Facelift and Neck Lift

A facelift and neck lift are widely considered the cornerstones of long-term facial rejuvenation by plastic surgeons, as well as patients. When performed optimally, this combination procedure can reinvigorate the lower face and neck without producing any outward indications of surgery. Thanks to advances in modern facelift techniques, New York City patients can now forfeit a windswept or frozen look — telltale signs of a poorly performed facelift — for elegant, graceful enhancement. Dr. Ira Savetsky understands the face and neck do not age exclusively, and therefore combines a facelift with neck lift surgery to achieve all-encompassing renewal of the facial aesthetics.

• What is a Facelift and Neck Lift?
• Facelift and Neck Lift Benefits
• Facelift and Neck Lift Candidate
• Facelift and Neck Lift Options
• Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure
• Facelift and Neck Lift Recovery
• Facelift and Neck Lift Results
• Facelift and Neck Lift Cost
• Complementary Treatments
• Non-Surgical Facelift and Neck Lift
• Facelift and Neck Lift Alternatives

What is a Facelift and Neck Lift?

A facelift and neck lift are performed to smooth the lower face and neck, thereby allowing a patient to look younger, fresher, and more refined. The procedure is designed to correct the excess skin, descended musculature, and displaced fat that often lead to the development of jowls, lower facial creases, and an aged neck. Ideally, a facelift should correct signs of facial aging while highlighting a patient’s natural beauty; a number of techniques are necessary to achieve this outcome, so the importance of enlisting an extensively trained board-certified plastic surgeon to make your goals a reality cannot be overstated. With the right facelift surgeon, the results of a facelift and neck lift can be extremely effective, often reverting individuals to their appearance ten years ago.

What Can a Facelift and Neck Lift Accomplish?

When performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon, a facelift and neck can ultimately make you look like a younger version of yourself without producing any obvious signs of cosmetic surgery. The procedure often allows patients to look and feel their best in their older years, giving each person the opportunity to age more gracefully. In general, a facelift and neck lift can refresh your appearance in many ways, including:

• Smoothing jowls and sagging skin in the lower face
• Improving deeper facial creases, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Removing excess skin in the neck to achieve a sleeker, more sculpted contour
• Reducing excess fat in the submental area, or improving a “double chin”
• Correcting platysmal bands and wrinkling in the neck

The face and neck usually age simultaneously, so a combined facelift and neck lift is considered particularly effective in helping patients achieve elegant, lasting rejuvenation. Each person enjoys different benefits based on their reason(s) for undergoing a facelift, and Dr. Savetsky will give you a more detailed understanding of what you can expect from the potential results after assessing your unique concerns.

Limitations of Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is one of the most effective procedures for reversing visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, but the procedure comes with several important limitations that patients should be aware of before making the decision to undergo surgery. In general, a facelift:

• Does not improve signs of aging in the upper face, such as brow furrows and wrinkles
• Cannot improve skin quality or enhance complexion
• Results depend on a patient’s skin elasticity
• Will not change facial identity or the natural character of your face

Due to a facelift and neck lift’s inability to treat the entire face, many patients choose to combine their facelift with upper facial procedures like eyelid surgery and a brow lift. Together, these procedures can provide all-encompassing facial rejuvenation for the right patients.

Who is a Candidate for a Facelift and Neck Lift?

There is no “perfect age” for a facelift — rather, a facelift and neck lift can benefit individuals of any age who would like to smooth jowls, minimize deep creases (such as nasolabial folds), and reduce sagging skin along the lower face and neck. Patients who are considering facial plastic surgery should also:

• Be healthy enough to withstand the recovery process, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
• Have a positive outlook on surgery
• Maintain realistic expectations for the potential outcome
• Be willing to temporarily quit smoking before and after their procedure

A facelift and neck lift can never halt the natural aging process, but those who undergo the procedure generally always look younger than they would have if they had never received a facelift. Dr. Savetsky can perform a comprehensive facial analysis to observe whether you exhibit the concerns that a facelift seeks to treat. After a consultation, he will be able to develop a custom treatment plan to create the natural-looking rejuvenation you desire.

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Facial Rejuvenation

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After

Facial Rejuvenation

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Types of Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is a variation of the procedure designed to lift the tissues below the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, or SMAS layer. This releases and remodels the deeper attachments to the face, often leading to rejuvenation that can look more natural when compared to other techniques. The deep plane approach has also been known to create a more lifted look in the mid-face by repositioning fat pads in the cheeks. By addressing the deeper ligaments and attachments to the face, a deep plane facelift can lift the layers of tissue without creating a tight or overly pulled result. This often achieves optimal enhancement that not only looks natural and beautiful, but can also last longer than other types of facelifts.

SMAS Facelift

During an SMAS facelift, Dr. Savetsky lifts and repositions the overlying skin, as well as the internal musculature, to restore support for the facial structures. Traditionally, plastic surgeons only addressed the skin during facelift surgery, leading to unnatural, “frozen,” or overly pulled results. The SMAS technique improves upon more outdated methods by working within the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, which can provide long-lasting support and a more natural-looking outcome.

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a procedure typically performed at the same time as a facelift to restore a sleeker, more youthful look in the neck. The procedure removes excess skin while repositioning weakened musculature to reduce signs of aging, including platysmal bands, wrinkling, and the appearance of a “turkey neck.” Liposuction can also be performed during a neck lift to get rid of excess fullness and achieve a slimmer facial appearance. This can complement a facelift by creating a sharper jawline and a smoother, more contoured neck profile.

How is the Facelift and Neck Lift Performed?

A facelift and neck lift are typically completed during an outpatient procedure utilizing general anesthesia. Incisions made during a facelift and neck lift can be very inconspicuous, often being placed within the hairline or along the natural contours behind the ears and earlobes. From these access points, Dr. Savetsky can resculpt displaced fat to eliminate jowls and lift the underlying facial musculature. Excess tissue is removed to smooth the neck and lower face, and the skin is redraped over your new facial contours. The incisions are then closed and virtually undetectable once fully healed.

What is Recovery From a Facelift and Neck Lift Like?

After surgery, a bandage will be placed around your head and neck to reduce bruising and swelling. These reactions are expected immediately after your procedure, but should subside naturally as your recovery progresses. Most patients are able to resume non-strenuous work and normal activities after 7 to 10 days; however, recovery times may vary depending on a patient’s treatment plan and their unique rate of healing. Demanding or strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. Savetsky instructs otherwise (usually a period of four weeks). Dr. Savetsky will provide you with detailed post-operative aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery through periodic follow-up appointments.

Tips for Healing After a Facelift and Neck Lift

The healing period after a facelift and neck lift plays a key role in achieving smooth, high-caliber results. Actionable tips to promote a seamless experience during the recovery period include:

• Set up a dedicated recovery area ahead of time and prep meals beforehand to allow yourself to rest without interruption.
• Sleep with the head elevated by propping the upper body up with pillows. This can help minimize swelling and promote blood flow during the recovery period.
• Follow all dietary guidelines and prioritize foods rich in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins to further reduce swelling during the healing period, including lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, low-sodium meals, etc.
• Wear your bandages and compression garments as prescribed to facilitate your new facial contours.
• Get plenty of rest but start light activity as soon as you feel up to it, such as going on short walks around the house.
• Avoid sun exposure until Dr. Savetsky advises otherwise, and apply sun protection once your incisions are fully healed to encourage the fading of your post-op scars.
• Do not take a shower or wash your face until Dr. Savetsky clears these activities.

Closely following Dr. Savetsky’s post-operative instructions is key. This includes taking prescribed medications as directed, keeping your incisions clean and dry, and attending all follow-up appointments.

How Long Do Results From Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery Last?

Improvement from a facelift and neck lift can be seen for a lifetime. While nothing will stop you from aging, individuals who have had a facelift will generally always look more youthful and refreshed than those who are the same age and never received treatment. In order to help you extend the longevity of your facelift and neck lift, we recommend taking good care of your skin and adopting a medical-grade skincare regimen. Applying sunscreen daily can go a long way in slowing down facial aging and helping you maintain a healthy, youthful complexion. Additionally, non-surgical treatments that can help you maintain a healthy, youthful look may include:

• BOTOX^® Cosmetic and Dermal Fillers: Injectable treatments can be an easy and convenient way to reduce wrinkling and restore lost facial volume. While BOTOX^® Cosmetic temporarily relaxes overactive facial muscles to reduce fine lines, fillers can add fullness to the lips, cheeks, mid-face, temples, and facial folds.
• Peels: Chemical peels of varying strengths can be applied to remove the superficial damaged layers of the skin and restore a softer complexion. This allows patients to obtain a smoother and  healthier skin tone and texture, improving acne scarring, wrinkles, and other common concerns.
• Microneedling: Microneedling can resurface the entire face by using the skin’s natural healing mechanisms to replace old, damaged skin with newer, healthy skin cells. This process not only improves dark spots, wrinkles, large pores, and mild skin laxity, but also stimulates your body’s natural collagen production.

How Much Does a Facelift and Neck Lift Cost?

In NYC, a facelift and neck lift can cost between $20,000 and $70,000 depending on the details of each patient’s personalized procedure. This range typically includes the standard expenses associated with cosmetic surgery, such as fees for the surgical facility, surgeon, anesthesia, and post-operative care. While the figure above provides a general approximation of facelift prices, your personalized quote will ultimately be based on:

• The complexity of your procedure
• The surgical technique utilized
• The extent of your concerns

For qualified patients, plastic surgery financing through CareCredit^® can offer a convenient way to better manage facelift expenses. Once approved, individuals can choose from an array of short- and long-term payment plans — many of which do not include interest during a given promotional period — to find the ideal arrangement for their needs. Our office would be happy to speak with you about your payment options if you have any further questions.

Dr. Savetsky is truly a magnificently skilled plastic surgeon. Let me tell you, that as an RN for over 40 years I can be a very harsh critic of docs but always delighted to praise the good ones. I can be a demanding patient and Dr. Savetsky never disappointed. I was considering surgery very close to my daughter’s wedding and would have never gone through it without having complete confidence in Dr. Savetsky. In addition to being a highly skilled plastic surgeon, he is kind, compassionate and always speaks the truth. He met and surpassed all of my expectations in a surgeon. When the time comes for any other procedures I will only do them with Dr. Savetsky.

Complementary Facelift Treatments

A facelift can be a powerful and lasting procedure to smooth jowls, but this surgery alone cannot address concerns like a weak chin, an undefined jawline, or excess fullness in the submental area. Complementary treatment options that can contour the jawline and improve the facial profile may include:

• Chin Implants: While a facelift primarily addresses sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, the procedure does not change the underlying bone structure. A recessed or underprojected chin can weaken the lower facial profile, often causing disproportion between the facial features. By adding volume and projection through a chin implant, patients can achieve a more defined jawline as well as greater facial balance.
• Facial Fat Grafting: As we age, the face not only sags but also loses volume — particularly in the cheeks, temples, and tear troughs. Fat grafting repurposes a patient’s own purified fat, typically harvested through liposuction, for careful injection into hollow or sunken areas of the face. When combined with a facelift, fat transfer to the face can create smoother contours and provide softer transitions between your facial features.
• Buccal Fat Removal: Buccal fat removal can provide a more sculpted look by reducing fullness in the cheeks, creating more defined facial contours that can enhance the rejuvenation achieved with a facelift. Particularly for patients who are bothered by a round appearance in the mid-face or “chipmunk cheeks,” buccal fat removal can help accentuate cheekbones and jawline for a leaner, more elegant appearance.
• Laser Resurfacing: While a facelift can restore underlying support, laser skin resurfacing can be a non-invasive method of enhancing complexion. Laser resurfacing improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity by addressing fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation, and other aesthetic skin imperfections.
• Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, smooths the upper and/or lower eyelid contours by skillfully addressing drooping, laxity, puffiness, and wrinkling. When combined with a facelift, eyelid surgery ensures the eyes look as bright and youthful as the face, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
• Brow Lift: If the brow appears heavy or sags below its natural positioning, brow lift surgery can alleviate drooping while smoothing forehead lines and frown lines. The procedure can help reduce an angry or stressed expression, allowing patients to look more refreshed and carefree. When paired with a facelift, a brow lift can encourage seamless rejuvenation from the forehead to the lower face.
• Rhinoplasty: If a lack of facial balance is a concern, you may consider rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty refines the shape and proportions of the nose to enhance harmony with the rest of your features. When performed in conjunction with facelift surgery, rhinoplasty can help promote greater balance and symmetry.

After listening to your concerns and overall goals, Dr. Savetsky will speak with you about what a facelift and neck lift can realistically achieve. If desired, he can develop a custom treatment plan tailored to provide you with more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Are There Alternatives to a Facelift?

If the facelift procedure isn’t the best option to give you the results you desire, Dr. Savetsky offers effective in-office skin tightening options to help address crepey, sagging facial skin without surgery. Alternatives to the facelift and neck lift procedure often include:

• Facial Fat Grafting: A facelift is specifically designed to restore underlying support and correct skin laxity in the lower face. The procedure can be a highly effective way to address skin sagging and jowls, but if signs of facial volume loss are more prominent, you may consider facial fat transfer to naturally rejuvenate sunken or thinning features. Facial fat grafting is a method of transferring your own fat cells into the face to fill nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as add volume to the lips, temples, cheeks, or jawline. This can enhance fullness in areas where fat is reintroduced and create a softer, more youthful contour in the mid-face. The volume enhancement achieved with facial fat grafting is long-lasting, typically enduring much longer than cosmetic fillers. As an adjunctive benefit, fat transfer to the face also provides body sculpting via liposuction in fat-rich areas, such as the tummy, hips, or thighs.
• FaceTite^®: A minimally invasive treatment option, FaceTite^® is FDA-approved to contour the face using FDA-approved RFAL™ (radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis) technology. This is achieved through a combination of non-surgical skin tightening and fat reduction. The FaceTite^® handpiece is inserted underneath the skin through a tiny incision, allowing skin contraction and tightening from the inside out.
• Morpheus8^®: Morpheus8^® is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) microneedling to gently heat the underlying tissues of the face, tightening loose skin as well as promoting the production of new collagen. This can improve the appearance of jowls, skin laxity, and other signs of aging.

After an assessment of your needs, expectations, and the severity of skin laxity observed, Dr. Savetsky can advise you on whether a surgical or non-surgical treatment is the best approach to achieve your goals. While no procedure can stop you from aging, these in-office treatments can eliminate damage, improve skin health, and help you age more gracefully.

Facelift Consultations

A facelift and neck lift are often referred to as the “gold standard” of facial rejuvenation due to their ability to erase years from one’s facial appearance. Please contact Dr. Ira Savetsky if you are ready to schedule an initial consultation or if you would like to learn more about the procedure.