Neck Lift vs Facelift: Is There a Difference?

Ask 10 plastic surgeons about the difference between a facelift and a neck lift, and you might get 10 different answers. Some surgeons use the terms interchangeably, while others say there’s a clear distinction between the procedures, even though they’re often combined. Understanding the nuances between these two surgical options can help you make an informed decision about your procedure.

What Is a Neck Lift?

If you’re wearing turtlenecks or scarves to hide loose neck skin but aren’t concerned about the appearance of your face, a standalone neck lift is a good solution. There are different types of neck lifts, and the techniques address specific issues. Even though the concept of a neck lift is similar to that of a facelift, it’s designed specifically to improve the neck’s appearance, not the jowls or smile lines.

During a neck lift, a skilled plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightens underlying muscles, and repositions tissues to create a smoother, more youthful neckline.

Types of Neck Lift Procedures

The technique used during a neck lift depends on the issue being addressed. The different types of neck lift surgery include:

Platysmaplasty: If you’re bothered by prominent neck bands that stretch vertically on either side of the neck, you’re a good candidate for platysmaplasty. The platysma is a shallow, flat muscle covering much of the front of the neck. It can gradually pull apart as you age, creating the banded appearance that bothers many patients seeking a neck lift. After making incisions under the chin and behind the ears, a surgeon tightens the bands and sutures the muscles together.

Cervicoplasty: One of the most common aesthetic concerns women and men share is loose neck skin. Cervicoplasty removes excess skin to create sleeker, sculpted neck contours. Combining cervicoplasty with platysmaplasty is common, with the same incisions used for each procedure.

Liposuction: Women and men concerned about excess neck fat or the appearance of a double chin benefit from neck liposuction alone if their skin retains enough elasticity to adjust to the new contours. Many patients combine a neck lift with liposuction to remove fat and excess skin.

You can learn more about neck lift surgery in a previous blog post.

Facelift and Neck Lift Before and After Photos

What Does a Facelift Do?

There are different types of facelifts with different goals. A facelift generally targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and jawline. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles, deep folds, and a loss of definition in the facial contours.

A facelift restores a more youthful appearance by lifting and tightening the underlying tissues, removing excess skin, and smoothing out wrinkles and creases. This procedure addresses moderate to severe signs of aging in the face and is often combined with a neck lift and other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or brow lift, for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Nonsurgical Facelift Alternatives

Sometimes, nonsurgical options such as cosmetic injectables or skin tightening treatments may provide the desired results for mild to moderate aging concerns. These minimally invasive procedures can help delay the need for facelift or neck lift surgery or complement the results of a previous surgical procedure.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The best way to determine which procedure best aligns with your needs is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Paul Gill. During the consultation, he will evaluate your facial anatomy and skin quality and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine whether a neck lift, facelift, or combination approach is most appropriate.

You can view our full gallery of neck lift and facelift before and after photos and request a consultation using the online form. Or, please call us at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.