Everything You Need to Know About Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery

Aging is a natural part of life, but for many, the visible signs—sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and a loss of youthful contours—can feel like a mismatch with how vibrant they still feel inside. Enter facelift and neck lift surgery: a transformative option for those looking to refresh their appearance and boost their confidence. If you’re considering this procedure, here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What Is a Facelift and Neck Lift?

A facelift and neck lift, medically known as a rhytidectomy (for the face) and platysmaplasty (for the neck), is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the lower face and neck. It tightens loose skin, smooths wrinkles, and restores definition to areas like the jawline and chin. While it won’t stop the aging process, it can turn back the clock by a decade or more when performed by a skilled surgeon.

The facelift targets:

Sagging cheeks and jowls
Deep creases around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds)
Excess skin or fat under the chin

The neck lift focuses on:

Loose or “turkey” neck skin
Muscle banding (those vertical cords that appear with age)
Excess fat deposits

Together, these procedures create a harmonious, rejuvenated look from the jawline up.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is an ideal fit for a face and neck lift. The best candidates are typically:

Age Range: Often between 40 and 70, though it varies based on individual aging.
Skin Elasticity: Those with some remaining skin elasticity see better results, as the skin needs to adapt to its new contours.
Overall Health: Non-smokers with no major medical conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease) are preferred, as these factors affect healing.
Realistic Expectations: Surgery enhances, but doesn’t create perfection. Understanding this is key to satisfaction.

If you’re bothered by sagging skin but aren’t ready for surgery, non-invasive options like fillers, Botox, or thread lifts might be worth exploring first.

The Procedure: What Happens During Surgery?

Face and neck lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of the surgery and your surgeon’s recommendation. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Incisions: For a facelift, incisions usually start at the hairline near the temples, curve around the ears, and end in the lower scalp. For a neck lift, a smaller incision under the chin may also be made. These are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring.
Tissue Adjustment: The surgeon lifts and repositions underlying fat, muscles, and connective tissues (like the SMAS layer—superficial musculoaponeurotic system) to create a natural, lifted look.
Skin Redraping: Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is carefully redraped over the new contours.
Closing Up: Incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives, and drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup.

The surgery can take 3 to 6 hours, depending on whether you’re combining it with other procedures (like an eyelid lift or brow lift).

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery is a critical part of the process, and patience is key. Here’s a general timeline:

First Week: Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. You’ll likely wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. Most patients take pain medication and sleep with their head elevated.
Two Weeks: Stitches are often removed, and many return to light activities. Bruising fades, but you might still look “puffy.”
One Month: Swelling continues to subside, and you’ll start seeing your new contours. Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
Three to Six Months: Final results emerge as tissues fully settle.

Scars will fade over time, often becoming barely noticeable within a year if cared for properly (think sunscreen and scar creams).

Risks and Considerations of Facelift and Neck Lift Surgeries

Like any surgery, face and neck lifts come with risks. These include:

Infection or bleeding
Nerve injury (rare, but can affect facial movement temporarily or permanently)
Poor wound healing (more common in smokers)
Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with results

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial procedures significantly reduces these risks. Ask to see before-and-after photos and discuss their approach during your consultation.

Costs: How Much Will It Set You Back?

The price tag varies widely based on location, surgeon expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. In the U.S., a combined face and neck lift typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, including anesthesia and facility fees. Insurance rarely covers it since it’s cosmetic, but some surgeons offer financing plans.

Alternatives to Surgery

If surgery feels like too big a leap, consider these options:

Radiofrequency Treatments: Like Facetite or Morpheus, these stimulate collagen production.
Liposuction: For neck fat removal without a full lift.
Fillers and Botox: Temporary fixes for volume loss and wrinkles.

These won’t replicate surgical results but can delay the need for a lift.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

A face and neck lift can be life-changing, offering a refreshed, youthful appearance that aligns with how you feel inside. The key is research: find a qualified surgeon, weigh the pros and cons, and set realistic goals. It’s not about looking 20 again—it’s about looking like the best version of yourself now.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sean Hill, to discuss your unique needs. Aging may be inevitable, but how you face it is entirely up to you.