As you look in the mirror and see the signs of aging, you might think about getting a facelift or neck lift. Depending on your ultimate goals, either one of these plastic surgery procedures can help you look your best. Before you decide on the procedure you want, consider the differences between a facelift and a neck lift, the benefits, and the recovery time of each procedure.
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Why a Person Would Consider a Facelift
You might decide you need a facelift as you get older and your face begins to show signs of aging. Your skin can lose its smooth, toned look and become wrinkled. The skin around your jaw, under your cheeks, and around your mouth may start to sag and droop. It may be more leathery than soft. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you might consider a facelift.
This procedure can treat several problem areas at once, but the focus is on the neck and lower part of the face. The goal of this surgery is to step back in time and help you look younger and more natural. Many people choose a facelift because they want longer results than what they would get with non-surgical cosmetic surgery, such as Botox and dermal fillers.
Why a Person Would Consider a Neck Lift
You might consider a neck lift if the skin on your neck has become wrinkled and started to sag. It can give you an older appearance and even make you look heavier. These issues happen as you get older, but they can also occur if you lose a significant amount of weight. The procedure will tighten the skin and muscles along the neck. It also removes excess skin and fat from the chin and jawline to remove a double chin.
Benefits of a Face Lift
A full facelift can help you look up to 10 or 15 years younger. The results can last that long as well as long as you maintain the same weight and follow a regular skincare routine with moisturizer and sunscreen. A mini facelift will tighten the skin on the face and jawline, but it won’t have much impact on the neck.
Benefits of a Neck Lift
A neck lift can help you look younger and thinner. The procedure also takes less time than a facelift and can be the ideal choice for younger patients who want to tone up the looseness in their necks. It’s also beneficial if you’ve had a full facelift and you just want a touch-up.
Face Lift Procedure and Recovery
Depending on the type of facelift the surgeon recommends, incisions will be made in front of or behind the ears and under the chin. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped and tightened for more definition. The procedure can take from three to six hours and will use either oral or deep IV sedation or general anesthesia. All approaches include local anesthesia for the procedure. Though this surgery is an outpatient procedure, patients with issues in their medical history may have an overnight stay.
You can expect some swelling and bruising, as well as light discomfort that is manageable with pain medication. You’ll begin to notice the difference as soon as the swelling goes down, but full results will take several weeks to be evident.
Neck Lift Procedure and Recovery
Incisions are made under the chin and often behind or in front of the ears, where they are less noticeable. Liposuction may be necessary to remove any excess fat. After this happens, the muscles in the neck are pulled tight, with the overlying skin stretched over the area. Excess skin is removed to ensure the right amount of definition. The surgeon will place the sutures deep into the neck wall. A drain may be used to control bleeding. A neck lift is an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, and it usually takes about one to three hours to complete.
Discomfort is usually manageable, and swelling will decrease in a few days. You’ll have some light bruising, but it will also go away quickly. You will begin to see the results in a couple of weeks, but full results may take several months to show.
Can You Get a Facelift and Neck Lift Together?
A facelift takes care of the neck area along with the lower half of the face. There’s no need to get a neck lift along with a facelift. However, you can combine other procedures with these surgeries. You might want a brow lift with a facelift or a brow lift and neck lift. Eyelid surgery can also be paired with either type of lift if you notice drooping around your eyelids along with sagging skin along the jaw or neck. Dr. Lapuerta can help you decide on the best procedure to meet your needs.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta
If the information presented here has convinced you to consider getting a facelift or neck lift, you’ll want to schedule a consultation. You can also set up your appointment with Dr. Leo Lapuerta to learn more about these procedures and ask further questions. Dr. Lapuerta can discuss your options and determine if you’re a good candidate. Contact us today to find out how you can fight the signs of aging and feel good about your appearance again.
