What is The Big Difference Between a Neck Lift and a Facelift?

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Disclaimer: Results vary and are illustrated as a guide only.

Are you considering making changes to your face or neck to address common signs of ageing? You may be wondering whether a facelift or neck lift is the right option for you. While both procedures aim to improve facial aesthetics, they focus on different areas and concerns. In this blog, we provide general information to help you understand the key differences between a facelift and a neck lift.

Facelift (Meloplasty or Rhytidectomy)

A facelift focuses on targeting visible signs of ageing in the mid to lower face. This procedure targets to address issues such as loose skin, deep creases around the nose and mouth, and loss of muscle tone. By repositioning and tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin, a facelift aims to provide a more youthful-looking facial appearance.

Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift targets the neck area aiming to improve visible signs of ageing. This procedure addresses concerns like excess fat and skin relaxation under the chin, loose neck skin, and muscle banding. By tightening underlying muscles and removing excess skin, a neck lift aims to improve the appearance of the neck’s contour.

Key Differences

Aspect	Facelift	Neck Lift
Target Areas	Focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and nasolabial folds.	Concentrates on the neck area, addressing concerns such as loose neck skin, double chin, and neck bands.
Concerns Addressed	Addresses loose skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of muscle tone in the mid to lower face.	Targets excess fat and skin under the chin, loose neck skin, and muscle banding.
Ideal Candidates	Individuals with loose skin in the mid-to-lower face, deep wrinkles or folds around the nose and mouth, and those seeking long-term alteration in the face. Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations are ideal candidates. Consult your surgeon for personalised advice.	Individuals experiencing excess wrinkling of the neck skin, a double chin, or jowl lines. Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing and non-smokers with a positive outlook and realistic expectations are suitable candidates. Consult your surgeon for personalised advice.
Recovery Time	Recovery time varies for each individual. Generally, a facelift typically involves initial bruising and swelling that subside within 10 to 14 days, allowing patients to resume normal activities. Complete healing, including the resolution of residual swelling and numbness, can take several months.	Recovery time varies, with some patients experiencing initial swelling and bruising that subside within two weeks. However, complete healing, including the resolution of residual swelling and numbness, can take up several months.
Risks	Potential risks include scarring, bleeding, infection, nerve injury, and anesthesia-related complications. It’s crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with a qualified health practitioner before proceeding.	Similar to facelift risks, including scarring, bleeding, infection, nerve injury, and anesthesia-related complications. Thorough discussion with a qualified health practitioner is essential before proceeding.
Costs	The cost of a facelift in Sydney varies based on factors such as the procedure’s complexity and the surgeon’s expertise. Generally, prices range from $20,000 to $35,000 for a short scar (mini) facelift and $35,000 to $70,000 for a more comprehensive full face and neck lift. For a more precise estimate tailored to your needs, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon.	Costs of neck lift in Sydney vary, with estimates ranging from AUD14,000 to AUD22,000, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, location, and additional procedures performed.
Longevity	Results vary per individual. It typically lasts between 5 to 12 years, depending on several factors such as the extent of the surgery, skin quality, lifestyle habits, genetics and more.	Results are different for everyone. It usually lasts between 5 to 10 years, with individual outcomes influenced by factors like age, skin type, lifestyle choices, and adherence to post-operative care.

How Can I Tell If I Need a Facelift or Neck Lift?

A facelift targets loose skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles in the mid-to-lower face, while a neck lift focuses on loose skin, muscle banding, and jawline definition. If you’re concerned about ageing in one or both areas, a consultation with a plastic surgeon can help determine the best option based on your skin laxity and aesthetic goals.

Should I Combine a Facelift and Neck Lift?

Combining both procedures creates a balanced, youthful look by addressing ageing in the face and neck simultaneously. It also streamlines recovery and may reduce costs. A plastic surgeon can assess if a combined approach is right for you.

Get a Personalised Advice

For the best results, it’s essential to choose the right procedure based on your unique needs. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr Jack Zoumaras, will provide personalised advice, helping you understand your options and achieve your goals, while maintaining realistic expectations. Whether you need a facelift, neck lift, or a combination of both, expert guidance ensures a treatment plan tailored to your goals. Book an appointment today.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V: How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.

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