"Hated my jowls, every time I looked in the mirror. I've got my confidence back. Why I waited was crazy". Louise
A lower facelift, sometimes called a jowl lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve sagging in the lower face, jowls and jawline. It can also soften marionette lines and improve mild to moderate neck laxity.
It may be suitable for people who have noticeable jowling but do not require the broader correction provided by a full facelift. The most appropriate procedure depends on the degree of skin laxity, facial structure, volume loss and changes to the neck.
At Kensington Medical, our GMC Specialist Registered plastic surgeons specialise in facial plastic surgery and will assess your face during consultation before recommending the most appropriate approach.
A personalised consultation with our GMC Specialist Registered facial plastic surgeons can help you decide the best option.
“A lower facelift is best for someone who has mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face with obvious jowls and a slightly loose neck. It helps with jowling, helps lift the cheek area and lower face. Main benefits are less downtime and less risk as opposed to a full facelift.”
Mr David Gateley Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director
Sagging in the mid-face
Removal of Jowls
Lift the sides of mouth to remove the sad mouth look
Lift sagging jowls
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
Sagging cheeks and sagging jawline
Loose or sagging neck skin
We find the appearance of jowls is often due to volume loss, skin loses elasticity as we age and is part of the natural ageing process, especially along the jaw line.
Many patients choose to have jawline lift surgery or jowl lift surgery because it can target these concerns in a single procedure.
If you feel that your appearance does not reflect how you feel, it may be worth talking to one of our GMC Specialist Registered Facelift surgeons about a lower facelift procedure to remove jowls permanently.
This page was medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director, GMC number 2939470 on 30 September 2026 .
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.
Jowls are a common concern as they age. A jowl is a sagging or drooping of the skin and tissue in the lower face, typically along the jawline. They are often due to saggy skin and volume loss as the skin loses elasticity with age. Changes in skin tissue, such as reduced collagen and elastin production, contribute to jowls formation by decreasing skin firmness and resilience.
Jowls develop due to a combination of factors, including genetics, weight gain and loss, and the natural ageing process. As we age, the skin and muscles in the face begin to lose their elasticity and firmness, volume loss kicks in, creating a jowl formation. Jowls can also be caused by excess fat in the neck and chin area, which can contribute to a double chin or sagging jawline.
A jowl lift or jowl reduction surgery is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the lower face by tightening loose skin and removing excess fat. The benefits of a jowl lift include:
A more defined and youthful jawline
Reduced appearance of sagging skin and jowls
Improved facial contours and overall appearance
Improved nose to mouth lines, the naso-labial folds
Help with mouth to chin lines, marionette lines
Achieves facial harmony by balancing the proportions of the lower face and neck
Enhanced confidence and self esteem
Long lasting results, up to 10-15 years, this of course depends on many factors allowing for general ageing, such as genetics, health and diet, exercise and sun exposure.
During your lower face lift consultation, our expert facial plastic surgeon will discuss all the benefits in more detail so you know what to expect. You will see lower facelift before and after photos. Discuss timelines and dates so you know exactly what to expect.
At Kensington Medical we can help if you are worried about your jowls or lower face. Find out if you are suitable for a lower facelift.
The plastic surgery 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 redrapes it, carefully removing excess tissue and tightening the remaining tissue or SMAS layer to achieve a more defined jawline and youthful appearance. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches.
Compared to other facelift procedures for facial rejuvenation, a jowl lift specifically focuses on removing excess tissue and tightening the lower face and neck, providing significant and lasting results.
At Kensington Medical we believe the ideal candidate for a lower facelift or jowl lift is someone who is:
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. Among facelift procedures, a full facelift typically costs more than a jowl lift due to its broader scope. A lower facelift is less invasive than a full facelift procedure and will have a shorter recovery time.
A lower facelift can provide significant skin tightening benefits, effectively reducing the appearance of sagging skin.
Mr David Gateley Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director : “Patients often think they need a full facelift when a lower facelift provides excellent improvement to the jawline with less surgery.”
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 addresses concerns in the lower two thirds of the face and a SMAS facelift can achieve that. In fact it can be a successful way to rejuvenate the lower face and neck area.
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.
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.
Find out what facelift will benefit you. Our surgeons will advise on the best options for your face, contact us here.
If you also have a double chin that develops alongside sagging jowls, we can address that during your facial surgery. It may involve some micro liposuction to slim down the neck area and improve skin firmness and contour.
In your consultation our plastic surgeons will let you know if some micro liposuction is needed and this is done in the same surgical procedure. Not only does it create a refreshed face and neck, patients tell us that many people think they have lost weight due to the slimming down of the chin and neck area. It's a highly successful procedure and we only have delighted patients. Please ask in consultation to see the lower facelift with micro liposuction combination.
The recovery time for a jowl lift can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure.
Week one:
· You will be advised ahead of the procedure what medication you can and cannot take.
· In the first week you will have swelling, bruising, and tightness in the lower face and neck.
· It helps to have someone stay with you for the first night to make sure you are ok and resting up.
· It is important to rest, keep your head elevated, and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
· Light walking and movement are ok.
· In your first week you will wear a face band. This is to ensure that the swelling reduces quickly. We find most swelling subsides within the first two weeks and continues over the next few months although you will notice the results after the first week.
· We advise you to sleep with several pillows over at least three or four weeks to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
· You may have some bruising. The bruising will start to initially come out along the side of the face and possible may drop to some parts of your neck area. They appear as blue and then reduce to a yellow shade.
Week 2
· After the first week you can apply cold compressors to help with bruising and swelling. The bruising takes only a few weeks to disappear.
· Most of our patients return to work after two weeks. We have many patients who work from home from day 4 to week 2. Returning to the office at week 3.
· Continue to sleep on your back being supported by a few pillows.
· You will be provided with dates for your post operative checkup appointment. This is usually at the start of week 2. In the first post operative our surgeons will check the wounds to ensure that they are on their way to recovery. Stitches are taken out at this stage. Your surgeon will advise on how to care for your wound. This will include how to clean your face and applying a Keto Cote silicon scar cream day and night to help with the scar recovery.
· We advise wearing a hat and avoid any direct sunlight for at least the initial six weeks and to use a high SPF sunblock to avoid discoloration of the scar area.
Returning to work
· Most patients return to week at the end of week 2. We do have patients who work from home from day 4 in the first week. It’s important to listen to your body and if you feel tired to take the rest needed for your recovery.
Sleeping
· We advise sleeping on your back and use a number of pillows to support your head and keep it elevated especially in week 1 and 2.
Swelling
· Swelling is a natural part of having a procedure. Keeping your head elevated and take any medication that has been prescribed. At week 2 using cold compresses can help reduce the swelling. If you feel that your swelling is not reducing you should contact your surgeon.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with a jowl lift or lower face lift. These can include:
Severe pain or discomfort
Infection or bleeding
Scarring or keloid formation
Asymmetry or unevenness
Nerve damage or numbness
Our plastic surgeons will discuss all of the risks and complications with you in consultation to determine if a jowl lift is right for you.
At our clinic the most popular combination is eyelid surgery (upper eye lift or lower eye bag removal) to complement their lower facelift. Eyes are often the part of the face that can also age a face. Combining these procedures helps achieve facial harmony by balancing the proportions.
In addition to surgical options, there are several non-surgical treatments. These include dermal fillers (such as hyaluronic acid-based injectables like Profhilo) which can add volume to the cheeks. An alternative is fat transfer to the cheeks stimulate collagen production and restore volume and are long lasting and we prefer it to dermal fillers.
Mild jowling can sometimes be treated with non-surgical treatments. These changes are targetted at mild changes and cannot reproduce the structural correction of a surgical lower facelift.
Find out How to get rid of jowls with out surgery.
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.
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.
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.
Consultation
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:
Following the first consultation, we will:
A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:
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.
Pre-Operative Care
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:
On The Day Of The Procedure
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.
Post-Operative Care
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:
Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.
Post-Operative Instructions
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.
Mr David Gateley
Mr Amir Sadri
Mr Paul Tulley
What are the risks associated with a lower facelift?
Our surgical team will discuss any risks with you during your consultation. However, the risks associated with any surgery include:
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with a jowl lift or lower face lift. These can include:
Severe pain or discomfort
Infection or bleeding
Scarring or keloid formation
Asymmetry or unevenness
Nerve damage or numbness
Our plastic surgeons will discuss all of the risks and complications with you in consultation to determine if a jowl lift is right for you.
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.
What is the recovery time from a lower facelift?
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 with a number of pillows for the first week or two following surgery.
Our team will provide specific instructions on caring for your incisions and what activities to avoid during recovery. We'll book a follow up appointments, so you know what to expect. During this appointment, your plastic surgeon will check on your healing and answer questions you may have.
When can I see the results?
You should see results within a few weeks of your surgery, and the results will continue to improve as you heal. Once your face band is removed at the end of week one, you may have bruising and swelling which will subside over the next few weeks.
How long do the results last for a lower facelift?
One of the key advantages of jowl lift surgery is its long lasting results. Most patients can expect the results of lift surgery to last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle choices. The longevity of your results is also influenced by the skill of your surgeon and the quality of aftercare you receive.
To prolong the benefits of surgery, following a healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and protecting your skin from sun damage. Incorporating specialist anti ageing products into your daily skincare routine can improve skin health.
Where are the scars following a lower facelift?
There will be small scars near the hairline. These scars are usually well hidden in the natural skin folds. At Kensington Medical we recommend Keto Cote silicon scar cream to be applied after stitches have been removed at the end of week one. This will be explained in your post operative appointment.
How much does a lower facelift cost?
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 from £10,500. It depends on the complexity of the surgery and includes:
The surgical fee
The hospital fee
The anaesthesia
The post-operative consultations and care
To find out more about facelift costs visit our dedicated page here.
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
How should I prepare for a lower facelift procedure?
You should avoid taking medications that thin the blood or increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen and Omega 3 for two weeks before surgery. You may need to stop other medications and supplements. Our team will give you specific instructions during your consultation.
What are the causes of sagging jowls?
One of the primary reasons for the development of sagging jowls is the gradual loss of skin elasticity. As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin. These are key proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and resilient. This reduction in skin elasticity leads to sagging skin, along the jawline and lower face. The weakening of facial muscles and connective tissue can further contribute to loose skin and jowls.
Excess fat in the lower face and neck causes sagging jowls. Fat can move to beneath the chin and along the jawline, creating a double chin and jowls. If you have a mother or father with similar characteristics it maybe also your genetic makeup.
At Kensington Medical, our expert team can help achieve a natural result with a more defined jawline and refreshed lower face.
Can a lower facelift improve marionette lines?
Marionette lines can be vastly improved with a lower facelift or jowl lift surgery. The reason that marionette lines are reduced is because the skin and underlying tissue are lifted. If the marionette lines are very deep, we often recommend fat transfer which will help to lift the indented line and soften the area. This combination is very successful and our patients are generally delighted with the results.
If fat transfer is required we follow a two stage approach. We carry out the lower facelift first and wait for recovery of about a month. This will let us see if fat transfer is required. In many cases the fat transfer is not needed. If the line is still prevalent then the fat transfer procedure is carried out. Learn more about fat transfer.
Does a lower facelift remove a double chin?
A lower face lift can remove a double chin in conjunction with micro liposuction.
A lower facelift will help lift a neck with some skin laxity. If the neck, chin area has a double chin then the excess fat or fat deposit can be removed with micro liposuction. Our surgeons will carry this out in conjunction with the lower facelift.
Will I still look like myself after a lower facelift?
At Kensington Medical following a lower facelift procedure you will look like yourself, very natural and refreshed. We are not seeking to change the way you look we are helping to restore your previous facial structure, remove sagging jowls, soften marionette lines, lift lower mid face and fat deposits.
What age is best for a lower facelift?
The best age for a lower facelift is from mid 40s, through to 50s and 60s. It does depend on your facial structure, skin laxity and whether your fat deposits in the mid face have dropped. It is most successful on a face that does not have excessive skin laxity in the neck area. During your consultation our surgeons will advise on the best options to address lower face droop and jowls and if necessary, the neck. In the majority of cases a lower facelift is carried out without a neck lift if there is minimal skin laxity in the neck. A lower facelift is successful when there is lower face jowls, marionette lines, mid face drop and in some cases fat deposits that have fallen in the mid face.
Is a lower facelift better than fillers?
A lower facelift will achieve a significant result in comparison to dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can be added along the jawline to try to hide the jowls. Dermal fillers can also be added to the cheek area to try to lift the marionette lines. What this achieves is to make the jawline look squarer and heavier. The cheeks can result in looking over puffed or a pilliow face look.
We often have patients coming to see us who have had dermal fillers and are unhappy about their heavy jawline and pillow face look. We will need to remove those dermal fillers before we can carry out a lower facelift to achieve a more natural and resfreshed look.
Who is NOT suitable for a Lower facelift?
A person is not suitable for a lower facelift for the following reasons:
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 lower facelift, jowl lift surgery contact form.
