How long should a mini-neck lift last, for most people? I have heard that they last only six months.

Question

There is a video on WebMD titled "Mini-Lift Downsides". I am unsure if that video discusses a mini-neck lift under the chin or if it refers to a full face lift. My question is specifically about mini neck lifts. Thank you.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

There are 101 variations on facelift and neck lift. Not all of these are appropriate for every patient. People with heavier tissues will need more extensive surgery, while thin patients with good elasticity can do great with a mini-lift. Either way, a well-done procedure should last more than 6 months.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

My mini lift is really a full lower face and neck lift and takes about 5 hrs but is under local with a little iv sedation so I call it an advanced mini lift since it is safer and with less complications than under general anesthesia. Others may do a 1 hr mini cut with a mini pull with a 6 month result. There are even many things in between so beware.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A mini face lift will give a mini result, so in our practice, it is usually not recommended. We've never heard of a mini neck lift, so it is important to do describe exactly what is occurring and was not occurring with each surgical procedure. In our practice a neck lift involves removal of the fatty deposits  above the platysma muscle, removal of the sub-platysmal fatty deposits below the muscle, and tightening the platysma muscle itself. This is called a platysma-plasty. When patient's have excess skin present in the neck, a lower face and neck lift is required. for many examples, please see the link and the video below

Alexander Donath, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons use "mini" when referring to facelifts rather than necklifts.  A submentoplasty is the procedure we use for a "necklift" and this involves a small incision under the chin, with tightening of the neck muscles down to the neck angle. It is already a fairly "mini" (minimally invasive) type of procedure. This should last many years--possibly even a decade.Hope that helps.Best,Dr. Donath

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. There are numerous factors that contribute to the longevity of the results. Among them include: technique, healing, native tissue quality, and natural aging. Having said that, the right technique and plan should be matched to the individual patient's needs and anatomy to achieve the best results possible.A 6 month result after a "mini" is shorter than desired but may be expected for the specifc individual and circumstances. "Mini" also implies that other more "complete" options were not done. The term "mini" is somewhat non-specific and does not indicate what precise technique was employed. Having a consultation and clear discussion with the plastic surgeon will help the understanding. Hope this helps. Best wishes

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

There's no agreement unfortunately among surgeons about what's a "mini" neck lift and what's not.  The answer to your question will depend on what is done during surgery.  If the procedure involves a simple pulling of skin, 6-12 months is all the patient can expect.  Most board-certieid plastic surgeons do NOT do simple skin pulls, since it's not worth the patient's time and money.  In our practice, we tailor the operation to the patient, instead of doing a small operation for the patient just because they ask for it.  We think it's better to be honest with patients and tell them truthfully if a minimal operation is good for them or not.Any surgery for the neck, as long as it is selected properly and performed properly, should last years.  The clock of course keeps ticking...Ask your surgeon to give you an opinion about what you'd be best with and what your best investment would be.  Don't ask them for a small procedure just because you're frightful.  In truth, you're better off NOT having a procedure than getting the wrong "small" procedure.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

A properly performed facelift has been shown to last about ten years. With that said, the procedure needs to be properly selected for the patient and their type and severity of aging. Mini procedures tend to produce mini results except in people with minimal aging. The only way to answer your question would be to consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift surgery and ask which procedure is most appropriate for you and how long it should last.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Great question.   There are many different names and terms for various facial rejuvenation procedures including face and neck lifts.  Each one will inherently be different based on what and how the plastic surgeon competes the procedure.  In addition, each persons face has unique qualities that either help or detract from the strength of a procedure.  With that said, the more mini something is often the less results it produces and the less it lasts.  This goes for face, neck, breast, and body procedures.  I Would identify what you would like to correct and how much you would like to correct it and then choose the procedure that meets those needs.All the best,Dr Remus Repta

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

A mini neck lift is actually a generic broad categoried term just like a car is.  A car is a car but ranges between a 1960 broken down Datsun to a brand new Ferrari.  The type of mini lift you get just depends on the surgeon performing the procedure and the technique they choose to call a mini lift.  For some, this is just a skin tuck and this doesn't last long at all.  For others it's like doing a regular face lift or neck lift with a SMAS plication technique usually lasts about 2-3 years.  There are thread lifts which I would never recommend for anyone.  Then there are deep plane mini lifts which give you much more improvement for much longer.  Closer to 10 years since a deep plane release is performed.  The incisions for all the lifts are placed in a similar location, but the difference is what happens a couple years later.  If a lift starts to fall after a year or two, it puts tension on the skin and increases chances of scarring.  If everything is released like in a deep plane lift then there is less pull and less chance of scarring

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Obviously the duration of improvement after facial rejuvenation procedures will depend on what is done. The term "mini-necklift" means different things to different people so it is impossible to answer your question. You need to discuss the operation and your surgeon's results during consultation. You want to see long term results in patients like you. Don't waste your time or money if you don't look a lot better for a lot longer than 6 months.

How long should a mini-neck lift last, for most people? I have heard that they last only six months.

Answers (10)

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