Facelift & Neck Lift
Dr. Scott Miller is uniquely qualified when it comes to facelift and neck lift procedures. After earning his M.D. at the University of California Irvine and completing his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Miller was chosen for a prestigious fellowship with world-renowned plastic surgeon Bruce Connell, MD, the “father of the modern facelift.” By working closely with Dr. Connell, Dr. Miller truly honed his skills and knowledge of facial aesthetics. This invaluable fellowship experience in combination with Dr. Miller’s artistic eye and surgical skill has helped him to become “the one to see” for naturally beautiful facial rejuvenation.
Patient Results
Scott Miller, MD
- America’s Best Plastic Surgeon: Facelift, Newsweek
- Top Doctor’s of San Diego, Castle Connolly
- Best of La Jolla Award, Plastic Surgeon
- Best Cosmetic Surgeon in San Diego, San Diego Reader
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What is a Contemporary Facelift?
The word “facelift” conjures up the image of someone looking tight and unnatural. However, under the care of the right surgeon, today’s facelift can be more effective and natural-looking than ever. Patients look refreshed, rested, healthy, and younger. By tightening up the underlying tissue as well as removing excess skin, facelifts now last longer than ever before without looking tight or pulled.
After a facelift, most of our patients have minimal discomfort and very little swelling and bruising. Most of them feel that they can return to a relatively normal routine very quickly and begin all activities, including exercise, six weeks after surgery. The results are dramatic, but very natural-looking.
In most cases, signs of aging aren’t exclusive to the face. The neck experiences many of the same changes that occur over time, including loose skin, lax musculature, and excess fatty deposits. As a result, patients often develop horizontal neck bands and/or a buildup of sagging tissue under the chin. Dr. Miller performs a neck lift to refresh the neck area in complement with a facelift, resulting in a more complete rejuvenation. Excess fatty deposits are removed, while skin and underlying musculature are tightened. This creates a more defined contour in the chin and jawline, revealing a naturally beautiful neck profile.
With the new, deeper lifts, the patient undergoing a face/neck lift should be able to achieve a striking result that will last for many years.
“My life has completely changed as a result of my facelift and necklift. I have much more self-confidence and have been more willing to try new experiences. I get so much positive feedback about how young I look and how pretty I am. I had no idea how much more willing I would become to do things I had never dared to try before. Thank you for this new life Dr. Miller!”
What is a Non-Surgical Facelift?
While there are many non-surgical treatments that can improve the tone and texture of the skin, a facelift is the only way to effectively treat facial muscles and tissues causing jowls, creases, and other signs of aging. Unfortunately, minimally invasive technologies do not have the power to replicate the longevity, or the high quality of results produced by a facelift.
That said, non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be a great way to look more rested and youthful for patients who may not be quite ready for facelift surgery. Microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, facials, injectables, and other less invasive treatments can help you enjoy a healthy, radiant look without the downtime associated with plastic surgery. Discussing your goals with a member of our skilled aesthetic team is the first step in developing a custom-made treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to call our office for more information on the non-invasive treatments that can achieve your goals.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift and Neck Lift?
A facelift and neck lift are designed to remove excess, sagging skin while simultaneously tightening any loose underlying facial tissues. This popular surgery is often used to reverse some of the most common signs of age. Candidates for this procedure will typically have one or more concerns in the face, including:
- Wrinkles
- Loose or sagging skin
- Jowls
- Hollowed cheeks
During the consultation process, Dr. Miller performs a physical examination, reviews your medical history, and carefully discusses your lifestyle and expectations to help ensure a facelift and neck lift are the best methods to achieve your individual aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates for this procedure are in good overall health, do not smoke, and maintain realistic expectations.
Facelift Consultation
A personal facelift consultation is an essential first step in achieving the results you envision. During this one-on-one visit, Dr. Miller takes the time to understand your aesthetic goals, assess your unique facial structure, and create a personalized treatment plan designed to complement your natural features. Open communication is a top priority during the initial consultation. In addition to discussing your desired outcome — whether you’re bothered by sagging skin along the jawline, deepening facial folds, or a general loss of youthful facial definition — Dr. Miller will ask about your general health, previous surgeries, and any current medications to ensure you’re a good candidate for elective surgery.
During consultation, Dr. Miller will evaluate key elements, such as skin elasticity, bone structure, and the quality of the underlying tissues. He will then recommend an effective facelift technique, such as an SMAS facelift, neck lift, facial tuck, or a combination of procedures to help you achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Photos will be taken and placed on a screen to be viewed together by you and Dr. Miller during your consultation. These photos document your baseline appearance and help guide surgical planning and your understanding of incisions sites and the areas of the face treated by each procedure. Additionally, you’ll receive detailed information about what the procedure(s) entail, including anesthesia options, incision placement, recovery timelines, and expected results. Remember, your consultation is designed to empower you with knowledge and confidence. Dr. Miller’s thoughtful approach ensures every detail of your facelift is meticulously planned with the ultimate goal of enhancing your natural beauty — not changing who you are.
How is the Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure Performed?
The procedure usually takes three to five hours. An incision is made to access the deeper layers of the face and neck, the location and length of the incision is dependent upon the surgical plan and will be clearly determined and discussed at your consultation. The facial muscles are lifted and repositioned. The skin is then draped back over the newly-lifted tissue and any excess skin is removed. A small incision under the chin allows removal of excess fat and tightening of the neck muscles. The incisions are closed meticulously in layers along the natural facial planes and creases to allow minimal scarring and maximal camouflage and concealment. Together, the tightening of skin and underlying tissues reduces wrinkles and creases, restoring the naturally beautiful facial highlights and contours of youth.
Will I Have Visible Facelift Scars?
By lifting the deeper tissues of the face and neck, there is less tension placed on the skin. This level of structural support leads to much better incision healing when compared to other techniques. Also, Dr. Miller meticulously places facelift and neck lift incisions in discreet locations, allowing scars to exist inconspicuously within the natural contours of the face and neck. Scars from a facelift are generally hidden in the hairline as well as along the front and behind the ear, while neck lift scars are typically concealed under the chin. These scars can heal very well if proper care is taken while incisions are healing, Dr. Miller and his team will provide you with instructions on how to minimize scarring after surgery. Facelift and neck lift scars continue to fade as time passes.
What is the Recovery Time for a Complete Facelift and is there a Preferred Age?
There are two stages of recovery. Two weeks for reliable social commitments (although many patients are very comfortable being out and about within one week), and three to 6 months for more full settling and final results. With regard to when is the right time, I treat the face, not the clock. There are forty year-olds who could benefit, and sixty year-olds who don’t need a facelift. We are treating the high cheeks, smile creases, marionette lines, jowls, and neck; these are the areas that make the difference. The deep layer composite face and necklift addresses each of these areas in natural balance with the other.
How Long Do the Results of a Facelift and Neck Lift Last?
While Dr. Miller’s surgical skill and expertise provide patients with beautiful, lasting results, having a facelift and neck lift does not stop the clock. Aging does continue according to your genes, your lifestyle habits, and the passage of time. For some, the benefit of always looking younger than their age is sufficient. Others want to maintain a vital, energetic, and youthful appearance, opting for follow-up procedures in 5 – 15 years. Some patients choose to combine their procedure with a forehead lift to elevate sagging eyebrows or eyelid surgery to minimize bags around the eyes, further enhancing and maintaining facial harmony. Post-operatively, sun protection is a must to protect incisions and promote better scar healing.
Non-Surgical Treatments to Preserve Facelift Results
A facelift can beautifully restore definition and youthful contours, but ongoing care will help you further maintain a more refreshed appearance. Non-surgical treatments can play an important role in prolonging the benefits of your facelift by addressing skin quality, volume, and muscle activity over time. When thoughtfully integrated into your post-surgical routine, these treatments help support long-lasting results:
- VirtueRF® Microneedling: As collagen production naturally declines with age, VirtueRF® Microneedling offers a powerful solution to stimulate the skin’s healing response and improve elasticity. By combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy, this treatment targets the deeper layers of the skin to enhance tone, firmness, and texture.
- CoolPeel®: While a facelift addresses sagging tissues, laser resurfacing refines the surface of the skin. CoolPeel® treatments use advanced CO2 technology to gently exfoliate damaged layers, reduce fine lines, fade pigmentation, and minimize pores — all with minimal downtime. When combined, the VirtueRF® and CoolPeel® treatments help rejuvenate your complexion and can keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful in the years following surgery.
- Facial Fillers: With the options available ranging from JUVÉDERM® products to fillers in the RHA® collection, hyaluronic acid-based fillers provide a soft, natural-looking enhancement to restore volume where needed without additional surgery.
- Neurotoxins: Fine lines caused by repetitive facial movements, such as frown lines or crow’s feet, can gradually reappear after a facelift. Neurotoxins like BOTOX®, DAXXIFY®, and Jeuveau™ temporarily relax targeted muscles, helping to smooth expression lines and prevent them from deepening over time. Routine treatments can preserve your facelift results with subtle, refined improvement.
- Physician-Grade Skincare: Consistent, high-quality skincare is one of the most effective ways to extend your surgical results. Physician-grade skincare products are formulated with active ingredients that promote cellular turnover, hydration, and protection from environmental stressors. A customized regimen may include antioxidants, retinoids, peptides, and growth factors—all designed to nourish and maintain the health of your skin.
In addition, preventive measures such as wearing sun protection (hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight can slow down the natural aging process and help you maximize the outcome of your facelift. The non-surgical treatments listed above can rejuvenate your skin and face with glowing, youthful results.
“I love the results of my surgery with Dr. Miller. Looks very natural and I could not be more happy. My recovery was also amazing. Dr. Miller and his staff are amazing!!”
Facelift and Neck Lift FAQ
My biggest concern is about having a facelift look natural. What should I know?
Not all surgeons are created equal. You need to be aware of the surgeon’s technique and artistic sense. See examples of their work, not computer art. I prefer a composite facelift approach with double-layer support. The same as double-layer stitching on a quality shirt, it will look better and last longer. This deep-layer approach allows preservation of the hairline and reshaping of the tissues in the appropriate direction; both are critical in achieving an outstanding, natural-looking result.
How long does a facelift usually last until I have to have another one done?
A composite facelift procedure is a permanent change. You will always look better than you otherwise would. While you do continue to age, this occurs slower because of the double-layer support. Whether or not someone seeks further treatment in the future is a personal preference. When you feel healthy and vital, you want to continue to reflect that in your appearance. While a well done facelift will stand the test of time, there are several lesser refinements that can complement your improved look short of a repeat facelift.
Does a facelift address the entire face?
A facelift primarily addresses signs of aging in the region between the cheekbones and the neck. If you would like to refresh the upper third of the face, eyelid surgery—with or without the addition of a brow lift—can help you eliminate sagging skin and musculature in the region above the cheeks. For comprehensive rejuvenation, it is not uncommon for patients to incorporate multiple procedures into their treatment plan for the best possible results.
Do I always need a neck lift with my facelift?
Since the face and neck often age simultaneously, most patients benefit from both procedures—particularly if sagging skin and fatty deposits in the neck have resulted in horizontal bands or a “turkey neck.” Dr. Miller typically performs a facelift and neck lift together in order to achieve a comprehensive outcome that looks natural and beautiful. However, your concerns and overall goals will ultimately determine whether a neck lift should be performed with your facelift.
Is facelift surgery different for women and men?
While the general facelift procedure is the same for all patients, there are key differences in male and female facial aesthetics that Dr. Miller considers when performing plastic surgery for men. This involves restoring a more youthful version of a male patient while avoiding an “overdone,” or overly tight appearance. Care is taken to preserve the masculine contours of the face and conceal scarring for a subtle, natural-looking result.
What’s the best age for a facelift?
There is truly no “best age” for a facelift, and candidacy for the procedure simply relies on whether you want to address the concerns that a facelift seeks to resolve. There are individuals in their fifties who may not need facial rejuvenation, while other patients in their thirties may exhibit jowling or loose skin and benefit from a facelift. If your aesthetic goals include a more youthful facial appearance, Dr. Miller can assess your concerns and help you decide whether a facelift is the most ideal treatment for your needs.
Is Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery Safe?
A facelift and neck lift can be a very safe and predictable procedure as long as you’re under the care of an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who can identify whether you’re a good candidate for treatment.
How do I find the Best Facelift Surgeon?
When it comes to selecting a qualified and reputable plastic surgeon for your unique needs, the importance of choosing a provider who has been accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) cannot be overstated. Board-certified plastic surgeons have the highest level of training in aesthetic procedures and are required to consistently attend meetings and training courses. In addition, the American Board of Plastic Surgery routinely tests their plastic surgeons on pertinent knowledge in the field, also allowing them to stay up-to-date with evolving techniques. While no procedure is risk-free, a board-certified plastic surgeon has the experience to maximize your safety. That said, your choice of plastic surgeon is paramount to your health and overall satisfaction after facelift and neck lift surgery.
Can I Undergo a Facelift if I Smoke?
Dr. Miller recommends that candidates stop smoking at least six months prior to surgery, as smoking can cause complications during recovery. Additionally, smoking after facelift and neck lift surgery may negatively impact the final results of the procedure.
How can I reduce swelling after a facelift?
Swelling is to be expected for roughly six months after surgery, but the majority of inflammation should dissipate within the first three months. You can help swelling subside during the recovery period by sleeping with the head slightly elevated, limiting salt intake, and wearing any compression garments or dressings for the amount of time prescribed by Dr. Miller.
How should I sleep after a facelift?
It’s very important to sleep on the back with your head elevated after facelift surgery so your incisions are able to heal correctly. This position will also help reduce swelling and facilitate a smoother recovery period. Following your procedure, Dr. Miller will give you further instructions on activity restrictions and how to sleep and shower after a facelift.
How long before I can wear makeup after a facelift?
You should refrain from applying makeup for two to three weeks after your procedure, or for as long as it takes for your incisions to fully heal. Makeup can introduce bacteria, dirt, and other impurities into the skin, thereby increasing the risk of infection. When you are cleared to resume wearing makeup again, we recommend replacing your older products with new ones to further minimize bacteria buildup near your incisions.
