The Importance of Doing a Facelift and Neck Lift Together
As people age, the skin begins to lose many of the qualities that give younger people that enviable glow. The amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases every year, and the skin also begins to lose the fat that gives the face and neck a firm, buoyant appearance. This is why people commonly begin to seek out face and neck lift surgeries once they hit the age of 40 or older.
During a face lift (rhytidectomy), incisions are made on either side of the face and tissue is adjusted or removed to create a more firm and youthful appearance. With a neck lift (platysmaplasty or lower rhytidectomy), the goal is to surgically remove excess fat and sagging skin that causes jowls or a “turkey waddle.”
Many individuals may feel daunted at the thought of getting two separate surgeries: one for the face, and one for the neck. However, there are times when patients can benefit from undergoing one surgery to address issues with both the face and neck.
The Importance of Doing a Facelift and Neck Lift Together
On their own, a facelift and neck lift are great options to revitalize the appearance of the face, jawline, and neck. But, there may be instances when patients can benefit when both treatments are performed simultaneously.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery understands the value of face and neck lift procedures. As a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of industry experience, Dr. Azizzadeh recognizes that a facelift or neck lift performed on its own may be insufficient for a patient. In these cases, Dr. Azizzadeh may craft a custom treatment plan that includes both a face and neck lift.
Why Should a Patient Consider a Face and Neck Life Procedure?
There are several reasons why a patient may consider a simultaneous face and neck lift procedure. These include:
1. Improved Facial Harmony
Dr. Azizzadeh evaluates a patient before he offers a personalized facial rejuvenation treatment recommendation. The evaluation allows Dr. Azizzadeh to study a patient’s facial features and identify any visible signs of aging. It also enables Dr. Azizzadeh to learn about a patient’s medical history and find out why a facelift, neck lift, or other facial rejuvenation treatments are being considered.
A facelift reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging on the face and neck. Comparatively, a neck lift treats excess fat in the lower portion of the face, muscle banding in the neck, and other issues that hamper the appearance of the neck and jawline.
For patients who want to undergo treatment to address signs of aging that negatively affect the appearance of the face, neck, and jawline, a face and neck lift procedure can be beneficial. When performed by Dr. Azizzadeh, patients can undergo a procedure that improves facial harmony. As a result, patients can reap the benefits of an all-in-one procedure that enhances facial symmetry and results in a vibrant, youthful-looking facial appearance.
2. Cost Savings
Combining a facelift and neck lift can provide cost savings in comparison to completing each procedure individually. This is due to the fact that a patient will only need to go under the knife once to get a consolidated facelift and neck lift.
Dr. Azizzadeh explains the costs associated with a facelift, neck lift, or any other cosmetic procedure before treatment is administered. In addition to searching for ways to provide patients with exceptional results, Dr. Azizzadeh wants to keep a face and neck lift cost as affordable as possible. Therefore, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient can benefit from a facelift and neck lift, he may recommend a combined procedure. This allows a patient to undergo a simultaneous facelift and neck lift and get the best return on their facial rejuvenation treatment investment.
3. Seamless Procedure
When a facelift and neck lift are combined, patients can undergo a procedure that is both fast and effective. A typical facelift requires two to six hours to perform, depending on the extent of treatment. Meanwhile, a neck lift usually takes up to three hours to complete, based on the issues that affect the appearance of the neck and jawline.
Dr. Azizzadeh can perform a facelift and neck lift together, and this combined procedure requires less time to complete than if he were to complete each one separately. Furthermore, the results of a face and neck lift will become visible within months of the procedure, particularly for patients who adhere to the post-operative recommendations for optimal recovery.
What to Expect During Recovery from a Facelift and Neck Lift
The recovery from a facelift and neck lift procedure takes several months to complete. Initially, a patient will have bandages in place around the face and neck to minimize swelling, along with small tubes near the ears. A patient may require assistance from a family member or friend for at least the first 24 hours after their procedure as well; this ensures that the patient can safely return home following treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh provides instructions to ensure a patient is well-equipped to limit the risk of complications during face and neck lift recovery. Post-treatment instructions provided by Dr. Azizzadeh include avoiding:
- Use of makeup immediately following treatment
- Strenuous activity for at least a few weeks after treatment
- Direct sun exposure to the incision site for at least three weeks after treatment; following this period, patients should apply sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to protect the skin in this area
Dr. Azizzadeh also requests follow-up appointments to monitor his patient’s progress after a facelift and neck lift. If a patient experiences any pain or discomfort or has concerns or questions following treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh encourages him or her to reach out for assistance, too.
Limitations of Lower Face and Neck Lift
Even though a lower face and neck lift can rejuvenate and refresh an individual’s appearance, it cannot stop the aging process from continuing. Because of this, the results of this combined plastic surgery cannot last forever. They can, however, last for a long time: most patients experience 10 to 15 years of improved facial features after a lower face and neck lift.
Patients should also keep in mind that a face and neck lift rejuvenates the face to give it an appearance approximately 10 to 15 years younger than the patient’s actual age. A 50-year-old patient may attain features that look like those of a 35- to 40-year-old, for example, whereas a 70-year-old patient may regain features she had as a 55- to 60-year-old.
Finally, as with any surgery, there are risks involved with a face and neck lift. It is critical that patients honestly and openly discuss their medical history and medication with Dr. Azizzadeh during an initial consultation. This can help limit potential risks, which may include the formation of hematomas (which can easily be treated by Dr. Azizzadeh), scarring, injury to the nerves, or skin and hair loss.
Is an Upper or Lower Face and Neck Lift Right for You?
Potential patients may be wondering, “How do I know if I’m a good candidate for this type of facial rejuvenation surgery?” In general, patients over the age of 40 who are in good health are ideal candidates for these combined plastic surgeries. Patients who smoke, have poorly managed diabetes, or have medical conditions that affect blood clotting may need to consider alternative forms of facial rejuvenation.
A combined facelift and neck lift procedure can refresh the appearance of the face, neck, and jawline, and it can deliver results that last 10 years or longer. However, the procedure is not intended for every patient. To determine if a facelift, neck lift, or both procedures can be beneficial, it is important to consult with Dr. Azizzadeh.
Some patients who are closer to 40 or younger and feel self-conscious about any lack of definition in the chin or jaw area may be wondering, “Can you have a neck lift without a face lift?”
You certainly can, and Dr. Azizzadeh can help younger patients determine whether they are good candidates for neck lift without a face lift.
Schedule Your Combined Plastic Surgeries with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh can examine a patient and determine the best course of action to revitalize the facial appearance. If a patient is dealing with facial volume loss, facial expression lines, or other facial blemishes, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend a facelift. On the other hand, if a patient is coping with a double chin, droopy neck skin, or fatty jowls, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend a neck lift. If a patient is dealing with a combination of face, neck, and/or jawline issues, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend both a facelift and neck lift.
Meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh offers a learning opportunity for patients who are considering facelifts, neck lifts, and other facial rejuvenation treatments. To find out more about these procedures or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-683-4085.