Neck Lift vs. Facelift: Understanding the Key Differences

As we age, the visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, can become more pronounced, especially around the face and neck. At Privé Beverly Hills, Dr. Catherine S. Chang, MD, FACS, a Harvard-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in cranio-maxillofacial aesthetics, offers both neck lift and facelift procedures. Each option is tailored to address specific concerns and help patients achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance. With her surgical precision and artistic approach, Dr. Chang ensures every patient experiences transformative yet natural-looking results.

Understanding the Difference: Neck Lift vs. Facelift

NECK LIFT:

A Neck Lift, or platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address the specific concerns of the neck and jawline. It is particularly effective for individuals dealing with sagging skin, prominent neck bands (caused by weakened or separated muscles), or localized fat accumulation in the neck area. This procedure tightens the skin, removes excess fat, and reshapes underlying muscles to create a smoother, more defined neck and jawline. A neck lift is ideal for those who may be relatively satisfied with the appearance of their face but feel that their neck gives away signs of aging. It’s a focused approach, making it a popular choice for patients looking for a less extensive surgical solution with a shorter recovery time than more comprehensive procedures.

FACELIFT:

A Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a more extensive procedure aimed at rejuvenating the mid-to-lower face and sometimes the upper neck. It addresses multiple signs of aging, including sagging skin, deep creases around the nose and mouth, jowls, and loss of facial volume. During a facelift, the deeper layers of facial tissue are lifted and repositioned to restore youthful contours, and the skin is carefully redraped for a natural, refreshed appearance. While a facelift often includes elements of neck rejuvenation to ensure a seamless transition between the face and neck, its primary focus is on the face itself. This makes it a comprehensive option for patients experiencing significant aging across multiple areas of the face and neck, providing dramatic, long-lasting results.

Choosing the Right Procedure for Your Needs

When deciding between a neck lift and a facelift, it’s important to consider the specific areas you wish to address and your overall rejuvenation goals. At Privé Beverly Hills, Dr. Chang provides personalized consultations to thoroughly assess your needs and craft a treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and desired outcomes. By understanding the differences between these two procedures, you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you.

Primary Concerns: A neck lift is an ideal choice for individuals who are primarily concerned with sagging skin, excess fat, or visible banding in the neck area. It’s a targeted procedure that improves the contours of the neck and jawline, helping to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. On the other hand, if your concerns include facial wrinkles, deep folds, loss of facial volume, or sagging in the mid-to-lower face, a facelift may be the better option. This procedure is designed to address these signs of aging comprehensively by lifting and repositioning facial tissues for natural and long-lasting results.
Overall Rejuvenation Goals: For those seeking a full-spectrum approach to facial and neck rejuvenation, a combined neck lift and facelift may be recommended. This combination allows for a harmonious transformation, addressing signs of aging across both the face and neck while ensuring a seamless, youthful appearance. Dr. Chang can explain the benefits of a combined procedure during your consultation to help you achieve a balanced and refreshed look.
Health and Expectations: Both procedures are best suited for individuals who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about their results. During your consultation, Dr. Chang will take the time to discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and outline what you can expect before, during, and after surgery. She believes in empowering her patients with the knowledge they need to feel confident in their decision-making process.

Choosing the right procedure is a collaborative effort, and Dr. Chang’s expertise in facial aesthetics ensures that you’ll receive a customized plan designed to deliver the most natural and satisfying results. Whether you opt for a neck lift, facelift, or a combination of both, Privé Beverly Hills is committed to helping you look and feel your absolute best.

Why Choose Dr. Catherine S. Chang?

Dr. Chang’s approach to neck lift and facelift procedures combines unparalleled expertise with a keen artistic eye, ensuring results that enhance your natural beauty rather than altering it. Her Harvard training and commitment to excellence guarantee personalized care and outstanding outcomes.

At Privé Beverly Hills, you’ll benefit from:

A luxurious, patient-first experience.
Advanced surgical techniques tailored to your unique anatomy.
A focus on achieving timeless, natural beauty.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance? Dr. Catherine Chang at Privé Beverly Hills is here to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion. With her meticulous approach and dedication to patient satisfaction, you can feel confident in your transformation.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover whether a neck lift, facelift, or combination procedure is right for you.