If you’re ready to turn back the clock, a facelift is widely considered the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, but a holistic approach often makes sense. At my practice, there’s no such thing as a “standard” facelift because no two faces age the same way. I customize every surgery to your unique goals, whether your concerns include wrinkles, folds, or a sagging jawline.
Below, let’s break down the differences between neck lift versus facelift techniques and explore why a combined surgical approach often delivers a smoother, more harmonious outcome.
‘Traditional’ Facelift Benefits
A traditional facelift primarily focuses on the mid-to-lower face. Rather than simply tightening the skin, modern facelift techniques lift and reposition the deeper facial tissues for longer-lasting, natural-looking results. A facelift is especially effective for improving:
- Sagging cheeks
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loss of definition through the lower face
I carefully place incisions near the hairline at the temples and around the ear, hiding them in natural creases. A mini facelift offers a modified approach with shorter incisions to address mild jowling and early signs of aging. It has a shorter recovery and delivers less comprehensive results.
Neck Lift Benefits
A neck lift is often a good option for people who are generally satisfied with their facial appearance but are bothered by visible aging in the neck and along the jawline—particularly loose, sagging skin sometimes referred to as “turkey neck.” The procedure focuses on improving the contour beneath the chin and restoring a smoother, more youthful neck profile.
A neck lift may address:
- Loose or crepey neck skin
- Vertical neck banding caused by platysma muscle laxity
- Fat deposits under the chin (submental fat)
- A poorly defined neck-to-chin angle
A neck lift typically involves an incision beneath the chin to tighten the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty), often combined with fat removal and skin redraping as needed. While a standalone neck lift does not reposition the cheeks or correct significant jowling in the midface, it can improve jawline definition and create a more streamlined lower facial profile. For the right candidates, this approach can deliver noticeable rejuvenation without the need for a full facelift.
The Benefits of a Combined Approach
The truth is that aging rarely appears in just one area. The cheeks, jawline, and neck often change in tandem, which means addressing multiple areas simultaneously delivers the most refreshed and balanced approach.
A facelift with neck lift:
- Creates a smooth, continuous contour from the cheeks through the neck
- Prevents a “pulled” or uneven look
- Allows tissues to be lifted in a coordinated, natural direction
- Contributes to seamless, long-lasting results
I may also recommend combining your facelift and neck lift with eyelid surgery or a brow lift for optimal rejuvenation of the upper and lower face. From a recovery standpoint, patients often appreciate completing their transformation in a single surgery with one healing period, rather than undergoing separate procedures.
Facelift vs. Mini Facelift vs. Neck Lift Comparison
| Category | Traditional Facelift | Mini Facelift | Neck Lift | Combined Facelift + Neck Lift |
| What It Improves | Sagging cheeks, jowls, deep folds, lower-face laxity | Early jowling and mild skin laxity | Loose neck skin, vertical banding, fullness under the chin, poor chin-to-neck angle | Addresses changes in both the face and neck |
| Best Candidates | Moderate to advanced facial aging and loss of jawline definition | Younger patients or those with early signs of aging | People satisfied with their face but bothered by their neck | Patients seeking the most balanced, natural rejuvenation |
| Incisions | Around the ear and along the hairline, hidden in natural creases | Shorter incisions around the ear | Under the chin and/or behind the ears | Customized combination of facelift and neck lift incisions |
| Recovery Timeline | Resume most daily activities in 2 weeks; swelling improves gradually | Faster recovery (often in 1 week) | Resume most daily activities in 2 weeks; refinement continues for several weeks | One combined recovery period (typically 2 weeks) |
| Longevity | Often 10+ years | Shorter-term and less dramatic than a full facelift | Long-lasting, especially with stable weight | Comprehensive, longer-lasting improvement |
Recovery and Longevity: What To Expect
Neck lift and facelift recovery varies depending on whether procedures are performed individually or together. In general:
- Most facelift and neck lift patients return to non-strenuous activities within a few weeks (a mini facelift has a shorter recovery).
- Swelling and bruising continue to improve over several weeks.
- Results evolve gradually, with tightening and contour refinement becoming more noticeable over time.
Because a facelift repositions deeper tissues, results can last 10 years or more. Neck lift improvements are also long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and good skincare practices.
Which Procedure Is Right For You?
The best procedure for you depends on your facial anatomy, the severity of aging symptoms, and your aesthetic goals. As an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, my role is to analyze your facial structure, listen to your concerns, and design a plan that enhances, rather than alters, your natural appearance. Whether we choose a neck lift, facelift, or a combined approach, the priority is to create results that look refreshed, balanced, and true to you.
Ready to explore your facial rejuvenation options? Request a consultation by completing the online form or calling us at (818) 500-0823. Together, we’ll pursue an approach that best supports your long-term confidence and appearance.
Leave a Reply