The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging and one of the most overlooked in traditional aesthetic treatments. Loose skin, horizontal lines, loss of definition along the jawline, and that dreaded "tech neck" appearance can add years to your look even when your face looks refreshed. At Dr. Cris Studio on Madison Avenue, we've developed a powerful combination protocol that addresses all of it without surgery, without general anesthesia, and with results that build beautifully over time.
The two-phase combination approach
Our non-surgical neck lift protocol combines two of the most effective technologies in aesthetic medicine, used in sequence for maximum, synergistic results:
- Phase 1: Biostimulators — to rebuild collagen and improve skin quality from within
- Phase 2: PDO Threads — to physically lift and reposition tissue, locking results into place
Each treatment is powerful on its own. Together, they address both the quality and the structure of the neck — delivering a result that looks natural, feels firm, and lasts significantly longer than either treatment alone.
Phase 1: Biostimulators rebuilding from within
We begin with a biostimulator treatment typically Radiesse injected into the neck and décolletage area. Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres that immediately add subtle structure while triggering your body's own fibroblasts to produce new collagen over the following weeks.
Why start here? Because collagen is the scaffolding everything else depends on. By rebuilding the skin's internal structure first, we create a stronger, thicker foundation so that when the PDO threads are placed, they have quality tissue to work with and anchor into. The result is more lift, better longevity, and a more natural appearance.
Biostimulator results develop gradually over 4–8 weeks and can last 12–24 months.
Phase 2: PDO Threads lifting and repositioning
Once the biostimulator has had time to stimulate collagen (typically 4–8 weeks later), we place PDO (Polydioxanone) threads to physically lift sagging tissue and redefine the neck and jawline contour.
PDO threads are fine, dissolvable sutures inserted under the skin using a fine needle or cannula. They work in two ways:
- Mechanical lift: The threads physically reposition and anchor loose tissue upward and inward, immediately improving contour
- Collagen stimulation: As the threads dissolve over around 18 months, they trigger an additional wave of collagen production further improving skin quality and maintaining the lift
When placed after biostimulator treatment, the threads have a richer collagen environment to integrate into meaning better anchoring, more lift, and longer-lasting results.
What does the combination treat?
- Loose, crepey neck skin
- Horizontal neck lines ("necklace lines")
- Loss of jawline definition and early jowling
- Platysmal bands (vertical neck cords) often combined with Botox for the "Nefertiti lift" effect
- Décolletage skin quality
- Overall neck laxity without surgery
Is there downtime?
Minimal. Most patients experience mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days after each phase. The thread placement session may involve slightly more downtime than the biostimulator phase typically 3–5 days of mild swelling. Most patients return to normal activities within a week.
How long do results last?
The combination protocol typically delivers results that last 18 to 24 months significantly longer than either treatment alone. Maintenance treatments can extend results further.
Who is the ideal candidate?
This protocol is ideal for patients who:
- Notice loose or crepey skin on the neck or under the chin
- Want to restore jawline definition without surgery
- Are in their 30s–60s and want to address early-to-moderate neck laxity
- Prefer a gradual, natural-looking improvement over dramatic surgical results
- Want a long-lasting solution that works with their body's own biology
Why Dr. Cris Studio?
This is a protocol that requires both artistic vision and technical precision. Placing PDO threads in the neck demands an intimate understanding of anatomy and knowing how to sequence biostimulators and threads for maximum synergy is a skill developed over years of practice.
At Dr. Cris Studio, every treatment is performed by Dr. Cris trained initially in Brazil, where aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery were pioneered and later in US, or by an injector personally trained to her exact standards. We don't do cookie-cutter protocols. Every neck lift plan is designed around your specific anatomy, skin quality, and goals.
Ready to restore your neck and jawline without surgery? Book your consultation at Dr. Cris Studio, 455 Madison Avenue, Spa Level, New York City.