What is a Direct Neck Lift?
A direct deep plane neck lift is a focused procedure designed to address neck laxity, refine the jawline, and correct structural laxity without performing a full facelift.
Neck aging involves more than loose skin. It often includes platysmal separation, ligament laxity, fat accumulation beneath the chin, and loss of cervicomental angle definition.
This procedure directly addresses those structural changes to restore neck contour and jawline definition. When appropriate, it may be combined with Morpheus8 or complementary procedures to improve skin quality and maintain overall facial balance.
Direct Neck Lift Before and After
is this procedure
Right for you?
In many patients, fullness under the jawline is not simply skin or fat. It is driven by deeper structures, most notably the submandibular gland.
Dr. Gould’s approach includes direct evaluation of the deep neck. When indicated, he will contour or partially excise the gland while addressing the underlying muscle and deep fat compartments under direct visualization.
This level of treatment is not routinely performed, but it is often what separates an improved result from a complete one.
- Loose or sagging neck skin
- Vertical neck bands
- Fullness beneath the chin
- Poor jawline definition
- “Turkey neck” appearance
- Reduced skin laxity and improved contour
- Improved jawline definition
- Reduced banding and laxity
- Long-lasting structural improvement
- Structural correction without over-resection
Meet Dr. Daniel Gould
Dr. Daniel Gould is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, specializing in deep-plane facelift and neck lift surgery. A physician-scientist with both MD and PhD training, his work combines surgical expertise with research in tissue biology and facial aging, with more than 170 peer-reviewed publications in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Patients travel to seek his expertise for facelift outcomes that restore underlying structure and facial definition without tension or overcorrection.
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Beverly Hills, CA
Insight: Direct Neck Lift
Insight: Direct Neck Lift
3 Months Post-Op From Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift
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3 Months Post-Op Face & Neck Lift Patient Testimonial
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Frequently asked questions
A direct neck lift is best suited for patients with significant skin laxity or vertical banding isolated to the neck. It is often considered when the primary concern is the neck itself rather than the face. Candidacy is determined by evaluating skin quality, platysmal banding, and overall facial balance.
A direct neck lift focuses specifically on the neck, addressing excess skin and muscle banding without repositioning the midface or jawline. It can be appropriate for patients seeking a more targeted correction. When aging involves multiple facial regions, a facelift may provide a more comprehensive and balanced result.
This procedure does involve a central neck incision. The incision is placed along natural contours and closed with tension-minimizing technique. While visible early, the scar typically softens over time. Final appearance depends on both healing biology and postoperative care.
Most patients experience swelling and tightness for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Improvement is progressive, with continued softening of the tissues over the following weeks. A structured recovery protocol is used to support healing and reduce swelling.
A compression garment is typically used in the early recovery period. It helps control swelling and supports the repositioned tissues. Duration and use are adjusted based on individual healing.
Cost varies depending on anatomy, surgical complexity, and whether additional procedures are performed. A personalized plan is developed during consultation, and exact pricing is reviewed afterward with the surgical coordinator.
Do you have additional questions?
Speak with our team to explore whether a tailored, Direct Neck Lift anatomy-first approach is right for you.