Facelift and neck lift surgery can come with distinct considerations for Asian patients because of differences in facial anatomy and skin thickness, and in what these patients are typically looking for from their surgeries. These differences can influence the surgical approach that we use, incision placement, the degree of lifting, and more.
At Asian Plastic Surgery in Sydney, every detail of our procedures is planned with care according to each individual. We will look at each of the considerations you may face before your surgery, such as the methods available, the recovery time for different procedures, and the results that each type of surgery may provide.
A Closer Look at Facial and Neck Aging
When skin and deeper tissues begin to relax, the once-clear boundary between the lower face and neck can become less distinct. A facelift procedure and necklift procedure are used to lift and tighten the lower face and neck to make the jawline more noticeable and remove loose skin from these areas. Aging happens differently for everyone. Some may notice more changes in either the face or neck, while others may notice changes happening equally in both areas.
Considering Anatomical Differences in Asian Facial Structure
Bone Structure and Facial Shape
In Asian facial anatomy, the cheekbones tend to be broader and more defined, while the midface is often flatter with a less pronounced projection. The lower face and jawline can look wider or more angular because of a stronger bone structure. Facelift and necklift surgical approaches need to be adapted for Asian patients to maintain good proportions and avoid exaggerating certain features.
Skin and Soft Tissue Characteristics
Asian skin is generally thicker and has a denser collagen network, which can affect how it responds to lifting and repositioning. The facial muscles, especially around the jawline, are often more hypertrophied, meaning they are naturally larger and more active. Tissue support can be stronger because of the underlying muscular structure, but this can also influence the way that aging becomes visible in the lower face and neck.
Technical Considerations for Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery
SMAS vs Deep Plane Techniques for Facelift
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, can be performed using different methods depending on the patient. When we use the SMAS method, we tighten the layer of tissue beneath the skin to improve sagging in the lower face. While we may recommend this surgery for some patients, it can cause an overly tight look if the technique does not suit the person’s anatomy. We more commonly use the deep plane approach for our Asian patients because it allows for more controlled movement with a softer and more continuous lift. We always listen to our patients and take their preferences into account, along with facial shape, tissue quality, and musculature, when recommending a particular method.
Neck Lifting and Jawline Definition
Aging in the neck is different from aging in the face. You may notice banding, excess skin, or a loss of definition under the chin. We may use techniques such as tightening the platysma muscle or removing small pockets of fat. Careful adjustment of the tissues in the neck can support a smoother transition between the lower face and upper neck while keeping in mind the broader or more structured shape of the Asian jawline.
Considering Aesthetic Preferences
The Extent of Correction
We plan our surgeries around how much change each patient wants to see, so results vary from one individual to another. Our Asian patients often prefer a more subtle degree of lifting that does not alter their natural features. A mini necklift or facelift can be suitable for those who want more definition on the jawline but do not want a full, extensive correction. We will spend time with you to determine how much tightening and repositioning is suitable in your situation.
Scarring and Visibility
Asian skin types can be more prone to pigment changes or thicker scarring, and our patients are often concerned about the amount of scarring that they will have after a facelift and neck lift surgery. We pay close attention to incision placement and scar visibility and can suggest options that have less noticeable scars. The deep plane approach helps to reduce tension on the incision line to allow the skin to settle without visible pulling, which can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Facelift and Necklift Recovery
Recovery looks different for every patient and will depend on your age, your health, and the type of surgery we perform. After a facelift, you will have tightness around the cheeks and jawline with some bruising and swelling that will gradually fade in the weeks after surgery. With a neck lift surgery, you may have stiffness under the chin and numbness as the tissues begin to heal. When both areas are treated during the same procedure, recovery can be more involved because you will have more incisions, but the healing process often follows a similar timeline.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Facelift and Necklift
If you are not ready for surgery or you prefer more subtle results, you can also consider non-surgical treatments that can lift and tighten the skin through technology such as radiofrequency energy. These non-invasive and minimally invasive options include Profound RF microneedling, Secret RF microneedling, Thermage, Ultherapy, thread lifting, and Accent Prime. These treatments stimulate collagen production, temporarily lift the skin, or contract existing collagen.
Choosing a Practitioner for Facelift and Necklift Surgery
Choosing your surgeon matters when planning facelift and neck lift surgery because not every surgeon has an understanding of Asian facial structure, cultural considerations, and desired results. At Asian Plastic Surgery, Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Ellis Choy and Dr Quan Ngo bring experience in reconstructive and aesthetic facial surgery to the Asian community of Sydney and the surrounding areas. They understand the specific concerns of these patients and focus on facial structure and providing surgeries that are customised to each person.
Learn More About Facelift and Necklift Surgeries in Sydney
Facelift and necklift procedures can lift facial tissues and increase definition along the jawline and neck, especially when planned with attention to Asian facial anatomy. At Asian Plastic Surgery, we would love to help you learn more or arrange a consultation with you at our Sydney clinic. You can contact us through our website or call us on (02) 8985 9850.
