Facelift and Neck Lift, Surgery for Firmer and More Youthful Facial and Neck Skin
What Is a Facelift and Neck Lift?
A facelift and neck lift is surgery to lift and tighten the midface, lower face and neck. It addresses sagging so that the face and neck look smoother and more youthful, without aiming for an overly tight look.
3 Types of Facelift, Chosen According to How Much the Skin Sags
1. Plication Facelift With Excess Skin Removal
A facelift technique that folds and stitches the tissue layer to tighten it, without deep dissection. It suits people who want a subtler change and less extensive surgery. It may suit:
Who It May Suit
- people who do not want deep surgery and prefer a less extensive procedure
- people with mild to moderate sagging
- people who want a subtle lift
Advantages of the Plication Technique
- small incisions, which may reduce discomfort in some cases
- less swelling and bruising than deeper techniques in some cases
- a lower chance of complications than deep-layer surgery
2. SMAS Facelift (Lifting the Muscle Layer)
Surgery to lift and tighten the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the layer of muscle and connective tissue under the skin. It targets sagging directly, and results tend to last longer than lifting the skin alone. It may suit:
Who It May Suit
- people with moderate to fairly marked sagging
- people with sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds or a jawline that lacks definition
3. Deep Plane Facelift
A facelift technique that lifts the deep layer under the muscle (both the SMAS and the facial muscles) together, rather than pulling only the skin. This lifts the face at a deeper level for a more youthful look, and results tend to last a long time.
Who It May Suit
- people with marked to severe sagging
- clearly sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds or a jawline that lacks definition
Key Features of a Deep Plane Facelift
- lifts the cheeks and softens deep folds
- avoids a stretched or pulled look, as it does not rely on pulling the skin tight
- results tend to last longer than with other facelift techniques
Things to Know
- it is a complex technique that needs a high level of surgical skill
- it should be done by a surgeon with extensive experience in this technique
Types of Neck Lift
Mini / Full Necklift
Surgery to lift excess sagging skin or loose skin on the neck, so the neck looks firmer and smoother.
Platysmaplasty (Reducing Loose Skin Under the Chin)
Surgery to stitch and tighten the neck muscle (platysma) to address loose skin under the chin caused by a sagging neck muscle, giving a more defined jaw angle and neck.
The right facelift technique depends on how much your skin sags and on your goals. Consult an experienced surgeon, who can assess your skin and recommend the most suitable option for you.
Looking for a more youthful look? Consult an experienced surgeon for advice that suits you.
