There are a variety of techniques to address facial laxity, loss of jawline definition, and neck fullness. I often reassure patients that my goal is always to achieve the most natural result—no tight, pulled faces here! The procedures, whether it be a deep plane, manipulation of the SMAS, or full platysmaplasty of the neck, are decided on an individual basis. While a neck lift can be done on its own in certain cases, combining it with a facelift typically achieves more balanced, long-lasting results.
Some patients worry that doing “too much” will make them look overdone, but leaving out key components can sometimes make the results look incomplete. Addressing laxity without considering volume loss or skin rejuvenation, for example, may not achieve the best outcome. The goal isn’t just to look younger—it’s to look refreshed and feel like yourself.
Tightening the skin alone can lead to an unnatural, “windblown” look. Instead, I focus on redistributing and supporting the underlying structures while making adjustments that age gracefully over time. Neck lifts, in particular, can be very effective in refining the jawline and reducing sagging skin under the chin.
Longevity depends on factors like skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle. While many patients enjoy long-lasting results, older patients or those with more delicate skin may benefit from a minor touch-up procedure within a few years to maintain their refreshed appearance.
