Loose skin along the jawline, deep creases around the mouth, and banding in the neck can shift the balance of your features and make you appear older than you feel. These changes occur gradually as skin elasticity declines and supportive tissues weaken. For many, the most noticeable changes appear around the lower face and neck, where gravity and volume loss are harder to conceal.
A facelift and neck lift can correct these structural changes by repositioning tissue, tightening underlying layers, and removing excess skin. This approach creates a smoother neckline, a more defined jawline, and overall facial harmony. At Robey Plastic Surgery in Carmel, IN, your procedure is performed by Dr. Ashley Robey, a quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetics.
A facelift repositions facial structures and removes excess skin to address sagging along the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. The procedure targets the underlying SMAS layer for longer-lasting and more natural-looking results. Incisions are hidden around the ears and hairline to allow discreet access for lifting and reshaping. It is most effective for softening jowls, deep folds, and general laxity in the mid-to-lower face.
A neck lift addresses loose skin, muscle banding, and excess fat that collects beneath the chin and along the front of the neck. The platysma muscle may be tightened or restructured to restore a smooth, contoured profile. Small incisions are placed behind the ears and under the chin to allow access. This procedure is frequently combined with a facelift for seamless results across the lower face and neck.
A full facelift addresses aging across the midface, lower face, and jawline. The deeper ligaments and fat pads are repositioned for structural support, while the SMAS layer is lifted to refine facial contours without placing tension on the skin. This approach is well-suited for patients with more advanced signs of aging who want comprehensive correction. It offers long-lasting, natural-looking results by addressing both surface laxity and deeper anatomical changes that contribute to facial sagging.
The mini facelift uses shorter incisions and a more focused surgical approach to treat mild laxity in the lower face. It typically involves subtle tightening through incisions placed around the ears. While it doesn’t offer the same degree of correction as a full facelift, it can be appropriate for younger patients or those with early signs of jowling. Downtime is generally shorter, and scars are often minimal.
Platysmaplasty targets the platysma muscle, which can separate and create visible vertical bands in the neck as it weakens. During surgery, this muscle is tightened or restructured to smooth the neck contour and restore definition under the chin. Excess fat may also be removed, and loose skin is trimmed to refine the neckline.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Dr. Robey evaluates each patient’s facial anatomy, medical history, and goals during a detailed consultation to determine whether surgical correction is appropriate.
Dr. Robey performs a thorough assessment of your skin quality, underlying anatomy, and volume distribution to determine which techniques are most appropriate. Photographs may be taken for surgical planning, and any relevant medical history is reviewed to confirm surgical safety. You’ll receive clear information about recommended procedures, incision placement, anesthesia, and expected recovery. This is also the time to ask specific questions and gain a realistic understanding of potential results.
Patients are given specific pre-operative instructions that may include lab testing, medication adjustments, and timelines for stopping supplements or blood thinners. Smoking must be stopped well in advance, and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you during the first 24 hours. In some cases, Dr. Robey may recommend pre-surgical imaging or coordinate with your primary care provider.
You’ll arrive at the surgical facility and check in with the nursing staff, who will review your information and get you settled. Dr. Robey will mark your skin while you’re awake to guide the incision placement and tissue repositioning. An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the surgical plan. Once you are fully anesthetized, Dr. Robey begins with carefully placed incisions, then proceeds with lifting, tightening, and sculpting the targeted areas. If a neck lift is included, a small incision under the chin may also be used. After surgery, you’ll be monitored in recovery before being released to go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Swelling and bruising will obscure your results during the first couple of weeks, but the structural improvements are often noticeable early on. You may see a cleaner jawline, better neck definition, and smoother facial contours even before the healing process is complete. As the swelling subsides, these refinements become more visible, and your features begin to look more balanced and rested.
By three to six months, the final results are typically settled. Incision lines fade and the overall effect becomes more natural in appearance and movement. Full facelift and neck lift results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors like skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics.
Facelift and neck lift surgery can be performed together to address aging across the lower two-thirds of the face in one operative session. They are also sometimes combined with:
Dr. Ashley Robey holds board certifications in plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology, and anti-aging medicine. Her surgical approach is grounded in a structural understanding of form and function. With a background in chemical engineering and extensive training across multiple regions of the U.S., she applies both precision and perspective to every case.
Real
Results
Face and neck aging can be addressed together when the right surgical plan is in place. Dr. Robey’s comprehensive expertise allows her to restore natural structure without compromising expression or movement. To discuss your goals and explore your options, schedule a consultation with Robey Plastic Surgery in Carmel, IN.
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Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes of plastic surgery and aesthetics? Dr. Ashley Robey is here to spill the tea! From the latest beauty treatments to the science of aging gracefully, she breaks it all down—no fluff, no filters, just real talk. Whether you’re thinking about a little enhancement, a major transformation, or just want to stay in the know, this is the podcast for you.
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Your body, your confidence, your choice. Let Dr. Robey and her team help you achieve the look you desire with compassionate, expert care. Schedule your personalized consultation today and discover how we can support your renewed confidence and beauty journey.