Facelift (Lower Face & Neck) — Top Surgeon's Guide
A friendly, thorough guide to pricing, recovery, pain, risks, and what to ask your surgeon.
Facelift (Lower Face & Neck) in
{city}A friendly, thorough guide to pricing, recovery, pain, risks, and what to ask your surgeon.
General or deep IV sedation
6–12 months to refine
Overview and Goals
Considering this procedure?
Talk to a top surgeon concierge to understand pricing, timelines, and what to expect based on your goals.
A facelift refreshes the lower face and neck by repositioning deeper support layers, softening jowls, and sharpening the jawline.
In {{city}}, surgeons use SMAS and deep‑plane techniques to create natural, believable changes without the over‑pulled look.
Who Is a Good Candidate
You may be a candidate if you see jowls neck laxity or banding that skin care no longer improves.
Ideal candidates are healthy, avoid nicotine, and have realistic expectations for natural improvement.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Consultation and Planning
Your surgeon will map incisions to your hairline and ear anatomy, review medications, manage blood pressure, and outline aftercare access.
Before/after photos of faces like yours help align expectations.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Procedure Techniques
SMAS plication tightens the support layer; deep‑plane releases and repositions deeper structures for strong jawline and midface changes.
Your plan may include neck treatment, platysma bands, or small‑volume fat grafting for harmony.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Cost and Pricing Variables in {{city}}
National totals commonly range $12 000–$30 000 based on technique experience time and combined procedures.
Request a line‑item estimate and confirm what’s included—garments, scar care, and follow‑ups.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
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Recovery and Downtime
RecoveryExpect swelling and bruising for 10–14 days. Many people return to desk work by two weeks and feel photo‑ready by three to four weeks.
Sleep elevated and protect incisions from sun while numbness improves over months.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Pain, Scarring, and Emotional Expectations
Most describe tightness more than sharp pain. Scars follow natural creases and hairlines and fade with silicone and SPF.
It’s normal to have up‑and‑down days as swelling fluctuates—regular check‑ins help perspective.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Risks and Safety
RisksRisks include hematoma, infection, delayed healing, and nerve irritation. Accredited facilities and qualified anesthesia reduce risk.
Know how to reach your team after hours and what red flags look like.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Which technique fits my anatomy and goals? How will you handle my neck and platysma bands?
Where will incisions sit, what’s included in my quote, and what is your revision policy?
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Long‑Term Results and Maintenance
A well‑performed facelift can provide a decade or more of improvement. Skin care and sun protection help preserve results.
Maintenance should be light and purposeful—not constant procedures.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Return to activity is staged: walking first, desk work next, and then progressive exercise when you’re cleared.
Your plan should feel personal. The best approach accounts for your health, schedule, and the exact features you want to refresh.
Small choices add up: incision placement, anesthesia type, and aftercare logistics all influence comfort, recovery, and cost.
Pictures help more than the mirror. Standardized photos reveal steady improvement even when day‑to‑day swelling is distracting.
Preparation reduces stress. Set up your recovery space, arrange rides, and keep a medication log so the first 48 hours feel smooth.
Safety is layered: board‑certified surgeon, accredited facility, qualified anesthesia, and clear after‑hours access if you have questions.
Scar care is simple but consistent: gentle cleansing, approved topicals, and daily SPF while tissues mature over months.
Most people experience emotional ups and downs. It’s normal. Regular check‑ins help you keep perspective while swelling settles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost in {{city}}?
Prices reflect surgeon experience facility and anesthesia time and complexity. Always request an itemized estimate and ask what aftercare is included.
What is recovery like?
Most people describe soreness and tightness more than sharp pain. Expect swelling and bruising early on with steady improvement week by week.
How do I choose a surgeon?
Look for board certification, accredited facilities, and a portfolio of natural results. The consultation should feel collaborative and unhurried.
What are the risks?
Every procedure carries risk. Your team will review bleeding infection healing issues and how they prevent and handle rare problems.
When will I see final results?
Early changes are visible within weeks, while fine details refine over several months as swelling fades.
Updated October 2025