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Facelift and Neck Lift

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Home | Face | Facelift and Neck Lift

The face and neck are often the first places to show the effects of time. Loose skin along the jawline, deepening folds around the mouth, and a softened neck contour can make you look older or more tired than you feel. A facelift, neck lift, or a combination of both can restore a naturally refreshed, youthful appearance without looking overdone.

Dr. Samuel Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained aesthetic surgeon serving patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. With advanced training from one of the country’s most competitive aesthetic surgery programs and a career built on delivering natural, personalized results, Dr. Sohn brings precision and artistry to every facelift and neck lift procedure.

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What a Facelift Can Address

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, targets the visible signs of facial aging in the mid to lower face and neck. It is one of the most effective surgical procedures for restoring facial contour and a more youthful profile.

Common concerns a facelift addresses include:

  • Jowls and loss of jawline definition
  • Deep nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
  • Sagging skin in the cheeks and mid-face
  • Loose, excess skin along the jaw and neck
  • Neck banding caused by separated platysma muscles
  • A heavy or undefined neck contour1

Unlike non-surgical treatments, a facelift repositions the underlying facial structures, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), for results that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.

Facelift Techniques: Finding the Right Approach

Not every facelift is the same. Dr. Sohn tailors the technique to each patient’s anatomy, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, he will recommend the approach that will deliver the most natural, balanced result.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift is the gold standard for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It addresses the deeper muscular layer beneath the skin, allowing Dr. Sohn to reposition facial tissues rather than simply pulling the skin taut. The result is a smoother, more natural appearance with longer-lasting outcomes.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift goes a step further by releasing key facial ligaments and repositioning the deeper structural layers of the face as a single unit. This technique is particularly effective for patients with significant jowling, deep nasolabial folds, or notable mid-face descent. It produces some of the most natural and durable results available in facial plastic surgery.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a less extensive procedure designed for patients in the earlier stages of facial aging. It uses shorter incisions and focuses on the lower face and jawline, with a faster recovery than a full facelift.

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift at a Glance:

Mini Facelift:

  • Shorter incisions, less extensive surgery
  • Targets the lower face and jawline
  • Best for mild to moderate aging
  • Faster recovery, typically 7 to 10 days
  • Ideal for patients in their 40s to early 50s

Full Facelift (SMAS or Deep Plane):

  • Addresses mid-face, lower face, and neck
  • Repositions deeper facial structures
  • Best for moderate to significant aging
  • Recovery of 2 to 4 weeks
  • Ideal for patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation

Dr. Sohn will help you determine which approach is right for your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

Neck Lift: Redefining Your Profile

The neck is one of the most telling areas of facial aging, yet it is often overlooked. A neck lift (platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty) addresses loose skin, excess fat, and the vertical banding that develops when the platysma muscles separate over time.

A neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift for a more complete rejuvenation. Many patients find that treating the face without addressing the neck, or vice versa, leaves an imbalance in their overall appearance.

A neck lift can correct:

  • Loose, crepey neck skin
  • Excess fat beneath the chin (submental fullness)
  • Platysmal banding (vertical cords in the neck)
  • A poorly defined jawline-to-neck transition
  • The appearance of a “turkey neck”2

Dr. Sohn frequently combines facelift and neck lift procedures to achieve a seamless, harmonious result from the cheeks to the collarbone.

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Are You a Candidate?

The best candidates for facelift and neck lift surgery are adults who are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg who are bothered by visible signs of facial or neck aging are encouraged to schedule a consultation to explore their options.

 

Ideal candidates typically:

 

  • Are bothered by visible signs of aging in the face or neck
  • Have skin that has lost elasticity but still retains some flexibility
  • Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
  • Do not have medical conditions that would impair healing
  • Understand that surgery improves, but does not stop, the aging process

Facelift and neck lift procedures are also an excellent option for men who want to address jowling, neck laxity, or a loss of facial definition. Dr. Sohn has experience treating both male and female patients and tailors every plan to the individual.

Preparing for Your Facelift or Neck Lift

Proper preparation is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth surgery and recovery. During your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Sohn and his team will provide you with detailed, personalized instructions. The following general guidelines apply to most facelift and neck lift patients.

Before Surgery:

  • Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before your procedure. Smoking significantly impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E, for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Dr. Sohn will provide a complete list at your pre-operative appointment.
  • Fill any prescribed medications in advance so they are ready when you return home.
  • Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from the surgical facility and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Prepare a comfortable recovery space at home with extra pillows to keep your head elevated, easy-to-prepare meals, and entertainment within reach.
  • Wash your hair the night before surgery, as you may not be able to wash it for several days afterward.
  • Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, and jewelry.

Following your pre-operative instructions closely helps minimize risk and sets the foundation for the best possible outcome.

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What Happens During Surgery

Facelift and neck lift procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. The length of surgery varies depending on the technique and whether procedures are combined, but most facelift and neck lift surgeries take between two and five hours.

Anesthesia: General anesthesia or IV sedation is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Sohn will discuss the most appropriate option for your surgery during your consultation.

Incisions: Incision placement depends on the technique selected. For a full facelift, incisions typically begin at the temples, continue along the natural contour of the ear, and extend into the hairline behind the ear. For a mini facelift, shorter incisions are made near the temples and around the ear. Neck lift incisions are typically placed beneath the chin and behind the ears. Dr. Sohn places all incisions carefully to minimize visible scarring.

Tissue Repositioning: Once incisions are made, Dr. Sohn lifts and repositions the underlying SMAS layer and, in deep plane procedures, releases key facial ligaments to restore natural facial contour. Excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is re-draped smoothly without tension.

Neck Lift Steps: If a neck lift is performed, Dr. Sohn addresses excess fat through liposuction or direct excision, tightens the platysma muscles to eliminate banding, and removes or redistributes loose skin for a cleaner, more defined neck contour.

Closure: Incisions are closed with fine sutures. A light dressing or compression garment may be applied to support healing and reduce swelling. In some cases, a small drain is placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation.

After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged home with a responsible adult. Dr. Sohn’s team will provide complete post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

What to Expect: Recovery

Recovery from facelift and neck lift surgery is gradual. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the process is when they are well-prepared. All procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Days 1 to 7: Swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal. A drain may be placed temporarily. Rest is essential. Most patients are comfortable at home with prescribed medications.

Week 2: Bruising begins to fade. Many patients feel well enough to resume light activity. Sutures are typically removed during this period.

Weeks 3 to 4: Most visible swelling has resolved. Many patients return to work and social activities, though some residual swelling may remain.

Months 2 to 6: Final results continue to emerge as deeper swelling resolves and tissues settle. Scars continue to mature and fade.

A mini facelift typically involves a shorter recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities within 7 to 10 days.

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What Patients are Saying

"The very first appointment all the way through the post follow-up was beyond AMAZING!!! The surgery day is an exciting blur of emotion! YES Dr Sohn, made me actually feel excited NOT scared. It is imperative you have a first class Surgeon (artist) their work will be with you forever. Dr Sohn and his whole staff far exceeded my expectations. The whole team is second to none! Clearly he absolutely loves what he does. Professional, warm, incredibly talented and treats you as if you are the only and most important patient. Highly recommended." – Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


 

“Dr. Sohn is amazing. He made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole experience. My results far exceeded my expectations!” – Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


 

“He and his staff were very attentive to my needs pre and post op. I recommend Dr Sohn and his staff. They're definitely #1.” – Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Why Choose Dr. Samuel Sohn

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Samuel Sohn, MD

Dr. Samuel Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a distinguished academic background and specialized fellowship training in aesthetic surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors in Biology from Stanford University before going on to complete his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed both a general surgery and plastic surgery residency at Michigan State University, then was selected for a highly competitive aesthetic surgery fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, one of the most respected programs in the country for advanced cosmetic surgical training.

Before establishing his practice in Florida, Dr. Sohn was a founding surgeon at Hankins & Sohn, an award-winning plastic surgery practice in Las Vegas. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His commitment to the field extends beyond the operating room: Dr. Sohn is an active researcher and has authored and presented peer-reviewed work published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, among other venues.

Dr. Sohn sees plastic surgery as a harmonious blend of art and science. He brings a meticulous, patient-centered approach to every facelift and neck lift procedure, with a focus on natural-looking results that reflect each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

Patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg choose Dr. Sohn for:

  • Undergraduate degree with honors from Stanford University
  • Medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia at VCU
  • Plastic surgery residency at Michigan State University
  • Aesthetic surgery fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
  • Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • Published researcher in peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals
  • Founding surgeon of an award-winning plastic surgery practice
  • A personalized, one-on-one approach to every consultation and procedure
  • A commitment to natural, balanced, long-lasting results

FAQs About Facelift / Neck Lift

Facelift results are long-lasting, typically 7 to 10 years or more. While surgery does not stop the aging process, most patients find they continue to look younger than they would have without the procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from sun damage can help extend your results.

A full facelift addresses the mid-face, lower face, and neck with more extensive repositioning of deeper tissues. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and focuses primarily on the lower face and jawline. It is best suited for patients with mild to moderate aging and offers a faster recovery. Dr. Sohn will recommend the right approach based on your anatomy and goals.

Yes, when performed by a skilled, fellowship-trained surgeon, a facelift should look entirely natural. Dr. Sohn’s technique focuses on repositioning facial structures rather than pulling the skin, which avoids the tight or “windswept” appearance associated with older facelift methods.

As with any surgical procedure, facelift and neck lift surgery carry potential risks, including temporary swelling and bruising, changes in skin sensation, scarring, infection, and anesthesia-related considerations.3 Dr. Sohn will review all risks and how they are minimized during your consultation. All procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist.

The cost of a facelift or neck lift varies depending on the technique used, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Dr. Sohn’s team will provide a detailed, personalized quote during your consultation. Financing options are available.

Facelift procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. All procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Sohn will discuss the safest and most appropriate anesthesia option for your procedure during your consultation.

Yes. Facelift and neck lift procedures are increasingly popular among men who want to address jowling, neck laxity, or a loss of facial definition. Dr. Sohn has experience treating male patients and customizes every surgical plan to suit male facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you are considering a facelift, mini facelift, or neck lift near you, Dr. Samuel Sohn and his team are here to help. Serving patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Dr. Sohn offers personalized consultations to help you understand your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Take the first step toward a more refreshed, confident you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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1 Mayo Clinic. Face-lift. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059. Accessed March 10, 2026.

2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Neck Lift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift/recovery. Accessed March 10, 2026.

3 American Society of Plastic Surgery. What are the risks of facelift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/safety. Accessed March 10, 2026.

Dr. Samuel Sohn has reviewed and approved this content.

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