Difference between Facelift and Neck Lift

Getting older often creates lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin on the face and neck. And unfortunately, it’s these areas that people will notice first. Two of the most effective procedures for reducing the signs of aging in these areas are a facelift or neck lift. There are similarities as well as differences between the two. Both procedures should yield long-lasting results if you follow all aftercare instructions and pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Similarities

A facelift will provide significant improvements by addressing the saggy skin and weak muscles in the face. Likewise, a neck lift achieves similar goals but focuses solely below the chin on the neck area. In a 2012 study, it was determined that after receiving a facelift, patients looked an average of six to eight years younger. In addition, a neck lift made patients look as much as 10 to 12 years younger.

Individually, both procedures provide significant and immediate improvement in the signs of aging. However, when both procedures are combined, they will provide you with powerful results.

Differences

Facelift:

There are several different versions of facelifts. Generally, when a surgeon speaks of a facelift procedure, they often are referencing to the technique of pulling the skin upwards toward your forehead. Small incisions usually are made in front of the ear. In addition, a facelift will address the lower portion of the face face, including marionette lines, jowls, and the jawline reducing the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles.

Neck Lift:

A neck lift focuses more on the lower area from the chin to the neck. The excess skin is pulled up and back to help redefine the jawline from saggy draping skin. Unlike a facelift, the neck lift incisions are hidden behind the ears and below the chin to minimize the appearance of scars. Where a facelift focuses on the upper areas of the face, a neck lift will help correct the lower areas of the chin, jawline, jowls, and is the key to correcting “turkey neck” or the draping skin in front of the throat area.

Do I need a facelift or neck lift?

Whether a facelift, neck lift, or both are chosen, the desired results will determine which procedure is right for you. Easy at-home techniques can help provide an idea of what the potential results will look like.

Mimic a facelift by placing your fingers at the top of your cheekbones. Then, push upwards toward your forehead and back towards your ears.

Mimic a neck lift by placing your fingers below the jawline on the outside of your jaw. Then, push upward towards your forehead and back. While this isn’t exactly what you will look like after such a procedure, it will give you an idea of whether you might benefit from having facial or neck skin more taut.

Quite often, when patients visit Preminger Plastic Surgery on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, it is discovered during the initial consultation that they can benefit from the combination of a facelift and neck lift to give them the best results. Not all patients will require the same procedures as the proper treatment will depend on your personal facial and aging characteristics.

If you want to know if you are a candidate for a neck lift, or find out the best age for a facelift, then call Preminger Plastic Surgery at (212) 706-1900 to schedule an appointment. During your consultation, Dr. Preminger will present the best options to you that will help you put your best face forward.