What is Involved in a Lower Facelift (Jowl Lift)?

Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast

Lower Facelift Surgery Sydney with Dr Kernohan

A Lower Facelift or Jowl Lift is a surgical procedure performed to alter the appearance of the lower portion of the face. It addresses the concerns associated with the ageing process, such as lax skin and the accumulation of excess fat around the jawline and neck. This procedure targets the skin and underlying muscles to tighten and lift, thereby refining the contours of the lower face and neck.

Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon in Southwest Sydney. Find out more about what a lower facelift procedure involves, the range of recovery time, the benefits and risks of surgery.

Are You Ready for Surgery? Find Out

Possible Benefits of Lower Facelift

This procedure stands out as a potential solution for those seeking to address the signs of ageing in these areas:

➔ Altered Jawline Definition

One of the primary benefits of a Lower Facelift is the alteration it provides to the jawline. As the skin loses its elasticity and becomes lax with age, the definition of the jawline can become obscured, leading to a less defined appearance. This procedure tightens the skin and underlying muscles, effectively redefining the jawline’s contour. The result is a more pronounced jawline that contributes to a balanced facial structure.

➔ Reduction of Lax Skin and Excess Fat

Skin laxity and the accumulation of excess fat around the jawline and under the chin are common concerns that can be effectively addressed through a Lower Facelift.The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower face and neck, which may help refine facial contours and reduce the appearance of skin laxity in these areas.

➔ Reduction of Creases and Folds

Deep creases and folds around the mouth, nose and chin area can be significantly reduced with a Jowl Lift. The procedure allows for the repositioning of tissues and tightening of the skin, which in turn may address the concerns about skin folds.

➔ Changed Neck Appearance

The Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift also extends its potential benefits to the neck area, addressing issues such as lax excess skin. By tightening the skin and platysma muscle, this procedure may help to define the neck while maintaining harmony between the neck and jawline

➔Results Over Time

Non-surgical treatments may offer temporary changes, while a lower facelift or jowl lift is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing skin laxity and facial excess in a longer-lasting way. Everyone’s experience is different, but some patients maintain their surgical results for several years.

Is Jowl Lift Right for Me?

Lower Facelift surgery may be a good option for you if:

  • You have noticeable lax skin on your face and neck.
  • You have strong bone structure: A well-defined underlying bone structure can provide support for the alterations and contribute to satisfactory results.
  • You have realistic expectations: Understanding the potential improvements and limitations of facelift surgery is crucial.
  • You are in good general health: Being healthy reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery.
  • You are a non-smoker or willing to quit: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

Lower Facelift surgery may not be a good option for you if you are:

  • Expecting to look like someone else: A facelift aims to adjust your appearance, not change it entirely to resemble another person.
  • Seeking to address surface skin issues only: Facelift surgery is more about lifting and tightening; surface problems like fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture might be better addressed with non-surgical treatments.
  • Unwilling to accept any risk or potential complications: Keep in mind that no procedure is without potential risks and complications.
  • In poor general health: Health issues can increase the risk of complications during surgery and impede recovery.
  • A smoker unwilling to quit: Smoking significantly affects your body’s ability to heal and recover from surgery.
  • Under significant stress or undergoing major life changes: It’s best to undergo surgery when you’re mentally and emotionally stable.
  • Unable to take the necessary time off for recovery: A lower facelift requires a significant downtime for healing, and a rushed recovery can affect the results.

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Guide Facelift Surgery
Guide Facelift Surgery
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Before Your Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift

Preparation for a Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift is a critical step towards ensuring an optimal outcome. It begins with a consultation with Dr Michael Kernohan, during which you will discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. This discussion is vital for formulating a personalised surgical plan that addresses your specific needs.

Dr Kernohan may advise you to cease certain medications or supplements that could affect the surgery or recovery process. Smoking cessation is also strongly recommended, as smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, preparing your home for the recovery period, including arranging for assistance if needed and ensuring you have a comfortable space to rest, is advisable.

Patients are often encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the surgery, including a balanced diet and adequate hydration, to support the body’s healing process. Dr Kernohan will provide detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to your specific procedure, which may include guidelines on eating, drinking, and medication adjustments.

The Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift Procedure

The duration of the procedure can vary, typically lasting several hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether additional procedures are being performed simultaneously. Patients are usually able to return home the same day, although overnight hospital stays can be arranged if necessary for the patient’s comfort and safety.

➔ During the Operation

  • Anaesthesia: The procedure requires general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to manage your comfort throughout the surgery.
  • Incision Placement: Strategic incisions are made to reduce visible scarring where possible, often around the ears and under the chin, allowing Dr Kernohan access to underlying tissues.
  • Tissue Repositioning and Removal: Dr Kernohan repositions the deeper layers of the face and neck, tightens the muscle, and removes or redistributes excess fat, which helps to restore a more defined jawline and neck contour.
  • Skin Tightening and Excess Removal: Excess skin is carefully removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned over the underlying tissues to follow the new facial contours created during surgery..
  • Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, sometimes using techniques that allow the scars to be hidden within the hairline or natural contours of the ear.

➔ Postoperative Care and Recovery

  • Immediate Aftercare: Following the procedure, dressings or bandages may be applied to the incisions, and small tubes might be placed to drain any excess blood or fluid.
  • Recovery Time: Initial swelling and bruising are normal and generally subside within a few weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks, although strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
  • Follow-up Visits: These are essential for monitoring the healing process and removing sutures or drains. Dr Kernohan will provide specific instructions on care for the surgical site, medications to aid healing, and when to follow up.
  • Long-Term Care: Protecting the skin from the sun and adhering to a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the results of the surgery for many years.
Watch Dr Kernohan Explains the Common Misconceptions About Facelift Surgery - YouTube Videos
Watch Dr Kernohan Explains the Common Misconceptions About Facelift Surgery – YouTube Videos

Recovery after Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift

During this time, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain-relief medications prescribed by Dr Kernohan. Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities to facilitate healing. Keeping the head elevated, even during sleep, can help reduce swelling more quickly. Most patients find they can return to work and other daily activities within two to three weeks, although this can vary depending on the individual’s healing process and the nature of their work.

Risks of Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift Procedure

Like all surgical procedures, a Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift comes with certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and reactions to anaesthesia. There may also be risks related to facial nerve injury, which could affect facial muscles temporarily or permanently.

How Much is a Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift in Sydney?

The cost of a Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift in Sydney can vary significantly based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of facility where the surgery is performed. Generally, the price range for this type of surgery in Sydney can fall between AUD 14,000 and AUD 22,000, although this is only a rough estimate.

It is important to note that the total cost will include the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, and any additional expenses such as post-operative care and follow-up appointments. When considering the cost of surgery, it is also important to consider the qualifications, experience, and training of your surgeon. Choosing an appropriately qualified practitioner can support a safe surgical process and provide advice that is tailored to your individual needs and goals..

How Do I Find the Right Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift Surgeon in Sydney?

Finding the right surgeon for a Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lift in Sydney requires thorough research and due diligence. Begin by looking for a surgeon who is certified in plastic surgery and has extensive experience with facial cosmetic procedures.

During consultations, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous Lower Facelift/ Jowl Lifts the surgeon has performed. This can give you a better understanding of their skill level and the type of results they achieve.

FAQs about Lower Facelift Surgery

FAQs

Further Reading about Facelift with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan

Medical References about Lower Facelift