This is a great question, and to answer this, we must first understand the different issues that facelifts and neck lifts address.
A facelift is commonly used to address the lower two-thirds of the face. This includes lifting sagging cheeks, reducing laugh lines and nasolabial folds, and defining the jawline. These are accomplished by repositioning the muscles and tissues directly under the facial skin to minimize sagging and give a youthful look. This procedure involves forming an incision in front of the ears and continuing it either upwards or downwards along the hairline. Dr. Markelov utilizes a hemostatic net to help redistribute skin with dramatic results and minimal bleeding or fluid correction.
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, specifically targets the area below the chin and jawline to the collarbone. Neck lifts can aid in reducing loose neck skin or “turkey waddle,” vertical banding, and double chin. Incisions are typically formed behind the ear and may extend into the hairline. A neck lift can also help reduce the appearance of fat under the jowls or chin, which helps define the jawline and neck area.
What are the benefits of combining procedures?
In most people, the neck skin shows signs of aging faster than the face. Getting only a facelift may accentuate the aging skin on the neck. Similarly, opting for only a neck lift may emphasize sagging or wrinkles on the face. Combining neck and facelifts can balance out the youthful look of both areas, leaving a more unified appearance. For this reason, some people incorporate a facelift with a brow lift. Brow lifts can improve the appearance of the upper face by reducing lines in the forehead and lifting sagging brows, giving eyes a more youthful and awake look. Getting a brow lift with a facelift gives the face a more harmonious look. Combining a neck lift, facelift, and brow lift is possible. Consult with Dr. Markelov to see if combining all three would benefit your goals.
Another benefit of combining procedures is less recovery time. Both facelifts and neck lifts are surgical procedures that require significant recovery time. This downtime includes reducing strenuous physical activity and getting adequate rest, which may include time off from work and social activities. Opting for separate procedures means separate periods of downtime. Having these procedures done simultaneously reduces your recovery time as both procedures heal at the same time.
How long will the combined results last?
Although plastic surgery does not stop the aging process, the results of these procedures can last many years. Dr. Markelov will help guide you with proper maintenance techniques and any follow-up appointments.
At AM Plastic Surgery, we value the holistic well-being of each patient. We care that their physical, mental, and emotional needs are being met. Dr. Markelov is a meticulous double-board certified plastic surgeon specializing in body sculpting, breast surgery, and facial surgery. He has won multiple awards for patient care and has honed his craft for years, training with the industry’s top plastic surgeons. With his exceptional technical skills, Dr. Markelov strives to make each patient’s experience specific to their needs and, above all, safe and comfortable.