August 06, 2026 | 5 minute read
The face is prone to signs of aging due to thinner skin, facial expressions that create deep lines over time, and constant sun exposure. Because facial aging rarely affects only one area, patients considering facial rejuvenation often ask, “Can I combine facial procedures?” The short answer is yes, a facelift and a neck lift can be performed during the same surgery to address changes across the cheeks, jawline, and neck in one surgical plan.
Combining a facelift and neck lift can create a balanced, natural-looking result while allowing both areas to heal during a single recovery period. Your treatment plan will depend on the techniques used, the complexity of the procedure, and your overall health.
What Is a Facelift and a Neck Lift?
A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that helps patients achieve a younger appearance by reducing signs of visible aging in the lower and middle portions of the face. This procedure commonly targets shallow cheeks, jowls, and nasolabial folds. Depending on the technique used, deeper tissues can be repositioned, fat deposits removed or reallocated, and excess skin redraped.
Dr. Schwitzer offers traditional facelifts, deep plane facelifts, and mini facelifts. The type of facelift performed depends on your desired result, the amount of correction needed, and the health of your facial tissues.
A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, focuses on concerns below the jaw. This procedure can tighten the neck by addressing visible neck bands (“turkey neck”), excess fat beneath the chin, and loose skin. Although some facelift techniques improve the upper neck, a separate neck lift may create a smoother transition between the two areas, especially if neck laxity is more noticeable.
Why Combine a Facelift With a Necklift?
Your face and neck are intervisible. Combining these two procedures helps create a more harmonious result, especially when a facelift and neck lift are used to improve the cheeks, jawline, and neck through one cohesive surgical plan, achieving a unified aging profile.
Another benefit is completing both procedures in a single operation and recovery period. This does not necessarily make healing faster or easier, but consolidating operations can save time, reduce overall costs, and avoid two periods of downtime.
The following procedures may also pair well with a facelift when appropriate, including:
The right combination depends on the patient’s anatomy and their cosmetic goals and concerns.
Recovery Expectations When Combining Facelift and Neck Lift Procedures
First Week
Recovery varies from patient to patient, but swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness are common after a facelift and neck lift. A facial compression garment may be placed around the face and neck, while some patients may temporarily have small drainage tubes. During the first week, resting is the priority. To help minimize swelling, keep your head elevated, take gentle walks to boost blood circulation, and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until Dr. Schwitzer provides clearance.
Weeks 2–3
By weeks two through three, patients notice improvement with swelling and bruising. Many patients can expect to return to desk jobs, remote positions, and nonstrenuous activities, like running errands. The jawline and neck can still feel tight or have altered sensations while nerves and tissues continue to heal.
Weeks 4–6
During weeks four through six, patients can expect an expansion of activities. Light exercise can gradually be reintroduced into your routine as long as Dr. Schwitzer clears you. Subtle swelling continues to resolve, and a sharper jawline and facial contours become more visible.
Months 3–6
Months three to six are the period for final refinement. Deep tissues settle into their new positions and incision lines have significantly improved as scar maturation continues.
Patients can prepare for their combined recovery by planning for rest, nutrition, additional help from a trusted adult, and follow-up care.
Where Will My Incisions Be Placed?
Facelift incisions are discreetly placed near the hairlines or around the natural curves of the ears. Neck lift incisions are usually placed behind the ears, while a short incision beneath the chin may be used if Dr. Schwitzer needs direct access to excess fat or muscles.
Exact incision location depends on the surgical technique and the patient’s needs. Incisions are generally placed meticulously within natural creases or in hair-bearing areas to help make healed scars less noticeable.
Learn More About Combining Facial Procedures in Miami Beach, FL
Combining a facelift and neck lift can provide balanced rejuvenation for patients with aging concerns in both areas. If you’d like to learn more about combined facial procedures in Miami Beach, FL, the next step is scheduling a consultation.
Dr. Jonathan Schwitzer is an Ivy League-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in facial plastic surgery. During your consultation, he will listen to your concerns and goals, provide a trusting, relationship-driven experience, and perform your facelift and neck lift with artistic, surgical precision.
Call (305) 865-2026 or fill out our online contact form to reach Dr. Schwitzer’s practice and experience a higher standard of aesthetic care.