Face and Neck Lift
What is a Facelift and Neck Lift? Facial Rejuvenation
Facelift and neck lift surgery are among the most effective cosmetic procedures to combat visible signs of aging on the face and neck. These surgical techniques aim to restore youthful contours by tightening sagging skin, smoothing deep wrinkles, and enhancing the jawline and neck area for a more refreshed, natural look.
As we age, factors like gravity, sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle cause the skin to lose elasticity and facial tissues to descend. Facelift and neck lift surgery can reverse these changes by repositioning and tightening the underlying structures—offering long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how facelift and neck lift procedures work, who they’re ideal for, what to expect during recovery, and why they remain top choices for facial rejuvenation.
Why Get a Facelift or Neck Lift?
The face and neck are often the first areas to show signs of aging. A facelift or neck lift can help:
Lift sagging cheeks and jowls
Tighten loose skin along the jawline and neck
Reduce deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
Eliminate excess fat or skin under the chin (double chin or turkey neck)
Restore smoother, firmer, and more youthful facial contours
Unlike non-surgical treatments like fillers or threads, facelift and neck lift surgery provide dramatic and long-lasting results by addressing both skin laxity and underlying muscular structures.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift and Neck Lift?
You may be a suitable candidate for facelift and neck lift surgery if you:
Are in good general health
Have visible signs of facial and neck aging
Want to improve sagging, deep wrinkles, and loose skin
Maintain realistic expectations
Are typically in your 40s to 70s, although age alone is not a strict limit
Ideal patients are non-smokers or are willing to quit, as smoking can interfere with healing and final results.
What Areas Do Facelift and Neck Lift Surgeries Treat?
Lower Face: Jawline, cheeks, jowls, and mouth corners
Mid-Face: Nasolabial folds and volume loss in the cheeks
Neck: Loose skin, vertical bands (platysma), and fat under the chin
Depending on your facial anatomy and aging pattern, your surgeon may recommend a full facelift, mini facelift, or neck lift alone—or a combination of these for optimal rejuvenation.
How Are Facelift and Neck Lift Surgeries Performed?
Facelift and neck lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the case.
Facelift Surgery
The surgeon makes discreet incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is lifted and repositioned, not just the skin. This deeper correction provides long-lasting, natural-looking results. Excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift may involve small incisions behind the ears and/or under the chin. It targets the platysma muscle, removes excess fat (via liposuction if needed), and tightens sagging skin for a smoother, more defined neck contour.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
Facelift surgery: Typically 2.5 to 4 hours
Neck lift surgery: Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours
Combined facelift and neck lift: 4 to 5 hours
Surgical time varies based on technique, anatomy, and whether additional procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery, fat grafting) are performed.
What is Recovery Like After a Facelift and Neck Lift?
Recovery times vary by individual, but here’s what most patients can expect:
Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort (managed with pain medication)
Week 1: Bandages are removed; stitches may be taken out
Week 2: Most patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities
Week 3–4: Bruising fades, swelling continues to subside
3–6 months: Final results become visible as tissues fully heal
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks, sleep with their head elevated, and follow all aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon.
Are Facelift and Neck Lift Results Permanent?
Facelift and neck lift results are long-lasting, typically maintaining noticeable improvement for 10 to 15 years, depending on:
Skin type and genetics
Age at the time of surgery
Lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, etc.)
Post-operative care and maintenance
While the procedure can’t stop aging, it resets the clock, and you’ll continue to look younger than your actual age over time.
What Techniques Are Used in Modern Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery?
SMAS Facelift
Lifts deeper facial structures for a more natural appearance and longer-lasting results.
Deep Plane Facelift
Involves repositioning muscles and fat layers with minimal skin tension—ideal for advanced facial sagging.
Mini Facelift
Less invasive, with shorter recovery time—best for early signs of aging in younger patients.
Neck Contouring and Platysmaplasty
Targets neck bands, fat deposits, and skin laxity through muscle tightening and skin redraping.
Facelift and Neck Lift Cost: What Affects the Price?
The cost of facelift and neck lift surgery depends on several factors:
Surgeon’s experience and qualifications
Surgical technique and anesthesia
Whether procedures are combined or done separately
Geographic location and clinic reputation
Additional procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery, liposuction, fat transfer)
While facelift and neck lift pricing varies, investing in an experienced surgeon ensures both safety and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Look Unnatural After a Facelift or Neck Lift?
No—modern techniques aim for subtle, natural-looking results that maintain your facial identity, not change it.
Are There Scars After Surgery?
Incisions are placed in discreet areas like behind the ears or along the hairline and typically fade over time. With proper healing, scars are barely noticeable.
When Can I Return to Work or Social Life?
Most patients return to work and social activities within 10 to 14 days, depending on the extent of surgery and bruising.
Can I Combine Other Procedures with a Facelift or Neck Lift?
Yes—common combinations include eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat grafting, or laser skin resurfacing for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Is There a Non-Surgical Alternative?
Non-surgical treatments like thread lifts, fillers, or ultrasound skin tightening can offer temporary improvement but do not replace surgical results in moderate to severe aging cases.