Facelift and Neck Lift
Aging affects every face differently, but many patients begin to notice similar concerns over time, such as looser skin, deeper folds around the mouth, loss of jawline definition, and sagging in the neck. While non-surgical treatments can be helpful for mild concerns, a facelift and neck lift remain the most effective way to achieve meaningful, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Our plastic surgeon in Denver, Dr. Dami Lee, approaches facelift and neck lift surgery with the goal of restoring youthful structure while preserving what makes each patient unique. Rather than creating an overly tight or artificial look, she focuses on natural-looking refinement. By carefully repositioning deeper tissues, tightening loose skin, and improving contour along the jawline and neck, these procedures can help patients look refreshed, confident, and more like themselves again—just younger.
Whether you are bothered by jowls, loose neck skin, or overall facial aging, a customized surgical plan can address these concerns in a balanced, elegant way.
Facelift and Neck Lift
- Procedure:
- Surgical facial rejuvenation designed to lift and tighten the mid-to-lower face and neck.
- Potential Benefits:
- Improves sagging skin, reduces jowls, smooths deep folds, and restores jawline definition.
- Candidates:
- Adults in good general health who are experiencing moderate to advanced facial aging and who desire long-lasting results.
- Recovery:
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–3 weeks, with continued improvement over time.
- Experience:
- Dr. Dami Lee uses state-of-the-art surgical techniques and customizes each facelift and neck lift to achieve natural-looking, refined results.
What Are the Benefits of a Facelift and Neck Lift?
A facelift and neck lift can provide a dramatic improvement in facial appearance while still looking natural. Instead of simply tightening the skin, modern techniques focus on restoring youthful structure and improving overall balance.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- A more defined jawline
- Reduction of jowls and sagging skin
- Restoration of volume, achieving rejuvenation
- Smoother folds around the mouth and chin
- Improved neck contour and reduced loose skin
- A more refreshed, youthful appearance overall
Because these procedures address the deeper layers of facial support, the results tend to last significantly longer than non-surgical treatments. Many patients also find that a facelift and neck lift restore confidence in both professional and social settings, especially when the aging process has begun to feel more noticeable.
These treatments can be effective as standalone procedures or they can be combined with other facial plastic surgery treatments such as eyelid surgery and brow lift, or even non-surgical cosmetic enhancement options, for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Lee can talk with you about your goals to help you determine the ideal treatment plan.
Am I a Candidate for a Facelift or Neck Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a facelift or neck lift if you feel that your face no longer reflects how youthful or energetic you feel. Many patients begin to consider surgery when they notice sagging along the jawline, deep creases around the mouth, or loose skin in the neck that cannot be improved with non-surgical treatments.
Ideal candidates often:
- Have moderate to significant facial aging
- Notice jowls or a loss of jawline definition
- Have loose skin or vertical banding in the neck
- Are in good overall health
- Want natural-looking, long-lasting results
Age alone does not determine candidacy. Some patients seek treatment in their 40s to address early signs of aging, while others choose surgery later when concerns become more pronounced. During a consultation, Dr. Lee evaluates facial structure, skin quality, and personal goals to determine the most appropriate approach.
Is a Neck Lift Always Included in a Facelift Procedure?
Yes, the two procedures are almost always performed at the same time. Some patients can benefit from a neck lift alone; however, it is rare for a patient to not need a neck lift at the time of their facelift. Many patients benefit from combining the two procedures. The face and neck tend to age together, and treating only one area can sometimes create an unbalanced result.
For example, lifting the lower face without addressing loose neck skin or separated neck muscles may still leave patients feeling dissatisfied with their overall appearance. On the other hand, some individuals only need a neck lift if their main concern is loose skin or fullness below the chin while the rest of the face still looks youthful.
Dr. Lee carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether a facelift, a neck lift alone, or a combination of procedures can provide the most harmonious outcome. The goal is always balance—creating a smooth transition between the face and neck that looks natural from every angle.
What Does the Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure Involve?
Every procedure is customized, but most facelifts and neck lifts follow a similar process designed to improve both structure and contour.
Small, carefully placed incisions are typically made around the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin. Through these incisions, Dr. Lee gently repositions deeper facial tissues, tightens underlying muscles, and removes excess skin. For a neck lift, she also refines and brings the neck muscles together and reduces excess fat to create a smoother, more defined neckline.
The focus is not simply on tightening the skin but on restoring youthful support beneath the surface. This approach allows the results to look natural while enhancing your best features. Once the deeper tissues are repositioned, the skin is carefully adjusted to create a smooth, refreshed appearance without tension.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from a Facelift or Neck Lift?
Recovery is often easier than patients expect, especially when the procedure is carefully planned and performed using modern techniques.
During the first few days, it is normal to experience swelling, mild bruising, and a feeling of tightness. These effects should gradually improve over the following week. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within 10–14 days, and social gatherings in 3-4 weeks, while more strenuous activities can usually resume after a few weeks.
Although the majority of visible swelling should improve fairly quickly, the final results should continue to refine over time, and patients often notice that they look refreshed rather than obviously “surgical,” which is exactly the goal.
How Much Does a Facelift and/or Neck Lift Cost?
The cost of a facelift and/or neck lift at our practice typically starts at approximately $27,000 (including the surgical facility fee); however, the total price often varies among patients depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, whether both areas are treated together, and the level of customization required.
Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, the best way to determine the cost is through a personal consultation. During this visit, Dr. Lee evaluates your concerns, discusses the most appropriate surgical approach, and provides a detailed treatment plan tailored to you.
While cost is an important consideration, many patients view facelift and neck lift surgery as a long-term investment in their appearance and confidence. Because the results are typically long-lasting, the overall value can be significant compared to temporary treatments that require ongoing maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- A facelift and neck lift can significantly improve sagging skin, jowls, and loose neck tissue
- Modern techniques focus on natural-looking results rather than an overly tight appearance
- The procedure is fully customized to each patient’s facial structure and goals
- Combining a facelift with other adjunct procedures often creates the most balanced, youthful outcome
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–3 weeks
- Results are typically long-lasting and designed to enhance—not change—your natural features
If you have additional questions about facelift and neck lift surgery, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation to explore your options, please contact us today.