In the cosmetic surgery world facelifts and neck lifts are two of the most sought-after procedures to turn back the clock and combat signs of aging. While both surgeries can rejuvenate your appearance, they target different areas and concerns. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two procedures to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. It targets the lower two-thirds of the face, under the chin, along the jawline, and addresses mild laxity on the neck and décolleté. By restoring the contours of your face, a facelift can rejuvenate your appearance and bring back a youthful vibrancy. To achieve natural-looking results, it is essential to have the procedure performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, specifically targets the neck and jawline to address loose skin, excess fat, and muscle banding. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened, resulting in a smoother and defined neck and jawline. It tackles issues like sagging skin, excess fat, double chins, horizontal banding, wrinkling, and “turkey neck.” With Dr. Larrabee’s extensive experience, a neck lift can help provide a balanced, youthful look to your entire neck and jawline.

Key Differences Between a Neck Lift and a Facelift

Targeted Areas

Facelift

A facelift rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face. This includes:

• Cheeks: Addressing sagging or drooping.
• Jawline: Reducing loose skin and jowls.
• Nasolabial folds (the lines between your nose and mouth): Smoothing out deep folds.
• Mouth: Minimizing creases.
• Neck: Improving overall laxity.
• Chin: Eliminating fatty tissue and excess skin.

Typical facelift surgery involves incisions in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and into the hairline.

Neck Lift

A neck lift targets the area from the chin to the collarbone. This includes:

• Turkey Neck: Tightening and removing excess skin.
• Double Chin: Reducing fat deposits under the chin.
• Neck Bands: Smoothing out muscle laxity and vertical banding.
• Jowls: Tightening the skin along the jawline and reducing the appearance of jowls.

Neck lift surgery involves incisions placed beneath the chin, behind the ears, and into the hairline.

Surgical Techniques

At The Larrabee Center in Seattle and Kirkland, neck lift and facelift surgeries are meticulously designed to rejuvenate your appearance by addressing surface-level imperfections and deeper structural issues, ensuring more comprehensive and lasting results.

Neck Lift Procedure

Most neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort. To ensure minimal visibility, incisions are strategically placed beneath the chin and around, or behind, the ears. During the procedure:

Fat and Skin Removal: Excess fat and skin are carefully removed.

Muscle Tightening: The platysma muscle is tightened to enhance underlying support.

Skin Recontouring: The skin is recontoured and sutured to create a youthful look.

This approach can significantly redefine facial contours by smoothing and tightening the skin and reducing muscle banding. You’ll enjoy a rejuvenated neck appearance that lasts several years.

Face Lift Procedure

Before surgery, a general anesthetic is typically administered. Incisions are placed from the hairline at the temples, curving around the ears, and finishing at the hairline behind the ears. These incisions are strategically placed to be easily concealed, following the natural contours of the face and ear.

During the procedure:

• Fat Contouring and Redistribution: Fat is contoured or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck.
• Deep Tissue and Muscle Lifting: Deeper tissues and muscles are lifted for enhanced support.
• Skin Repositioning and Removal: The skin is pulled over the uplifted contours, with any excess skin removed.
• Incision Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures.

For further enhancement of the neck, an additional incision may be made under the chin.

Recovery Time

Neck Lift: Expect swelling and bruising, typically subsiding within a few weeks. A compression garment may be recommended to support the area and reduce swelling. Initial results are visible immediately, with full effects appearing as healing progresses. Most patients need about a week to recover, but this can vary based on profession and individual healing rates.

Facelift: Post-surgery, mild pain, swelling, and bruising is normal. Pain relief medication will likely be recommended. Swelling subsides within a few weeks, revealing a noticeable difference in appearance. Daily activities can usually be resumed within two weeks, while you should avoid strenuous exercises for four weeks. Facelift results provide long-lasting improvements, often lasting at least ten to fifteen years.

Combined Procedures: If both procedures are performed together, overall recovery time and costs are reduced. Most patients return to work and do light activities within 2 to 3 weeks with more intense physical activity should be avoided until after four weeks.

Results and Longevity

Both facelift and neck lift procedures offer enduring results. Typically, a facelift can yield outcomes lasting between 10 to 15 years, contingent on factors such as skin quality and the aging process. Similarly, neck lift results are enduring, frequently lasting up to 10-15 years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle using sun protection and a consistent skincare routine can further help preserve the benefits of both procedures.

Combining a Neck Lift and Facelift

Combining a neck lift with a facelift can restore facial contours and provide comprehensive rejuvenation for the lower face and neck. Simultaneously, this approach addresses sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and loose neck bands. This combined procedure offers optimal results for those seeking a balanced and harmonious appearance. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective and reduce overall recovery time compared to undergoing the surgeries separately.

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering a facelift, neck lift, or both, understanding the differences and benefits of each procedure is crucial. Consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Wayne F Larrabee at The Larrabee Center for Plastic Surgery can help you determine the best approach for your needs. Dr. Larrabee, an award-winning plastic surgeon in Seattle and Kirkland, WA, is renowned for his expertise and dedication to patient care.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larrabee today and take the first step towards achieving a more youthful and refreshed appearance.