Facelift vs. Neck Lift: Which Procedure Is Right for You?Dr. Ashlin Alexander

Your face and neck age together, but not always in the same way. For some, sagging cheeks, jowls, and deeper folds are the primary concern, making a facelift the right choice. For others, banding, lax skin, or fullness under the chin may indicate a need for a neck lift. Many patients benefit from a combination, and knowing which option is best can feel overwhelming.

Dr. Ashlin Alexander is a board-certified, dual-fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon focusing exclusively on the face, neck, and hair. With elite training at New York University in Manhattan and the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Dr. Alexander brings international expertise and a reputation for natural, timeless results to his Toronto practice. In this blog, we’ll provide evidence-based insights backed by years of specialized training to help you understand the differences between a facelift and a neck lift. This way, you can proceed with clarity and confidence, guided by his signature philosophy: refinement over transformation.

What Each Procedure Treats

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Targets the lower face: sagging cheeks, jowls, nasolabial folds, and jawline definition
Modern techniques elevate and support the SMAS (the deeper facial layer) for natural, lasting results

Neck lift (Lower Rhytidectomy/Platysmaplasty)

Targets the neck and under-chin: vertical neck bands, loose/crepey skin, and submental fat
Often includes tightening the platysma muscle and selective fat removal for a crisp angle and smoother contour

How the Surgeries Differ

Incisions

Facelift: Discreet incisions are made around the ears and hairline. The surgeon repositions and secures the SMAS layer, then redrapes the skin without tension—this is key to avoiding a “pulled” look.
Neck lift: This procedure typically involves incisions behind the ears and a small one beneath the chin. It may also include platysmaplasty (repairing/reshaping the neck muscle) and targeted liposuction for definition.

Anesthesia & Recovery

Both procedures are commonly performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on your plan and safety considerations.
Swelling and bruising peak in the first week or so and then fade; most patients resume social activities over the following weeks (the timeline varies with the extent of the procedure and whether it’s combined).

Results & Longevity

Both facelifts and neck lifts can deliver results that last for many years. How long your outcome endures depends less on one “best” technique and more on your health, habits, and the surgeon’s skill. Protecting your skin from the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help your refreshed look age gracefully for years to come.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Choose a facelift for lower-face descent, jowls, and a soft jawline
Choose a neck lift for bands, lax skin, and under-chin heaviness
Choose both when face and neck changes are linked—you’ll get the most seamless, harmonious rejuvenation

We’re Here to Help You Decide

While general guidelines can help you understand the difference between a facelift and a neck lift, the right choice ultimately depends on your anatomy, goals, and comfort level. That’s where expert evaluation matters.

Dr. Ashlin Alexander is a board-certified, dual-fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon who devotes his practice exclusively to the face, neck, and hair. In consultation, he carefully studies the details that make you unique—skin quality, muscle tone, fat distribution, bone structure—then crafts a plan that may include a facelift, a neck lift, or a thoughtful combination. The goal is refined, natural results that look like you, just refreshed.