance. For patients with severe neck laxity, the improvement in neck contour often far outweighs the visibility of the scar.
Can women have T-Z plasty?
Absolutely. While T-Z plasty was originally performed primarily in men, Dr. Salazar has refined the technique to successfully treat carefully selected women. The modifications preserve feminine neck contours while addressing excess skin and improving jawline definition.
Can T-Z plasty improve my jawline?
Yes. In addition to removing excess skin, Dr. Salazar tightens the platysma muscle during surgery whenever appropriate. This creates a smoother neck contour, enhances jawline definition, and can even improve the appearance of early jowls for a more refreshed profile.
How long do T-Z plasty results last?
T-Z plasty permanently removes excess skin, so your results can be long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy a noticeably firmer, more defined neck for many years. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results.
Can T-Z plasty be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures?
Yes. Depending on your goals, Dr. Salazar may combine T-Z plasty with procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or laser skin resurfacing for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. He creates a personalized treatment plan based on your anatomy and desired outcome.
Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on August 25th, 2026. Meet Our Medical Editors
