As the face ages, skin loses elasticity and the deeper tissues of the cheeks and neck begin to descend. The result is often jowls along the jawline, deeper folds around the mouth, and loose skin or bands in the neck. A facelift and a neck lift both address these changes, but they focus on different areas.
What a Facelift Does
A facelift lifts and repositions the skin and underlying tissues of the lower face. It is designed to soften jowls, restore a smoother jawline, and reduce sagging in the cheeks. An S-lift is a shorter-incision variation that focuses mainly on the jowls and lower cheeks and is often suited to patients with earlier signs of aging.
A facelift may be right for you if:
- Your main concern is jowling or sagging along the jawline
- Your cheeks look flatter or lower than they used to
- You want to refresh the lower face while keeping a natural look
What a Neck Lift Does
A neck lift tightens loose neck skin and the underlying platysma muscle. It can reduce vertical neck bands, smooth crepey skin, and sharpen the angle between the chin and neck. When the main concern is fullness under the chin with good skin elasticity, neck liposuction may be enough on its own.
A neck lift may be right for you if:
- You have loose skin or a "turkey neck"
- Vertical bands are visible when you tense your neck
- The angle under your chin has become less defined
Why Many Patients Combine Them
The lower face and neck age together, so treating only one area can leave the other looking out of balance. Combining a facelift with a neck lift creates a smooth, continuous result from the cheeks to the collarbone, and both procedures can usually be performed during the same surgery.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the procedures you choose. Many patients return to non-strenuous activities in about two weeks, while swelling continues to improve over the following weeks. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions, including our facelift and neck lift post-operative guides.
Find Your Best Option
The right choice depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. At Alpine Facial Cosmetic Surgery, our surgeons will examine your face and neck and explain your options in detail. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Boise or Meridian office.