Can FaceTite® Replace a Neck Lift?

Posted October 16, 2023 in FaceTite™

5 Min Read:

The desire for a smoother and more youthful neck is common, since this area often shows signs of aging first. Traditionally, surgical neck lifts have been the most popular option to address sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity in this area.

However, advancements in non-surgical technologies have introduced FaceTite®, a minimally invasive procedure, into the mix of options. The question now is, can FaceTite® effectively replace a neck lift?

How Does the Neck Age?

Before we delve into the pros and cons of neck lifts and FaceTite®, it’s essential to understand the way aging progresses in the neck area:

• Sagging neck skin: Over time, the skin on the neck may lose its elasticity, leading to sagging and the formation of horizontal wrinkles known as “neckbands” encircling the throat.
• Excess fat: Fat deposits can accumulate under the chin and along the jawline, causing a double chin. If the weight is then lost, this can cause jowls to form.
• Muscle laxity: The neck muscles may weaken and separate over time, developing a “turkey wattle” appearance.
• Loss of definition: The youthful neck typically has a well-defined jawline and a smooth contour. Aging can blur these defining features.

Neck Lift – The Surgical Solution

A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address the above-mentioned signs of aging. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat and, if necessary, tightening the neck muscles. A neck lift is a highly effective option for patients with severe sagging and laxity in this area.

Neck Lift Pros

Three upsides of a surgical neck lift procedure include:

1. Dramatic neck rejuvenation results: A neck lift can provide significant and long-lasting results, achieving a considerably more youthful appearance.
2. Customizable: This procedure can be tailored to address each patient’s unique concerns and allows a personalized outcome.
3. Permanent: The results of a neck lift are typically long-lasting, making it a one-time solution for most patients.

Neck Lift Cons

Three downsides of a traditional neck lift include:

1. Surgical procedure: Because a neck lift requires surgery, it requires incisions, anesthesia, and a significant recovery period.
2. Scarring: Some scarring is inevitable with any surgery, although it can typically be concealed within natural skin creases and hairlines.
3. Downtime: The recovery period for a neck lift may last a few weeks before patients can return to their routine.

FaceTite® – A Minimally Invasive Alternative

FaceTite® is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to address sagging skin and fat deposits in the neck area. It is often called a “non-surgical neck lift” because it can tighten skin and promote contouring without incisions or an extensive recovery.

FaceTite® Pros

This non-surgical treatment offers these four benefits:

1. A minimally invasive option: FaceTite® involves only tiny incisions to insert a thin RF probe, minimizing invasiveness.
2. Less downtime: Patients typically experience less downtime and can return to normal activities more quickly than with a surgical neck lift.
3. Neck tightening and contouring: FaceTite® tightens the skin and stimulates collagen production, resulting in improved skin quality and facial contours.
4. Reduced scarring: The incisions made for FaceTite® are minimal, leading to less noticeable scarring.

FaceTite® Cons

Three disadvantages of FaceTite® for the neck include:

1. Less substantial results: While FaceTite® can produce impressive results, they are not generally as dramatic or as long-lasting as those achieved with a neck lift, especially for individuals with severe skin sagging.
2. Multiple sessions: In many cases, several FaceTite® sessions may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
3. Cost: Given the need for multiple sessions, FaceTite® treatments can add up and eventually come close to the price of a surgical neck lift, even while results don’t last as long.

Choosing Between FaceTite® and a Neck Lift

The choice between FaceTite® and a neck lift depends on several factors, including your goals, the extent of visible aging, and your tolerance for surgery and recovery. Here are some scenarios that may help guide the decision:

• Milder cases of neck aging and a quicker recovery: If you have mild to moderate sagging and prefer minimal downtime, FaceTite® can be an excellent non-surgical alternative that provides satisfying results.
• Severe neck aging: Patients with extensive sagging, fat deposits, and muscle laxity may benefit more from a neck lift, which can deliver more dramatic and long-lasting results.

If you have severe neck skin sagging and deep lines or wrinkles, consider using FaceTite® as a preventive measure or for maintenance after a surgical neck lift.

Achieve a Smoother, Tighter, and More Youthful Neck in Pasadena, CA

FaceTite® and neck lifts are two distinct approaches to achieving a more youthful and contoured neck. While FaceTite® is a promising minimally invasive procedure suitable for many patients, a neck lift remains the go-to choice for individuals with significant sagging and muscle laxity.

The decision should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate solution or a combination of both. Emphasis should be on a personalized approach to facial rejuvenation.

At Taylor Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Taylor offers both the surgical neck lift option and FaceTite® in Pasadena, Califonia. Call (626) 988-4287 today to schedule a consultation at our Pasadena office and learn more about your best neck tightening and facial rejuvenation possibilities.