Direct Neck Lift
- Procedures
- Neck
- Direct Neck Lift
Evidence Based
A direct neck lift is a plastic surgery to enhance and tighten the neck eliminating a double chin, chubby chin, turkey wattle, or wobbly neck.
E
Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Article History
Procedure Overview
Concerns
Ideal Candidate
Recovery
Side Effects
Results
Average Cost
Pros
- Neck Definition
- Double Chin
- Reduce Fullness
- Remove Fat
- Remove Turkey Neck
Cons
- Visible Scar
- Does Not Address Facial Skin Laxity
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
The Skinny
Average Recovery
3 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$5000 - $8000
The Specifics
What is a direct neck lift?
A direct neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure combining the techniques of cervicoplasty to remove excess skin and platysmaplasty to tighten the underlying muscles in the neck. Most neck lifts are used to remove excess fat and excess skin causing a double chin or turkey wattle while also tightening the platysma muscle.
A direct neck lift can improve facial contour and profile by improving the angle between the chin and the chest. Neck lifts are often combined with a facelift to significantly improve the facial aesthetic.
What cosmetic concerns does a direct neck lift procedure treat?
: Removing excess skin, excess fat, and improving platysma muscle laxity refines, defines, and enhances the contour of the chin, jaw, and neck.
Who is the ideal candidate for a direct neck lift procedure?
The ideal candidate for a direct neck lift has excess skin under the chin and neck, and is aware there will most likely be visible scarring underneath the chin. A direct neck lift is not recommended for those with severe jowls or cheek sagging who would be better benefitted by a facelift.
What is the average recovery associated with a direct neck lift procedure?
Most patients experience two to four weeks of recovery time following a direct neck lift. Swelling, bruising, and soreness usually resolve over the first few weeks. Sutures are removed after one week. Patients should turn their heads with their shoulders, and sleep with an elevated head of bed for two to four weeks. Most activities including work can be resumed after two to three weeks.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to neck lift recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a direct neck lift procedure?
Possible side effects following a direct neck lift include bruising, swelling, discomfort, changes in sensation, wound infection, and scarring.
What can someone expect from the results of a direct neck lift procedure?
The results of a direct neck lift will be immediately noticeable after the procedure, and will finalize over a few weeks as the body heals. The results are permanent, but will change with aging and significant weight gain.
What is the average cost of a direct neck lift procedure?
A direct neck lift procedure can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. The actual cost of a direct neck lift is dependent upon location, board certified facial plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of a neck lift.
Pros
- Neck Definition
- Double Chin
- Reduce Fullness
- Remove Fat
- Remove Turkey Neck
Cons
- Visible Scar
- Does Not Address Facial Skin Laxity
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Direct neck lift surgery is primarily designed to enhance and tighten the neck, eliminating excess tissue, fat, or “banding” that often forms during the natural aging process. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a direct neck lift.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications 2 weeks before
- Stop topical medications such as Retin-A or other tretinoin products
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after
- No alcohol 5 days prior
- Do not eat or drink 6 hours before
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- Small incision underneath the chin
- Excess fat removed via excision or liposuction
- Platysma muscles are tightened
- Excess skin is removed
- Sutures to close
Immediately After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Start walking as soon as possible
1 Week After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Sutures removed after 5-10 days
2-4 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- Return to work 2-4 weeks postoperatively
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Use shoulders to turn the head for 2 weeks
Result Notes
- Results noticeable immediately and are potentially permanent
- Results affected by aging and significant weight gain
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications 2 weeks before
- Stop topical medications such as Retin-A or other tretinoin products
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after
- No alcohol 5 days prior
- Do not eat or drink 6 hours before
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- Small incision underneath the chin
- Excess fat removed via excision or liposuction
- Platysma muscles are tightened
- Excess skin is removed
- Sutures to close
Immediately After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Start walking as soon as possible
1 Week After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Sutures removed after 5-10 days
2-4 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- Return to work 2-4 weeks postoperatively
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Use shoulders to turn the head for 2 weeks
Result Notes
- Results noticeable immediately and are potentially permanent
- Results affected by aging and significant weight gain
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications 2 weeks before
- Stop topical medications such as Retin-A or other tretinoin products
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after
- No alcohol 5 days prior
- Do not eat or drink 6 hours before
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- Small incision underneath the chin
- Excess fat removed via excision or liposuction
- Platysma muscles are tightened
- Excess skin is removed
- Sutures to close
Immediately After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Start walking as soon as possible
1 Week After Treatment
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Bruising and swelling
- Sutures removed after 5-10 days
2-4 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- Return to work 2-4 weeks postoperatively
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Use shoulders to turn the head for 2 weeks
Result Notes
- Results noticeable immediately and are potentially permanent
- Results affected by aging and significant weight gain
The Takeaway
A direct neck lift is a plastic surgery used to remove excess fat, excess neck skin, and improve neck muscle laxity to rejuvenate and refresh the face, jaw, and neck appearance.
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