I hate my neck. Should I have just a neck lift, or get a face lift with it?

Q. I want to have my neck done. I’ve gone to several doctors who told me I should have my neck and face lift done at the same time. How do I know if I need my face and neck done, or just my neck?

A. I get that same question from patients. Very often, this procedure is done independently or with combination face lift. In younger patients where the primary problem is excess fat and skin, you can often do a minimal procedure such as liposuction, liposuction with excision of skin or a complete neck lift.

The neck lift primarily addresses areas of the neck that are under the jaw and minimally along the jawline. When patients have prominent extra skin with jowling, a face lift needs to be added to the neck lift. The face lift allows for the face to be lifted, as well as removing extra skin from behind the ear to improve the neck.

There are many different techniques for neck lifting, as well as face lifts. One thing to remember: It’s not necessarily the procedure as much as it is the surgeon who is performing the procedure. When being evaluated, ask to see before and after pictures and discuss with your surgeon what the risks and benefits are of the operation.

Generally, I think you should have either two or three opinions — anything more than that will confuse you. The procedure is done with general anesthesia, although there are some patients and doctors who can do this with sedation.

A face lift can take anywhere from four hours and longer, and a neck lift generally takes less time. Recovery is generally between 10 days and two weeks. You can resume all normal activity within four weeks.

Dr. Carlos Wolf is a partner in Miami Plastic Surgery and is board certified. Email questions to him at Cwolf@miamiplasticsurgery.com