Aging is a privilege, yet the passing years can leave their mark in unexpected ways—particularly around the face and neck. At Sunder Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, we believe your look should resonate with how vibrant you feel within. Whether you’re considering a neck lift or a full facelift, this guide will help you understand the differences, benefits, and circumstances under which these two procedures might be combined for comprehensive rejuvenation.
What’s the Main Difference Between a Neck Lift and a Facelift?
Neck Lift
A neck lift (or lower rhytidectomy) concentrates on the jawline and neck area. This procedure tightens loose skin, smooths wrinkles, and refines the contour below the chin, restoring a more defined jawline. A neck lift specifically addresses those concerns if you struggle with sagging skin (often called “turkey neck”), vertical neck bands, or an unflattering fullness beneath the chin.
- Targets: Excess skin, muscle laxity (platysmaplasty), and fat deposits around the neck and jawline.
- Ideal For: Patients who are primarily bothered by neck-related aging but do not have significant midface sagging.
Facelift
A facelift (or rhytidectomy) focuses on the mid to lower face. It tightens sagging skin, repositions underlying tissue, and smooths deeper wrinkles around the cheeks, jawline, and sometimes part of the neck. If you’re dealing with jowls, deep nasolabial folds, or hollowed cheeks, a facelift addresses these issues to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Targets: Mid to lower facial sagging, jowls, deeper wrinkles, and lost volume.
- Ideal For: Patients who notice significant facial aging—especially in the cheeks and jawline—but want a refreshed, natural result.
When Are They Combined?
Because the face and neck are aesthetically linked, many individuals choose to have a neck lift and a facelift simultaneously.
Combining these procedures can achieve a harmonious balance between your facial features and neck contour, avoiding the mismatch of a youthful face with an aging neck—or vice versa.
By treating both areas at once, you can:
- Minimize Overall Downtime: Recover from both surgeries in a single, well-planned healing period.
- Maintain Consistent Results: Enjoy a cohesive, balanced rejuvenation across your jawline, neck, and midface.
- Potentially Reduce Costs: Combining procedures may prove more cost-effective than scheduling multiple surgeries.
Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between a neck lift, facelift, or combination depends on your unique anatomy, the areas that bother you most, and your cosmetic goals.
Some key considerations include:
- Are you primarily concerned about your jawline and neck? If sagging skin, neck bands, or a double chin are your main focus, a neck lift alone may be sufficient.
- Are you more worried about sagging cheeks, jowls, or facial wrinkles? If the mid to lower face is aging faster than your neck, a facelift is likely the better option.
- Do both your face and neck show signs of pronounced aging? Combining a facelift and neck lift can address all these concerns in one procedure for a fully refreshed look.
Still Have Questions? Book a Consultation Today.
Ultimately, an in-depth consultation is vital to determining the best course of action. Dr. Sarmela Sunder—recognized as the only double-board-certified female facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills—will carefully assess your facial structure, skin quality, and personal goals to map out a customized approach.
Here’s what you can expect when you partner with us on your aesthetic journey:
- Advanced Techniques: Our Beverly Hills practice emphasizes minimal scarring and natural-looking outcomes, whether addressing the neck, the face, or both.
- Expert Surgical Care: Each procedure is done with sedation under general or local anesthesia. Dr. Sunder’s meticulous skill ensures harmonious results rooted in artistry and extensive training. Double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and neck Surgery, she has over a decade of experience in Beverly Hills.
- Supportive Recovery: Expect some swelling and bruising initially, but the timeline for returning to daily activities can vary depending on the extent of surgery. Dr. Sunder’s team provides detailed aftercare instructions to maximize comfort and healing.
- Long-Lasting Transformation: With good skincare and healthy lifestyle habits, you can enjoy your refreshed look for many years to come.
We’re here to guide you on a path of transformation that honors your individuality. Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sunder in Beverly Hills today!
