Facelift vs Neck Lift

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, both facelifts and neck lifts are popular surgical procedures designed to reduce the signs of aging. While these procedures aim to enhance appearance by tightening sagging skin, each addresses different areas and concerns.

Dr. Michelle Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an Ivy League education, known for achieving remarkably natural-looking results. She founded PERK Plastic Surgery to deliver beauty in a meticulous and undetectable way. In this blog, Dr. Lee will explain the differences between facelifts and neck lifts to help you determine which procedure might be best for your goals.

What Is a Face Lift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to tighten and smooth the skin of the face. It primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, addressing sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls. By removing excess skin and repositioning underlying tissues, a facelift can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore a youthful contour. This procedure is ideal for individuals who want to improve their cheeks, jawline, and mid-face appearance.

What a Face Lift Addresses:

Sagging skin on the cheeks and jawline
Deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
Jowls along the jawline
General facial sagging

PERK Plastic Surgery facelift patient, before and after facelift surgery:

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, focuses on rejuvenating the neck area by tightening loose skin and muscles. As we age, the neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging, with skin sagging and creating the appearance of a “turkey neck” or visible vertical bands. A neck lift eliminates this excess skin and tightens underlying tissues to create a smoother, more youthful neck contour.

What a Neck Lift Addresses:

Loose, sagging skin under the chin
Fatty deposits or “double chin”
Vertical neck bands or muscle laxity
General skin laxity in the neck

PERK Plastic Surgery neck lift patient, before and after neck lift surgery:

Key Differences Between the Two

While both procedures aim to rejuvenate and tighten the skin, they focus on different body areas. A facelift centers on the cheeks, jawline, and mid-face, while a neck lift targets the neck and the area beneath the chin.

In some cases, patients may benefit from combining both procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. A combined face and neck lift can create a harmonious, youthful appearance by simultaneously addressing the face and neck.

Both facelifts and neck lifts are surgical procedures that require downtime for recovery. Patients typically experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery, and most can return to normal activities within two to four weeks. The results of both procedures are long-lasting, often providing rejuvenation for 10-15 years with proper care.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The choice between a facelift and a neck lift depends on your individual goals and the specific areas you’d like to address:

If you’re concerned about sagging skin and wrinkles on your face, a facelift may be the right option
If your primary concern is loose skin or banding on your neck, a neck lift could be more suitable

Combining the two procedures may deliver the most balanced and youthful results for individuals with aging signs on both the face and neck.