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April 17, 2025
Is a Neck Lift or Facelift Best for Me?
As you age, you may notice sagging skin on your face and neck.
If you want to restore a more youthful appearance, a facelift or neck lift could be the solution. But which one is right for you?
We turned to Justin Zelones, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine, to find out. Here’s what you need to know.
When a neck lift may be the right choice.
Do you mostly notice loose skin around your neck?
“A neck lift can help with concerns like a turkey neck, double chin and neck bands,” explains Dr. Zelones. “We focus on the area from your chin to the clavicle.”
Your surgeon makes a small, discreet incision under the chin during this procedure. This allows them to remove excess fat, tighten loose muscles, and create a smoother, more defined neck contour.
When a facelift may be a better fit.
If sagging skin extends beyond your neck, you may want to consider a facelift instead.
“A facelift targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline and nasolabial folds,” says Dr. Zelones.
The surgery typically involves an incision hidden along the natural contours of the ears, extending around the earlobe and into the hairline to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, your surgeon lifts and tightens underlying tissues, removes excess skin and fat, and repositions deeper tissues for a more youthful, natural-looking result — especially in the jowl area.
A consultation can help.
Most healthy individuals over 40 who are unhappy with signs of aging—like sagging skin, drooping jowls and loss of facial volume—may be candidates for a facelift or neck lift.
“But these aren’t one-size-fits-all procedures,” says Dr. Zelones. “During your consultation, we’ll examine your skin, assess areas like your jowls, eyelids, and neck and discuss your goals.”
Depending on your concerns and the level of rejuvenation you’re looking for, your Plastic + Hand surgeon may recommend a facelift, neck lift or a combination of both. They may also suggest structural fat grafting to restore lost volume or skin resurfacing to enhance your results.
Do you have questions about a facelift or neck lift?
If you’re considering a facelift or neck lift to tighten your skin, refresh your appearance and boost your self-esteem, Plastic + Hand is the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
