Lower Facelift

A lower facelift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower third of the face, including the jawline and neck. This procedure primarily addresses concerns such as jowls and marionette lines, contributing to an overall more youthful facial contour. Many people seek a lower facelift because they wish to rejuvenate their appearance, restore firmness, and enhance their self-confidence. ⁽¹⁾

A lower facelift can offer patients impressive results, especially when they are performed by an expert surgeon like Dr. Jennifer Levine. Dr. Levine, who is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, is one of the most experienced plastic surgery providers in New York; she has helped thousands of patients achieve stunning results.

Schedule a consultation today to begin exploring your facial rejuvenation options. You can schedule today by submitting our online contact form or calling our Manhattan office directly at (212) 517-9400.

About Lower Facelifts

The aging process affects our skin in various ways; collagen and elastin production decrease, resulting in sagging skin and the development of unwanted lines. Individuals often notice developments like jowls and marionette lines as some of the earliest signs of aging.

Facelifts, also known as rhytidectomies, are one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide. ⁽²⁾ There are many variations of the facelift, including a traditional facelift, mid-facelift, and lower facelift. During a lower facelift, Dr. Levine’s goal is to lift, tighten, and smooth the skin while enhancing the definition of the jawline. This procedure can dramatically improve one’s overall appearance, providing long-lasting rejuvenation. Because the lower facelift focuses mainly on the lower third of the face, patients can experience less downtime compared to other variations of the facelift.

Benefits

Lower facelift procedures offer numerous benefits. Under the expert care of Dr. Levine, our patients experience:

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a lower facelift include individuals who are experiencing sagging skin in the lower third of the face, jowls, and/or marionette lines that extend from the mouth to the chin. Candidates should also:

Personal Consultation

The first step on your lower facelift journey is scheduling a personal consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Levine will review your medical history, examine your face, and discuss your concerns and objectives. Based on this information, she will present you with options regarding which technique aligns best with your needs.

This consultation is critical in developing a customized treatment plan and helping you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. You will also receive detailed information about preoperative instructions, which are important to follow for optimal results.

Schedule your consultation online today or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to get started.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your lower facelift procedure, it is crucial to prepare according to Dr. Levine’s instructions. You will likely be advised to stop taking blood-thinning medication or supplements that have blood-thinning properties. Patients who smoke or use other forms of nicotine will need to cease use several weeks before and after their treatment to promote proper healing. You will need to be driven home after surgery, so it is important to coordinate this beforehand. You should set aside at least two weeks away from work and activities to allow adequate time for resting and healing. Following the preoperative instructions you receive from Dr. Levine will help promote a smooth experience.

Procedure

Your lower facelift procedure will take place in Dr. Levine’s state-of-the-art surgical suite on the Upper East Side. Lower facelifts can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia or twilight anesthesia with IV sedation. Dr. Levine makes small incisions near the ears, lifts and repositions the facial tissue, and removes excess skin from the lower face.

Dr. Levine will close the incisions meticulously, ensuring that the scars will be barely visible when they heal. After your procedure, our team will monitor you until you are ready to go home. The entire procedure usually takes 2-3 hours, but this may vary depending on the complexity of your procedure.

Recovery

The initial recovery period following a lower facelift typically lasts about two weeks, while additional recovery might take up to 6 weeks. Full healing from a lower facelift is about one year. We have provided a general timeline for lower facelift recovery for your convenience below:

Lower Facelift Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: Mild swelling and bruising around the lower face and jawline are normal at this time. Cold compresses and rest can help manage discomfort.

Days 4–7: Most patients feel well enough to resume light activities at this time. Swelling begins to decrease.

Week 2: As bruising continues to fade, early improvements in the jawline and lower facial contours become more noticeable.

Week 6: More significant results are typically more visible, revealing smoother, firmer lower facial contours and a rejuvenated, natural appearance.

Dr. Levine may provide you with a prescription for pain relief to ensure you are comfortable during your recovery. We recommend that patients avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks after their procedure to allow their bodies enough time to heal properly. Routine follow-ups with Dr. Levine will allow her to track your healing progress and address any questions you have about the recovery process.

Results

Patients can expect a rejuvenated, balanced appearance that enhances their natural beauty. The results are often dramatic yet subtle, inspiring a newfound confidence in patients. A lower facelift provides results such as reduced wrinkles and lines in the targeted areas, a sculpted jawline, and a more youthful-looking neck.

Corresponding Procedures

Neck Lift

Lower facelifts often incorporate a neck lift. This procedure aims to remove sagging skin from the neck for a more youthful look. A neck lift can eliminate a “turkey neck,” and help patients emerge from surgery with a more youthful-looking, contoured neck.

Brow Lift

Brow lifts, also known as forehead lifts or upper facelifts, can also help rejuvenate the upper portion of the face by addressing wrinkles around the eyebrows and throughout the forehead. It can also provide a subtle lift in the eye area.

Blepharoplasty

Facelifts may also be combined with blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift. These procedures remove excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids to decrease the presence of sagging skin, undereye bags, and more.

If you are interested in any additional procedures, please discuss your goals with Dr. Levine during your consultation.

Cost of a Lower Facelift in New York City

The total cost of your lower facelift will depend on a wide range of factors. These include the scale of your procedure, the issues being addressed and their severity, your personal goals, your unique medical history, and a handful of others. After you meet with Dr. Levine for a consultation, you will receive a price quote that outlines all necessary costs involved in your treatment.

We encourage you to take the first step today. Schedule your consultation by submitting our online contact form to get started. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Manhattan office at (212) 517-9400.

FAQ

References

1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
2. Caplin DA, Perlyn CA. Facelifts: A Contemporary Perspective. Missouri Medicine. 2024;107(3):195. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6188335/