3 Reasons to Combine Facelift and Neck Lift (Benefits, Techniques, Key Considerations)

Many patients seek facial lifting to improve nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, or double chins.

In this post, I’ll explain the differences between  facelift  and neck lift, and why doing both procedures together can significantly improve both results and safety.
If you prefer to watch, check out the video below:

▶️ Why Double Chin Liposuction Often Fails

What’s the difference between facelift and neck lift?

The face is composed of five layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, facial expression muscles (SMAS layer), deep soft tissue, and the periosteum (bone covering).
 

A traditional facelift involves separating both the subcutaneous and SMAS layers, then lifting the sagging tissues.

Because two layers are dissected, it’s often referred to as a dual plane facelift.

Facelift Incisions and Dissection Range

• Incision: Front and partially behind the ear

• Dissection range: Cheeks and jawline

Neck Lift Incisions and Dissection Range

• Mini neck lift (short scar neck lift): A small incision under the chin to improve double chin

• Extended neck lift: Combines mini neck lift with incisions behind the ear to improve sagging skin more thoroughly

Why You Should Combine Facelift and Neck Lift

Overlapping incision and dissection areas

As you can see above, facelift and neck lift surgeries share overlapping areas.
If done separately, the second procedure may be compromised due to scar tissue or inflammation caused by the first surgery.
Performing them together improves efficiency and shortens recovery time.

Greater surgical safety

During facelift surgery, if the retaining ligaments are mishandled, there is a risk of facial nerve damage.
However, by making a small incision under the chin (as in neck lift), surgeons can access and manage these ligaments safely and directly, reducing nerve injury risk.

Effectively corrects double chin

Through neck lift surgery, we can remove deep fat and submandibular glands, and tighten the platysma muscle.
This addresses the main cause of a double chin, rather than just surface fat removal.

Real Patient Cases

Mini neck lift (under the chin incision only)

Extended neck lift (incision on chin and back of the ear)

Combined facelift + neck lift

Conclusion

Both facelift and neck lift offer strong lifting effects on their own.
However, combining them results in more harmonious, natural results—and in many cases, safer surgery.
If you're seeking dramatic improvement and long-lasting effects, consider doing both procedures together.

Have more questions?
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Noonopi Plastic Surgery | Dr. NK Park

This blog post is for educational purposes only.
All treatments carry individual risks and individual results may vary.
Please consult with a certified professional.