The contours of our neck and jawline play an essential role in maintaining a youthful appearance, so it’s no wonder that sagging jowls and a turkey neck are common ageing concerns. Loss of skin elasticity and tissue descent is a vital component of the ageing process, and these quickly manifest on our lower face and neck.
Although many creams and serums claim to firm up ageing skin and many non-surgical treatments promise to tighten and lift, a surgical solution is typically the most effective approach.
Here, we will explore the neck lift and lower facelift, explaining what they can achieve and how to determine the best choice for you.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the neck area. Two surgical techniques can be employed, often performed in combination.
A cervicoplasty approach is focused on removing just excess skin. The excess around the neck is removed before the remaining skin is redraped over the neck and sutured into place. This results in a smoother, rejuvenated appearance. The cervicoplasty can be combined with a facelift to further rejuvenate the whole facial area, and liposuction to address a double chin.
A cervicoplasty is often combined with the platysmaplasty technique to achieve optimal results. This approach addresses the deeper layers of tissue in the neck to tighten the neck muscles, known as the platysma.
The procedure involves making incisions, usually hidden in the hairline and behind the ears, to access and tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess fat and skin. By tightening the neck muscles, this approach can reduce the vertical banding appearance that can develop on the neck as we age.
What is a lower facelift?
Unlike an upper facelift or mid-facelift that addresses the signs of ageing on the middle and upper parts of the face, a lower facelift concentrates on restoring a more youthful appearance to the lower part of the face. This is particularly effective at treating loss of definition along the jawline and the emergence of jowls and a double chin. It can also significantly improve marionette lines and crepey skin around the mouth area.
During a lower facelift, Mr Alex Karidis typically makes an incision that begins in front of the ear and curves around into the hairline. If required, a second incision can be made under the chin to improve the appearance of a double chin.
As well as removing any excess skin, Mr Karidis will address the underlying structures, known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS layer, to produce the most long-lasting and natural results possible.
What are the differences between a neck lift and a lower facelift?
Targeted Areas:
- Neck Lift:Â Focuses exclusively on the neck area, improving sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity in the neck. It often includes tightening the platysma muscle, which can enhance the appearance of vertical banding in the neck.
- Lower Facelift:Â Targets the lower third of the face, addressing issues like sagging skin and wrinkles. It focuses on tightening muscles and tissues in the lower face and jaw area, helping to redefine the jawline and reduce jowls.
Incision Placement:
- Neck Lift:Â Typically involves incisions behind the ears and/or under the chin, ensuring that scars are discreet and well-hidden.
- Lower Facelift:Â Involves incisions that extend around the ears and along the hairline, which may be more extensive than those used in a neck lift.
Ideal Candidates:
- Neck Lift:Â Ideal for individuals with prominent neck ageing signs, such as turkey neck, vertical bands, or excess neck skin.
- Lower Facelift:Â Suited for those concerned with sagging jowls, loss of jawline definition, and mid-face sagging.
Can a lower facelift be combined with neck lift surgery?
Yes, a lower facelift can be combined with a neck lift surgery, and this combination is often referred to as a lower facelift with neck lift.
Typically, you’ll experience ageing changes affecting the neck and jawline, so combining these procedures can provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. This approach ensures a seamless transition between the treated areas, offering a harmonious and more youthful appearance. If you have concerns about both your lower face and neck, discussing a combined procedure with Mr Alex Karidis is a good idea.
How can you decide if a neck lift or lower facelift is best for you?
The first step is to understand your specific concerns. Are you primarily bothered by sagging skin in the neck area, or do you also have jowls and jawline definition issues? This self-assessment will help you decide which area requires more attention.
During your consultation with Mr Alex Karidis he will listen carefully to your concerns and expectations from surgery. You must have realistic expectations about what each procedure can achieve. Mr Karidis will also perform a physical assessment of your facial structure. He will then be able to advise you of the most appropriate option.
Both neck lifts and lower facelifts are effective surgical options for addressing different signs of ageing in the neck and lower face regions. The choice between the two should be based on your specific concerns, preferences, and the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Combining both procedures may provide the most comprehensive and satisfying results in some cases. Ultimately, these surgeries aim to help you look and feel your best, with a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Call 0207 432 8727 to arrange a consultation to find out if a neck lift or a lower facelift is the appropriate procedure. At Karidis Clinic, we also offer non-surgical neck lifts using treatments such as thread lifting, ultherapy, profhilo and wrinkle smoothing injections.
