A facelift can dramatically restore a youthful contour to your face, but the neck is often just as important when considering a comprehensive rejuvenation. For many patients, combining a deep plane facelift with a neck lift ensures balanced, natural-looking results that address both sagging facial skin and neck laxity.
Unfortunately, terminology in the world of facial plastic surgery can be very confusing. Dr. Daraei prefers to simplify terminology and remove any unnecessary verbiage or use of trademark language. For Dr. Daraei, a Facelift involves surgery to improve the region between the jawline to the cheek and a Necklift involves surgery to improve the region between the jawline and the collarbones.
The face and neck age together and the deeper structures such as the SMAS and the platysma age as a unit. Because of this, addressing both at the same time is the most effective and natural way to rejuvenate the face.
While a facelift alone can lift the mid and lower face, it may not fully correct excess skin or underlying muscle laxity in the neck. Adding a neck lift allows Dr. Paul Daraei to tighten the platysma muscle, remove redundant skin, and redefine the jawline, which often provides a smoother transition between the face and neck.
Rarely, in early aging, the SMAS in the face can age more quickly than the platysma in the neck, or vice versa. In these rare cases, a facelift or necklift can be performed in isolation.
Who Benefits Most from a Neck Lift
Adults in their 40s to 65 who notice neck bands, a double chin, or loose neck skin are often excellent candidates. Patients with moderate to advanced signs of aging in the neck find that combining procedures creates a more harmonious, long-lasting result. Even individuals in their late 30s with early neck laxity may consider a neck lift to enhance or maintain their facial contour.
- Those concerned with both facial and neck aging
- Patients seeking natural-looking, long-lasting results
- Individuals who want minimal visible scarring with balanced proportions
Enhancing Results with a Neck Lift
By integrating a neck lift with a facelift, Dr. Daraei can refine areas that a facelift alone may not fully address. A facelift addresses the cheek down to the jawline. A necklift addresses the deep structures of the neck below the jawline. Specifically, a necklift improves contour below the jawline, decreases volume in the neck, eliminates bands, and reduces redundant gland excess in the neck. A necklift is most effective when combined with a facelift in order to improve aging of the face and neck as a unit.
Typical recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can expect a gradual return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal during the early recovery period and usually resolve within a few weeks, revealing smoother facial and neck contours.
Not All Necklifts are Alike
Not all necklifts are the same. Dr. Daraei prefers a deep, structural approach to necklifts. This means that he addresses all anatomical structures that age the neck, rather than just pulling the muscle as tight as possible and removing excess skin. The neck contains the following structures that descend with time and contribute to the appearance of aging: skin, platysma muscle, deep fat, digastric muscles, and submandibular glands. Some, or all, of these deep neck structures can become redundant, droopy, or irregular. To achieve a rejuvenated neckline, Dr. Daraei addresses all of the deep neck structures listed above. This is not a traditional or minimal “necklift.” A deep, structural necklift can truly transform the neckline, improve banding, remove significant fatty tissue, and decrease volume in the neck that is otherwise redundant.
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing whether to include a neck lift is a personal decision best made with a skilled facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Paul Daraei carefully evaluates each patient’s facial anatomy, aging patterns, and aesthetic goals to recommend the procedure or combination that delivers the most natural and balanced results. Understanding the benefits, recovery expectations, and potential outcomes allows patients to feel confident in their surgical plan.
For anyone considering a facelift, discussing the potential addition of a necklift with an experienced surgeon ensures your investment provides the most comprehensive, harmonious rejuvenation.
If you are interested in exploring a facelift with or without a neck lift, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Daraei at Daraei Facial Plastic Surgery. Fill out our online form today to take the first step toward a refreshed, natural look.
Dr. Paul Daraei is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized for his exceptional skill, academic excellence, and leadership in the field of facial aesthetics. With advanced fellowship training and thousands of surgical cases completed at Emory University, he combines technical precision with an artist’s eye for natural results. As an affiliate professor and published author in leading medical journals, Dr. Daraei continues to advance the field through teaching, research, and innovation. His commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has established him as one of Atlanta’s most trusted authorities in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
