Face and Neck Lift in St. George, UT
Combined Surgery for the Lower Face, Jawline, and Neck
Jowls and loose neck skin often develop together, changing your jawline and profile. When both areas concern you, treating them in one operation offers a coordinated approach to improving their contours.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer face and neck lift surgery in St. George, UT. Dr. Kent Gardner plans the procedure around your facial structure, the extent of sagging, and the changes you would like to make.
What Is a Face and Neck Lift?
A face and neck lift combines facelift surgery with neck lift surgery to address sagging across the lower face, jawline, and neck. Treatment repositions supporting tissues, removes excess skin, and addresses neck muscle laxity or excess fat when needed.
Facelift surgery often includes some neck correction. A combined surgical plan determines how much lifting, tightening, and contouring each area needs to create a smoother transition beneath the jaw.
Who Is a Candidate for Combined Surgery?
Face and neck lift plastic surgery may be appropriate if you have jowls along with loose neck skin, muscle bands, or fullness beneath the chin. Good candidates are generally healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
During your consultation, Dr. Gardner examines your skin, facial support tissues, and neck contours. He also reviews your medical history and previous treatments to determine whether combined surgery is appropriate. If your concerns are limited to one area, a more focused procedure may provide the correction you need.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Surgery takes place under general anesthesia or sedation, depending on your surgical plan. Incisions typically follow the contours around the ears and extend into the hairline as needed. An additional incision beneath the chin allows access to neck muscles and fat when these require treatment.
Dr. Gardner lifts and secures the deeper facial tissues, addresses neck muscle laxity, and adjusts excess fat where appropriate. He then positions the skin over the improved contours, removes the excess, and closes the incisions. The technique and incision length depend on the extent of correction.
After a monitored recovery period, you will need an adult to drive you home and help during the early stages of healing.
Recovery After a Face and Neck Lift
Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are expected during early recovery. You will receive instructions for incision care, medications, sleeping position, and any support garment prescribed. Keeping your head elevated and following activity restrictions helps protect the treated areas as they heal.
Many patients plan approximately two weeks away from desk work and routine social activities. Combined surgery or a physically demanding job may require more time. Dr. Gardner will advise you when to resume exercise, lifting, and other strenuous activities based on your progress.
Your contours become clearer as swelling settles over the following weeks and months. Early improvements do not represent the final result, and incision lines continue to soften during healing.
Benefits of Combining the Procedures
Treating adjacent areas together allows Dr. Gardner to plan the lower face and neck as a connected contour. Potential benefits include:
- Improved jawline definition with less visible jowling
- Smoother neck contours through treatment of loose skin and muscle bands
- A more balanced transition between the face and neck
- One surgical appointment and a shared recovery period
The amount of improvement depends on your anatomy and the procedures performed. The goal is a refreshed appearance that preserves your recognizable features.
Face and Neck Lift Cost
The cost of combined surgery depends on the techniques used, operating time, anesthesia, and facility fees. Your estimate should reflect the complete surgical plan rather than adding together advertised prices for two separate procedures.
We provide an individualized estimate after your consultation. Our team can also explain the available financing options, so you understand payment arrangements before booking surgery.
Why Choose Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery?
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery, we focus on improving facial contours while preserving your natural features. Dr. Kent E. Gardner brings more than 20 years of experience to your care. He holds certification from both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, reflecting his specialized training in the face and neck.
Dr. Gardner completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado, followed by fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through Methodist Hospital and Indiana University. His experience includes cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures, and he has served as Chief of Surgery at Dixie Regional Medical Center.
Face and Neck Lift FAQs
Discuss Your Face and Neck Lift Options in St. George
You deserve clear guidance before deciding on surgery. Meet with Dr. Gardner to discuss whether a face and neck lift in St. George, UT, suits your concerns and the recovery time you can set aside. Request your consultation or call (435) 628-1704 to arrange an appointment.
