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The Facelift and Neck Lift: A Coordinated Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

For most patients, the face and neck age together — which is why a facelift and neck lift are frequently performed as a single, coordinated procedure rather than two separate surgeries. Addressing the mid-face, jawline, and neck at the same time allows for results that look balanced and natural, rather than treating one area while leaving the other untouched. In some cases, a patient’s anatomy calls for just one of the two procedures — but for many people, combining them in one surgical session is the most effective way to achieve a cohesive, harmonious result. Below we discuss how each component works, what it looks like when they’re performed together, and how to find the right surgeon for this level of care. To learn more about your options, contact our practice for a personalized consultation.

Understanding The Facelift and Neck Lift as a Connected Procedure

The Facelift Component: Restoring the Mid-Face and Jawline

The facelift portion of the procedure, or rhytidectomy, targets the lower face, cheeks, and jowls. As collagen and elastin diminish with age, skin loses its ability to hold its position and fatty tissue shifts downward. Rather than simply pulling skin tight, this component tightens the SMAS facial layer, then re-drapes the skin over that restored foundation — addressing the deeper structural layers to achieve a result that looks refreshed, not overdone. Individual results may vary based on anatomy, age, and skin quality.

The Neck Lift Component: Addressing the Lower Face and Cervical Region

The neck lift portion, or lower rhytidectomy, focuses on the platysma muscle, loose skin, and submental fat that create sagging, banding, or a poorly defined jawline. Because the jawline is the transition point between the face and neck, aging rarely stays confined to one side of that line — most patients who are candidates for a facelift also show some degree of neck laxity. That’s why a comprehensive assessment of the entire lower face and neck is the starting point for every consultation, whether the plan ultimately calls for one procedure or both.

Why The Face and Neck Are Often Treated as One Procedure

Anatomical Continuity and Balanced Results

The face and neck don’t age in isolation, and treating them together is often what produces the most natural-looking outcome. Jowling, platysmal banding, and cervical skin laxity frequently appear at the same time, so addressing both areas in one coordinated procedure typically creates more harmonious results than treating the face alone. Patients who have only the face rejuvenated sometimes find that the untreated neck becomes the new focal point — which is exactly the kind of imbalance a combined approach is designed to avoid.

One Surgery, One Recovery

When the facelift and neck lift are performed together, patients go through a single anesthesia event and a single recovery period, rather than two separate procedures spaced months apart. For patients balancing demanding careers or personal schedules, this is often a deciding factor. Most patients experience a recovery period of two to three weeks, though individual timelines vary. Dr. Rothaus offers 3D simulation consultations so patients can visualize potential outcomes and discuss the full scope of their procedure — combined or otherwise — before surgery.

Complementary Procedures to Extend Results

Many patients also incorporate non-surgical treatments to maintain and extend their results once healing is complete. Options such as Sculptra collagen-stimulating filler or DAXXIFY long-lasting wrinkle treatment can support results during the maintenance phase, as part of a broader wellness and aesthetic plan. These are available through HausMD, the practice’s dedicated med spa, and can be discussed during your consultation.

What to Expect: Candidacy, Planning, and Recovery 

Are You a Candidate?

Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health with realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Skin laxity across the lower face and neck, loss of jawline definition, and the presence of jowling or platysmal banding are the most common reasons a combined approach is recommended — though some patients’ anatomy or goals are better served by addressing one area on its own. Patients who smoke or have certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates, and a thorough medical evaluation is always required. Candidacy — including whether to combine procedures or stage them — is always determined individually, following a comprehensive consultation.

The Surgical Planning Process

Planning requires careful analysis of facial proportions, skin quality, and the depth of structural change needed across both the face and neck. This includes detailed photography, a review of your health history, and a frank discussion of your goals. It’s also the right time to ask whether additional procedures, such as a brow lift, might round out your results.

Recovery and Realistic Expectations

Recovery typically involves swelling, bruising, and some discomfort during the first one to two weeks. Most patients return to social activities within two to three weeks, though full healing and the settling of final results can take several months. Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions specific to your procedure, and following them closely is one of the most important factors in a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Kenneth O. Rothaus for Your Facelift and Neck Lift?

Dr. Kenneth O. Rothaus brings exceptional depth of training and clinical experience to every facelift and neck lift consultation. Educated at Yale College and Harvard Medical School, and trained in surgery at the Columbia and Cornell campuses of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Rothaus is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery — the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic and cosmetic surgery. His Manhattan Upper East Side practice serves patients throughout New York City, with an additional Westchester location for added convenience. Review both office locations to find what works best for you. The practice’s philosophy — where beauty, science, and wellness meet — shows up in a patient experience that pairs academic rigor with personalized, attentive care.

Ready to discuss your goals? Contact our practice today to schedule a personalized facelift and neck lift consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safer to have a facelift and neck lift at the same time or in separate surgeries?

For most healthy candidates, having the facelift and neck lift performed together in one coordinated procedure is a well-established approach that avoids a second anesthesia event and a separate recovery period. Whether that’s the right path for you depends on your overall health, the extent of correction needed, and your surgeon’s clinical assessment — some patients are better served by staging the two. A thorough pre-operative evaluation is always conducted to confirm the right approach for your specific situation.

How long do the results of a combined facelift and neck lift typically last?

Results can be long-lasting, though the aging process continues over time. Many patients find their results remain evident for a decade or more, depending on factors such as skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle. Maintenance treatments, including non-surgical options available through our HausMD med spa, can help extend and complement your surgical results. Individual results may vary.

Will the scars from a combined facelift and neck lift be visible?

Incisions are carefully placed within the natural contours around the ears and along the hairline, where they’re designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Scar maturation takes several months, and most patients find that well-healed incisions aren’t noticeable in everyday social situations. Your surgeon will walk through incision placement in detail during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Can non-surgical treatments replace a facelift and neck lift?

Non-surgical treatments such as Ultherapy, thread lifts, fillers, and energy-based devices can help address mild to moderate laxity, and may be a good fit for patients who aren’t yet candidates for surgery or who prefer a non-surgical approach. That said, these options generally can’t replicate the structural correction that a surgical facelift and neck lift provides for patients with more significant laxity or jowling. A consultation can help clarify which approach fits your goals.

Do you offer consultations for patients outside of Manhattan?

Yes. Dr. Rothaus maintains practices in both Manhattan and Westchester, making his expertise accessible to patients throughout the greater New York area. Whether you’re located in New York City or the surrounding region, you can explore plastic surgery options near White Plains and Westchester or visit the Manhattan office for your consultation. Contact our practice to determine which location is most convenient for you.

If you’re considering a facelift and neck lift in Manhattan or the greater New York area, Dr. Kenneth O. Rothaus and his team are here to guide you through every step. Contact our practice today to schedule your personalized consultation and take the first step toward your aesthetic goals.