In the midst of the anti-aging trends, facelifts have become a popular option for those looking to lessen the appearance of aging on their face. If you are considering a facelift, you may be wondering, “Do facelifts include the neck?” In this article, we share the answer to that question and explore the differences between a facelift and a neck lift.
Understanding the Facelift
Let’s begin with some basics and define a facelift. This procedure, also known as a rhytidectomy, improves the appearance of the face by tightening loose skin and reducing fine lines. Patients with clear aging signs, elastic skin, and realistic and managed expectations about the surgery’s capabilities are great candidates for a facelift.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions in hidden areas where the scar will not be clearly visible. Although experienced plastic surgeons are experts at minimizing the appearance of a resultant scar, it helps that the incision site is hidden behind the ears, along the hairline, or under the chin. After this step, your surgeon will separate the skin from the muscles and fat that sit below. Then, after removing excess fat and skin, the surgeon will tighten the muscles and readjust the tissues. The surgeon will then close the incisions, bandage the area, and send you home for recovery.
Does a Facelift Include the Neck?
The answer to this question can depend on the type of facelift you have. A traditional facelift can include the neck because the patient has the option of requesting that the surgeon extend the incisions behind the ears down to the neck.
However, if you opt for a lower facelift or “mini” facelift, these procedures may not address your neck region.
Facelift vs. Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between a facelift and a neck lift is in the name of the procedures themselves: the area (face or neck) that is being treated.
A facelift is intended to target the lower two-thirds of the face, whereas a neck lift is focused on the neck but can extend down to the clavicle. The purpose of a neck lift is to help patients achieve a more smooth and defined neck and jawline. For those who worry about a double chin or “turkey neck,” the neck lift can address these issues as well. Some patients and surgeons decide to do both a facelift and neck lift, depending on the patient’s candidacy and goals for the surgery.
Benefits of Combining a Facelift and Neck Lift
The idea of combining these two procedures might be daunting, but it does have some perks! The main benefits of combining these procedures include:
- Comprehensive rejuvenation: The combination of working on the face and neck gives a holistic improvement of your appearance as well as a polished transition between the two areas.
- Natural-looking results: Only treating one area can lead to the possibility of a contrast in the final appearance of the face and neck. Treating both circumvents this and results in both areas blending.
- Efficiency: For those interested in treating both areas, combining them into one surgery can minimize the amount of times patients need to undergo anesthesia. Similarly, this combination can decrease total recovery time, rather than getting two separate surgeries.
Keep in mind that your surgeon would have to deem you as a qualified candidate for a combination procedure beforehand.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Combined Surgery?
The benefits of a combination surgery may be enticing, but there are a few shared aspects of suitable candidates that you should consider:
- Ability to maintain good health
- Non-smoking
- Has signs of aging in both the face and neck
- Has realistic expectations
- Can commit to the recovery process
- Is psychologically prepared
Before any surgery, plastic surgeons will consult with their patients to ensure they meet the criteria. It is extremely important that you ask questions during your consultation, fully understand the risks and benefits, and completely comprehend the expected recovery process and timeline. Surgery is no cakewalk, and the more knowledge you have about the procedure, the more smoothly your preparation and recovery will go.
Consult a Surgeon
Ultimately, the only way to discover whether your procedure can include a neck lift and whether you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Be sure to do your research before choosing a surgeon by looking through before and after picture portfolios and reading patient reviews. Always choose a surgeon who has experience, makes you feel comfortable and heard, and clearly explains what to expect. Schedule a visit with our clinic today!