Tag: facelift

Difference between Neck lift or Lower Facelift Surgery
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Difference between Neck lift or Lower Facelift Surgery

Sagging Face? – Do I need a Neck Lift or Lower Facelift Surgery?

Over time, the contours of the neck and jaw become less and less defined due to multiple factors such as the natural ageing process, gravity and even the genetic inheritance. And there is no cream, exercise or sculpting tools that can bring back firmness to the neck and lower half of the face. The only effective way erase some of the signs of ageing is to opt for facial cosmetic surgery. Neck lift and lower facelift are two popular procedures that can help you get rid of jowls and create more definition in the lower half of your face. In this blog post, we will discuss the two procedures to help you determine which one is right for you.

Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt offers patients in Sydney and Wollongong the full spectrum of facial rejuvenation surgery. He will thoroughly explain the difference between neck lift and a lower facelift, and help you choose the best procedure to meet your cosmetic aspirations.

What is a Lower Facelift?

What is neck lift or lower facelift - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

A lower facelift is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the jowls and the neck by repositioning skin and muscles. During the surgery, the upper part of your platysma muscles that extend from the upper chest over the collarbone and sides of the neck are adjusted. They are connected to a layer of firm tissue known as the fascia. Repositioning the skin, tissues, and fat pads into their original position instantly lifts the lower part of the face and neck along with reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds.

The procedure specifically targets laugh lines, sagging cheeks and lose jowls. Your surgeon will make an incision in the front of the ears, extending to the hairline. The surgeon will then pull the skin, fat tissue and platysma muscles into a lifted position to make your jawline a tight and lifted look.

What is a Neck Lift?

female neck lift before and after - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that is focused on improving the sagging appearance of your neck. The incisions are typically made behind the ear, extending into the hairline. The surgeon will remove excess skin, and reposition the SMAS layer to give a different look to your neck. A neck lift or platysmoplasty, is needed if there needs to be significant improvement in the front of the neck.

If the patient had prominent bands on the neck, they will be addressed with a small incision under the chin during a neck lift procedure. With age, the platysma muscles become separated and are responsible for creating two vertical bands that run from chin to chest. The neck lift allows the surgeon to sew these bands together and give you a smooth looking neck.

If you wish to address your double chin along with a sagging neck, a combination of neck lift and liposuction is done to remove excess fat and give you a structured jaw. If the patient struggles with skin laxity, the surgeon will also perform skin trimming during the procedure. For patients who struggle with excess skin laxity and wide separation of platysmal bands, your surgeon might suggest you to undergo a lower facelift and a neck lift at the same time. This is due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to address the neckbands without addressing the jowls due to the continuity of face and neck muscle layers.

Main Differences between a Lower Facelift and a Neck Lift

While you will see these terms used interchangeably on the internet, there are clear differences between the two procedures. A neck lift will not address any problems associated with your jawline, jowls and only targets the neck. Another major difference is in terms of the incision. During the lower facelift, the surgeon will make an incision both in front of the ear and behind the ear. The incision will be extended higher to lift up the cheek area.

In the case of neck lift, the incision will be made around the ear and below the chin. In some cases when patients have minimal skin laxity, the neck lift can only be performed with the incision under the chin.

Guide to Facial Rejuvenation

Facial Rejuvenation

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Who are Ideal Candidates for a Neck Lift and Lower Facelift

Ideal Candidates for the Neck Lift Surgery:

  • You experience extreme sagging on the neck
  • You have platysmal bands on the neck
  • You have major skin laxity in the neck area
  • You have realistic expectations from the treatment
  • You do not smoke or can quit it for a specified duration
  • You don’t have any health conditions that can hinder the healing process

Ideal candidates for a Lower Facelift Surgery:

  • Someone who experiences sagging jowls but very minimal sagging on the neck
  • Patients who want to get rid of the laugh lines
  • Individuals who want to achieve a sharper jawline
  • Candidates who are in generally good health with no chronic illnesses
  • People do not smoke or can quit it for a specified duration
  • Someone who has realistic expectations from the treatment

It is important to note that sometimes the surgeon will recommend a combination of these two procedures to help you achieve the desired results.

When is Lower Facelift Surgery combined with Neck Lift Surgery?

Believe it or not, most neck lift surgeries are coupled with a lower facelift to achieve aesthetic and functional results on the neck and lower half of the face. This is done because neck lift focuses on the neck region only. On the other hand, a lower facelift primarily focuses on the lower half of the face.

By getting rid of loose, sagging skin, repositioning underlying muscles, tissues, and underlying structures, the combination of both these procedures will give you a lifting effect while visibly minimising the signs of ageing. As a result, you will get a sharper looking chin and jawline, get rid of nasolabial folds, lifted cheeks, get rid of neck wrinkles/bands.

Potential Risks of Neck Lift and Lower Facelift

Like any other cosmetic surgery, lower facelift and neck lift carries some potential risks and complications. One of the main risks associated with both these surgeries is hematoma- a collection of blood under the skin. It is important to avoid all blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements that can lead to increased bleeding.

It is also advised to refrain from exercising and heavy lifting for at least four weeks post-surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Patients need to stop smoking for at least a few weeks before & after the surgery as it can lead to skin necrosis, prevent effective wound healing and even infection. Another less common but possible risk is injury to facial nerves.

Other risks, though all uncommon include facial asymmetry, bleeding, prolonged swelling, numbness, persistent pain, skin loss, skin irregularities and discolouration, hair loss along with the incision sites and unfavourable scarring. Make sure to choose the right surgeon and then stick to all the pre and post-surgical instructions to reduce complications.

FAQS about Neck Lift and Lower Facelift Procedures

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding neck lift and lower facelift:

What is the difference between a mini facelift vs neck lift?

  • A mini facelift is relatively less invasive than a full facelift surgery. The surgeon will create incisions in front of the ears which extend from the hairline to the bottom of the earlobe and pull the skin and tissues towards the ears, giving your skin a tighter appearance. A neck lift is focused on enhancing the appearance of your neck, rather than the face. The surgeon will remove the excess skin along with tightening the neck muscles, tissues and skin.

What is a mini neck lift?

  • A mini neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens and removes sagging skin in the neck and underneath the chin. A less invasive version of a neck lift.

How much does neck lift and lower facelift cost in Australia?

  • The cost of a lower facelift and neck lift in Australia varies significantly from surgeon to surgeon based on their experience, expertise, aesthetic goals, facility and plenty of other factors. Phone the team for an estimate.

Is a neck lift the same as a lower facelift?

  • Although you will see these two terms used interchangeably on the internet, these two are quite different procedures. The goal of the lower facelift is to lift up the lower half of the face and sharpen the look of your jawline. On the other hand, a neck lift will get rid of excess skin on your neck while tightening up your skin, tissues and muscles around the neck area.

Does a lower facelift include the neck?

  • No, a lower facelift does not include a neck lift. However, in some cases, the surgeon might recommend you to get both these procedures done at the same time.

Can I see neck lift and lower facelift before and after photographs during the consultation?

  • Of course, once you come in for a consultation, you will be shown plenty of before and after patient photographs, so you can get a better idea of what your results will look like.

before and after neck lift or lower facelift - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

How long do the results of a lower face and neck lift last?

  • Expect the results of lower facelift and neck lift to last for around 10 years or more. You may need another facial surgery in future.

At what age should you get a neck lift?

  • There is no magic number when it comes to getting neck lift surgery. However, most people who get the surgery are between 35 to 65 years old.

What is the right age to have a facelift?

  • There is no right or wrong age to get a facelift done. Most people who get the facelift are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Does a neck lift get rid of jowls?

  • While neck lift can improve the look of sagging jowls, patients with moderate to severe jowls could benefit more from a combination of different facial procedures rather than only a neck lift.

What is the right neck tightening procedure?

  • A neck lift might be the optimal neck tightening procedure that completely transforms the look of your neck.

Further Reading about Neck Lift and Lower Facelift Surgery

Medical References about  Neck lift and Lower Facelift

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Tips for Exercising After Facelift Surgery
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Tips for Exercising After Facelift Surgery

Guide to Exercising after Facelift Surgery – Tips and Face Surgery Recovery Timeline

When undergoing facelift surgery, your first priority should be getting proper rest and allowing smooth recovery. Taking the recommended time off from work and resting will allow your body to heal fully. Post the surgery, your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative instructions which you should follow religiously. You may be keen to get back to your exercise routine and feel as normal as possible. However, it isn’t ideal to do exercise after a facelift surgery.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed hundreds of facelift procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon and facelift surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Guide to Facial Rejuvenation

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How Exercising Too Soon Can Impact Your Surgical Recovery

As a general rule of thumb, you will be looking at taking a few weeks off from work and staying clear of all the strenuous activities. If you work from home you will be fine to return to work, but if your job involves face to face interactions, you may not be comfortable seeing people for the first few weeks. You’ll have to put a hold on your regular exercise routine until you are fully recovered.

Exercising too soon post a facelift surgery procedure could lead to complications. An important risk is harming the sutures and reopening of incisions. Any kind of heavy lifting, straining and cardio will put a strain on your incision site and disrupt healing which can lead to larger scarring, infection, bleeding, and other complications. It can also lead to swelling and increased bruising which isn’t something any one of us desires to see on our faces.

 

Exercise Timeline after Facelift Surgery

Even when you feel physically and mentally fine, it is critical to follow the exercise timeline provided to you by your surgeon. Each patient is different and heals at a different pace. Hence, it is crucial to listen to your body and your surgeon. With that being said, here is a generalised timeline of exercise to follow post a facelift:

DAYS 1 TO 3 POST-FACELIFT

During this time of recovery, you will have a certain level of discomfort but you shouldn’t feel too much pain. You will be required to take medications to keep the pain and swelling under control. Do not worry as this is part of the healing process and is somewhat expected. Don’t expect to see results at this point. You will also feel tightness around your face and neck.

Try to stay relaxed and not stress your body by raising your blood pressure unduly at this point and arrange for someone to help you around the house. Your physical activity needs to be very minimal. If you have drainage tubes, you will most likely be asked to come in for a follow-up visit.

DO

Get enough bed rest for at least one full day after facelift surgery. You will feel quite tired at this point and won’t feel like moving at all. If you don’t feel like moving for two to three days, don’t push yourself hard. The most you can do for the first three days is walk lightly around the house.

DON’T

Do not overexert yourself for the first 48 hours post the surgery. Avoid all forms of exercise.

 WEEKS 1 TO 3 POST-FACELIFT

Most people will stop their pain medication at this point. Most people will also be able to start feeling more active around the house. Strenuous activities are still a big no-no. You will still have some bruising and swelling which can make you feel uncomfortable in public. Don’t worry as it will start to subside significantly by the end of week three. You can use a cool or heat compress to help with the swelling. Sleep with your head elevated as it will minimise swelling and promote healing.

DO

In the first week, feel free to walk around your house for 15 to 20 minutes. Gradually, build up the duration to 30 minutes as you feel better. By the end of two weeks, you can do light chores around the house such as cooking and dusting. Light stretching and yoga can also be included in your routine by the end of week three.

DON’T

During the first three weeks, avoid lifting heavy objects as they can put a strain on your incisions.

AROUND 4 WEEKS AFTER THE FACELIFT

Congratulations! You are over the most difficult part of your recovery. After one month, you will be able to resume a lot of the general activities. However, pay close attention to your body. If you feel tired, lethargic or weak at any point during the day, take some rest. The bruising and swelling will be mostly gone by now and you will begin to feel comfortable walking in public without any makeup. It is common to feel a slight tingling sensation in your skin. Don’t worry as it is perfectly normal.

DO

Keep up with the light cardio such as walking around the house, neighborhood or treadmill. You can also start cycling slowly on a stationary bike and gradually build up the intensity within the next few weeks.

DON’T

Pay close attention to your heart rate and make sure it doesn’t get too high. This one step alone will prevent swelling, keep bruising to a minimum, and avoid complications such as bleeding and seromas.

AROUND 6 WEEKS POST-FACELIFT

Most of the side effects such as swelling, bruising and tingling sensation in the face will subside and you will be given a go from your surgeon to start working out. If the surgeon feels like you are healing at a relatively slow pace, you might be asked to put a halt to physical activities for another two weeks.

There is nothing to worry about here. Every individual is different and has a different recovery journey. If everything goes as planned, you will be given a go-to resume for all sorts of physical activities including strenuous workouts and heavy lifting.

DO

Most people are able to engage in gentle exercise routines six weeks after facelift surgery. However, it is a good idea to check in with your surgeon prior to resuming your routine.

DON’T

Don’t forget that each individual is different and recovers at a different pace. It is important to take your individual journey into account while starting and stopping any specific exercise. With patience, realistic expectations, proper care, you can return back to your healthy, active lifestyle in no time at all.

exercising after facelift surgery - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Face Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

Exercises After a Surgical Facelift

Here is a list of exercises you can try post a surgical facelift. Make sure to stick to the timeline mentioned above:

1. Walking

Walking is the safest form of exercise post-facelift surgery. Walking lightly around the house will prevent blood clots and promote healing. It will also give you a burst of energy. It is important to walk at a super slow pace initially and take breaks when needed. Do not overexert yourself. If you feel tired at any point while walking, take a break. Begin your walks by from 5 minutes a day and gradually build it up to 30 minutes.

2. Cycling

You might get a go for cycling once you are past the three or four-week marker. You can either take out your bike and ride slowly on a straight road or use a stationary bike. Again, you don’t need to ride your bike super-fast or at an incline. Simply focus on getting your legs to move a bit and take breaks when you feel very tired.

3. Stretching and Yoga

Light stretching is recommended once you hit the four weeks marker. It will relieve stress from your muscles and give you much-needed flexibility. You can also try certain yoga poses. Make sure that none of the poses put stress on your incision sites or causes pain. If you feel pain, stop immediately or change the pose.

4. Pilates

Pilates is another great form of exercise to try past 4 to 5 weeks after the facelift. It targets individual muscle groups and helps with strength building without the need of lifting heavyweights. Start slow and gradually move up to more advanced Pilates exercises.

FAQs-about-Facelift-Surgery

FAQs about Exercising after Facelift Surgery

How soon after the facelift can I exercise?

  • You can begin light walking within the first week of the surgery. You can introduce cycling, light cardio within the next three weeks. Most patients are able to get back to their complete routines, six weeks after the surgery. However, it is important to check in with your surgeon prior to resuming any form of workout.

Why can’t I work out after the facelift?

  • Working out too soon after surgery will put a strain on your incisions and can lead to swelling, bruising, bleeding and seroma. It can increase the risk of complications and disrupt the healing process.

How long does it take to look normal after a facelift?

  • Most people start to look normal in about 4 to 6 weeks after the facelift surgery, after the swelling and bruising completely subside.

How long should I wait to workout or exercise after facial surgery?

  • Before going back to your regular workout routine, you have to wait for a minimum of six weeks after facial surgery. You can resume light walking a week after the surgery.

How long to wear the chin strap after a facelift?

  • Wear a chinstrap continuously for the first two weeks after the facelift surgery except while eating and showering/ cleaning incisions.

Can I go for a walk after a facelift?

  • Yes, you can totally start walking for 15 to 20 minutes even in the first week after a facelift. Gradually, increase the duration up to 30 minutes. Do not walk at a fast pace though.

How can I speed up healing after a facelift?

Here are a few steps that will speed up healing after a facelift surgery:

  • Rest as much as you possibly can as it will allow your body to heal
  • Take all the medications given to you by your surgeon
  • Sleep on your back with your head in an elevated position
  • Do not try strenuous exercises and heavy lifting for the first six weeks post-surgery
  • Use a cold compress to minimise swelling
  • Keep a healthy diet that is low in sodium
  • Wear a chinstrap that helps minimise swelling
  • Do not skip on follow up visits

How soon after the facelift surgery can I fly?

  • Most patients can take short-haul flights in about 48 hours after the facelift surgery. However, it is always a good idea to check in with your surgeon prior to flying.

What happens if you exercise too soon after surgery?

  • Exercising too soon post any kind of surgical procedure will put a strain on your stitches and could lead to bleeding, infections, swelling, and hematoma.

Further Reading about Facelift Surgery and Exercising after Facelift

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.