Direct Neck Lift in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee
A direct neck lift generally refers to a procedure where the incision is made directly on the front of the neck (often under the chin) rather than behind the ears as in traditional lower facelifts or cervicoplasties. This approach is typically used for patients—often men—with prominent neck banding, loose skin, or excess fat.
Direct Neck Lift Procedures
As we age, our neck skin tends to become loose and begins to hang. And even sometimes, fat deposits may make their presence know with resultant thickening of the neck skin. Many patients refer to this soft tissue excess as a “turkey neck”. The good news is that it is possible to remedy this issue with a minor procedure called a “direct neck lift”. This lift can be done under local anesthesia and so direct neck lift cost is quite reasonable.
What is a Direct Neck Lift?
This lift involves tightening of the neck skin by simply removing skin excess in the center of the upper and mid neck. This approach is quite different from a face lift because with a face lift, the tightening involves removal of skin about the ears, which is far from the neck. This results in an even better tightening of the skin of the neck than with a face lift.
Since the direct neck lift involves removing skin from the center of the neck, there is a scar but in older patients who have developed a few wrinkles over the years and for men who have a beard or at least some kind of stubble, the scar is difficult to find in most patients when it has matured. The trade-off for the scar is that patients don’t have to have a face lift which is more expensive, requires some downtime and is usually performed under general anesthesia. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, it is good to look at direct neck lift before and after photos to see if the procedure is right for you.
What To Expect
- Anesthesia: Direct neck lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Length of Surgery: The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, though more complex cases may take longer.
- Outpatient/Inpatient: Most patients are discharged the same day and recover at home.
- Recovery: Swelling and bruising generally subside within 1 to 2 weeks. Light activities can be resumed after a few days, while full recovery may take 3 to 4 weeks.
See the Results
Curious about what a direct neck lift can achieve? Our before and after photos show the dramatic improvement in neck contour, skin tightening, and profile definition that patients experience after surgery. These real results highlight how a direct approach can effectively address sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat in the neck. Every outcome reflects our personalized approach to rejuvenation and natural-looking enhancements.
Different Types Of Direct Neck Lift Procedures
Submentoplasty (Direct Submental Neck Lift)
- Incision: Under the chin (submental area).
- Ideal for: Mild to moderate skin laxity, fat accumulation, and muscle banding under the chin.
- Procedure: Liposuction may be combined with tightening of the platysma muscle and removal of excess skin.
Z-Plasty Neck Lift
- Incision: Zigzag pattern (Z-plasty) in the midline of the neck.
- Ideal for: Patients with prominent platysmal bands or prior scarring.
- Procedure: Reduces scar contracture and improves neck contour while making the scar less noticeable.
Anterior Cervicoplasty
- Incision: Vertical incision along the midline of the neck.
- Ideal for: Prominent vertical platysmal bands and significant skin laxity in the central neck.
- Procedure: Often used in older patients; involves platysma muscle tightening and direct skin excision.
Direct Platysmaplasty (with or without skin excision)
- Incision: Vertical or under-chin.
- Ideal for: Isolated platysmal banding.
- Procedure: Focuses on tightening or suturing the platysma muscles without necessarily removing skin.
Direct Neck Lift FAQs
What is the difference between a neck lift versus direct neck lift versus face lift?
Once it has been determined that jowls are not a problem for a particular patient, the alternatives for treatment of the neck include a neck lift, a direct neck lift and a face lift. Let’s talk about a face lift first and see how it relates to treatment of the neck.
Face lift surgery involves removal of skin in front and behind the ear and this can really help with skin removal in the neck. It does not require an incision in the central neck and so is attractive for women, both younger and older. Face lifts, as mentioned above, are more complicated. And so if a patient simply wants the skin removed from the neck and doesn’t mind having a temporary scar, a direct neck lift is a better alternative. Direct neck lift patients are usually older men whose focus is not really the scar but rather getting rid of all of their excess neck skin.
How long does it take to recover from a direct neck lift procedure?
There is some mild swelling but patients are able to perform their usual daily tasks the day after their procedure. Healing takes about a week where swelling and bruising are mostly resolved. Patients may drive the same day as their procedure and can exercise by 7 to 10 days
What is a direct neck lift?
In a direct neck lift, excess skin of the neck is removed from the center of the neck. Because it is directly in the area of skin excess, the direct neck lift is the best method to tighten skin of the neck. The alternative is a face lift, where skin is removed in front and from behind the ears. Face lifts are very effective at removing both jowling and neck laxity but are more complicated, are more costly and are more complicated to perform and thus require a longer healing period.
Is a neck lift worth it?
Neck lift surgery has a very high satisfaction rate because it is able to remove all the excess skin and fat of the neck, has a very quick recovery and is very cost effective.
How painful is a neck lift?
Since neck lifts are really skin surgery, pain is generally very minimal. And since the area can be numbed with local anesthetic, patients are very comfortable during their direct neck lift procedure.
What is the best neck tightening procedure?
Of the three methods for neck tightening, a face lift, a neck lift and direct neck excision, no one procedure is the best because they are all effective at skin tightening. Itg really depends on a particular patient’s goals and the degree of neck laxity present. It is therefore to seek the consultation of an experienced facial plastic surgeon to get the best opinion as to which procedure is best for you.
How do I fix my saggy neck?
Saggy neck skin, fat and loose superficial neck muscles can be corrected with a face lift, a neck lift or with a direct neck lift. It is the direct neck lift that removes the skin excess from the neck and so is the easiest way to solve the problem.
What does a direct neck lift/direct neck excision cost?
Since the direct neck lift/direct neck excision technique can be performed under local anesthesia and generally takes about 45 minutes to perform, total cost is quite low and is within most patient’s budgets.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Direct Neck Lift Reviews
“Dr. Newman and every member of his staff have been extremely helpful, sweet, and attentive since my decision to get a breast augmentation. They made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process and I couldn’t be more happier with my results. Dr. Newman genuinely listens to you, provides full detailed explanations, gives appropriate suggestions, and ensures you receive the best results for your body. I would highly recommend Dr. Newman and encourage anyone considering plastic surgery to see him for a consultation. You will be glad you did!”
Clarissa Meyer
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“I had several consultations for a “mommy makeover” (breast lift, augmentation, tummy tuck). From the moment I met Dr. Newman, I knew he was the doctor I would eventually choose for my procedures. My initial consultation lasted nearly 1 1/2 hours. He took the time to explain my options, give his professional opinion and really listened to my concerns. Because of some past health issues, Dr. Newman felt it was too risky to do the tummy tuck and the lift and augmentation together so I opted to just do the lift and augmentation first and wait on the tummy tuck. I appreciate the fact that he really puts the health of his patients first. My recovery was smooth and I am over-the-moon happy with my results (6-months post-op). His staff is top-notch and I would highly recommend Dr. Newman’s office. He is truly an artist and it shows in the work that he does.”
Marcae Rosenvall
“Dr. Newman is a real gem. From the moment you walk into his office you can just feel you’re in the right place. His staff are wonderful; so kind, and so patient with all the many questions you’ll have. I had old breast implants removed and replaced with new ones. Dr. Newman listened to me when I explained what I thought I wanted, and answered all my questions about breast surgery. He also asked me all the questions a surgeon should ask of one and together we reached a decision I felt most confident about. I knew in advance what to expect the day of surgery and there were no surprises. Surgery went well. His surgery staff were just incredible. They paid such great attention to me and made me feel very comfortable. They actually made that day seem fun. That same day I knew I was going to be very happy with the outcome. Two months later, I’m looking at two really pretty breasts. They are shaped beautifully and better than I expected considering my age. I told Dr. Newman he’s my hero, and he is. The man is an artist. Can’t wait for my upcoming face lift. More praise to follow. See him before you go anywhere else!”
Diane Rush
“Because of cancer years ago I had quite a bit of difference in my breasts. My good breast was quite a bit larger, so I had a breast reduction. Was extremely happy with the outcome but didn’t realize the care I had to give myself. Oh my. Dr Newman was really into my half-hearted attempt to take care of myself. He threatened me with the hospital if an infection occurred. So I needed that! Embarrassed I took better care. His Staff were wonderful. My highest compliments. Great Dr. I would go to him again.”
JoAnne Daily
“Reviews only provide 5 stars BUT if I could Dr. Newman and staff would get 10 stars!!! I got a breast augmentation a few months ago with Dr. Newman, I have to say I couldn’t be happier. When I first came for a consultation I was already on my 3rd consultation as I wanted to make sure that the Dr. I ultimately decided to choose would understand and follow through with my requests and advise me of the best way to go about them as well. I read the reviews and looked at the before and after pictures of many of the doctor’s previous patients for all 3 doctors and after meeting his exceptional staff, I couldn’t see myself getting my procedure done anywhere else. The overall process was smooth and easy. I WITHOUT A DOUBT would recommend everyone to check out Dr. Newman Plastic Surgery Center, you will not regret it.”
Lidia G
“Dr. Newman and his staff are great! I had my breast augmentation done by him last January with great results. Always getting complements on how natural my breast look. I’ve referred a couple friends that have also gotten there’s done by him within the last year and also have had equallly great results with no problems. I would definitely recommend him to anyone that is looking for a Dr. that does great work and is ontop of his game! 👍”
Kirsty Khajavi