Cosmetic surgery is now more accessible and affordable than ever before. More cosmetic surgery clinics offer high-quality services to patients who want to alter their physical features and turn back time by a few years. Facelifts and neck lifts are some of the most common cosmetic procedures today.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgery performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon to achieve a younger look for the patient. The procedure treats sagging skin, jowls, and any skin folds around the cheeks and jawlines.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical cosmetic procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeons to reduce and improve any signs of aging around the neck.
Often, a neck lift and a facelift are done in tandem for better results.
What Happens During a Neck and Face Lift?
Your doctor is likely to administer general anesthesia before the procedure begins. The operating area should be kept sterile, meaning it should be impeccably clean to reduce the risk of infection.
Generally, incisions are made around the ear. The size and location of the incision (above or behind the ear) depends on the technique used based on unique surgical needs.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove excess fat using special tools and sculpt any facial features that need attention. This may mean lifting and tightening underlying tissue, or trimming excess skin.
The surgery can take anywhere between three to six hours.
How Much Does a Face and Neck Lift Cost?
Facelift and neck lift procedure costs vary on the location you are getting yours done and the clinic itself. Visit a cosmetic clinic near you and get a quote for your face and neck lift procedure. It is important to note that some clinics will include the aftercare cost in their estimate.
The Benefits of Getting a Face and Neck Lift
A face and neck lift helps take the appearance of years off your face. Many patients say they got a second shot at life after a face and neck lift. This cosmetic procedure has the following benefits:
- Reduced excess skin
- Reduced excess fats
- Removes or reduces wrinkles
- Minimized skin folds
- Contours the face and neck
- Helps balance out facial features
- A more youthful appearance
After Care
After the procedure, the patient may experience bruising, swelling, numbness, and pain.
Most surgeons place drains in the incision sites to remove excess fluid from the surgical site. They are usually draped behind the ear. If drains are required, you will be instructed on how to empty and monitor these.
Patients should rest and take it easy for a few days. Call for help if you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeats and severe pain in a localized part of the face or neck.
Patients should have someone caring for them, ensuring they eat and take their medication on time.
Who Can Get a Face and Neck Lift?
A face and neck lift is perfect for most people. People start showing signs of aging around the late twenties and early thirties and continue more so through their 50s and 60s.
Surgery is not recommended for people with pre-existing medical conditions that may affect healing or cause problems when put under a general anesthetic. Visit your plastic surgeon to know whether you make a good candidate for a face and neck lift.
Q&A
Can I get a face and neck lift if my chin and jawline are not well defined?
In most cases, the answer is yes. However, facial implants can help balance any unevenness in place of or in addition to a neck and face lift for patients with imperfect bone structures.
How long does a neck and face lift take to heal?
The healing process is different for each patient. However, the average patient is healed after a month of recovery. This is when patients resume normal activities like going to work and doing house chores. Complete healing is expected after six months.
When can I see results after my neck and face lift?
Immediately after the surgery, your face may look swollen and bruised. It may take a few days before the initial swelling goes down but not completely. The full results will likely be realized between three to six months after the surgery, depending on how fast your body recovers.
Can I combine a neck and facelift with a different cosmetic procedure?
Yes, as long as your plastic surgeon clears you for it, you can get a few more procedures done simultaneously. Some people choose to combine brow lifts or eyelid surgery for more complete facial rejuvenation.
Does a neck and face lift hurt?
Like any other surgical procedure, soreness and discomfort are expected. Your attending physician will prescribe pain management drugs to help you get through the initial part of healing, which is most uncomfortable.
Is a neck and face lift necessary for excess fat under the chin?
Not really. For patients with good skin tone, no jowls, and no neck banding, neck liposuction procedure may be a better procedure with the same results, if not better. Liposuction is minimally invasive and may heal faster.
