As we age, we can develop what some would call “jowling”, “turkey neck”, or a “gobbler”. All of these terms represent a sagging of the facial and neck skin as a result of time and gravity. Facelift is a surgery that is designed to reduce this sagging skin, resulting in a sharp neckline and a more youthful appearance. Most people who have these concerns are primarily focused on their NECK, and they logically ask “Why would I need a Facelift?” There’s an adage that says “the best neck lift is a facelift.” It’s a bit of a misnomer, but facelift surgery is specifically designed to address the sagging neck skin.
Everything in life is a trade-off. Just like we trade money for food, in a facelift surgery we are trading wrinkles for scars. A facelift typically requires cuts along the hairline and around the ears – We all know that cuts lead to scars. The key to a successful facelift is having hidden scars, and this is very often an attainable goal. If we are willing to make this trade, then the next question often asked is how long do the results last? Facelift surgery usually has durable results, and the lift is often maintained for 10 or more years. However, the continued effects of gravity and aging can result in recurrence of the sagging skin, and some people will want minor “tuck up” procedures in the future.
There are several variations of Facelift surgery, which are designed to address specific concerns and specific areas of the face. Generally speaking, a facelift can address sagging skin of the neck, jaw and face up to the eye. If there are additional concerns about excess skin or sagging around the eye, eyebrow or forehead then another procedure may be needed along with the facelift.
Please contact the Williams Center at 518.786.7000 if you have any further questions or concerns regarding a facelift procedure.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.