If given the choice between a mini facelift or a traditional facelift, most women and men would opt for the less invasive option. That’s understandable. As a plastic surgeon, however, my job is to be honest about what the different techniques can accomplish. The truth is that, in most cases, a traditional lower face lift combined with a neck lift produces the most natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Traditional Facelift vs Mini Facelift
Women and men in their early 40s who are concerned about the initial signs of aging, such as loose neck skin or mild jowls, often wonder if a mini facelift (also called a short scar facelift) can produce the results they want. In most cases, people are better off waiting until they’re ready for a full facelift and neck lift, which addresses sagging skin and tissue in the lower face, creates a more defined jawline, and tightens loose neck skin. This more comprehensive procedure involves incisions that begin behind your sideburns, cross in front of the ears, and curve around the earlobes back into the hairline.
You can read more about facelift options in our previous blog post.
The Benefits of a Lower Facelift
Combining a lower face and neck lift remains the most effective approach for addressing moderate to significant sagging in the lower face. It restores a more youthful look, providing the following benefits:
- Repositions and reshapes the underlying facial tissue
- Removes excess skin
- Tightens loose skin and muscles
- Smooths the skin on the lower face and neck
A neck lift tightens the platysma muscle, reducing the appearance of vertical neck bands and tightening loose neck skin.
Combining Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
If you’ve ever remodeled your kitchen, you may have noticed that your dining or living rooms suddenly looked dated. You can think of facial rejuvenation in a similar way. Most facelift patients have multiple concerns about their appearance that a standalone facelift or neck lift won’t improve.
Combining a facelift and neck lift with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or laser skin resurfacing, will:
- Address multiple signs of aging simultaneously
- Provide more dramatic and long-lasting results
- Create a balanced, natural appearance
- Boost your confidence
It can also be a cost-effective approach compared to undergoing separate procedures. For example, the cost of a face and neck lift together may seem to have a higher upfront cost than each individual procedure; however, when you factor in per-operation expenses, such as anesthesia and facility fees, the long-term savings become much more apparent.
Modern facial rejuvenation involves nuanced, personalized approaches. Our practice delivers remarkable, age-defying results that help patients look and feel their best by addressing the lower face, neck, and jawline as an integrated system.
If you’re concerned that your appearance doesn’t match the youthfulness you feel, request a consultation to meet with one of our fellowship-trained plastic surgeons. You can use the online form or call us at (817) 442-1236 to schedule an appointment.