Should I get a mini face lift or neck lift? (Photo)

Question

Hi I am considering a neck lift but when I went for a consultation (seen 2) the plastic surgeon recommended a mini face lift , my face looks good except a little jowling. But it is my neck that looks bad with lose skin , I am 52 yrs old most people think I am in my early forty's , my neck is what is bothering me and it doesn't match my face , will a mini face lift fix it or should I just get a neck lift

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

You are right, you definitely don't look 52 from your picture and the first thing I noticed was your neck banding. Without an examination or better pictures, it is hard to give specifics, however, a neck lift only could be an option. The problem with a neck lift is that if you have even a little jowling now (its hard to see in your picture because you are smiling), the neck lift will not address that. So the other option is as you have mentioned, a lower facelift with a smaller incision (mini lift), combined with a neck lift would probably give you the best most long lasting results. Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. You may benefit most from a lower facelift to address the horizontal neck banding and define your jawline. This procedure targets the neck and throat directly by removing submental fat and tightening the skin. The deeper tissues along the jawline are also tightened to create a smooth and defined contour. Many patients achieve optimal results by combining this procedure with liposuction to remove excess fat on the neck and jowls. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who will answer any questions you have and help you decide on the best course of action.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​A combination of non-surgical options like Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, Ultherapy and Thermage would do well in combination for skin tightening for the neck. VASER Liposuction (with ThermiRF, Renuvion and InMode FaceTite) is a great alternative for contouring and tightening the chin and neck and can be combined with a neck lift at the same time, if you're a candidate. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a long-term treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients who desire facial rejuvenation that is affordable, quick, and effective should consider the Lite-lift™. The LiteLift™ is an innovative facelift developed by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Larry Nichter and myself which benefits many male patients. The goal of the #LiteLift is to provide a less invasive natural looking option for both men and women desiring to refresh their appearance with less downtime and risks. The LiteLift® is a “real” facelift, which does address the underlying muscle, tissue and overlying skin.The technique requires limited incisions and takes a vertical lifting approach, in contrast to the traditional facelift, which requires extensive incisions and lifts or pulls the face towards the ears horizontally. The modern techniques used allow us to perform most LiteLift® procedures in the office under local anesthesia. Also, removing the risk of general anesthesia opens the door for more people to pursue facial surgery. All too often people do not move forward with undergoing the desires facelift surgery due to their overwhelming fear of the risks associated with general anesthesia.This is a modified facelift that can be performed in the office with a local anesthetic and improve signs of aging around the neck, jawbone and lower face. These procedures are not "Thread-lifts" or "String-lifts". We do not use the "barbed" sutures employed in these other lifting operations. The Lite-lift™ uses longer lasting techniques that are discussed below. Because the incisions are limited, there is less bruising, swelling and healing time for most patients. Many patients can be back to work in one to two weeks looking rested and more youthful.The best candidates for #LiteLift are non-smoking patients 35-60 years old with stable skin elasticity, well-defined bone structure but showing early changes of the lower face and the neck. Older patients who cannot or do not wish to have a longer operation or general anesthetic can be improved with a Lite Lift™. All in all, Lite Lift™ surgery is individualized for each patient.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Even though the neck is the worse by far, when you get a neck lift it is best to do the lower face with it to be sure to blend the skin together nicely and it takes care of the jowls as well for roughly $8800 on special and under local.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This depends on what technique is used for the mini lift.  If it a skin only procedure with a very small incision around your ear, it likely will not correct your neck or if it does, it wont last.  If it is done with some form of SMAS manipulation, preferably a flap or excision, it will be a longer lasting procedure that will address your neck.  Based on your photo I would recommend a comprehensive mini lift.

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your face looks quite young and beautiful on the picture that you've posted.  And the neck does look like it would benefit from a bit of tightening.  Most people in your situation would think that the neck lift alone would give them the best result and the facelift would not be necessary or possibly even harmful by causing "over-tightening" of the face.In most situations, however, this would not be the case.  Despite your face looking so young, I would have to agree with your plastic surgeon.  The neck lift in conjunction with a facelift would give you far better result than an isolated neck lift.  Adding a facelift would not only enhance the results of the neck lift procedure, but would also help to make the result look far more natural.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

Michael Law, MD · Answer

You look very young and whatever procedure you have should be conservative and result in a natural look. I think the terminology used to describe the procedure is far less important than specifically addressing your concerns. In order to make an appropriate assessment, a plastic surgeon would need to see photos of your full face from multiple angles.  By starting now, you may not be the "wow" before and after, rather, people will notice that you look great and youthful.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

A mini facelift will only result in minimal temporary improvement in the jawline and cheeks.Tightening of the neck skin requires a direct approach to the neck.  Options include the Precision Tx internal laser to improve the wringling, tighten the neck and reduce jowls. Liposuction of the submental region and jowls will tighten and smooth these areas.  Botox or excision of Platysma muscle bands will improve subcutaneous banding.  A neck lift will tighten neck skin; some patients are dissapointed due to recurrence of the fine wrinkles under the chin.Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

rng1, Sorry but from your photos I cannot give you a definitive answer. I would recommend that you see several facial plastic specialists (ie. surgeons that only operate on faces) and have them show you what they mean by a mini face lift using their own patients photos as examples. See my photo site as an example. Do your homework and you'll have a greater chance of having a good result. Good luck!

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