Lower facelift vs. necklift
December 9, 2019Hello to all my readers, I want to start this article by telling you a story from one of my most recent patients who is a wonderful lady from Manhattan, New York where she says it would be impossible for her to get the facial plastic surgery procedure due to the high price they quote there. After doing a deep research in many countries she found Costa Rica to be the best choice for her.
The procedure she is getting done is a full face lift with a neck lift, she told me her main concern is the neck because she had lost so much weight in a short time, and rather suddenly she started to notice her neck was no longer firm. She began with the regular things she found online; creams, facial exercises and spa treatments for tightening which none of those work and at the end she ended up having what is called “a turkey neck”
Even though she tried to avoid plastic surgery, she understood it was the only solution to her problem and this is what she told me about the procedures she researched: “there are two prominent in-office procedures that can deliver visible neck-correcting results: a lower facelift and a neck lift. While both can create more definition along the jowls, there are some differences between them”.
First, a lower facelift.
A lower facelift corrects the jowls and the neck. During the procedure, the upper portion of the platysma muscle, which extends from the upper chest, over the collarbone and along the sides of the neck, is often adjusted. By repositioning this muscle, tissues and fat pads that have descended are put back to their original positions. This also allows improvement in the appearance of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
While a full facelift can treat sagging along the upper face, midface and lower face, a lower facelift specifically targets loose jowls, laugh lines and sagging cheeks. The incision for a lower facelift typically begins near the front of the ears and extends to the hairline. Skin, fat tissue, and the platysma muscle are then pulled into a lifted position in order to give the jawline a much tighter appearance.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift is similar in concept to a lower facelift, but the main goal is to improve the appearance of the neck—not laugh lines or sagging cheeks. The incisions are continued further behind the ear and into the hairline, to remove excess skin of the neck.
Additionally, if a patient has prominent bands in the front of the neck, these are addressed through a small incision under the chin during a neck lift. As we age, the platysma muscles tend to separate and create two distinct vertical bands that run from the chin to the chest. Because of this, doctors often opt for a neck lift—in order to sew these two together and smooth the area.
For those trying to address a double chin, liposuction is often combined with a neck lift in order to remove excess fat from the area and improve the angles of the jaw. Finally, patients who struggle with skin laxity—which is the main cause of the dreaded turkey neck—will undergo skin trimming during a neck lift, to sharpen the jawline. “
What are the main differences between a lower facelift and a neck lift?
While some people use these terms interchangeably, there are clear differences between the two procedures. According to Costa Rica doctors, a classic neck lift will not address the jawline and jowls—it affects only the neck. The difference is also in the incision. In order to reposition the lower face, there needs to be an anterior incision, meaning an incision in the front of the ear, as well as behind the ear. This incision can be extended higher up to also include lifting the cheek area. On the other hand, a neck lift includes incisions that are generally around the ears and below the chin.”
Who is a good candidate for a lower facelift, and who would be a better candidate for a neck lift?
Most people need a lower facelift and a neck lift combined. This is because many require some correction to the neck and the lower face since, anatomically speaking, the muscle extends from the lower face to the neck—it’s all connected. In order to have harmonious results and not have a discrepancy between the face and neck, both should be performed.
On the other hand, the ideal candidate for a lower facelift without the neck lift, is a patient with some jowling but only minimal sagging or extra skin along their neck. Patients who need a lift along their mouth to correct laugh lines, in addition to lifting the skin around the jawline, are better suited for a lower face-lift”.
Ultimately, the individual anatomy of the patient directs the doctor’s course of treatment, and this why she says “after seeing my plastic surgeon he decided I needed a full face lift to correct some issues in the upper sections of my face, which only with a full face lift I will have a harmonious look to my face and neck”
Which are the risk of the procedures?
As with any surgery, there are risks to getting a lower facelift or a neck lift. Between them, the risks are very similar. The main risk is a hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin. It is important to avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin and all medications and supplements that cause increased bleeding before surgery. Also it is best if you can stop smoking several weeks before the surgery. This is important to prevent wound healing complications and necrosis. Risk of injury to the facial nerve is uncommon but possible. Sensation in the skin may be temporarily altered post-surgery. Risks of complications are very minimal.
Also, like a always say to all of my readers, in order to have an amazing outcome, these procedures should always be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures., so do your homework online.
Here are good sources of information and low prices to help you organize your plans for a great medical vacation:
MedicalAssociationofGuadalajara
