As part of the aging process, our skin progressively loses its elasticity and can start to loosen or sag in certain areas. Often times, the rate at which our face ages does not line up with how the rest of our body looks or feels. This can be due to stress, sun exposure, and simply the effects of gravity over time. When considering undergoing a face lift procedure, it’s generally a good idea to also consider a neck lift. Typically done during the same procedure, a neck lift can amplify the desired results of the face lift.
What is the distinction between the procedures?
A facelift is a procedure designed to reverse the effects of stress, gravity, sun exposure, and general aging in the face area. Facelifts address skin laxity, facial folds, and wrinkles in the mid and/or lower areas of the face. Typical results will remove or reduce jowls or nasolabial folds. A neck lift addresses the loose skin underneath the face and along the jawline as well as the deep bands of the neck (often referred to as “turkey neck” or “turkey wobble”).
Why combine the procedures?
While it isn’t always necessary to have both procedures at once, it is common in the majority of clients who undergo this type of operation. A face lift reduces the aging in the face, but without a neck lift the end results can produce an uneven look in the face. While the facial skin and muscles will appear younger and more tight across the bones, the neck will appear much older, possibly older than before now in contrast with the face. Performing both procedures creates more symmetrical, more appealing result.
Signs of aging don’t just suddenly stop at the jawline. A neck lift in combination with a facelift will increase the results of the procedure by reducing the effects of aging from the neckline up. A study produced by the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (and discussed here in Time Magazine) stated that patients with only a facelift appeared 6 – 8 years younger, while patients who also received a neck lift appeared 10-15 years younger. If you’re looking to reduce the affects of aging, the best results are with both procedures. With Dr. Kadz, a board-certified surgeon with over 20 years experience, and his team, you can be sure that after this procedure you’ll forget how old you are when looking in the mirror.
