Jowls are one of the most common and frustrating signs of facial aging. As skin loses elasticity and deeper facial tissues descend, the jawline softens and sagging develops along the lower face. Patients considering surgical rejuvenation often ask whether a lower facelift or a full facelift is the best option for correcting jowls. The answer depends on the extent of aging and which areas of the face are affected. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides facelift to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Why Jowls Form Over Time
Jowls develop due to a combination of factors including gravity, volume loss, weakening of facial support structures, and skin laxity. The SMAS layer, which supports the cheeks and jawline, gradually descends. When this happens, tissue accumulates along the jawline, creating heaviness and blurring definition.
While non-surgical treatments can offer mild improvement, surgery remains the most effective way to correct moderate to severe jowling.
What a Lower Facelift Addresses
A lower facelift focuses on the bottom third of the face. This includes the jawline, jowls, and often the neck.
Benefits of a Lower Facelift
A lower facelift tightens sagging tissue along the jawline, smooths jowls, and improves neck laxity. It is ideal for patients whose primary concern is loss of jawline definition rather than aging in the cheeks or midface.
Because the procedure targets a smaller area, recovery may be slightly shorter than a full facelift, although results are still dramatic.
What a Full Facelift Treats
A full facelift addresses aging throughout the face, including the midface, cheeks, jowls, and neck.
Benefits of a Full Facelift
A full facelift lifts and repositions deeper facial structures from the cheeks downward. This provides more comprehensive rejuvenation and improves jowls as part of a broader correction. Patients with significant sagging in the midface, deep nasolabial folds, and advanced facial aging often benefit most from a full facelift.
Which Option Corrects Jowls More Effectively
For patients whose only concern is jowling and jawline laxity, a lower facelift may be sufficient. However, if jowls are part of a larger aging pattern that includes cheek descent and facial volume loss, a full facelift typically delivers more balanced and longer-lasting results.
Choosing the right procedure requires careful evaluation of facial anatomy, skin quality, and aging patterns.
Choosing the Right Approach
A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon allows for personalized recommendations. The best procedure is one that corrects jowls while maintaining natural facial harmony and proportion.
CONTACT DR. MONICA WENTWORTH FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.