Does a facelift include the neck area? : A full explanation

A traditional facelift or facelift generally includes the neck area as an integral part of the procedure. The main objective is to improve the contour of the face and neck to achieve a more youthful and defined appearance. This is achieved by tightening the skin and repositioning the muscles and tissues in both areas.

In some cases, a neck lift is performed as an additional or complementary procedure when the sagging in this area is more pronounced. The combination of both treatments allows for a more complete and natural rejuvenation, addressing the visible signs of aging on the face and neck.

Surgical techniques for facelifts and necklifts have evolved to be less invasive and with better aesthetic results. Pre-planning and aftercare are essential for minimizing risks and achieving a successful and lasting result.

Key Points

• A traditional facelift usually involves the contour and skin of the neck.
• Combining facelift and neck lift improves results in cases of advanced sagging.
• Modern techniques seek to minimize risks and optimize recovery.

What areas does a traditional facelift cover?

The traditional facelift is a surgical procedure that seeks to rejuvenate the face and neck, improving firmness and facial contour. This method covers different specific areas, which vary depending on the technique and the needs of each patient. It's important to understand what areas are treated and how they are divided in order to decide on the right procedure.

Differences between facelift and neck lift

El facelifting o facelift focuses primarily on correcting sagging and wrinkles on the face, especially in areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial lines and mandibular contour. On the other hand, the neck lift is specifically designed to treat sagging and excess skin in the lower part of the face, neck and chin area.

Although both procedures can be performed together, they maintain differences in technique and surgical area. Facelifting does not always include the neck, but when aging in that area is noticeable, neck lifting is combined to achieve a more harmonious and natural result.

Inclusion of the neck area in the lift

In a traditional facelift, whether or not the neck is included depends on the state of the tissue and the sagging present in that area. Many plastic surgeons offer the option of extending the procedure to encompass the neck, where additional incisions are made to tighten the skin and muscles.

Commonly, a neck lift can treat a double chin, bands in the neck, and loose skin. The same extended line of surgery is used as for the face, allowing both areas to be corrected at the same time. For those who want a total rejuvenated appearance, the neck area is usually included in the surgical plan.

Most treated areas of the face and neck

The areas treated in a traditional face-lift include:

• Cheeks and cheekbones: raised and defined to improve facial contour.
• Jawline: redefined to prevent sagging and double chin.
• Forehead and eyebrows: may be included to correct wrinkles and loss.
• Neck: the skin and muscles are tightened to reduce excess and improve the profile.

These areas are carefully worked to achieve a natural effect. The tension in the fabric is attached to deep planes to ensure durability and avoid the “tight” appearance.

Importance of a personalized evaluation

Each patient has different degrees of aging and affected areas. Therefore, the plastic surgeon performs a detailed evaluation to decide if only a facelift, a neck lift or both is necessary.

The evaluation includes the analysis of the degree of sagging, skin quality, bone structure and patient expectations. This personalized approach allows planning a procedure that treats specific areas, avoiding unnecessary interventions and maximizing results.

Proper evaluation is key to an effective facelift that maintains harmony and naturalness on the face and neck.

When is it recommended to combine facelifts and necklifts?

The decision to combine a facelift with a neck lift depends on the specific characteristics of facial and cervical aging. It also influences the anatomical structure, especially the state of the SMAS, and the patient's expectations about the results and the surgical process.

Signs of facial and cervical aging

Aging affects both the face and the neck, but to different degrees. When there are excess skin, sagging and pockets of fat in the neck area, such as a noticeable double chin, it is recommended to include a neck lift together with the facelift.

The key signs for this combination are:

• Loss of the angle between jaw and neck
• Visible accumulation of fat in the neck
• Skin sagging that is not corrected with a facelift alone.

These conditions create a poorly defined and aged appearance that can only be solved with a complete stretch that includes both areas.

The role of SMAS in the results

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is an important layer that connects the skin and muscles of the face and neck. Its correct manipulation during surgery improves the firmness and duration of the result.

A good stretch of the SMAS in these areas:

• Repositions deep tissues.
• It helps to eliminate muscle flaccidity.
• Reduces the appearance of double chin and wrinkles on the neck.

If only the skin is treated without SMAS, the results may be less natural and long-lasting. Therefore, it is common to combine facelift and neck lift to work the SMAS comprehensively.

Ideal candidates and realistic expectations

Los ideal candidates to combine both surgeries are people with moderate or advanced sagging in the neck and face. Also those who have a visible double chin and excess skin under the jaw.

It is important for patients to be clear about:

• That the recovery may be a little longer.
• That the surgery is more complex and must be performed by experienced surgeons.
• That the results improve the natural contour, but do not stop aging.

The combination offers a more harmonious and rejuvenated appearance, especially in cases with visible changes in both areas. But it requires careful analysis to avoid false expectations.

Postoperative Care and Final Considerations

The success of a facelift that includes the neck area is highly dependent on adequate post-operative care. The patient must follow the instructions of the plastic surgeon to ensure an uncomplicated recovery and obtain the best results in facial rejuvenation.

Recovery time and point removal

La initial recovery It usually lasts between 10 and 14 days. During this time, the patient may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the neck and face. These symptoms decrease progressively over the course of days.

The stitches are usually removed between the 7th and 10th postoperative day. In some cases, absorbable sutures are used that do not require removal. The patient should avoid sudden movements and keep the head elevated to reduce swelling.

The full period to return to normal activities may extend up to 4 weeks, depending on the individual response and the extent of the surgery.

Plastic surgeon recommendations

The plastic surgeon will indicate specific care that includes careful hygiene of the operated area and the strict application of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications.

It is recommended to avoid direct exposure to the sun and to use sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation in scars. In addition, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, as they affect healing.

The use of compressive bandages or bandages for the first few days helps control swelling and maintains a defined contour. Follow-up appointments are mandatory to monitor progress and detect any complications.

Treatment Benefits and Limitations

The facelift with the inclusion of the neck significantly improves the mandibular contour, eliminating sagging and excess skin. It is ideal for those who want to rejuvenate their face and neck with natural and long-lasting results.

Among the benefits, the improvement of the mentocervical angle and the reduction of the appearance of a “heavy” neck stand out. However, not all patients are ideal candidates; factors such as age, degree of sagging, and general health influence outcomes.

The procedure doesn't stop aging, so the effects may diminish over time. Some conditions, such as severely damaged skin or being overweight, may limit treatment success and require complementary approaches. For specific cases, the plastic surgeon may recommend additional or alternative techniques.

FAQs

What does the neck lift procedure include?

This procedure usually involves removing excess skin and tightening the platysma muscle to correct sagging. In addition, it may include remodeling the area that connects the face to the neck to improve the facial angle. In some cases, an extension is made to the hairline.

What is the before and after a neck lift like?

Previously, the neck may have wrinkles, loose skin and poor definition between the face and neck. Afterwards, tighter skin, a sharper angle and a rejuvenated appearance are seen. Results may vary depending on age and skin condition.

Are there non-surgical neck lift options and how do they work?

Yes, there are minimally invasive treatments that improve skin laxity without surgery. These methods usually use ultrasound, laser, or radio frequency to stimulate collagen. The results are more subtle and require several sessions.