Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift

At Kensington Medical, we are here to help you look and feel refreshed. A lower facelift or jowl lift can rejuvenate your lower face, giving you a more youthful appearance. 

It may help with:

  • Sagging in the mid-face
  • Removal of Jowls
  • Lift the sides of mouth to remove the sad mouth look
  • Improve on Nasolabial folds or nose to mouth lines
  • Marionette lines or mouth to chin lines
  • Jawline definition
  • Jowls due to weight loss
  • Wrinkles due to loss of elasticity and collagen

Many of our patients choose to have a lower face lift or jowl lift because it can target these concerns in a single procedure.

The technique adds back volume to the cheek area, contours the cheek and lifts and tightens the skin around the jawline effectively getting rid of jowls.

Discover confidence with expert surgeons

  • Over 90 years of collective experience
  • We focus exclusively on facial procedures
  • GMC Specialist Register plastic surgeons
  • Experts - our surgeons have performed hundreds of facelifts and necklifts
  • See our videos to find out more


When you look better, you feel better—it’s that simple. The procedure is carried out as a hospital day case so that you can return home on the same day. There is only minor discomfort and a quick recovery time.

If you feel that your appearance detracts from your quality of life, a lower facelift or jowl lift may be right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this life-changing procedure at Kensington Medical.

What is a Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift?

A lower face lift, sometimes called a jowl lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the lower face by removing excess skin and various toning up of underlying muscles. The surgery aims to create a more youthful appearance by restoring the face's natural contours.

It uses various techniques. Our FRCS plastic surgeons will tailor the procedure to your specific needs and desired results targetting the facial areas of concern.

Lower Face Lift or Jowl Lift - Key Information

Procedure time

1.5h to 2h

Anaesthesia

Sedation or general anaesthesia

Hospital stay

Day care

Up & mobile

Same day

Sleeping position

On your back for around 2 weeks

Driving

1 week to 10 days

Sexual activity

Restricted for 4 weeks

Back to work

1 week to 10 days

Exercise

4 weeks

How does the Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift work?

The procedure begins with small incisions hidden in the hairline. Our skilled plastic surgeon then separates the skin from the deeper tissues of the face and re-drapes it, they may remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches.

Who is the best candidate for a Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift?

The ideal candidate for a lower facelift or jowl lift is someone who is in good physical health and has realistic expectations for the surgery results. Most of our patients are over the age of 40, through to 50's and 60's and are noticing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of definition in the jawline.

What are the benefits of a Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift?

In our patients feedback they note that there are many benefits to having a lower face lift or jowl lift, including:

  • Number one being a boost to their confidence and well being
  • A more youthful appearance
  • A defined jaw line
  • Help with nose to mouth lines, naso labial folds
  • Help with mouth to chin lines, marionette lines
  • Improve on sad mouth look  
  • No more sagging jowls
  • An overall boost to their self-esteem

During your consultation, our expert facial plastic surgeon will discuss all the benefits in more detail so you know what to expect. You will see before and after photos of a jowl lift. Time lines and dates can be diocussed so you know exactly what to expect. 

How does a Lower Facelift differ from a Full Facelift?

A lower facelift focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, while a full facelift addresses concerns in the upper half and the lower face. A lower facelift is less invasive than a full facelift procedure and will have a shorter recovery time.

 

How does the Lower Facelift differ from the SMAS Facelift?

The SMAS facelift is a type of full facelift that focuses on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of connective tissue in the face. A lower facelift only addresses concerns in the lower two-thirds of the face and does not involve the SMAS.

How does the Lower Facelift differ from a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a type of full facelift that repositions the deeper layers of the face. A lower facelift only addresses concerns in the lower two-thirds of the face and does not involve the deeper layers.

How does the Lower Facelift differ from a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of a full facelift that uses smaller incisions. It can only address concerns in the lower face, while a lower facelift can address problems in the lower two-thirds of the face.

 

What other treatments can work with the Lower Facelift, Jowl Lift?

Sometimes, patients may also choose to have a brow lift or eyelid surgery (upper eye lift or lower eye bag removal) to complement their lower facelift. These procedures can help create a more well-rounded and youthful appearance.

Another option is to combine the lower facelift with a neck lift or liposuction to the neck. This can tighten the skin on the neck and if necessary, remove any excess fat to create a more defined jawline. Together, these procedures can give you complete facial rejuvenation.

Kensington Medical is unique in that we only focus on the face. Our expert plastic surgeons are here to help give you the right advice towards looking your best. Book a consultation with our expert team today to learn more about the lower facelift or jowl lift and how it can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Let us know if you have a date in mind, we will do our best to meet any timelines you may have.

 

Your Journey with Kensington Medical

We offer specialist facial rejuvenation treatments in the heart of London. Our team of expert plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and personalised experience. With our expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, we can help you fight back the years and delicately recover your facial freshness and youthful appearance.

Your journey begins with a dialogue between you and your surgeon: the pre-operative consultation, which is central to the operation's success. At Kensington Medical, patients interested in surgery undergo several consultations with the surgeon. We are keen for our patients to be fully informed before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. So, we encourage them to see the surgeon more than once and ask as many questions as they wish. Typically, our patients go through two pre-operative consultations.

The first consultation tends to be face-to-face. During it, the surgeon will:

  • Listen to your concerns and understand what you would like to achieve;
  • Examine you;
  • Show you examples of their work in the form of before-and-after photographs;
  • Suggest a treatment plan.

Following the first consultation, we will:

  • Write to you summarising the surgeon’s recommendations;
  • Quote for the treatment plan suggested by the surgeon;
  • Send you extensive information about the procedure, the risks involved and the precautions you should take pre- and post-operatively.

A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:

  • After the first pre-operative consultation, and once you have been through the information sent to you, it is likely that you will have more questions for the surgeon.
  • The surgeon often finds it necessary to speak to patients again to ensure they have fully understood the risks of surgery and they know exactly what to expect from surgery.
  • It is common that several treatment options are discussed at the first consultation, and another meeting is necessary to decide which is the most appropriate.

The second consultation can also be face-to-face. Alternatively, it can be via a video call.

Following your consultations, our medical team is always available should you have further questions before your surgery.

Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery, we will book your operation in one of our specialist cosmetic surgery hospitals.

Before your operation, you will be sent a health questionnaire. This will be reviewed by your anaesthetist, who may call you to discuss specific aspects of your medical history. In certain cases, you may be required to attend the clinic for blood tests. This will be discussed with you by one of our medical team members before your scheduled appointment date.

We will also issue you with preoperative instructions. In particular:

  • You should discontinue smoking for several weeks before your facelift, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during the healing process.
  • You should refrain from taking blood-thinning drugs (such as aspirin) for ten days before your procedure.
  • You should not eat six hours before surgery; you should not drink two hours before surgery.

You will arrive at least one hour before the time of your procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital will monitor your blood pressure and other relevant essentials. You will then meet your anaesthetist and surgeon for a final markup.

The actual operation involves carefully sculpting and repositioning underlying tissue and fat within the face to create a more youthful contour around the eyes, chin, neckline, and jawline area. The result is smoother skin texture while preserving natural facial expressions throughout different movements. The incisions are then closed using sutures. This will leave small scars hidden along areas such as the hairline or scalp, which can fade over time depending on how well they are cared for.

We typically perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2.5h to 3.5h.

Aftercare following a facelift is essential to ensure we achieve optimal results.

Following your surgery, you will be transferred to the hospital’s recovery room, where the nursing staff will ensure that your recovery is smooth. You should stay there for two to four hours, depending on the surgery. Once the nursing team are happy that you are in a fit state to go home, you will leave the hospital accompanied by a friend or a family member. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for the first night following your operation. Generally, post-operative pain is minimal, but you will be given pain killers in case you need them.

Once you have been discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will be available 24/7 to ensure your post-operative journey is comfortable and pain-free and to field any questions you may have.

Your surgeon will see you a number of times in the weeks following your operation to monitor the facial skin and scars and to support you:

  • The next day, the surgeon will remove the drains and check the wounds and dressings.
  • One week post-operatively, there will be another consultation and depending on your healing progress, the surgeon may decide to remove sutures then.
  • You will see the surgeon again two weeks post-operatively, at which stage all remaining sutures will be removed and your progress monitored.
  • The last post-operative consultation is at six weeks. Generally, you will be discharged from the surgeon's care at that stage.

Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.

Our medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your current health status and treatment received, including when it is appropriate for you to resume normal activities such as exercise, wearing makeup, and strenuous movements. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or risks associated with the procedure.

Protecting your face from sun exposure is especially important, as it can cause scarring, discolouration, and other unwanted side effects. Wear sunscreen when outdoors and use hats or umbrellas if possible. It would be best to avoid strenuous activities involving facial movements, such as exercise and sports, until cleared by our medical team at Kensington Medical.

By following the instructions of our medical team and taking precautions to protect your face, you can ensure that you achieve the best results from facelift surgery. Following a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutrition, and hydration is essential for healing and maintaining long-term effects. It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before and during the recovery period.

Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift Surgeons

What to expect during a lower facelift

At Kensington Medical we perform the surgery as a day case, so you won't have to stay in the hospital overnight. The procedure takes about two hours, and you'll be able to go home on the same day. Here's a little more detail on what to expect:

Anaesthesia: Our anaesthetist will give you a general anaesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the surgery. You'll need someone to drive you home afterwards and stay with you for the first 24 hours of your recovery. At Kensington Medical we favour Tiva anaesthesia to ensure our patients have the most positive experience duirng the operation and afterwards: advantages include reduced risk of nausia and vomiting after surgery and reduced recovery time. 

Incisions: We'll make small incisions in the hairline.

Closing the incisions: We'll close the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery: Following surgery, you will go home on the same day. Healing takes about two weeks, and you may have swelling and bruising. The slight inflammation may last for several weeks before clearing up.

Frequently asked questions

Our surgical team will discuss any risks with you during your consultation. However, the risks associated with any surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Scarring
  • Unfavourable results

As with any procedure involving anaesthesia, there is always a minor risk of complications.

We will discuss these risks in more detail during your consultation. Kensington Medical takes every precaution to minimise these risks.

Most patients take about two weeks to recover from the surgery. During this time, you may have some swelling and bruising. Avoiding strenuous activity and following our post-operative instructions can help speed up recovery.

We recommend resting in a reclining chair or lying down with your head elevated for the first few days following surgery. Also, don't use a pillow while sleeping for at least a week to prevent putting pressure on your face.

Our team will provide specific instructions on caring for your incisions and what activities to avoid during recovery. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment, so you know what to expect. During this appointment, your plastic surgeon will check on your healing and answer questions you may have.

You should see results within a few weeks of your surgery, and the results will continue to improve as you heal.

The results of your lower facelift or jowl lift will be long-lasting. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the ageing process is natural. The best way to maintain the look is with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well and exercising regularly.

There will be small scars near the hairline. These scars are usually well-hidden in the natural skin folds.

A lower face lift cost varies depending on whether it is performed in conjunction with other procedures and whether a hospital stay is required. Following the consultation, our team provides a full estimate for the surgery. If you schedule more than one procedure, the initial cost will be higher, but the overall savings are more significant because you will be going into hospital only once. The price for a lower lift or jowl lift is £7,600 and includes:

  • The surgical fee
  • The hospital fee
  • The anaesthesia
  • The post-operative care

Kensington Medical is committed to providing high-quality care at a fair price. Get in touch to find out more.

To find out more about Kensington Medical and why we only specialise in facial cosmetic surgery; our 5 star hospitals, our expert plastic surgeons and learn about our values and why we work very hard to follow them, click here

You should avoid taking medications that thin the blood or increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for two weeks before surgery. You may need to stop other medications and supplements. Our team will give you specific instructions during your consultation.

The next step to a refreshed you

Deciding to have surgery is a big decision. We are here to chat; please give us a call and we can answer any initial questions.

A consultation in our Harley street, London or Wimbledon clinic will give you more comprehensive information and allow our expert plastic surgeon to talk about what you are hoping to achieve.

We will sit down with you and discuss your goals, any timelines you may have and answer your questions, show you before and after photos of a lower facelift or jowl lift and develop a plan that's right for you.

Contact us today on 0204 5514892 or fill in the contact form.

Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 10 October, 2024.