Does a Facelift Get Rid of Sagging Jowls?

Sagging jowls are one of the most common concerns people have as they age. They can soften the jawline, create shadows around the mouth, and make the lower face look heavier or older than it feels. A facelift is often the most effective solution for this issue, but understanding how the procedure works and which technique is best is essential for achieving natural-looking results.

How is a Facelift Done?

A facelift is designed to reposition deeper facial tissues, tighten underlying support structures, and improve skin laxity. Rather than simply pulling the skin, modern facelift techniques focus on restoring the face’s natural contours.

During the procedure, the surgeon typically:

• Lifts and repositions deeper facial layers
  
• Redrapes the skin smoothly without tension
  
• Refines the jawline and lower face
  
• Often includes a neck lift to enhance lower-face results
  

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and hairline to minimize visible scarring. The exact approach depends on the patient’s anatomy and aging pattern.

Does a Facelift Get Rid of Sagging Jowls?

Yes, a facelift is one of the most effective ways to address sagging jowls. Jowls form when facial fat descends, and skin loses elasticity, causing fullness along the jawline.

A traditional facelift targets this issue by:

• Repositioning descended tissue in the lower face
  
• Tightening the jawline for improved definition
  
• Reducing heaviness around the mouth and chin
  

For patients with jowls and neck laxity, a neck lift is often performed at the same time. This combination enhances jawline definition and creates a smoother transition between the face and neck.

It is important to note that Dr. Sozer also offers the Glidelift™, a specialized procedure focused on the midface and brow. While the Glidelift™ provides refined enhancement with hidden incisions and no visible scars, it does not address jowls or neck laxity. Patients whose primary concern is sagging along the jawline typically achieve better results with a traditional facelift, often paired with a neck lift.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Good candidates for a facelift are individuals who notice visible aging in the lower face and jawline and want long-lasting improvement.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have sagging jowls or loss of jawline definition
  
• Notice loose skin in the lower face or neck
  
• Are in good overall health
  
• Have realistic expectations about results
  

Age alone does not determine candidacy. Skin quality, facial structure, and individual goals are more important factors when deciding whether a facelift is the right option.

What is Recovery Like After a Facelift?

Recovery after a facelift varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether a neck lift is included.

Most patients can expect:

• Swelling and bruising during the first two weeks
  
• Gradual improvement over several weeks
  
• Return to most daily activities within two to three weeks
  
• Continued refinement of results over several months
  

Following post-operative instructions carefully helps support healing and optimize long-term results.

What Results Will I See After a Facelift?

Facelift results are designed to look natural and refreshed rather than tight or overdone. Patients typically notice:

• A smoother, more defined jawline
  
• Reduction or elimination of sagging jowls
  
• Improved facial balance between the face and neck
  
• A rested, more youthful appearance
  

When combined with a neck lift, results are often more dramatic and longer lasting, especially for patients with significant jowling. While the face will continue to age naturally, facelift results can last many years and significantly reset the aging process.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about our facelift or Glidelift™ for yourself? Schedule a consultation at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery in El Paso, TX, today by calling or texting (915) 351-1116.