Facelift vs. Neck Lift: Do You Need One or Both?

One day, your face is sharp and familiar. The next, it's a little softer. Then your neck starts to follow suit with lines, laxity, and maybe some fullness under the chin that doesn't seem to budge, no matter how healthy you're eating or how many videos you watch on facial yoga.

If you're researching facial rejuvenation, you've probably run into two procedures: the facelift and the neck lift. But most people don't realize how different they are until they're deep into consultations or browsing before-and-after galleries.

Let's break down what each surgery actually does, how they overlap, and how to know if doing both might make more sense than doing just one.

What a Facelift Actually Addresses

A facelift isn't a blanket solution for everything south of your forehead. In modern plastic surgery, the facelift targets the lower part of the face, mainly the cheeks, jawline, and those deep creases that run from the sides of your nose toward your mouth. They also help with early jowling and sagging skin along the jaw.

But unfortunately, this procedure stops before the neck.

That often surprises people. The name makes it sound like a full-face overhaul, but unless a neck lift is explicitly included, your neck remains largely untouched.

What a Neck Lift Does (and Doesn't Do)

A neck lift is all about the territory beneath your jawline, targeting loose skin, vertical banding, stubborn fat under the chin, and a softened neck angle. It's particularly beneficial for people who feel like they've aged more below the chin than above it.

But if you're also seeing volume loss in your cheeks or sagging at the jaw, a neck lift on its own won't address that. These are two distinct procedures with different targets. They complement each other, but they're not interchangeable.

Why Some People Do Both at the Same Time

Your face and neck are a connected system. If you tighten one area and leave the other alone, the difference can be noticeable - not in a dramatic way, but in a way that's noticeable and tends to make it feel like something is off. This often leads people back to their surgeon months or years later, asking about a second procedure.

Doing both surgeries together creates a more balanced, natural result. This combo makes sure that one area doesn't quietly undo the work of the other.

There's also a more practical reason: combining procedures usually means one round of anesthesia, one recovery period, and fewer surgical costs overall. From both a financial and lifestyle perspective, that can make the decision easier.

When One Might Be Enough

Not everyone needs both. If your neck still looks pretty youthful but you're starting to see sagging in your cheeks or around your mouth, a facelift on its own could be the right fit. On the flip side, if your facial structure still looks firm but your neck tells a different story, a neck lift alone might give you the improvement you're looking for.

Every face ages differently. Genetics, sun exposure, and weight changes all shape how and where the changes show up. A good surgeon won't push you toward more than you need. They'll help you see what's already working and what actually needs adjusting. If you're on the fence about whether you need both procedures or not, get in touch with a trustworthy surgeon who can help you make the most informed decision.

What About Scarring and Recovery?

Both procedures involve incisions, but they're placed with discretion. Facelift scars are typically hidden along the hairline and around the ears. Neck lift incisions often sit behind the ears or under the chin. With time, most fade significantly.

Recovery times depend on the extent of the surgery. If you're doing both at once, expect only about two to three weeks of downtime. That includes swelling, bruising, and the usual need to take things slower for a while. Most people feel comfortable being out in public again within a few weeks, even if subtle healing is still underway.

The Bottom Line

This isn't a matter of "more is better." It's important to look at your face honestly before making a decision: what's bothering you, what's holding up well, and how you want to feel when you look in the mirror six months from now.

If that reflection feels a little off or no longer matches how energized or confident you feel inside, surgery might be a helpful option. Just make sure the plan is tailored to you, not to a widespread audience of patients.

You may not need both a facelift and neck lift, but knowing what each can offer and how they work together can help you make a decision that actually holds up in the long run.