Is a necklift the same procedure as a mini facelift? I know I want a necklift, but am told it is the same basic procedure as an S-Flap mini facelift. Is this true or are they two separate procedures? Thanks!
Nope, the S lift is not normally considered the same as a Neck Lift. S lifts can often be considered very minimal face lifts of sort duration (2-3 years). Consider a consult with an ASPS member in your area to discus your concerns. Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
A neck lift in general improves the area from jawline to collarbone. Whereas a facelift does that and also the area up to the cheekbones.
I would suggest consulting with a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and discuss the anatomic areas that concern you.
In my practice, a necklift is the lower 2/3s of a facelift. A facelift elevates the lateral brow, cheek, jowls, and neck. A necklift treats just the jowls and neck. The incision runs from the sideburn area, around the nooks and crannies of the ear, and down the posterior hairline. There is often also an incision under the chin to tighten the central neck muscles and remove fat. The surgery requires about 3 hours, and a 10-14 day recuperation.
Minilifts are marketed as a quick and easy refresher, with short scars, but unfortunately also a short duration of improvement. A regular neck- or facelift gives longer lasting results and is more cost-effective in the long run. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon or two (use the Find-A-Surgeon tool here to locate ASPS members in your area) and determine your best options.
No, A neck lift will treat the neck only. S - lift or a mini lift uses a minimal incision along the front of the ear and cheek to elevate the skin and soft tissue to tighten up the cheek and maybe the jowl region only. A neck lift is commonly not done alone, it is often done with a facelift.
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. A neck lift only helps to address the neck and a small portion of the lower face. The S-flap is a more formal facelift and not the same procedure. Hope this helps.
These are confusing terms and I would recommend not focusing too much on them. A face and neck lift almost always go hand in hand and in my book this is an "all-or-none" phenomenon. I recommend a consultation with an ASPS member plastic surgeon who can provide you with correct information and make the appropriate recommendation.
I tell patients- "mini-facelift, mini results." You will only get the maximum neck improvement with a full facelift. Do not be afraid of it. The additional scars behind the ear and in the nape of the hairline are worth it. Ask to see a ABPS-boarded surgeon's scars- only accept the good ones. There are places a scar should never go - I could tell you where. Take your time and do your research and ask specific questions.
Performing face and neck rejuvenation requires the GOLD STANDARD extended SMAS approach for best results. Anything else that minimizes this surgery typically results in suboptimal results. Please contact a face specialist to appreciate these changes.