Facelifts vs. Neck Lifts: What They Do, How They Differ, and Which One Is Right for You

Posted by Dr. Anni Wong

Facial aging affects everyone differently, with some people noticing sagging in their cheeks and jawline while others see excess skin and wrinkles in the neck area. When it comes to facial rejuvenation, two of the most effective surgical procedures are facelifts and neck lifts. But how do you determine which one is right for you? Understanding the differences between the neck lift vs facelift can help you make an informed decision about restoring a more youthful appearance. If you’re considering a facelift or neck lift, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anni Wong offers expert care and customized solutions tailored to your aesthetic goals.

Facelift vs. Neck Lift Surgery: Key Insights for Your Facial Rejuvenation

A facelift primarily targets sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and volume loss in the lower face and mid face.
A neck lift focuses on excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat accumulation in the neck and jawline.
Neck lift vs facelift – the two procedures can be performed separately or together for comprehensive facial rejuvenation of the face and neck.
Both procedures require surgery with varying techniques, anesthesia, and recovery times.
Dr. Anni Wong provides personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve natural-looking results.

What is a Face Lift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance to the face by addressing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Over time, gravity, sun exposure, and collagen loss can lead to the development of loose skin, nasolabial folds, and jowls. A facelift lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues of the face, smoothing deep creases and restoring definition along the jawline.

Candidates for a facelift are individuals experiencing noticeable aging signs in the lower face, including deep wrinkles around the mouth, sagging cheeks, and jowls. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those looking for long-term improvement rather than temporary solutions like injectables.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the contour of the jawline and neck. This procedure is particularly effective for addressing vertical neck bands, excess skin, and fat deposits that create the appearance of a “turkey neck” or double chin. Aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations can contribute to skin laxity and muscle weakness in the neck area.

Patients who benefit from a neck lift typically have loose skin, deep wrinkles, and prominent vertical banding in the neck. This procedure helps redefine the neck and jawline, creating a more youthful and sculpted appearance.

Procedural Differences

Both facelifts and neck lifts involve surgical intervention, but they target different areas of the face and neck and use distinct techniques. Understanding these differences can help patients make the best choice for which procedure best suits their needs.

How Are Facelifts Performed?

A facelift involves repositioning facial skin, muscles, and underlying tissues to restore youthful contours. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Targeted Areas

Lower face
Jawline
Cheeks
Nasolabial folds

Techniques Used

Deep Plane Facelift: Addresses more extensive signs of aging by targeting the deeper layers beneath the SMAS layer, creating more extensive, natural-looking results.
Mini Facelift: A less invasive option with smaller incisions, ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity.
SMAS Facelift: Lifts and tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), creating longer-lasting and more natural results.

Smiling mature woman with rejuvenated skin, illustrating facelift results for a youthful, refreshed appearance. — A facelift lifts and repositions facial skin, muscles, and tissues to enhance youthful contours.

How Are Neck Lifts Performed?

A neck lift is a more targeted procedure aimed at improving the neck area and jawline. Like a facelift, this surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia.

Targeted Areas

Neck
Jawline
Under-chin region

Techniques Used

Platysmaplasty: Tightens loose neck muscles and eliminates vertical neck bands.
Liposuction: Removes excess fat, particularly under the chin, to refine neck contours.
Cervicoplasty: Removes excess skin to create a smoother, firmer neck appearance.

Compare the benefits of facelifts and neck lifts directly with Dr. Wong

Book a consultation to find out which procedure is right for you.

Why Choose Dr. Anni Wong for Facial Rejuvenation?

Dr. Anni Wong is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift and neck lift surgery. Her practice offers state-of-the-art techniques, personalized treatment plans, and natural-looking results. Dr. Wong’s expertise ensures that patients achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance while maintaining their unique facial anatomy.

Recovery and Downtime

Woman smiling and touching her face, illustrating facelift and neck lift recovery progress. — Most patients resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks after a facelift or neck lift.

Facelift and neck lift recovery times vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Generally:

Patients can expect bruising and swelling for the first 1-2 weeks.
Most return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, though full recovery can take several months.
Post-operative care includes avoiding strenuous activities, following Dr. Wong’s care instructions, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Results and Longevity

Both facelift and neck lift surgery offer long-lasting results, with most patients enjoying a more youthful appearance for 10+ years. The longevity of the results depends on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and proper post-surgical care.

Talk with a Facial Plastic Surgeon in NJ

A facelift and a neck lift are both excellent options for rejuvenating your appearance, but they address different areas. Whether you need one or both procedures, choosing the right facial plastic surgeon is key to achieving stunning and natural-looking results. If you’re considering either surgery, Dr. Anni Wong can help determine the best approach for your needs. A consultation with Dr. Wong allows you to discuss your aesthetic goals and receive expert guidance on achieving natural and beautiful results. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward a more youthful and refreshed look.

FAQs about Facelift and Neck Lift

How do I know if I need a facelift, a neck lift, or both?

A consultation with Dr. Wong will determine which procedure suits your facial anatomy and aesthetic concerns best.

Can a facelift and neck lift be performed at the same time?

Yes, combining both procedures often achieves a balanced and harmonious rejuvenation with a single recovery period.

What are the potential risks and complications of each procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, swelling, bruising, and scarring. Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Wong minimizes these risks and ensures optimal results.

Will a facelift or neck lift help get rid of a double chin?

Yes, both facelift surgery and neck lift surgery can significantly improve the appearance of a double chin by tightening loose skin and removing excess fat. In some cases, liposuction may be performed alongside these procedures to further refine the chin and neck contours.

How long does facelift recovery and neck lift recovery take?

The recovery process varies based on the extent of the surgery and individual healing times. Typically, patients can expect noticeable swelling and bruising to subside within 1-2 weeks, with most returning to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. Full healing and optimal results from facial plastic surgery can take several months, providing a youthful look and refreshed facial appearance.