If signs of aging are affecting your confidence, you’re probably asking: Should I get a facelift or a neck lift? Both procedures can take years off your appearance, but they target different areas and concerns.
At my practice, I get questions about this all the time.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in facial rejuvenation, I’ve performed hundreds of facelifts and neck lifts. I’ve helped many patients make the right decision based on their goals, and I’m here to do the same for you.
In this article, I’ll break down the main differences between facelifts and neck lifts, so you can choose the right procedure (or combination) with clarity and confidence.
Ready to take years off your face and neckline? Book your consultation with Dr. John Reilly today.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that can address excess wrinkling and sagging skin on the side of the eye, cheek, and jowl. There are a number of options when it comes to facelifts.
A facelift can be a great option to address excess skin and wrinkling in the upper, mid, or lower parts of the face.
There are different techniques depending on how the underlying structures are supported to create a more youthful appearance. These can include a SMAS lift or a deep plane facelift.
What Is a Neck Lift?
Broadly speaking, a neck lift can address two different concerns, which depend on a patient’s age:
- Younger patients may have excess gland tissue, resulting in a rounder neck and lack of definition.
- Older patients commonly complain of a “turkey neck,” or excess hanging skin in the middle of the neck.
Whether the patient is young or old, I address extra skin, remove excess fat, tighten the muscles, and refine the deeper structures. Trimming these deeper tissues can greatly improve jawline definition.
A good candidate for a neck lift can include anyone with lack of definition under the chin and jawline, or who has excess fat or skin in that area.
Facelift vs. Neck Lift: Key Differences
The biggest difference is the area that’s treated.
- A facelift tightens the skin in the upper, middle, or lower face, including the jowls.
- A neck lift treats excess skin under the chin and in the central part of the neck.
Incision Placement
- Facelift incisions: Typically in front of the ear, behind the ear within natural creases, and along the lower hairline of the scalp.
- Neck lift incisions: Usually do not include incisions in front of the ear. They are placed behind the ear in the crease, along the lower hairline, and often a small incision behind the chin to access the central neck structures.
Time and Cost Differences
A neck lift surgery typically takes about half the time of a facelift due to the complexity involved in facelifts. As a result, surgical neck lifts are less expensive than surgical facelifts.
Should You Get A Facelift, Neck Lift, or Both?
The first question I ask patients during the consultation is: What’s bothering you most?
Once I understand their primary concern, I can provide additional suggestions or opinions on other areas of the face they may want to address. Many patients that come in for their consultation do not fully understand their options.
For example, some patients come in for a neck lift thinking it will fix their jowling, but that’s actually better addressed with a facelift.
Once I examine them, I can point out the differences between the two procedures and make sure we’re addressing all of their concerns.
Neither a surgical facelift nor a surgical neck lift is one-size-fits-all. In many cases, I think combining a facelift with a neck lift can benefit many patients, as more skin can be removed and repositioned when doing both at the same time.
Sometimes, patients who opt for just one procedure may regret not doing both, especially if it would have improved their result. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your plastic surgeon, so they can guide you in the right direction.
Recovering From A Facelift or Neck Lift: What to Expect
Many patients describe their recovery from a neck lift or facelift as discomfort rather than pain. Most use only over-the-counter pain medications.
Immediate Post-Op Care
After a facelift or neck lift, patients wear a soft compressive garment until I see them the next day in the office. I then replace it with a simple Velcro chin strap, which they wear for about two weeks.
Recovery always includes a reduction in activity to lower the risk of bleeding. Following a facelift or neck lift, I always advise my patients to:
- Stay ahead of any pain with OTC medications
- Stay fully hydrated
- Avoid strenuous activities
Removing Stitches & Returning to Work
After a facelift or neck lift, patients who work from home can return in just a few days. Those who commute should wait at least 1–2 weeks. Sutures are removed approximately one week after surgery.
Some patients may notice residual swelling for a few additional weeks, but most recover fairly quickly. After sutures are removed, I’ll follow up again with you at week three to make sure you’re healing properly.
Common Side Effects
After a facelift or neck lift, you may experience mild to moderate:
- Discomfort
- Bruising
- Swelling
These side effects are short-lived, and pain is generally manageable with OTC medications, although I do prescribe narcotics if needed. Swelling typically resolves on its own within the first few weeks.
If you have concerns during your recovery, always reach out to your surgeon to make sure everything is healing properly.
Take Years Off Your Face & Neckline With Dr. John Reilly
Whether you’re concerned with sagging skin, jowls, or loss of definition in the neck or jawline, Dr. John Reilly can help. Using precise facelift and neck lift techniques, he smooths signs of aging and creates a more defined profile, restoring youthful radiance with minimal scarring.
Book your consultation with Dr. John Reilly today. Let’s turn back the clock.