Maybe it’s the way your jawline no longer holds its definition in photos. Or how subtle bands along your neck seem more pronounced during video calls. These are quiet shifts, common and natural, but they can still feel out of alignment with how you see yourself. If you’ve started exploring facial rejuvenation, you’ve likely wondered: Do I need a facelift, a neck lift, or both?
At Sandia Cosmetic Facial Surgery in Albuquerque, we believe the decision shouldn’t feel overwhelming or rushed. Understanding the difference between these procedures is the first step toward making a choice that feels right for your features, your goals, and your lifestyle.
What’s the Real Difference Between a Facelift and a Neck Lift?
While facelift and neck lift surgeries are often performed together, each targets a distinct region and concern. Knowing this can help you better visualize what each procedure is designed to refine.
A facelift, technically called a rhytidectomy, focuses on the lower face, specifically the cheeks, jawline, and deep folds around the mouth known as nasolabial folds. Over time, as the supporting structures of the face weaken, this area can begin to sag, resulting in jowling or a “tired” appearance. A facelift gently repositions deeper tissue layers and smooths the overlying skin to restore a more sculpted, youthful shape.
In contrast, a neck lift addresses the region beneath the chin and along the neck, including visible neck bands, skin laxity (sometimes called “turkey neck”), and submental fullness, a buildup of fat under the chin that softens your jawline. Known medically as a platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, a neck lift involves tightening loose muscles and removing excess skin to create a more refined, elegant neckline.
While they can produce beautiful standalone results, these procedures are often complementary, because the face and neck tend to age in tandem; treating both can enhance balance and harmony.
Who It’s For, and What to Expect
Your decision starts with your concerns. If you’re mostly bothered by softening along the jawline or deeper creases near your mouth, a facelift may be the better choice. It addresses sagging cheeks, jowls, and volume loss in the lower face. At Sandia Cosmetic Facial Surgery, Dr. Eric Tuggle takes a personalized approach to this procedure, ensuring results that feel natural, not tight or overdone.
If, however, your main frustration is with loose neck skin, vertical banding, or a persistent double chin, a neck lift may be more aligned with your goals. This procedure can be especially effective for patients who feel their facial skin is still relatively firm, but the neck area feels out of sync.
In many cases, combining a facelift with a neck lift offers the most cohesive result, especially for those seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The decision isn’t just about what’s possible, but what feels right for you. That’s why we offer detailed, private consultations to help you explore options and ask thoughtful questions. You can also review real before and after transformations from our Albuquerque clinic to see how subtle, elegant changes can make all the difference.
What Happens During Each Surgery? A Closer Look at the Procedures
At Sandia Cosmetic Facial Surgery, both facelift and neck lift surgeries are performed by Dr. Eric Tuggle, a double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and the only surgeon in New Mexico certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS). His approach is precise, compassionate, and deeply informed by the nuances of facial anatomy.
A facelift at our Albuquerque clinic typically takes 2–3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. The goal is not to stretch or “pull” the skin, but to reposition the deeper layers beneath it, specifically the SMAS layer, which supports facial structure. Incisions are discreetly placed along the hairline and around the ears. Through these, Dr. Tuggle lifts sagging tissues, smooths contours, and removes excess skin. The result is a refined lower face with restored jawline definition and softened creases.
A neck lift may be performed as part of a facelift or as a standalone procedure. In either case, small incisions are placed behind the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin. This allows Dr. Tuggle to tighten the platysma muscle, remove unwanted fat, and sculpt the neckline. For patients with excess fullness under the chin, this can be combined with chin and neck liposuction, a minimally invasive technique that targets submental fat directly.
In some cases, patients also consider additional refinements such as buccal fat removal or a chin augmentation to further enhance facial proportions. Every procedure plan is custom, because no two faces or goals are alike.
What If You’re Not Ready for Surgery?
Not everyone feels prepared to undergo a surgical procedure, and that’s completely valid. At Sandia, we offer a full suite of non-surgical options under our med spa, Sandia Skin + Face, led by Tonya Tuggle, FNP, and certified master injector.
If you’re seeking subtle enhancement or wish to delay surgery, options may include:
- Botox® and Dysport®: Soften dynamic wrinkles and reduce the downward pull at the corners of the mouth or neck.
- Dermal Fillers (such as Juvederm Voluma and Volbella): Restore gentle volume to the midface or improve jawline definition.
- RF Microneedling with Secret RF: Stimulates collagen to improve skin laxity and texture across the lower face and neck.
- Jawline slimming or lip enhancement: Injectable treatments can offer noticeable refinement without incisions or downtime.
While non-surgical treatments won’t replicate the results of a surgical facelift or neck lift, they can be an excellent option for early signs of aging or for maintaining results post-surgery. We often build long-term rejuvenation plans that evolve with your skin and your preferences.
Individual results may vary
Recovery & Results: What You Can Expect
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What will recovery look like?” At Sandia, we believe healing should feel like part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Facelift Recovery
- Initial downtime is typically 10–14 days. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week but improve steadily.
- Sutures are removed within the first week, and makeup can usually be worn after 10 days.
- Most patients feel comfortable resuming light activities after 1 week and social events after 2–3 weeks.
Neck Lift Recovery
- Recovery is generally shorter, 7–10 days for most patients.
- You may experience tightness under the chin or along the jawline as tissues heal, which gradually subsides.
- Incisions are well hidden and heal smoothly with proper care.
Every patient receives detailed aftercare instructions, and we remain closely involved throughout your healing process. You can also explore our dedicated facelift recovery guide for a week-by-week overview.
And while results begin to appear within weeks, your full transformation unfolds gently over time. By the 3–6 month mark, swelling has fully subsided, and the elegant contours of your face and neck are revealed, rested, natural, and unmistakably you.
How Much Does a Facelift or Neck Lift Cost in Albuquerque?
At Sandia Cosmetic Facial Surgery, transparency is part of our promise to you. We believe cost should be discussed openly, never buried in fine print.
- Facelift surgery begins at $7,500
- Neck lift procedures are often included with a facelift or custom-priced based on your anatomy and goals
- Chin and neck liposuction, often paired with a neck lift, is $2,500
- Additional enhancements, like buccal fat removal or chin augmentation, may be recommended for facial balance
While online cost comparisons can be helpful, they rarely reflect the quality of care, the credentials of your surgeon, or the personalized attention you’ll receive. Dr. Eric Tuggle’s double board-certification and singular focus on facial procedures mean your experience is not only tailored, it’s rooted in specialized expertise.
During your consultation, we’ll walk you through your customized plan, including pricing, recovery, and options for financing if needed. It’s a conversation, not a commitment.
Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t about looking different. It’s about feeling realigned, as though your outer appearance finally matches the energy, presence, and self-image you carry inside.
Many of our patients describe a sense of quiet confidence after surgery. It’s not just about the way they look in the mirror; it’s about how they carry themselves, how they smile, how they engage. When aging features are softened naturally, what’s revealed isn’t someone new. It’s someone more fully themselves.
At Sandia, we don’t believe in transformations. We believe in refinements, in sculpting the face gently back into balance, never away from who you are.
Ready to Explore What’s Right for You?
There’s no rush. But when you’re ready, we’re here.
Dr. Tuggle and our team invite you to a private consultation, either in person at our Albuquerque clinic or virtually from the comfort of your home. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess your facial anatomy, and offer honest, compassionate recommendations tailored to your goals.
If you’re considering a facelift, a neck lift, or simply want to understand your options more clearly, we’d be honored to be part of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a facelift or a neck lift?
It depends on where you’re seeing the most change. If you’re noticing sagging in your cheeks, jowls, or deep folds around the mouth, a facelift may be the right fit. If your main concern is loose neck skin, vertical bands, or fullness under the chin, a neck lift may be more aligned with your goals. Many patients benefit from a combination of both to restore overall facial harmony.
Can I get a neck lift without a facelift?
Yes. If the skin and structure of your face still feel firm and youthful, a standalone neck lift can offer a refreshed appearance, especially when paired with chin and neck liposuction for added contouring. During your consultation, Dr. Tuggle will help determine what’s appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
How long is the recovery for a facelift or neck lift?
Facelift recovery typically takes about 10–14 days, while a neck lift alone may require 7–10 days. Most patients can return to light activities within the first week and feel confident in social settings by week two or three. Swelling resolves gradually, with final results appearing over several months.
Will I have visible scars?
Dr. Tuggle uses precise, well-concealed incision techniques. For facelifts, incisions are hidden along the hairline and around the ears. For neck lifts, they’re placed discreetly behind the ears and under the chin. Over time, they fade into the natural contours of your skin.
How long do results last?
While no procedure can stop the aging process, a well-performed facelift or neck lift can offer results that last 10 years or more. Many patients choose to maintain their results with non-surgical treatments such as RF microneedling or dermal fillers.
Is there a non-surgical alternative to facelift or neck lift surgery?
We offer several non-surgical options for patients with mild to moderate aging concerns. These include Botox®, dermal fillers, and RF microneedling, all available through Sandia Skin + Face. While they don’t offer the same structural changes as surgery, they can refresh your appearance and extend the life of surgical results.