Deciding between a facelift and a neck lift can feel overwhelming, especially when both procedures promise to restore a more youthful appearance. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Frank P. Fechner has performed over 10,000 facial procedures and brings extensive training from Harvard, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Cornell, and Columbia Presbyterian to help patients navigate these important decisions about their facial rejuvenation journey.
In this blog, we will discuss what you need to know about facelifts, neck lifts, and how to determine which is right for you.
Understanding What Each Procedure Addresses
Before choosing between a facelift and neck lift, it's helpful to understand exactly which areas each procedure targets. While there is some overlap, these surgeries are designed to address distinct concerns.
A facelift primarily treats:
- Mid-face sagging: Loss of volume and descent in the cheek area
- Jowls: Sagging skin and tissue along the lower face and jawline
- Deep nasolabial folds: Creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Marionette lines: Lines extending from the mouth corners toward the chin
- Overall facial contour: Restoring definition and lifting descended tissues
A neck lift specifically addresses:
- Platysmal bands: Vertical cords or lines in the neck caused by muscle separation
- Excess neck skin: Loose, sagging skin often called "turkey neck"
- Submental fullness: Fat deposits beneath the chin that create a heavy appearance
- Loss of cervicomental angle: The distinct angle between the chin and neck that defines a youthful profile
When a Facelift Alone May Be Your Best Option
You might be a candidate for a facelift only if:
- Your primary concerns are jowls, sagging cheeks, and deep facial folds
- Your neck shows minimal loose skin or banding
- You maintain good skin elasticity in the neck area
- Your cervicomental angle (chin-neck definition) remains relatively intact
Research published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery indicates that patient satisfaction with facelift surgery is highest when the procedure is tailored to address their specific anatomical concerns.
When a Neck Lift Alone Might Be Sufficient
A standalone neck lift may be right for you if:
- You're bothered primarily by neck bands, loose neck skin, or submental fullness
- Your facial skin maintains good tone and minimal sagging
- You're relatively younger (typically 40s to early 50s) with isolated neck concerns
- You want to address early signs of neck aging before facial laxity becomes prominent
The Cleveland Clinic notes that neck lift surgery can be performed independently or in combination with other procedures, depending on the patient's needs. Dr. Fechner's philosophy that "less is sometimes more" ensures you receive personalized recommendations based on what will truly enhance your appearance, not what generates the most extensive surgery.
Signs You May Benefit From Combining Both Procedures
Consider a combined approach if:
- You have both facial sagging (jowls, deep folds) and neck laxity (bands, loose skin)
- You want comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation in a single surgery
- Your aging affects multiple areas, making it difficult to address with one procedure alone
- You're seeking long-lasting results that restore overall facial harmony
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Your Choice
Beyond anatomy and age, certain lifestyle factors can impact which procedure, or combination, will serve you best and help you maintain results long-term.
Important lifestyle considerations include:
- Weight stability: Significant weight fluctuations can affect surgical outcomes
- Sun protection habits: Ongoing sun damage can accelerate aging after surgery
- Smoking status: Smoking impairs healing and must be discontinued before surgery
- Realistic recovery time: Your work schedule and support system during the healing period
- Long-term maintenance: Your commitment to skincare and possibly non-surgical touch-ups
Schedule Your Consultation
Choosing between a facelift and neck lift—or deciding to combine both procedures—is a significant decision that deserves expert guidance and personalized care. Dr. Frank P. Fechner's extensive training, double board certification, and commitment to natural-looking results make him uniquely qualified to help you achieve facial rejuvenation that truly reflects who you are.
Ready to discover which procedure is right for you? Contact Fechner MD today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Fechner.
