You’ve heard the terms tossed around—facelift, necklift—but what’s the actual difference between the two? Aren’t they kind of the same thing? Short answer: nope. While they can be done together (and often are for wow-worthy results), they each target totally different zones and signs of aging.
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What a Facelift Really Does
A facelift (also known as a rhytidectomy) is the go-to procedure for addressing signs of aging in the mid to lower face. Think:
- Sagging cheeks that have lost their youthful fullness
- Deep nasolabial folds (those lines that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth)
- Jowls softening the jawline
- General skin laxity and volume loss
Rather than just pulling the skin tight, a modern facelift repositions deeper tissues and lifts the underlying facial structure to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance, without that overly “done” look. It’s more of a strategic reset than a total overhaul.
What a Necklift Really Does
Now let’s talk about the neck, one of the first places aging shows—and one of the hardest areas to treat non-surgically. A necklift (or lower rhytidectomy) focuses specifically on:
- Loose or sagging neck skin
- Muscle banding (aka the “turkey neck” effect)
- Accumulated fat beneath the chin
- A softened or poorly defined jawline
A necklift tightens underlying muscles (like the platysma), removes excess skin, and often includes liposuction to remove fat deposits, giving you a crisp, contoured neck and jawline that reads “refreshed” and not “retouched.”
Facelift vs. Necklift: Can You Choose Just One?
Technically, yes, but here’s the thing: your face and neck age together. Treating only the face and leaving the neck untouched (or vice versa) can create a visible disconnect that actually draws more attention to the untreated area. A youthful face with a sagging neck? Not ideal. A tight neck with lax cheeks? Still not the look.
That’s why many top surgeons recommend combining the two procedures because the harmony between the face and neck is what truly creates that “snatched,” natural-looking result. And when done together, the overall outcome is often greater than the sum of its parts.
The Haute Takeaway
| Facelift | Necklift | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | Mid to lower face | Neck & jawline |
| Improves | Sagging cheeks, jowls, deep folds | Loose neck skin, vertical bands, double chin |
| Results | Lifted, youthful appearance | Defined, contoured neckline |
Best Together? Absolutely. The dream team of rejuvenation.
Whether you're starting to notice early signs of aging or are ready for a more transformative change, talking to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is the best first step. They’ll help you understand which procedure or combination is best suited to your facial anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals.
Because here’s the real secret: looking youthful isn’t about erasing time. It’s about refining what's already there; gracefully, strategically, and beautifully.
For more expert insights on facial rejuvenation, reach out to Dr. Nirmal Nathan today to explore your options, ask questions, and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to help you look and feel your most confident, refreshed self.
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