With aging, our skin and fat tissue on the face and neck descend downward. The facelift and neck lift surgery restore the balance of the face and neck. The surgery removes excess skin and lifts the tissues to restore the youthful appearance, eliminating the jowls and saggy skin of the face and neck. A refreshing and natural appearance is delivered, not the “overdone” or “windtunnel” look. Facelift is performed with neck lift in most patients achieve the optimal contour.
Facelift and Neck Lift: Better Together
A facelift and neck lift work best together because aging rarely affects just one part of the face. Loose neck skin, jowls, sagging cheeks, and deep creases usually start appearing gradually, around the same time. Addressing both areas creates smooth, natural-looking results from your jawline to your collarbone. Dr. Tran often recommends combining these procedures to restore youthful contours, tighten loose skin, and refresh your overall appearance with longer-lasting, more balanced results.
How is the Facelift and neck lift surgery done?
The surgery is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. The incisions are well camouflaged. The incisions are typically behind the hairline above the ear running along the crease of the anterior ear and posterior ear, and then into the hairline in the back. The flaps on the face and neck are elevated. The deeper tissue of the face and neck, called SMAS and platysma respectively, are tightened to lift and rebuild the foundation of the face and neck. Excess fat under the chin and neck are also removed to improve the contour. The excess skin of the face and neck are then trimmed off and the skin is allowed to redrape without significant tension on the face and neck. This gives the optimal refreshing and natural look desired. The skin flap is then sutured closed. A drain will be placed under the skin flap in the neck on each side.
How is the recovery after a Facelift and Neck Lift?
Typically, my patients go home on the same day with assistance at home. The dressing will stay in place until I see you back in the office the next morning. The dressing will be changed in the office. The drain typically stays for 24-48 hours after surgery. Bruising will resolve by 2 weeks, swelling will take longer. It’s essential to keep your head elevated after surgery, even while sleeping to reduce swelling and optimize healing. The tightness in the face and neck are normal after surgery and will feel more natural in a few weeks as your body adjusts. There can be slight changes to the hair pattern around the incision into the hairline. While most patients resume normal daily activities in 1-2 weeks, strenuous activities are not recommended for at least 6 weeks. The healing process for a facelift and neck lift takes time. The final result is not seen until at least 6 months later as all the swelling resolve and your body settles into the new lift.
Facelift Candidates?
Ideal candidates are non-smoker, healthy individuals. If you do smoke/vape or use any nicotine product, you need to stop using for at least 2-3 months prior to surgery and remain nicotine free for 3 months after surgery to optimize healing. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
What are the possible complications?
As with any surgery, there is risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, fluid collection despite drain placement and after drain removal, tissue necrosis, open wound, contour deformity, scarring, asymmetry, decrease or no sensation in the surgical area, decrease or no sensation to ear, and need for further surgery. It’s essential to have your diabetes and high blood pressure under control and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
Best Age for Facelift Surgery
There isn't one perfect age for facelift surgery. Most patients consider the surgery in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or later, but timing depends on how your face ages and your personal goals. Early signs, such as jowling, sagging skin, and deep folds, may appear sooner for some individuals. Others maintain tight, firm skin into their 50s or 60s.
The right time is when you feel ready to address visible aging that nonsurgical treatments no longer improve. If you're unsure, Dr. Tran and our team are glad to guide you through options tailored to your skin type, facial structure, and personal goals.
Nonsurgical Facelift Alternatives
While a facelift and neck lift delivers the most comprehensive results, we offer several nonsurgical options for those seeking subtle improvements or who aren't ready for surgery.
- Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures to lift mild sagging skin, offering results lasting about one year.
- Sculptra® is an injectable that adds volume by stimulating collagen production over time.
- Microneedling creates tiny pricks in the skin to trigger natural skin healing to improve texture and firmness.
These options work well for early aging but don't remove excess skin or deliver the same long-lasting, dramatic improvements that surgery provides.
Before & After Facelift Photos From Real Patients
Dr. Tran is known for creating beautiful, natural facelift and neck lift results. Check out real patient transformations in our photo gallery to see how her skilled approach helps patients regain youthful, refreshed appearances.
Why Choose Dr. Tran For Your Facelift
Dr. Baotram Tran is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She believes every patient deserves honest, personalized care to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Tran discusses each patient's goals in detail and explains every step of the process.
She performs surgeries at our state-of-the-art on-site surgery facility, New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center. We're AAAHC-accredited, reflecting our advanced facilities, modern equipment, and adherence to the highest safety standards.
Backed by the very best facilities and an outstanding, highly trained support team, Dr. Tran's meticulous surgical technique and unique artistry truly shine, giving our patients natural-looking, balanced results they love.
FAQs
How long do the results of a facelift and neck lift last?
Results often last 10-15 years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and the aging process.
Will a facelift also help with wrinkles or fine lines?
A facelift smooths deep folds and sagging but may not address fine lines. Complementary treatments, for example, neuromodulators like Botox®, can target fine wrinkles.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Combining procedures often yields more harmonious and complete facial rejuvenation. For example, Dr. Tran can perform a brow lift or an eyelid lift to address excess skin, bags and wrinkles around the eyes, while a facelift addresses the middle and lower face. This creates a smooth, youthful appearance throughout the face.
What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift?
Dr. Tran performs facelifts while patients are under general anesthesia. She typically discharges patients that same day as long as they have someone to stay with them and help out at home for the first few days.
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