What Is a Facelift? How It Reverses Lower-Face Aging

A facelift is the surgical procedure that rejuvenates the lower third of the face — correcting jowls, sagging along the jawline, and deepening folds caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Dr. Hootan Zandifar explains what it addresses, how it works, and what recovery looks like.

What Happens to the Face as We Age

As Dr. Zandifar explains, aging changes the lower face because the proteins that keep skin firm — elastin and collagen — break down over time. Genetics, sun damage, smoking, and the simple passage of time all accelerate it. As these fibers weaken, the skin loosens and sags, the underlying muscles relax, and the fat beneath the skin becomes more visible. The result is jowling, sagging at the corners of the mouth along the jawline, descent of the cheeks and midface, and deepening folds.

What a Facelift Addresses

The face is divided into thirds: the upper third (brows, forehead to hairline), the middle third (eyes, nose, cheeks), and the lower third (from the base of the nose to the chin) plus the neck. A facelift specifically rejuvenates the lower third of the face, and it is often combined with a neck lift for complete rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. It does not treat the upper or middle thirds — those are addressed by other procedures.

How the Procedure Works

During a facelift, the skin is lifted off the tissues beneath it, the deeper muscles of the face and neck are identified and re-suspended to where they naturally belong, excess skin is removed, and everything is closed together. The incisions are hidden in the hairline, around and behind the ear (and into the hairline if the neck is included), so scars are well concealed and the result looks natural — not pulled.

Recovery and Results

Recovery generally takes one to two weeks, after which the sutures are removed and most patients already look presentable. Some swelling and a lumpy sensation under the skin can take roughly two to three months to fully resolve — more felt than seen. A facelift does not stop aging: it sets the clock back, then ages with you. Over time some patients choose touch-up procedures, which are typically less involved than the first, to maintain a youthful appearance.

Related: Facelift in Los Angeles · Call 424-349-6008 to schedule a consultation.