Facial rejuvenation is one of the most sought-after areas of cosmetic surgery, and procedures such as facelifts and neck lifts remain at the forefront—especially at our practice. Having performed more than 3,000 facelifts for people in Chicago and worldwide, I’ve refined my techniques to deliver the most advanced, natural-looking results by treating the entire aging face. My innovative approach leaves you looking vibrant and refreshed—never pulled or overdone.
If you’ve been researching facial rejuvenation and trying to understand the differences—neck lift vs. facelift vs. mini facelift—this guide will help clarify your choices. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who’s earned international recognition for my contributions to facelift innovation, I take pride in guiding you toward the approach that accomplishes your individual goals—without the obvious “evidence” of surgery.
Facelift Benefits
A facelift is the most comprehensive of these three options and has long been considered the “gold standard” for facial rejuvenation. A facelift uses discreet incisions around the ears and within the hairline to access the muscles and tissues of the lower face, repositioning and tightening them for an improved contour and smoother skin around the jawline, cheeks, and chin. The techniques we use in our own practice focus on improving the resiliency of the deep facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. This approach results in a much more natural-looking final result.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate?
- Men and women with moderate to significant sagging in the cheeks, jawline, or lower face
- Patients who want to smooth deep wrinkles or folds around the mouth and nose
- Individuals in good health who are non-smokers (or willing to quit before surgery)
- People who want long-lasting results that go beyond nonsurgical options
- Patients looking for a natural, rejuvenated appearance rather than a “pulled” look
Many patients assume a facelift includes incisions in the temple and changes to the brow. However, a facelift treats the lower face, from the collar bone to the lower eyelid. It’s essential to note that a facelift does not address fine lines, skin tone, or texture issues such as sun damage. Patients whose main concerns are skin quality or early signs of aging may be better candidates for a mini facelift or nonsurgical treatments.
Mini Facelift Benefits
This modified version of the full facelift is a great way for patients who don’t have a significant amount of facial aging to improve their looks with less downtime. Many mini facelift patients are also people who have undergone full facelift procedures in the past and are looking for ways to maintain their results. A mini facelift addresses the same areas as a full facelift, only to a lesser degree and with shorter scars and usually an easier recovery period.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate?
- Men and women in their 40s to early 50s noticing early signs of aging
- Patients with mild sagging along the jawline or lower face
- Individuals who prefer a shorter recovery period and smaller incisions
- People who want to “refresh” or maintain the results of a previous facelift
- Those who want a subtle, natural improvement without committing to a full facelift
In my hands, even a mini facelift involves lifting and releasing the skin and superficial muscle layer together as one unit. The deeper retaining ligaments are selectively released only as needed, allowing for shorter incisions and a gentler lift. This deep plane approach helps achieve natural, durable results with less extensive recovery.
A mini facelift is not designed for patients with advanced facial sagging or heavy jowls. Those seeking dramatic, long-lasting improvements to both the lower face and neck are likely better candidates for a full facelift.
Neck Lift Benefits
Neck lift surgery shifts its focus from the lower face to the neck, an area where many people notice their earliest and most significant signs of aging. Neck lift surgery can reduce excess fat in the neck, troublesome “neck bands,” wrinkles, loose skin, and weakened muscles. Neck lift surgery may be performed on its own, but it’s also often a companion to a facelift or mini facelift surgery.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate?
- Patients with sagging skin, vertical bands, or excess fat in the neck
- Individuals bothered by a “turkey neck” or double chin
- Men and women whose jawline lacks definition due to aging or loose tissue
- Healthy adults seeking a smoother, more youthful neckline
- Those who want to combine neck lift surgery with a facelift for balanced results
A neck lift does not correct sagging in the cheeks or midface. Patients concerned with both the neck and lower facial aging are often better candidates for a combined facelift and neck lift procedure.
Because of its stellar results, facelift surgery is one of the 5 most popular cosmetic surgeries in the nation. According to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 79,000 men and women had facelifts in 2024.
Comparing Procedures: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Facial rejuvenation isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when performed by a knowledgeable facelift surgeon. The chart below offers a quick comparison of mini facelift, facelift, neck lift to help you better distinguish between each approach and feel more confident in your next steps.
Browse through our patients’ facelift and neck lift before-and-after photos to see why the procedures are so popular with both men and women. Then, explore your candidacy further by scheduling a consultation with me at our practice. You can call us at (312) 788-2560 or use our online form to request a consultation.
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