Can you successfully have a neck lift without a facelift?

Question

Is it true that if one has a neck lift without a facelift the neck will "fall" (the skin will become lax after a short period)?

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

It is definitely possible to undergo a neck lift without facelift surgery. However, managing expectations is crucial to avoid disappointment. Most people enjoy the comprehensive rejuvenation of a combined facelift and neck lift. If your facial skin is  relatively smooth and fresh, we can achieve excellent results with just a neck lift. It is best to see your pictures and determine the best possible result for you.

Michael A. Fallucco, MD, FACS · Answer

Necklift without a facelift is definetly an option in the correct setting.  It depends on your anatomy and goals.
A neck lift can be performed successfully without a facelift in select patients, especially if the concern is primarily loose skin or excess fat under the chin and along the jawline, and the midface (cheeks) still has good tone and volume. In these cases, a well-performed neck lift can create a tighter, more defined neck and jaw contour on its own.

However, if there's significant sagging in the lower face (jowls, marionette lines, etc.), then a neck lift alone may create an imbalance — where the neck looks tight, but the lower face still appears aged. Over time, gravity and skin laxity in the untreated areas may give the impression that the neck "fell" or aged unevenly, even though it was lifted.

The key is a customized surgical plan. During consultation, I assess the full facial structure to determine if a standalone neck lift will give you the natural, long-lasting results you're looking for — or if combining it with a lower facelift will achieve better harmony.

If you're in the Jacksonville area and considering facial rejuvenation, I’d be happy to see you for a personal evaluation.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

No that is not true. If the necklift is properly performed, the result can last for many years. Most patients do like to improve the jowls at the same time, which is why everything is usually done at once. Be sure to see a facial specialist for consultation.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Great question. An isolated neck lift works well in patients whose skin integrity allows for adequate "re-draping" that matches the contour changes created by the neck lift.  This is generally applicable to patients in their 30's and 40's, similar to the effects seen in weight loss in the face/neck area in this age group.  When a patient develops a certain degree of skin laxity accompanied by jowl/ mid-facial descent, an isolated neck lift doesn't allow for the same results.  This generally applies to patients from the mid-50's up and patients who have had very significant weight loss. 
A facelift is a more complete procedure and is applicable to the majority of the aging face population.  90% of the patients that I see seeking neck-lifts are better facelift candidates.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In selected patients neck lift may be performed without face lift. Two ways of doing that are anterior neck lift without skin removal and posterior extended neck lift with removal of redundant neck skin. I hope this helps.

Can you successfully have a neck lift without a facelift?

Answers (5)

Answer: The Answer Depends on the Patient

Answer: The Answer Depends on the Patient

Answer: Neck lift without face lift

Answer: Neck lift without face lift

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Can you successfully have a neck lift without a facelift?

Answers (5)

Answer: The Answer Depends on the Patient

Answer: The Answer Depends on the Patient

Answer: Neck lift without face lift

Answer: Neck lift without face lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.