Non-Surgical Neck Lift vs Surgical Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?

When you were younger, you could wear a deep-cut shirt or a tank top without a second thought. But now that you’re older, you feel self-conscious about the lines and wrinkles in the lower jaw and neck area, and you’re starting to second-guess the items in your wardrobe.

But don’t throw away those garments just yet; you deserve to look and feel your best, no matter what you wear. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures that can give you the perfect results regarding neck skin tightening.

Some people may opt for a non-surgical neck lift, while others prefer a traditional neck lift. So what’s the difference, and which are you better-suited for?

What Is a Non-Surgical Neck Lift?

A non-surgical neck lift is a broad term that can apply to any minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can tighten, smooth, and contour your neck without traditional surgery. As the name implies, instead of using incisions and general anesthesia, these neck lift alternatives typically use:

• Injectables
• Energy-based devices
• Skin-tightening technologies

For example, you can get a non-surgical neck lift with dermal fillers, neuromodulators, radiofrequency treatments, ultrasound-based devices, neck threads, and laser resurfacing. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production, relaxing neck bands, or improving skin texture and laxity.

They’re very effective for people who want subtle improvements without the recovery time that’s associated with surgery. The downside is that results are typically temporary, and you may need maintenance sessions.

What Is a Surgical Neck Lift?

A surgical neck lift (also known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is also a cosmetic procedure, and it removes excess skin and fat while tightening underlying muscles in the neck. This surgery specifically addresses the following under the chin:

• Significant sagging
• Deep wrinkles
• Prominent neck bands
• Excess fat

The plastic surgeon makes small incisions to reposition tissues and remove loose skin. As a result, you’ll have a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour. 

Not only will you have dramatic improvements, but they’ll be long-lasting too. However, this comes at a cost of anesthesia, lengthy recovery, and higher upfront costs. For this reason, a surgical neck lift is typically recommended for people with moderate to severe skin laxity.

The Degree of Improvement From Results

The main difference between a non-surgical neck lift and a neck lift is that the former gives you gradual, natural-looking changes while the latter gives you more comprehensive and noticeable results.

A non-surgical neck lift can:

• Soften horizontal neck lines
• Reduce mild sagging
• Slightly improve jawline definition

As for a surgical neck lift, it can:

• Significantly tighten loose skin
• Eliminate excess fat
• Correct muscle banding

The Longevity of Results

When weighing your options for neck tightening, one of your main concerns should be the longevity of the results.

In general, non-surgical neck lift treatments last anywhere from six months to two years. The time will depend on the procedure used and your skin condition. In any case, because your body naturally metabolizes injectables and collagen stimulation diminishes over time, you’ll need maintenance sessions if you want to preserve results.

On the other hand, a surgical neck lift can last 10-15 years or even longer! Of course, the natural aging process will keep happening, but the structural improvements from the surgery will provide long-term benefits. This means that you can get a one-time procedure with lasting impact.

Downtime and Recovery

Of course, the recovery time will differ significantly between the two procedures since one’s minimally invasive while the other isn’t. Typically speaking, patients of non-surgical neck lifts have minimal downtime, with just mild swelling, redness, or bruising. They can usually return to daily activities within 1-2 days.

Traditional neck lift recovery is more involved though. While you may also have swelling, bruising, and tightness, these symptoms may last for several weeks, and you may need to take time off work. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous activities during the healing period.

When considering your options, you should weigh your:

• Schedule
• Lifestyle
• Tolerance for downtime

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate for a non-surgical neck lift is someone who has early signs of aging and mild skin laxity. They should also have realistic expectations; they shouldn’t want dramatic results. In addition, younger patients or those wanting subtle improvements often benefit most from these minimally invasive treatments.

As for surgical neck lifts, ideal candidates should have:

• Moderate to severe sagging
• Excess skin
• Visible muscle banding that can’t be corrected with non-surgical treatments alone

Plus, you must be in good overall health and have the ability to go under anesthesia.

If you’re ever unsure which route is the better choice for you, it doesn’t hurt to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your personal situation and your health, as well as your desired results, and then make personalized suggestions.

Cost Comparison

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost of a lower rhytidectomy is $7,885. Keep in mind that this is for the surgery alone; you must factor in things like anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, post-surgery garments, etc.

Non-surgical neck lift treatments are much cheaper, at least regarding upfront cost per session. But be aware that they require maintenance, and these costs can add up over time. If you’re considering this route, then consider your long-term financial commitments before you make a final decision.

If you can travel to Mexico, and get your surgery or non-invasive neck treatments from Dr Valdez, this will be much cheaper than US rates.

Get the Refreshed Look You Deserve

As you can see, there are many choices available if you want to refresh the appearance of your lower jawline and neck area. From dramatic results that come from a traditional neck lift to more subtle, gradual changes from a non-surgical neck lift, there’s bound to be a solution that gives you exactly what you want.

The most important thing is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who’s experienced in these treatments. Not only does this mean better safety, but also more optimal results and a smoother recovery.

Are you interested in any of the treatments mentioned in this article? Then contact us today to schedule a virtual consultation. Dr. Valdez performs all procedures at Amerimed Hospital Cancún, which is a fully accredited private hospital.