If you look in the mirror and feel like your reflection no longer matches the youthful, energetic way you feel inside, you're not alone. As the years pass, it's natural for facial skin to lose its firmness — leading to jowls, deep folds, loose skin along the jawline, and visible bands beneath the chin. A facelift and neck lift can enhance your appearance, restoring a rejuvenated, refreshed, and natural look.
For patients interested in a face and neck lift in the Nashville area, Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute (SPRSI) is the premier destination for these transformative procedures. Our team serves clients from Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and beyond from our convenient location in Franklin, TN.
Understanding Facelifts and Neck Lifts
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, and a neck lift, or platysmaplasty, address visible signs of aging. While often performed together for comprehensive rejuvenation, these procedures target specific, yet overlapping, concerns. A facelift lifts and firms the deep facial tissues and sagging skin of the mid-to-lower face, while a neck lift tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess skin specifically beneath the chin and along the jawline.
The Benefits of Lower-Face and Neck Rejuvenation
The aesthetic benefits include:
- Smoothing deep folds and wrinkles, such as marionette lines
- Lifting sagging skin to eliminate heavy jowls
- Removing visible double chins
- Restoring a clean, defined jawline
- Boosting self-confidence with a naturally youthful appearance
Procedure Options and Personalized Treatment
Because every face ages differently, our team assesses each patient and recommends a customized treatment plan. A traditional facelift addresses the midface, lower face, and neck for maximum tissue lifting. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and offers a quicker recovery, making it ideal for early signs of aging.
At SPRSI, we take a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation. If you're interested in a facelift or neck lift near Nashville, TN, Dr. Brought and his team may recommend complementary nonsurgical options, such as Botox and dermal fillers, to smooth dynamic wrinkles or restore volume in the cheeks and lips.
What Happens During Surgery?
Patient safety is always the highest priority at SPRSI. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia ensures your comfort. Incisions are typically hidden within the hairline and around the ear, with a small incision under the chin often necessary for a neck lift. Through these incisions, the underlying connective tissues and muscles are tightened and repositioned. The skin is then re-draped over the new contours, and excess is removed.
Schedule A Facelift Consultation TodayFacelift and Neck Lift Recovery Timeline
Immediately following surgery, your face and neck are gently bandaged to minimize swelling, and thin drain tubes may be placed temporarily. Keep your head elevated, and avoid applying ice to the neck, as it can compromise blood flow.
Swelling and bruising are most visible during the first two weeks. Most sutures are removed within a week, and patients often return to non-strenuous work by the end of the second week. While surface healing occurs quickly, deep-tissue healing takes several months. SPRSI's holistic approach includes dedicated preoperative and postoperative counseling on diet and lifestyle to ensure optimal healing.
Understanding the Risks and Results
Choosing Dr. Brought, a board-certified and highly qualified facelift surgeon in the Nashville area, reduces the risks associated with these procedures. We will thoroughly discuss the risks or potential complications with you beforehand. Our team utilizes advanced techniques that focus on lifting the underlying muscle layer rather than simply pulling the skin tight. This approach ensures tension is carried by deep tissues, resulting in a naturally refreshed appearance without an overdone look.
Who Are Good Candidates for These Procedures?
Dr. Brought is a qualified facelift and neck lift surgeon in the Nashville area who will discuss your unique concerns and goals. Consider visiting us for a neck lift or facelift near Nashville, TN, if you have mild to moderate skin laxity, neck banding, or jowls, and are a non-smoking, healthy individual without medical conditions that impair healing.
Why Choose Dr. Nathan Brought?
SPRSI stands out by prioritizing medical integrity and holistic care. Dr. Nathan Brought is a board-certified Osteopathic surgeon (DO), dedicated to treating the whole person, not just the symptom.
Direct Access and Honest Expectations
We don't use an answering service, so patients can reach Dr. Brought and his team, night or day. We provide honest and realistic expectations and are dedicated to achieving results that help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Surgery, Skincare, and Lifestyle
Our holistic protocol includes counseling on nutrition, hydration, and medical-grade skincare to protect your results. We often recommend ZO Skin Health products to maintain skin elasticity and support long-term outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a facelift and a neck lift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) targets the mid-to-lower face — addressing sagging cheeks, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loss of jawline definition. A neck lift (platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty) focuses specifically on the neck and the area below the chin, treating loose skin, vertical muscle banding (platysmal bands), and a "turkey neck" or double chin. The key distinction is anatomical: facelifts rejuvenate the face, neck lifts sculpt the neck and jawline profile.
Can a facelift and neck lift be done together?
Yes, and they frequently are. Because the face and neck age as a connected unit, performing one without the other can create an unbalanced result — a tight face paired with a sagging neck, or vice versa, often draws attention to the untreated area. Combining both procedures allows for a seamless, natural-looking outcome in a single surgery and a single recovery period.
How long do facelift and neck lift results last?
Facelift results typically last 10–15 years, depending on the technique used, skin quality, and lifestyle factors. Neck lift results generally last 5–10 years, though some techniques can extend longevity. Neither procedure stops the aging process, but both significantly set back the clock. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting skin from sun damage, and avoiding smoking will help preserve your results longer.
Which procedure is right for me — a facelift or a neck lift?
If your primary concerns are sagging cheeks, jowls, or deep facial folds, a facelift is the appropriate procedure. If you're satisfied with your facial appearance but bothered by a loose neck, prominent neck bands, or a double chin, a neck lift may address your concerns on its own. Many patients benefit from both. The best way to determine the right approach is through a consultation with Dr. Brought, who can evaluate your specific anatomy and aging pattern.
At what age should I consider a facelift or neck lift?
There is no specific age requirement—facelift and neck lift decisions are based on your individual aging pattern, genetics, and personal goals rather than age alone. Some patients benefit from a facelift in their 50s, while others wait until their 60s or 70s. The best candidates are those who see visible sagging, jowling, or loose skin that bothers them and are ready to address it. A consultation with Dr. Brought will help determine if you're a good candidate based on your specific concerns and skin quality.
What non-surgical alternatives exist for facial aging?
Non-surgical options include injectables (Botox, dermal fillers like Juvederm) for fine lines and volume loss, laser resurfacing treatments, microneedling for texture and mild laxity, and skincare regimens with retinoids and sun protection. These can address early signs of aging and maintain results between or instead of surgical procedures. However, they cannot address significant sagging or loose skin the way a facelift can. Many patients combine non-surgical treatments with periodic surgical procedures for optimal long-term results.
How visible are the scars from a facelift or neck lift?
Facelift scars are strategically placed along natural facial contours—typically in front of and behind the ear, along the hairline, and sometimes under the chin for a neck lift. While scars are initially visible (red or pink), they fade significantly over 12-18 months and blend into natural facial lines. Most people cannot see facelift scars once healed, especially from a distance, and they are easily hidden by hairstyles. The quality of scarring depends on your skin type, genetics, and post-operative care.
Can a facelift or neck lift be done under local anesthesia?
While some limited facial procedures can be done under local anesthesia, a full facelift or neck lift typically requires general anesthesia or deep IV sedation due to the extent and duration of the surgery, patient comfort requirements, and safety considerations. Local anesthesia alone would not be adequate for the length and complexity of these procedures. Dr. Brought will discuss anesthesia options appropriate for your specific procedure during your consultation.
Will I need a second facelift or revision procedure?
Facelift results typically last 10-15 years, and many patients never need a revision. However, some patients choose a secondary facelift 10-15 years later to address continued aging, or a mini-facelift/non-surgical refresh in between. A secondary facelift is generally less extensive than the first and addresses new aging changes. The need for revision depends on your genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure, smoking habits, and personal goals. Dr. Brought will discuss realistic expectations and timeline during your consultation.
Schedule Your Consultation
Whether you want to schedule a consultation for a facelift in the Nashville area, a neck lift, or both, our team is here to support you. Our team will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and design a customized plan. Contact us at 615-791-9090 or fill out our contact form today.
Information on Other Facial Procedures
