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Facelift and Neck Lift

As people age, the skin and tissues of the face gradually thin, developing sagginess and wrinkles. As a result, creases and folds on the face become more noticeable, often making individuals appear older than they actually feel. While these changes are normal, certain factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and smoking can accelerate the effects of aging in some people. For those who are looking to reduce signs of age along the face and neck, our plastic surgeons offer facial plastic surgery procedures like the facelift and neck lift to create a more youthful aesthetic.

What Is A Facelift?

A facelift can address the appearance of sagging skin, deep lines, jowls, and wrinkles along certain areas of the face. When performed by one of our experienced plastic surgeons, a facelift can take years off your appearance by improving the effects that aging, gravity, and weight fluctuation often have on the face. This can be especially true when a facelift is combined with other facial procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery.

What Is A Neck Lift?

A neck lift is designed to recontour the neck by removing excess skin, tightening relaxed muscles, and reducing the appearance of a “double chin.”A neck lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift and addresses skin firmness and elasticity. This procedure can improve some major concerns of the neck’s appearance including loose skin, excess fat, and thick muscular bands. By combining both the facelift and neck lift, patients can achieve a more balanced, youthful look.

What Can Facelift Surgery Do?

Generally, our patients choose to have facelift surgery as a way to restore a more youthful appearance to their face. This procedure can be a good option for patients who wish to:

Our plastic surgeons are skilled in the latest facelift techniques and can help you address your unique needs and aesthetic goals. They are dedicated to providing natural-looking results based on your customized treatment plan.

What Does the Facelift & Neck Lift Procedures Involve?

Prior to your facelift surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, your plastic surgeon will place incisions in areas that are easy to conceal, which includes the hairline around the ear. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin and muscles tightened, with the ultimate goal of a firmer and more youthful look. Our plastic surgeons are highly experienced with this procedure, and aim for the most natural-looking results possible.

If a neck lift is performed at this time, specific concerns will be managed differently. Excess fat can sometimes be addressed by liposuction alone via a small incision under the chin. Through a similar incision, prominent muscular bands can be tightened. If more skin needs to be removed for the best results, a second, well-hidden incision may be required behind the folds of the ear. After removal, the remaining skin will be redraped for a smoother, firmer neck appearance.

What Is the Facelift & Neck Lift Recovery Like?

The recovery from a facelift and/or neck lift is typically about two weeks, but this will ultimately depend on the extent of swelling and bruising that occurs. Any discomfort throughout the healing process can be remedied with medication. Patients can usually return to work after two weeks, as symptoms significantly lessen. More details about your recovery process will be discussed during the consultation process.

How Much Does Facelift Surgery Cost?

The total cost of facelift surgery is typically $21,500 or higher, while a neck lift is about $15,000 or higher. A combination of face and neck lift surgery costs approximately $21,500 and up. These estimates will ultimately depend on your personal needs and cosmetic goals. Additional factors that will be considered when finalizing the cost of your procedure will include the experience and skill level of your plastic surgeon, pre- and post-operative care, laboratory and operating room fees, and anaesthesia. After your evaluation, a more specific price quotation will be created for you. Our office accepts plastic surgery financing for qualified applicants and most major forms of payments, including credit cards, personal cheques, and cash.

Will I Have Visible Facelift Scars?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some residual scarring from your facelift. However, our plastic surgeons take every precaution to keep incision lines as concealed as possible. Typically, these incisions are placed along the hairline, behind the ear, or under the chin. The location will be determined based on your unique needs. Resulting scars should be virtually undetectable once healed and the scars should lighten or fade over time.

Is A Facelift Without Surgery Possible?

A facelift without surgery will not provide the same results as a surgical facelift procedure. However, some people may not need or desire a full facelift. If you are interested in improving the appearance of wrinkles and reversing some of the signs of aging, there are a number of injectable dermal fillers designed to address these concerns. This is often called a “liquid facelift” and can produce long-lasting, high-quality results.

Additional FAQs About Facelift and Necklift Surgeries

Does a Facelift Always Include a Neck Lift?

Facelift surgery is often combined with the neck lift procedure to ensure results look natural and balanced. However, not every patient needs both a facelift and neck lift. If you present with signs of aging in both the face and neck, your surgeon may recommend combining the procedures. For those with more significant signs of aging in only one area, a standalone facelift or neck lift may be suitable.

How Long Before I Can Exercise After Facelift Surgery?

In general, it is often best to refrain from any exercise or other strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. You should be up and moving around within this time, but any activities that may elevate your heart rate or blood pressure should be avoided. By following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and waiting to exercise again, you can reduce the potential of developing certain complications.

Is There an Ideal Age for a Facelift?

The best age for facelift surgery will vary for every patient based on the quality of their skin, signs of aging, and what they hope to achieve. Our plastic surgeons perform facelifts on patients as young as their 30s as well as those who are over the age of 60. The only way to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure is to schedule a consultation to receive a physical evaluation and discuss your aesthetic goals.

How Can I Reduce Swelling After Facelift Surgery?

Swelling is normal after facelift surgery, and most patients find it significantly fades after 6 weeks of recovery. To help minimize swelling, you should get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities. It can also help to use a cool compress for about 20 minutes several times per day, especially during the first week of recovery.

To find out if a facelift or neck lift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation at The Ottawa Clinic.