Facelift vs. Neck Lift…What’s the Difference?

As we get older, our skin loses elasticity which can cause wrinkles and sagging skin. The severity of these conditions is ultimately determined by various factors such as sun exposure, gravity, genetics and weight fluctuations. Over time, the lower part of the face tends to develop jowls, a double chin, and a “waddled neck.” To eliminate these problems and restore a youthful facial appearance, individuals often choose to undergo cosmetic surgery.

When deciding on a procedure to have performed on the lower face, patients often ask about the difference between a facelift and neck lift. Although both procedures focus on rejuvenating the lower face and neck, each treatment targets its own particular areas. A neck lift addresses the neck by removing excess skin and fat from the jowls and under the jaw, while tightening the neck muscles to reduce sagging. A facelift eliminates excess skin and fat on the mid and lower face to improve the cheeks, jawline, and mouth. In other words, a facelift addresses all of the aspects that a neck lift does, but also reduces wrinkles and sagging skin around the cheeks and mouth.  At times, both procedures are accompanied by fat that is taken from the thighs or tummy and injected to areas on the face that show loss of volume. Using unwanted fat from the thighs or tummy and placing it in the face also helps to keep the more youthful look longer.

After your personal preferences are taken into consideration, the procedure that is best suited for your individual needs will be determined during your consultation.

A facelift and neck lift are very effective in restoring a more refreshed and youthful look. However, if you are primarily interested in diminishing just fine wrinkles or restoring loss of volume in the face alone, non-invasive treatments may be performed instead. My Scottsdale practice offers a wide variety of injectables and fillers that can provide you with satisfying results, including:

• BOTOX® Cosmetic

• Dysport®

• Restylane®

• Perlane®

• JUVÉDERM®

• RADIESSE®

Injectables and fillers can also be used to increase volume in the lips, fill-in scars, and soften facial lines.

If you wish to restore a revitalized appearance to your face and neck, feel free to contact my practice today. Call (480) 890-0600 or conveniently fill out our online contact form. I am board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and regularly perform facelifts and neck lifts for men and women all over Arizona.