Facelift vs. Neck Lift: Which Is Right for Me?
As part of the aging process, the skin loses its elasticity. As a result, the face and neck become less taut, and the skin appears to sag. Lines, wrinkles, and folds can also develop, which can make an individual look older than they feel. While there are many anti-aging products on the market, they offer limited outcomes. If patients want more dramatic results, plastic surgery procedures like facelift are usually the best option.
For patients who want to turn back the hands of time and do not know which procedure to choose, they can visit our Halifax, NS, office. Here, Drs. Richard Bendor-Samuel and Louis Boileau explain the basic differences between a facelift and neck lift. They can also provide more information when you visit our office to help you choose the correct option.
What Is the Difference between a Facelift and Necklift?
At our Halifax, NS, office, we perform facelifts to tighten sagging skin and smooth out wrinkles and lines. The surgeons remove the excess tissue to leave skin looking tighter. Since the skin is lifted, patients achieve more definition that better highlights their natural facial contours. The entire face looks younger, smoother, and rejuvenated.
A neck lift solely targets the loose and wrinkled skin on the neck and under the chin, which can greatly impact a patient’s appearance. The doctors excise the extra fat and tissue to leave the neck smoother and firmer. In many cases, a neck lift is paired with a facelift.
Who Are the Best Candidates?
The best candidates for either procedure should be in relatively good health to ensure they heal properly after surgery. There are several types of facelifts available based on your specific needs, including:
- Full facelifts
- Mid facelifts
- Mini lifts to target certain areas of the face
- Lower lifts
We can thoroughly assess you at our Halifax, NS, practice to examine the condition of your skin, its texture, and elasticity. Patients who have moderate to severe signs of aging usually are the best individuals for either procedure.
The best candidates for a neck lift have loose skin on their neck and often, the appearance of a double chin. Patients with pockets of fat and deep bands across the neck typically benefit from the procedure.
What Happens during the Procedure?
Though there are various types of facelifts available, the procedure for each is similar. The surgeon makes an incision in an inconspicuous place, such as behind the ears. In this case, the loose and wrinkled facial skin, as well as the underlying tissues, are lifted upward and repositioned. The extra skin is removed.
With a neck lift, the surgeon typically makes incisions beneath the chin and behind the ears. The extraneous skin is trimmed away, and the surgeon tightens the underlying tissues and muscles. Afterward, your doctor sutures up the incisions.
What Are the Expected Outcomes?
Your surgeon will provide detailed directions on how to care for the treatment area. For patients who experience any pain or discomfort, the doctor might prescribe pain medication. The site might be swollen, tender, and red for several days.
Patients should keep all scheduled doctor appointments since the surgeon needs to check your incisions and see how you are healing. Scars should be minimal since the incisions are made in less visible places.
Individuals should begin to see the full results of their procedure within several months. The skin should look tighter and smoother. The face and neck will have a more youthful appearance. These procedures offer long-lasting effects but are not permanent, so patients might need additional procedures in the future. You can protect your results by practicing healthy lifestyle habits and wearing full-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want to see if you can benefit from a facelift or neck lift, call our office to schedule a consultation at (902) 492-2007. You can also contact with questions or schedule a visit by using our online contact form.
