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Aging extra skin under your chin and draping on your neck can be aggravating. A direct neck lift procedure lifts the skin on the neck, making it appear more slim and more youthful. Learn more about the direct neck lift contouring procedure at 5th Avenue Plastic Surgery below.

What is a Direct Neck Lift Surgery?

A direct neck lift is a facial plastic surgery that targets signs of aging such as loose skin, jowl lines, a double chin, and muscle laxity for lasting neck rejuvenation. Unlike a nonsurgical neck lift, this surgical procedure directly removes excess fat and skin beneath the chin and jawline, offering smoother contours and firmer results. It may be combined with skin resurfacing or other facial procedures to enhance skin quality, though patients with poor wound healing should carefully discuss options with their surgeon. This cosmetic surgery is an excellent cosmetic procedure for those satisfied with their facial appearance but seeking a more youthful neckline, often providing more predictable outcomes than less invasive options, while a full surgical neck lift combined with a facelift can be considered for comprehensive rejuvenation.

QUICK FACTS

Recovery Time

2 Weeks

Anesthesia Type

IV Sedation

Direct Neck Lift Candidates

Direct neck lifts are a great procedure for older candidates looking to improve their neck contour without major facelift surgery. Ideal individuals for surgery include those in generally good health who are:

  • Wanting to reduce excess skin
  • Individuals wanting to smooth out wrinkles and lines on the neck
  • Patients who experience sagging skin
  • Individuals with visible neckbands
  • Those looking for long-term results

Patients pursuing a direct neck lift must not smoke and should be generally healthy, with a BMI under 35. If you are interested in a neck lift, Boca Raton is the ideal location for treatment and recovery. Please note that the best way to determine candidacy is to schedule a consultation appointment at our practice.

The Direct Neck Lift Procedure

Direct neck lift surgery removes excess skin while tightening loose neck muscles.

 Dr. Tzikas and Dr.Mascaró perform one or a combination of both cervicoplasty (removing extra skin) and platysmaplasty (tightening flexible neck muscles). They typically perform outpatient treatment  under general anesthesia or IV sedation. 

Dr. Tzikas and Dr. Mascaró make a Z type incision under the chin, where they will tighten your muscles, tighten underlying tissues, and remove any excess skin. This creates a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance on your neck, jawline, and chin areas. Upon awakening after surgery, you will need a caretaker to drive you home.

Direct Neck Lift Results and Recovery

Recovery from a direct neck lift typically takes at least two weeks to return to your daily activities. After surgery, your neck can feel tight for a few weeks, with visible signs of swelling and bruising. These after-effects will fade throughout your recovery. The tight feeling can persist for several months as you adjust to your tightened skin and neck muscles. Your surgeon, Dr. Tzikas or Dr. Mascaró, will provide you with a detailed recovery guide highlighting instructions and aftercare you must follow. Full results will emerge after your swelling has subsided over several weeks or months. This treatment can make your neck look years younger and leave you feeling like your best self.

FAQ

What is a Direct Neck Lift and how does it differ from a traditional neck lift?

A Direct Neck Lift is a surgical procedure that targets excess skin and fat directly beneath the chin and along the neck through a discreet incision placed in a natural skin crease under the chin. Unlike a traditional neck lift, which involves incisions around the ears to reposition deeper tissues broadly, the Direct Neck Lift focuses precisely on the central neck, making it ideal for patients with significant submental laxity who want a more targeted, often quicker recovery approach.

Who is an ideal candidate for a Direct Neck Lift?

Ideal candidates are typically adults who have noticeable skin laxity, banding, or excess fat beneath the chin and along the central neck — often referred to as a 'turkey neck' — and who are in good general health. The procedure is well-suited to patients who may not need the broader rejuvenation of a full facelift but want significant improvement in neck contour and definition.

What is the recovery timeline after a Direct Neck Lift?

Most patients can expect swelling and bruising for one to two weeks, with the majority feeling comfortable returning to light daily activities within seven to ten days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Final results become fully visible as swelling resolves, typically within two to three months.

Will the incision from a Direct Neck Lift be noticeable?

The incision is strategically placed within the natural crease beneath the chin, making it well-concealed and difficult to detect once healed. Our surgeons use advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring, and most patients find the incision fades significantly over time to become virtually imperceptible.

How long do the results of a Direct Neck Lift last?

Results from a Direct Neck Lift are long-lasting — typically seven to ten years or more, depending on individual aging patterns, skin quality, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and weight fluctuation. While the procedure does not stop the natural aging process, it effectively resets the clock, providing sustained improvement in neck contour and definition.

Schedule a Consultation

If you want to enhance your neckline, schedule a consultation today with our double-board certified facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Tzikas and Dr. Mascaró at 5th Avenue Plastic Surgery. We look forward to treating you in our office and leaving you with the appearance and confidence that you desire.

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Dr. Tzikas is truly skilled!

Dr. Tzikas and his entire staff were absolutely amazing from start to finish. From the initial consultation to the final results, they provided exceptional care, professionalism, and support every step of the way. Dr. Tzikas is truly skilled, and his expertise is evident in his work. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for top-quality care and outstanding results!”

Dr. Tzikas and the Entire Staff Were Exceptional!

I am happy to share my experience with 5th Ave Plastic Surgery. Dr. Tzikas and the entire staff were exceptional. Everyone was readily available, day and night, to answer every question that popped into my head. From my initial consultation, to my procedure and my after care, I received professional, polite and compassionate care.

-Rebecca W

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Our board-certified plastic surgeons at 5th Avenue Plastic Surgery can help you achieve natural looking results. Contact our Delray Beach, FL office today by calling or filling out our online form.

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