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Facelift vs. Neck Lift Surgery

Posted February 01, 2019 in Facelift Surgery, Neck Lift Surgery

The neck is the foundation for the face, and both areas are known to age at the same rate. Many patients with lower facial sagging or wrinkles have visible signs of aging in the neck as well. When this occurs, many people turn to plastic surgery to address these issues. Facelift surgery often includes neck lift surgery so you can achieve a wholly rejuvenated facial appearance. However, the condition of your face and neck may vary if you require one or both procedures.

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Ideal Candidates

Both facelift and neck lift surgeries are known as the most commonly performed anti-aging procedures. Facelift surgery is designed to treat skin laxity and drooping of the lower face from the cheeks to the jawline. On the other hand, neck lift surgery is known to create a smoother and more refined neck and chin without making any other changes to the face, depending on the patient’s needs.

While both procedures can make you look and feel younger, most patients do not realize that their facial aging can be corrected with different surgical or cosmetic procedures based on the area that needs to be addressed. If you have aging in the upper face or suffer from wrinkles, facelift or neck lift surgery may not provide you with the results you are looking for.

What’s the Difference?

Ideal candidates interested in either procedure must be in good health, be nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about their results. Dr. Carpenter will evaluate your facial needs during your consultation to determine if you are the best candidate for a facelift or neck lift surgery. If you are not, he may recommend brow lift surgery, eyelid surgery, or BOTOX® Cosmetic to address your specific aesthetic needs.

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Facelift Surgery

Gravity and aging cause the muscles in the face to droop, so if just the skin is tightened, aging tissues still show through. Dr. Carpenter performs a deep, superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift that can address the underlying muscular layer of your face.

By lifting and repositioning the muscular layers of the face, it will provide you with a more dramatic facelift that will last longer than other techniques. Facelift surgery can also address the following facial imperfections:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Jowls
  • Facial volume loss
  • Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)

Neck Lift Surgery

The same kind of collagen breakdown and muscle laxity that leads to a poor facial appearance also occurs in the neck. Sagging skin develops below the chin creating a turkey wattle, and the platysma muscles become loose. If you are considering neck lift surgery, chances are you may have one or more of the following issues:

  • A turkey wattle from excess skin accumulation
  • Weakened platysma resulting in a flabby appearance
  • A double chin from excess submental fat

Combing Both Procedures

The anatomy of the face and neck are unified. When a beautiful result is achieved in one area, it helps produce a good result with the other. Addressing the neck is the cornerstone of any facelift procedure because it not only provides you with more thorough results, but it can also provide you with a more natural aesthetic as well.

The most important reason we combine procedures is to avoid dissatisfaction with your results. Patients who do not undergo a neck lift may find that they still look older than they desired, or their facelift results don’t last as long as they thought. When your rejuvenation results seem whole and complete, you’ll find that you are more satisfied with your new appearance.

To learn more about facelift and neck lift surgery and to determine if you are a good candidate, you can call our office at (214) 827-8407 or schedule a consultation with us online today!