Facelift and Neck Lift

Home/Cosmetic Surgery/Facelift and Neck Lift

When performed by a team of talented and extensively skilled facial plastic surgeons, a facelift and neck lift can be the gold standard of facial rejuvenation. These aesthetic procedures are performed to reduce skin laxity and restore the underlying supportive structure of the face and neck, providing both men and women with the opportunity to look years younger.

Whether performed together or as standalone procedures, a facelift and/or neck lift can powerfully address jowls, sagging skin, and other pronounced signs of aging in the face and neck. Modern facelift techniques offer results that are more elegant, graceful, and natural-looking than ever, giving Kansas City patients the confidence to pursue the treatments that will help them look and feel their best.

How Can a Facelift and Neck Lift Improve Signs of Aging?

As collagen and elastin production both diminish with age, the face and neck tend to lose integrity and elasticity. This affects the skin’s ability to retain a smooth, sleek, and full appearance, resulting in the formation of jowls and other premature signs of aging. A facelift and neck lift can restore support for the skin, fat, and facial musculature, effectively improving:

Sagging skin along the cheeks and jawline, commonly referred to as “jowls”
Deep facial creases like nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Skin laxity in the lower face
Vertical neck bands
Loose skin underneath the chin, often known as a “turkey neck”

The before-and-after photos in our patient gallery can give you a stronger understanding of how facelift and neck lift surgery are able to beautifully resculpt the profile of the face and neck. While improvements from a facelift and neck lift are limited to the lower-third of the face, our facial plastic surgeons also perform aesthetic procedures to rejuvenate the mid-face and upper face, such as blepharoplasty and a brow lift.

How is the Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure Performed?

At our Kansas City practice, facelift and neck lift surgery is performed by Dr. J. David Kriet, Dr. Clinton D. Humphrey, or Dr. John Flynn — each of whom is a board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon. Both procedures are performed as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia, so patients don’t feel anything during surgery.

During surgery, our facial plastic surgeons typically make incisions in discreet, inconspicuous locations, such as within the hairline, behind the ears, below the chin, and along the natural creases of the face and head. From these incisions, our facial plastic surgeons can tighten the underlying musculature of the face and neck, resculpt and reposition excess fat, and remove excess skin. Incisions are closed, and patients usually return home after a period of brief observation to begin recovering from the comfort of their own homes. The entire procedure typically takes 3 to 5 hours.

What Can I Expect From the Facelift and Neck Lift Recovery Period?

Swelling, minor bruising, tenderness, numbness, and general feelings of discomfort are to be expected after a facelift and neck lift. Wearing your compression garments and bandages as instructed can help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter and prescribed pain medications can also help mitigate any swelling and discomfort. Each patient heals at their own rate, but most individuals are able to return to non-strenuous work after one to two weeks. Exercise should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, or until cleared by your facial plastic surgeon. Plenty of rest is encouraged, but we recommend light ambulation as soon as you feel up to it to promote blood flow. The entire recovery process can take three weeks; however, residual swelling may last six months to one year.

How Long Do Facelift and Neck Lift Results Last?

Facelift and neck lift procedures are designed to deliver long-lasting rejuvenation and results tend to be noticeable for decades when paired with a healthy lifestyle. While no surgery can stop the natural aging process, a well-executed facelift can provide lasting renewal of the facial tissues. By addressing sagging skin, deep folds, and loss of definition along the jawline and neck, patients can typically enjoy the results of a facelift or neck lift for at least 10 years and beyond. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and skin quality play a role in how long the improvements last, but most individuals continue to look more youthful than they would have without the procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from the sun, and following a tailored routine of medical-grade skin care products can help extend the longevity of your results. Many patients find that their refreshed appearance gives them renewed confidence for years to come.

Will I Have Noticeable Facelift and Neck Lift Scars?

Key aspects of achieving natural-looking facelift and neck lift results lie in both the expertise of a facial plastic surgeon and the careful placement of incisions. Our facial plastic surgeons strategically position incisions along the natural contours of the hairline and around the ears, where they are well-concealed and blend in seamlessly along natural areas of transition once healed. During a neck lift, incisions may also be placed discreetly beneath the chin, hidden from plain view. While all surgery involves some degree of scarring, these fine lines typically fade significantly over time and are difficult for others to detect. By combining meticulous surgical technique with personalized post-operative care, we help ensure scars look as minimal and discreet as possible.

How Much Does a Facelift and Neck Lift Cost?

In Kansas City, facelift and neck lift surgery costs generally range from $12,000 to $15,000. The cost estimate is personalized based on the specific details of your treatment plan, as well as factors like your geographic location and the experience of your facial plastic surgeon. Other factors that influence the total costs of your procedure include:

The surgical techniques utilized
The extent of your concerns
The complexity of your treatment plan

Your quote will also include the fees typically associated with cosmetic surgery, such as the costs of the anesthesia, surgical facility, surgeon’s fee, etc.

Our award-winning facial plastic surgeons have the experience and skill to provide you with the high-quality facial rejuvenation you deserve. We’re committed to developing a dynamic treatment plan to achieve your unique goals, so don’t hesitate to contact Facial Plastic Surgery KC today to book a consultation.