Have you started to notice loose skin under your chin, softening along your jawline, or deeper folds that were not there a few years ago? Many patients come in feeling frustrated by changes in the lower face and neck, but unsure which procedure will address their concerns.
A neck lift and a facelift can each improve definition, yet they target different structures and produce different types of results. Choosing the right approach depends on where the aging changes are most visible and what kind of outcome you want to achieve. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward a plan that feels right for you, so let’s take a closer look at how each procedure works.
Areas That Each Procedure Enhances
Facelifts and neck lifts are designed to enhance definition in the lower face and reduce the appearance of jowls. Patients may choose one procedure or combine both, depending on their goals. The right option depends on several factors, including medical history, skin type, tissue quality, and the extent of aging changes present.
Dr. Solomon specializes in the Deep Plane Facelift, an advanced surgical technique that offers comprehensive and natural-looking restoration compared to traditional methods. During your consultation, Dr. Solomon will carefully assess your concerns and guide you toward the procedure that best supports balanced, refined results.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty/Lower Rhytidectomy)
A surgical neck lift at Solomon Facial Plastic focuses on rejuvenating the lower third of the face and the cervical region. It is not limited to tightening surface skin. Instead, the procedure is designed to tighten the underlying platysma muscles and remove excess fat compartments that contribute to fullness or banding. Incisions are placed discreetly behind the patient’s ear and extend into the hairline.
To create a firmer, more youthful contour, Dr. Solomon often uses a small, separate incision under the chin to perform a corset platysmaplasty, where the muscle edges are carefully sutured together.
This procedure may be recommended for patients seeking meaningful improvement in the front of the neck or correction of drooping jowls. During the tightening process, the skin is repositioned backward under the jawbone to refine the contour.
For patients looking to address a double chin and loose neck skin, liposuction can be performed alongside a neck lift to help create a more defined jawline and reduce excess fat. If skin laxity is present, additional skin can be carefully removed during the procedure.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Dr. Solomon’s signature technique, the Deep Plane Facelift, addresses visible aging by repositioning deeper facial tissues and fat pads as a single unit. This approach involves releasing the zygomatic and mandibular retaining ligaments, which allows the tissues to be elevated without placing tension on the skin.
By restoring these tissues to a more youthful position, the procedure can provide a noticeable lift to the lower face and neck. It also more effectively softens nasolabial folds, the deeper lines that extend from the corners of the mouth toward the nose, as well as marionette lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth.
Main Differences Between a Neck Lift and a Facelift
Although the terms neck lift and facelift are sometimes used interchangeably, they address different anatomical areas and involve distinct techniques. A common misconception is that a neck lift does not improve the jawline. At our practice, however, a neck lift is specifically designed to contour both the jawline and the neck for a cohesive result.
Another key difference lies in the incision pattern. A lower facelift involves incisions placed in front of and behind the ear, extending upward to allow lifting of the cheek area. In contrast, a neck lift relies on discreet access points behind the ear along with a separate incision under the chin. This approach avoids long, continuous incisions and helps minimize visible scarring.
Neck Lifts:
- Target neck skin laxity and platysmal bands.
- Contour the jawline and significantly reduce jowls.
- Refine the cervicomental angle, the area between the neck and jawline.
Facelifts:
- Address the lower portion of the face, including the jawline and jowls.
- May provide secondary improvement in the neck.
- Help soften marionette lines and nasolabial folds.
- Offer more comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face.
The Suitable Candidate
For a Neck Lift:
- The typical age range is between 30 and 70 years old.
- Significant neck skin laxity or visible muscle banding is present.
- The patient is a non-smoker or is willing to cease all nicotine use, including vaping, for at least one month before and after surgery.
For a Facelift:
- The typical age range is between 40 and 75 years old.
- There is a desire for long-term results, potentially lasting up to 15 years with a Deep Plane lift.
- The patient is prepared for a structured recovery period, including wearing a compression garment for seven days.
In some cases, Dr. Solomon may recommend combining procedures to achieve the most natural and balanced outcome. Whether one or both procedures are appropriate will be determined during your initial assessment.
When are the surgeries combined?
Neck lifts and facelifts may be combined to enhance both functional support and aesthetic harmony in the lower face and neck. This approach may be recommended for several reasons:
- To create a more cohesive, natural appearance, as each procedure targets a specific area.
- To reduce overall costs when compared to undergoing two separate surgeries.
- To allow for a single recovery period instead of two separate healing processes.
When procedures are combined, lax skin and underlying tissues are repositioned together to support a more refined contour. Patients often notice improvement in the jawline, chin, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and neck bands or wrinkles.
Other Considerations
Individual skin characteristics can influence how each patient responds to treatment and how results develop over time.
Skin Type
Thicker skin types may require more assertive tissue repositioning to achieve optimal definition. These patients often heal with less visible scarring, although recovery may take slightly longer. Results can appear more dramatic once healing is complete.
Thinner skin types typically benefit from a more delicate surgical approach. Improvements may become visible sooner, though signs of healing can be more noticeable in the early stages. Careful scar management is especially important, and in some cases, combining procedures may enhance overall balance.
Ethnicity
Some ethnic groups have unique facial anatomy and skin characteristics that call for a customized approach. For example:
- Hispanic patients often have thicker skin, which may require more substantial tissue repositioning to achieve definition, though healing may occur with less visible scarring.
- Asian individuals may benefit from techniques that preserve natural facial features while addressing specific patterns of fat distribution.
- African American patients may receive specialized scar management strategies to help reduce the risk of keloid formation.
Duration and Results
Both procedures can provide long-lasting improvement when paired with proper aftercare. A standard facelift often maintains results for approximately 7 to 12 years. Dr. Solomon’s Deep Plane technique may offer enhanced longevity, with refined jawline and cheek definition lasting up to 15 years. Neck lift results typically last between five and ten years, depending on individual factors and lifestyle.
Why Solomon Facial Plastic Is the Best Choice
Dr. Philip Solomon is a double board-certified surgeon in Canada and the United States who has focused exclusively on facial plastic surgery for more than 25 years. He is among a select group of surgeons in Canada who perform the advanced Deep Plane Facelift, a technique known for producing natural, refined outcomes.
Your initial consultation is designed to help you understand which approach aligns best with your goals. To learn more about how we can support your facial rejuvenation journey or to discuss neck lift surgery, book your consultation by calling 855-293-2799. Our office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. You may also complete our online form.
Feb 03rd 2026