Facelift or Neck Lift: Is that Really the Question?

Saturday, 30 March 2019 19:41

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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There are so many terms tossed about today to describe facial rejuvenation. There is the facelift, a mid-face lift, thread lifts, neck lift surgery, the MACS lift and so much more than the array of choices could quickly cause overwhelm. The thing is, it is virtually impossible for the average person to come to an educated decision about which type of facial rejuvenation is right for them simply by looking online. The connectedness of the face and neck only makes this more difficult.

Actress and writer Nora Ephron penned, “You have to cut open a redwood tree to see how old it is, but you wouldn’t if it had a neck.” Does this speak to you? Do you, like Ephron, realize that your neck tells the truth about your age no matter how consistently you get Botox and dermal fillers? The fact is, we can’t spot treat aging any more than we can spot reduce fat.

So what do we do? We lift, that’s what. The question is, what do we lift?

Let’s look at the basics of a facelift, for starters. It is a common misconception that facelift surgery lifts the whole face. Not so. A facelift is limited to the lower part of the face; no eyes or forehead rejuvenation here. What does get treated with a facelift is the cheek area, the jawline and chin, and the underside of the chin. The lower face is rejuvenated by carefully pulling tissue up and back and trimming away extra tissue. If necessary, pockets of fat may be removed or repositioned to widen the mid-face and narrow the lower face.

Why would one need a neck lift when a facelift does so much? Remember, the neck reveals the lies your face is telling. Neck lift surgery improves the tightness of the muscles and skin below the jawline. This technique can reposition or remove fatty deposits so the chin and jawline follow youthful contours; no more turkey neck.

There is no way to separate the neck from the face unless you plan on wearing turtlenecks á la Diane Keaton for the rest of your life. If you plan on a facial refresher with a customized facelift, consult with a plastic surgeon who will also observe how the two areas interact.

We want you to obtain the look you want in the way that works best for you. To explore options for facial rejuvenation, call our Hazleton or Pottsville office.