What's the difference between an isolated deep neck lift (neck only) and a deep plane facelift with neck lift (face and neck)?

An isolated deep neck lift and a deep plane facelift with neck lift both target signs of aging in the lower face and neck, but they differ in scope and the areas they address.

Isolated Deep Neck Lift:
- Focus: primarily targets the neck, particularly issues like excess skin, fat accumulation under the chin (double chin), muscle banding (platysmal bands), and sagging of the neck tissues.
- Procedure: via 3 incisions (one under the chin and one behind each ear, we remove fatty and/or glandular tissues contributing to fullness under the jawline, tighten the muscles in the neck, and redistribute the skin to create more defined contours. 
- Best for: patients who are typically <40 years old, mainly concerned about neck fullness, have good skin elasticity, and lack jowling along the lower part of the face.
- Recovery: we generally recommend patients take ~2 weeks off work/social events with final results appreciable at 8+ months.

Deep Plane Facelift with Neck Lift:
- Focus: a more comprehensive procedure that addresses aging in both the face and neck. It lifts deeper facial structures, repositioning muscles, fat, and skin to rejuvenate the midface, lower face, and neck.
- Procedure: a deep plane lift involves releasing and lifting the deeper layers of the face (SMAS layer) to create a more natural, longer-lasting result. It improves areas like the nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, jowls, and neck laxity.
- Best For: patients who have aging concerns affecting both the lower face and neck.
- Recovery:  we generally recommend patients take ~2-4 weeks off work/social events with final results appreciable at 8+ months.