A facelift and neck lift is performed in an accredited surgical facility, hospital, or licensed ambulatory surgical center. The surgery removes the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, drooping, jowls, or asymmetry, and helps to rejuvenate the face and give it a youthful appeal.
The neck lift cost usually covers the surgeon’s fee, with additional fees including the medical facility, anesthesia, medication, post-surgery garments, and follow-up visits.
Before your surgery, you should arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to the surgical facility and back home.
How much Is Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facelift surgery costs an average of $8,005. In comparison, a neck lift procedure costs an average of $5,774. This average covers only a part of the total and excludes operating room facilities, anesthesia, or other related expenses.
The surgeon’s cost will depend on their location, years of experience, and the surgical procedure.
While most health insurance plans won’t cover facelift surgery or any arising complications, your plastic surgeon can offer you financing plans to facilitate the surgery and post-surgery treatment.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift or Neck Lift?
The ideal facelift or neck lift candidate should be a non-smoker with no medical conditions that might impair healing. The patient should also have realistic expectations and a positive outlook before the procedure.
Patients that want to change their facial appearance but are not ready for a full facelift can opt for a mini-facelift. In contrast, patients that note excess wrinkling and drooping on the face and neck can undergo a complete facelift and neck lift to eliminate the extra neck skin, jowl lines, and double chin
A neck lift results in a better facial contour when the neck region doesn’t match the upper facial appearance.
Does a Facelift and Neck Lift Last?
A facelift and neck lift surgery tightens the skin of the neck, cheeks, and jowls and can rejuvenate the face for 10 to 15 years. While the results aren’t permanent, you can still undergo a second surgery after 10 years to attain a better facial appearance. A facelift or neck lift works best for patients in their 40 to 60s when signs of aging start to show.
Preparing for a Facelift and Neck Lift
When preparing for your upcoming procedure, your doctor will perform a medical evaluation and lab tests. The surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain medicines or adjust their dose; aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs are a few examples of medications that could increase bleeding. Smoking can also slow your healing after surgery.
Additionally, your surgeon will give you special instructions regarding what to do the night before the procedure and the morning of surgery. During the pre-surgery consultations, your surgeon will also instruct you on post-operative care and follow-up and inform you about the use of anesthesia.
Since the surgeon will perform the procedure on an outpatient basis, you will need support from your friends or family while you recover.
Care After Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon will advise you to avoid bending over or heavy lifting to prevent straining the healing wound. Besides aggravating swelling, the strain could raise your blood pressure, causing bleeding.
Additionally, avoid hitting or bumping your head, face, or neck. After one week, you can resume light chores and lifting lightweight objects.
Facelift and Neck Lift FAQ
Q: What is the best age to undergo a facelift and neck lift?
A: A facelift and neck lift is ideal for removing aging signs of patients between 40 and 60.
Q: What aging signs do a facelift procedure address?
A: A facelift removes aging signs such as deep lines, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Q: Are non-surgical alternatives better than a facelift or neck lift?
A: Surgical procedures are much better and more long-lasting than non-surgical alternatives.
Q: How do you care for your face after surgery?
A: After a facelift and neck lift procedure, you should carefully clean and moisturize your face, avoid exposure to the direct sun, hydrate, and eat a balanced diet.
Q: How long will it take to realize the results of a facelift and neck lift?
A: You will start to look and feel normal after two to four weeks; to maintain your rejuvenated face, you must take care of your skin and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Q: How should I sleep after the surgery?
A: You should sleep in an upright posture to encourage good blood flow and limit injuries to the healing wound.
Q: How painful is the facelift and neck lift recovery?
A: There’s little pain during recovery, and while you may experience a deep bruised sensation and heaviness of your face, this is a normal recovery process.
Q: What age can be too late for a facelift?
A: No age is too old for a cosmetic enhancement as long as the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery and recover well.
