When compared with a traditional facelift, which rejuvenates the entire face, a lower face and neck lift only focuses on the lower third of the face. While, in some ways, this may cause patients to think this means the lower face and neck lift is suboptimal, in actuality, there are many unique benefits to this surgery.
Most notably, this type of lift results in exceptionally natural looking results. The eyes are very little affected. Instead, only the sagging skin on the jaw line and neck are tightened. This leaves you with the same beautiful face you’ve always had but improves signs of aging.
It also helps to better define the jawline (reduce the appearance of a double chin) and improve the contours of the neck. Ultimately, you’ll find that a lower face and neck lift helps achieve reduced folds and deep wrinkles around the chin, mouth, lower jaw area, and neck and a more youthful appearance overall.
Lower Face and Neck Lift: Surgery Overview
Also known as a lower rhytidectomy, a lower facelift and neck lift procedure is a plastic surgery designed to address signs of aging on the lower face and neck area. This includes sagging skin, jowls, and wrinkles.
During the procedure, anesthesia is administered, a series of small concealed incisions are placed, and excess fat is removed along with skin removal.
The underlying tissues and face and neck muscles are then manipulated and tightened to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Finally, your incisions will be carefully closed, and you will be taken to a recovery room. You will be monitored until you are stable and ready to return home. Facial plastic surgery procedures are traditionally outpatient procedures.
Of course, facelift techniques vary, and every patient’s individual experience with this surgical procedure will differ. You will discuss more about the steps of your own facelift procedure at your consultation appointment.
What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?
A facelift procedure is generally seen as a safe procedure, and most patients tolerate it well without encountering any complications.
Still, like any cosmetic surgery, a lower face and neck lift carries some inherent risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Nerve damage
- Unfavorable scarring
- Dissatisfaction with results
Lower Face and Neck Lift Candidacy
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a lower facelift and neck lift. Typically, good candidates are individuals who:
- Have drooping skin and wrinkles in the lower face and neck area
- Would like to improve visible signs of aging and achieve a more youthful natural appearance
- Are in good physical health
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after their lower facelift procedure
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
How to Prepare for Surgery
The following steps must be taken as you approach neck and lower face lift surgery.
Your Consultation
Before scheduling a neck and lower face lift, it’s essential to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
During this consultation, the best face lift surgeon will:
- Examine your facial anatomy
- Look at the condition of your skin
- Discuss your aesthetic goals and surgery expectations
- Explain the surgical techniques that will be used
- Talk about the potential risks involved
- Assess your medical history and current health
- Provide you with personalized recommendations and options
Other Considerations Before Surgery
Prior to your facelift and necklift, your surgeon will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions to follow. These may include:
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements that could increase bleeding
- Quitting smoking
- Arranging for transportation to and from the hospital surgical facility
- Making necessary arrangements for post-operative at-home care, especially if you have children and pets
- Prescribing pain and other medications to be picked up prior to surgery
- Scheduling follow-up appointments for the recovery period
What to Expect During Recovery
Following your lower face and neck lift, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to follow.
For example, you may need to take pain medications to reduce discomfort, as well as other medications to prevent infection.
While sleeping, it’s important to keep your head at the proper position. You’ll need to avoid getting your surgical areas wet for a time and avoid heavy lifting and any type of strenuous activity.
When You’ll See Results
It’s important to note that final results may not be fully visible until several months after surgery once swelling has subsided and tissues have settled. At the same time, many patients are thrilled with their rejuvenated appearance right away.
With proper maintenance and skincare, including staying out of the sun, most patients enjoy long-lasting results. To see examples of results that can be attained with this surgery, please review our lower face and neck lift before and after photos.
Lower Face and Neck Lift Cost
Lower face lift and neck lift cost will vary depending on various factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the extent of the procedure.
It’s essential to discuss the cost of the procedure with your surgeon during your consultation. Your surgeon’s office can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved and discuss financing options, if necessary.
FAQ: Neck and Lower Face Lift
Does a neck lift include the lower face?
If you opt for a neck lift alone, then no, neck lifts do not inherently involve lower face lift surgery. It might, but it also might not. It really depends on your anatomy, your goals, your budget, and the opinion of your surgeon.
A neck lift focuses on improving the natural contours of the neck. By contrast, a lower facelift targets loose skin on the lower face area.
How painful is a neck and lower face lift?
During surgery, you should not feel discomfort as general anesthesia is typically used. After surgery, just as with a brow lift, mini facelift, eyelid surgery, or any facial rejuvenation procedure, you may experience some discomfort. Pain medication can be prescribed.
How much is a lower facelift and neck lift?
You’ll want to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to know your lower face and neck lift cost. Prices vary depending on your needs, goals, and surgeon’s fees.
What is the most common age for a facelift?
While facelifts are often linked with older age, opting for the procedure earlier can yield subtler, natural-looking results. The average age of patients seeking facelifts is their 50s or 60s.
Book Your Consultation Today
Whether you’re struggling with a “turkey neck”, neck bands, or sagging jowls — or you want to remove excess skin and excess fatty deposits along the jawline and lower face — a lower face and neck lift can help.
To learn more about this and other facial procedures to improve your skin quality and contours, please contact our office today and set up your consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/procedure
