Thinking about a facelift or neck lift in Beverly Hills? Dr. John Diaz offers personalized facial rejuvenation plans that can help you look like yourself, but years younger. Learn more about the procedure that’s right for your aesthetic goals.
Understanding the Differences Between a Facelift and a Neck Lift
While both a facelift and neck lift aim to rejuvenate the face and neck, each procedure targets different areas. A facelift primarily addresses sagging cheeks, jawlines, and deep lines around the mouth. In contrast, a neck lift focuses on the neck area, tightening loose skin, eliminating muscle bands, and improving the profile under the chin.
Facelift: A Mid-Face Rejuvenation
A facelift is perfect for those seeking to smooth out deep facial folds, lift sagging cheeks, and redefine the jawline. This procedure restores a youthful look to the lower two-thirds of the face, effectively reducing signs of aging such as jowls and nasolabial folds.
Neck Lift: Defining Your Jawline
A neck lift works wonders for individuals who notice excess skin, fat, or muscle bands in the neck area. This procedure is ideal for those with a “turkey neck,” double chin, or loose skin under the jawline. It can provide a sharp, defined neck contour that enhances the overall facial profile.
A Recovery Comparison
Facelift Recovery
After a facelift, most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising, which peaks within 3–4 days and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. While the recovery is generally quicker than expected, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for 3–4 weeks to ensure optimal healing.
Neck Lift Recovery
Neck lift recovery tends to be slightly more comfortable, as the procedure involves smaller incisions and less manipulation of larger muscles. Swelling and bruising may occur, but the recovery time is generally in line with the facelift, with most patients returning to normal activities after 2–3 weeks.
Scarring: What to Expect
Facelift Scars
Facelift incisions are carefully placed around the ears and hairline to minimize visibility. Over time, these incisions fade into subtle, fine scars that blend seamlessly with your natural features.
Neck Lift Scars
Neck lift scars are typically hidden behind the ears and under the chin. These incisions are smaller than facelift scars and generally heal well, leaving minimal visible signs. Like face lift scars, they fade over time and are easily camouflaged by hair or clothing.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Ideal Candidates for a Facelift
You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you’re experiencing:
- Drooping cheeks or jowls
- Deep laugh lines or marionette lines
- A less-defined jawline
Ideal Candidates for a Neck Lift
A neck lift may be the right option for you if you have:
- Loose skin or fat under the chin
- Vertical neck bands or sagging skin around the neck
- A “double chin” or undefined jawline
Real Before and After Photos
Facelift
Neck Lift
