The passage of time leaves different marks on each person, and choosing the right procedure can make a big difference. In the office of Dr. Juan Carlos Zambrano, specialist in facial rejuvenation with a natural and harmonious approach, many patients arrive with the same question: what offers better results, a facelift or a neck lift?
This question comes up when people begin to notice sagging cheeks, loss of definition in the jaw, or obvious changes in the neck that alter the overall harmony of their appearance.
For Dr. Zambrano, the decision isn't made just by looking at the skin. A comprehensive evaluation of facial aging is performed to identify which technique, or combination of techniques, can return a youthful appearance without losing naturalness. Understanding the differences between each procedure is critical to choosing the right path to safe, balanced and personalized rejuvenation.
Below, you'll find a clear, detailed guide focused on the patient experience, designed to help you understand the differences between the two treatments and decide which one best fits your goals.
Aging doesn't happen evenly. Skin, deep muscles, and fat compartments lose firmness differently on the face and neck. This explains why the facelifting And the neck lift they act in different areas and produce unique effects.
The face-lift: It works mainly on sagging cheeks, loss of definition in the jaw and marked wrinkles around the middle and lower part of the face. This surgery repositions deep tissues and removes excess skin to create a firmer, more youthful contour. It can also soften nasolabial folds and recover structure in areas where volume has shifted over time.
The neck lift: focuses on the area under the chin and along the jawline. Its objective is to correct the double chin, tighten loose skin, reduce visible platysma muscle bands and restore definition to the angle between the chin and the neck. For many people, this is where the first signs of aging occur, even before the face shows obvious changes.
Both procedures can be performed separately or combined to achieve more complete rejuvenation. However, understanding their individual scope makes it possible to identify precisely what each patient needs.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most effective surgeries for rejuvenating facial expression. Its result is remarkable, yet natural, especially when working on deep layers such as the SMAS system, which supports the facial structure.
A full face lift corrects moderate to severe sagging. The surgeon repositions tissues and removes excess skin, improving firmness in the cheeks, marked expression lines and loss of jaw definition. This comprehensive approach makes it possible to restore harmony to the middle and lower third, which are usually the areas most affected with age.
The mini facelift is a less invasive alternative, ideal for patients with mild or moderate sagging. In this procedure, the incisions are smaller and the recovery is faster. Although it doesn't offer the same level of correction as a full lift, it's an effective option for those looking for a more subtle intervention without entering into a lengthy recovery process.
With any of its variants, the facelift results in firmer cheeks, a more defined jaw and an expression that regains vitality without losing the patient's natural characteristics. It is a procedure designed to transform without exaggeration, maintaining the authenticity of the face.
The neck usually reveals age before the face. Sagging, vertical bands of the platysma muscle and the accumulation of fat under the chin can cause a tired or heavy appearance. El neck lift is designed to correct these root problems.
Through strategic incisions, usually behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, the surgeon tightens the deep muscles and removes excess skin and fat. When a double chin is present, it can be combined with liposuction to further improve the contour. The result is a firmer, more streamlined and defined neck, which significantly rejuvenates the overall appearance.
The effect of this surgery is especially noticeable in the profile. The mandibular line regains sharpness, the appearance of a “heavy” neck is eliminated and the natural angle between the chin and the neck is restored. For those looking for a refined and elegant look, a neck lift can make a big difference.
Both facelifts and necklifts offer long-lasting results. In most cases, the effects can be maintained for ten to fifteen years, depending on factors such as genetics, skincare habits and lifestyle. No surgery stops the natural aging process, but it does restart it, returning the patient several years of visible youth.
The results of a face-lift are especially noticeable on cheeks, jaw and general facial expression. Deep wrinkles are smoothed and the skin regains firmness. The neck lift, on the other hand, redefines the area under the chin and corrects sagging, creating a more streamlined profile.
Both procedures can cause swelling and bruising during the first few weeks, but this is part of the natural recovery process. With proper care and constant medical supervision, the final result takes on a natural, balanced and long-lasting appearance.
Although the patient can choose only one, in many cases it is recommended to combine face lift with neck lift to achieve a uniform appearance. When the face rejuvenates but the neck is still sagging, the contrast may be evident. The opposite also happens: a defined neck with an aged face can break harmony.
The combination is ideal when aging affects both the middle third of the face and the area under the chin. The objective is to restore continuity between face and neck, achieving comprehensive rejuvenation. In these cases, the result looks natural, elegant and consistent with the patient's aesthetics.
Deciding to combine both procedures depends on skin condition, age, anatomy and expectations. A specialized assessment is essential to define the right approach and project a balanced result.
Recovery after a face-lift or neck lift is a key stage. Following medical advice ensures adequate healing and more stable results. Keeping your head elevated in the first few days, avoiding sudden movements and not smoking during the process are actions that promote a quick recovery.
The patient may experience tension, numbness, and some swelling in the first few days. These symptoms gradually decrease. It is recommended to avoid direct exposure to the sun and to use sunscreen constantly to avoid hyperpigmentation in the treated areas.
The final results begin to be seen clearly after three months, when the inflammation has subsided and the tissues have adapted to their new position. With proper care, these effects can be maintained for many years.
Making the right decision requires identifying which part of the face shows the most aging. If the sagging is concentrated in the cheeks and jaw, a facelift is the ideal option. If the main concern is jowls or neck bands, a neck lift offers better results.
For many patients, combining both procedures is the most appropriate choice, especially when they are looking for a complete and natural transformation. The most important thing is a professional assessment that analyzes your facial structure, skin quality and your expectations.
Choosing the right procedure is not just about rejuvenating, but about regaining harmony, security and confidence in one's own image.
The facelift works on the cheeks, jaw and marked wrinkles on the face, while the neck lift focuses on correcting double chin, muscle bands and sagging in the area under the chin. Although they can be performed separately, combining them offers a more balanced rejuvenation.
Both a face lift and a neck lift can provide results that last ten to fifteen years. The duration depends on factors such as post-operative care, sun protection, genetics and lifestyle.
The initial recovery usually lasts two to four weeks. The inflammation decreases progressively and the final results are seen around the third month. Each patient recovers at a different pace, so medical follow-up is essential.
If a double chin is the main problem and there is no significant sagging in the cheeks or jaw, a neck lift is the best option. Depending on the case, it can be supplemented with liposuction to improve definition.
Safe and harmonious rejuvenation with Doctor Juan Carlos Zambrano
Choose between facelift or neck lift It is a decision that must be based on a professional assessment, a clear understanding of individual aging and realistic expectations. Each procedure offers unique benefits, but both share a common goal: to restore firmness, definition and freshness to the face without sacrificing naturalness.
Doctor Zambrano, with his results-focused approach balancedSafe techniques and evidence-based techniques accompany each patient in this process in a personalized way. His experience in facial rejuvenation allows him to determine if a face-lift, a neck lift or a combination of both should be performed to achieve a harmonious result that respects the patient's essence.
