Facelifts and neck lifts are two of the most popular procedures requested by those longing to turn back the clock on their appearance. Our skin loses elasticity as we age, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and jowls. Face and neck lifts address these concerns, providing a more toned and youthful look. Depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals, these procedures can target various areas, including the forehead, cheeks, jowls, neck, and jawline.
Benefits of Face and Neck Lifts
Reversing the Effects of Aging: Face and neck lifts can effectively reverse the visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, restoring a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Enhanced Facial Contours: By tightening the underlying muscles and tissues, these procedures help define and restore natural facial contours, resulting in a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
Boosting Self-Confidence: The physical transformation achieved through face and neck lifts often leads to improved self-esteem and increased confidence, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable and satisfied with their overall appearance.
Types of Face and Neck Lifts
Traditional Face and Neck Lift
This method involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and possibly under the chin to access and lift the underlying tissues, remove excess fat, and tighten the skin. This is the most extensive surgery for improving facial appearance, with a longer recovery time, but offers the most dramatic results for those with moderately or severely aged and sagging skin on the face and neck.
Mini Face and Neck Lift
This less invasive approach targets specific areas of concern, making smaller incisions and focusing on localized tightening and lifting. If you have minimal signs of aging but want to take positive action to stay ahead of the signs of aging, a mini lift may be all you need.
Endoscopic Face and Neck Lift
This technique utilizes a tiny camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to visualize and manipulate the tissues, resulting in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time.
Surgery and Recovery
During a face and neck lift, the skin is elevated or pulled taut, tightening the muscles, tissues, and skin. The fat in the face and neck is sculpted, relocated, or removed to change facial contours, after which the facial skin is positioned over the new contours. Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures. For most face and neck lifts, scarring is minimal and partially or fully hidden in the hairline or, in the case of a neck lift, beneath the chin.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can expect temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first three weeks. Following Dr. Gilbert’s post-operative instructions and allowing ample time for healing are essential for optimal results.
It is important to consider your aesthetic goals and risk factors when considering a face or neck lift. The best place to start is obtaining a consultation with Dr. Gilbert to evaluate your suitability for cosmetic surgery, discuss expectations, and address your concerns. If you are interested in a facelift or neck lift, contact our office at Inland Institute - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 909-982-8888 to schedule your appointment.