Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery

Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery in Manhattan Beach and Torrance

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) and neck lift surgery rejuvenate the lower face and neck by lifting and tightening the underlying support layer (the SMAS/platysma) and redraping the skin. These procedures can define the jawline, smooth jowls, and improve neck laxity for a refreshed, natural look. Dr. Kristin Egan offers personalized surgical and minimally invasive options in Manhattan Beach and Torrance to help patients in the Beach Cities address the specific signs of facial aging that concern them most.

What a Facelift/Neck Lift Can Improve

• Jowls and softening of the jawline

• Loose or crepey skin of the lower face and neck

• Vertical neck (platysmal) bands

• Fullness under the chin (often combined with targeted liposuction)

• Deepening of marionette lines and lower face folds

Who Is a Good Candidate

• Healthy adults seeking improvement of lower face and/or neck laxity

• Non-smokers or those willing to stop nicotine use before and after surgery

• Patients with realistic goals who understand recovery and scar placement

• Individuals with skin elasticity sufficient to achieve a smooth, durable result

Surgical Options: Full vs. Mini Facelift

A traditional lower face and neck lift repositions the SMAS and platysma (the muscles and fascia that sag with age), removes or redistributes excess fat, and redrapes the skin for long-lasting definition of the jawline and neck. Incisions are typically hidden around the ears and sometimes under the chin. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and focuses on the lower face with a more limited lift; it can be a good option for earlier signs of aging and may involve shorter operating time and recovery. Anesthesia can be local with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the plan and patient preference.

Complementary Procedures

• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to refresh upper and/or lower lids

• Brow lift to elevate a heavy or low-set brow

• Chin/neck liposuction to refine the angle under the chin and along the jawline

• Fat grafting or fillers to restore cheek and temple volume

• Laser or chemical peels to improve skin texture, fine lines, and sun damage

What a Facelift Cannot Do

A facelift does not change skin quality, eliminate fine lines around the lips and eyes, or add volume to hollow areas. It does not stop the aging process. Skin resurfacing and volume restoration are often combined with surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Recovery Timeline (General)

1. 1

   Days 1–3: Rest with head elevated; swelling and tightness are expected.

2. 2

   End of Week 1: Bruising and swelling begin to subside; many sutures removed.

3. 3

   1–2 Weeks: Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and social activities with camouflage makeup as needed.

4. 4

   3–4 Weeks: Most visible swelling has resolved; light exercise resumes per surgeon guidance.

5. 5

   3–6 Months: Incisions continue to mature; final contour refines.

Nonsurgical and Minimally Invasive Options

For patients seeking improvement with less downtime, several options can address early or moderate laxity and volume loss. These treatments can offer meaningful enhancement for the right candidate, but they do not replace the lifting power or longevity of surgery.

Overview of Alternatives

• Liquid facelift (dermal fillers): Restores midface and temple volume to soften folds and subtly lift the lower face; does not tighten the neck. Typical longevity ranges from months to 1–2 years, depending on product and area treated.

• Neuromodulators (e.g., for a "Nefertiti" neck): May relax downward pull on the jawline/neck bands in select cases; results are temporary and modest.

• Thread lift: Uses barbed sutures to reposition soft tissues for a short-term lift. Improvements are typically modest and temporary, and there is a risk of asymmetry or palpable threads.

• Energy-based skin tightening: Ultrasound (Ultherapy) and radiofrequency (e.g., Thermage) can produce gradual, mild-to-moderate tightening in well-selected patients; results vary and develop over months.

• Laser-assisted lower face/neck contouring (often called a "laser facelift"): A thin laser fiber is placed beneath the skin through tiny entry points under local anesthesia to contour small fat pockets and stimulate collagen for tightening. It can improve mild laxity and neck/jawline definition in select patients, but it does not achieve the same degree of lift as surgery.

Quick Facts

Typical time in surgery: 2–4 hours depending on the plan. Anesthesia: local with sedation or general. Setting: accredited surgical facility. Time off work: often 1–2 weeks for many patients. Longevity: long-lasting, with normal aging continuing over time. Results vary.

Risks and Safety

• Bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness

• Bleeding or hematoma

• Infection or delayed wound healing

• Scarring or hairline changes (usually well-concealed)

• Asymmetry or contour irregularities

• Temporary or (rarely) permanent nerve injury affecting sensation or movement

• Need for revision in some cases

Why Choose Dr. Kristin Egan

Dr. Kristin Egan is dual board-certified in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Trained at Princeton, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, UCSF, and through fellowship at Upstate Medical University, she has practiced in Manhattan Beach since 2011 and treats patients locally, nationally, and internationally. Her approach emphasizes careful diagnosis, a customized plan, and results that align with your anatomy and goals.

Consultation and Locations

Ready to explore a facelift, neck lift, or a less invasive alternative? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Egan in Manhattan Beach (ENT and Cosmetic services) or Torrance (Cosmetic procedures only). We proudly serve Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and the surrounding Beach Cities.