Necklift vs. Facelift: Which is Right for You?

Dr. Philip Miller

May 21, 2018

Traditional Neck Lift and Face Lift surgery can be performed as stand-alone procedures or together at our New York facial plastic surgery office. In fact, surgeons look at them as sister procedures, as they both address the lower half of the face, the chin, neck, and jowls. But which is right for you?

A Tale of Two Chins

It depends on the patient’s unique cosmetic issues and desired results whether he or she decides to get a neck lift, face lift, or combination procedure.

The traditional neck lift resolves the related problems of a “double chin” and “turkey neck” by surgically removing the excess loose fat and skin on the neck. The neck muscles are then tightened and lifted to reduce sagging and “banding.” Excess fat is removed using liposuction as an adjunct procedure. To learn more about neck lift, visit clinicaltrials.gov

Two Procedures: Same Difference

Lower face lift surgery, like the popular neck lift, addresses more pronounced cosmetic issues with the chin and jowls as well as the lower cheek area. Its focus is on the middle and lower face to eliminate excess fat and skin on the cheeks, jaw line, and nasolabial folds. These are age-related deep lines which form on either side of the nose when the skin has lost a sufficient supply of collagen to keep the facial skin moist and supple. The deeper the nasolabial folds, the older one’s facial appearance.

Neck Lift vs Face Lift: Which One to Choose?

Challenges of a Dual Facial Plastic Surgery Procedure

The basic distinction between the two procedures is that the neck lift improves the appearance of the lower jaw line and neck, while the lower face lift focuses on the lower third of the face and neck. Though both procedures can be performed in isolation, there is a large degree of overlap which makes them an excellent dual procedure.

In fact, some plastic surgeons see no difference in either procedure and consider them to be one and the same in terms of results. Both correct the problem of excess fat in the neck and jaw line leading to the appearance of vertical lines – Granny Lines – from the chin to the chest. They also remove droopy jowls as well as tighten and smooth the jaw line for a rejuvenated look.

Whichever procedure you choose to have done, be sure to talk with a board certified facial plastic surgeon in personal consultation. This will help you better define – and refine – your cosmetic goals and anticipated results.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.

Next, learn How to be a Great Candidate for a Facelift

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.