Facial ageing rarely follows a single, predictable pattern. Some people notice their jawline beginning to soften and jowls forming along the lower face. Others become aware of loose skin and banding in the neck, while their jawline remains relatively well defined. Others still are in their late thirties or early forties and want a measured refresh, without committing to a more extensive surgical procedure.
If you have already decided that you want to address the lower face surgically, the next question is which procedure is the most appropriate match for your concerns. A lower face lift, a neck lift, and a mini facelift each approach the lower third of the face from a different angle, and understanding those differences is the first step toward making an informed decision.
Below, we walk through what each procedure involves and the kinds of concerns it tends to suit. Since the right choice comes down to your own anatomy and what you hope to achieve, the only reliable way to confirm whether a procedure suits you is a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
Understanding the Lower Third of the Face
The lower third covers the jawline, the jowls, the corners of the mouth and the upper neck. Of all the areas of the face, it tends to be where age-related changes show up most clearly.
Sitting just under the skin is something called the SMAS layer (the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, if you want the full name). It is basically a sheet of muscle and connective tissue, and it holds up everything resting on top of it. Over the years, this layer gradually drops, and that is when you start to see the difference: skin gets a little less elastic, volume moves around, and the jaw and neck lose that crisp, defined edge.
Each of the three procedures discussed below targets this zone. What differs is how far into the tissue each technique works, which specific structures it addresses, and what types of concerns it is best suited to resolve.
What Is a Lower Face Lift?
A lower face lift is surgery aimed at the jawline, the jowls and the upper neck. The incisions usually sit around and behind the ears, which lets the surgeon reach the SMAS layer, firm up the tissue underneath and then redrape or trim away any excess skin.
Because a lower face lift works at the deeper SMAS level instead of just tightening the skin on top, the results are generally more noticeable and tend to hold up for longer than what surface-only techniques can offer. With an SMAS lower face lift, those results often last somewhere in the range of 7 to 10 years, although this varies from person to person depending on skin quality, genetics and lifestyle.
At Absolute Cosmetic, lower face lift procedures are performed as day-case procedures under sedation at the accredited day hospital within the Nedlands clinic. Surgical techniques such as the High-Def Vaser Mini Lift may be incorporated depending on Dr Murray’s assessment of your anatomy and goals.
A lower face lift tends to suit people with moderate to more pronounced jowling and early neck laxity who want to improve the contour of the lower face. It is not a full facelift, so the upper face is left alone. For someone whose concerns sit mainly in the lower third, though, it focuses the treatment right where it is needed.
Typical recovery is 2 to 3 weeks, during which bruising and swelling gradually resolve. Full pre- and post-operative care is provided at all Absolute Cosmetic Perth clinics, including access to a 24-hour aftercare line.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, known medically as platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, deals with the neck rather than the lower face. It tackles the visible banding that comes from the platysma muscle, along with loose or crepey skin beneath the chin and any extra fat in the submental (under-chin) area.
Incisions are placed behind the ears and, in many cases, under the chin. This placement gives the surgeon access to tighten the platysma muscle bands, remove or recontour submental fat, and redrape the overlying neck skin.
For someone whose main concern sits in the neck while the lower face still looks reasonably structured, a neck lift can be done on its own. It is also often paired with a lower face lift when both areas need work. When there is noticeable neck laxity together with jowling, treating the two zones together usually gives a more balanced overall result than working on just one of them.
Results from a neck lift are similarly durable to those of a lower face lift, typically lasting 7 to 10 years. Recovery follows a comparable timeline of 2 to 3 weeks.
More information on the neck lift procedure at Absolute Cosmetic is available on the neck lift page.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift relies on shorter incisions that usually sit around the ears and do not extend under the chin. It tends to suit mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face, helping to soften early jowling and bring back some definition along the jawline.
You will sometimes hear “mini facelift” and “lower face lift” used to mean the same thing, and where one ends and the other begins is not always defined the same way from one surgeon or clinic to the next. Broadly speaking, a mini facelift involves less tissue work than a full lower face lift. Depending on the approach, it might reach the SMAS layer or stay closer to the surface. With shorter incisions and a less invasive procedure, recovery is usually quicker too, often around 1 to 2 weeks.
A mini facelift tends to suit patients in their late thirties to early fifties who have early signs of jowling, good skin elasticity, and are seeking a subtle, natural-looking result rather than a more significant transformation. Because the tissue work is more limited, the longevity of results is generally shorter than that of a full lower face lift, with results typically lasting 5 to 7 years.
As with all surgical procedures, individual anatomy and goals determine whether a mini facelift is the most appropriate option. This is assessed at consultation.
Key Differences at a Glance
The table below provides a general comparison of the three procedures. These are broad guides; individual recommendations depend on anatomy, skin quality, and goals as assessed during a clinical consultation.
| Lower Face Lift | Neck Lift | Mini Facelift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Area | Jawline, jowls, upper neck | Neck, submental region | Lower face, jawline |
| Incision Type | Around and behind ears | Behind ears + under chin | Short incisions around ears |
| Depth of Tissue Work | SMAS layer (deep) | Platysma muscle (deep) | SMAS or superficial |
| Recovery Time | 2 to 3 weeks typical | 2 to 3 weeks typical | 1 to 2 weeks typical |
| Best Suited For | Moderate to significant jowling | Neck banding, turkey neck | Mild to moderate laxity |
| Longevity of Results | 7 to 10 years | 7 to 10 years | 5 to 7 years |
It is worth noting that these categories are not always absolute. A mini facelift performed with thorough SMAS work may approach a lower face lift in scope. A neck lift may be relatively limited or more extensive depending on how much tissue work is required. Your surgeon will explain the technique they recommend and why, based on your specific anatomy.
Can These Procedures Be Combined?
Yes. Combining a lower face lift and neck lift in a single procedure is common practice, and for many patients, it is the approach that produces the most cohesive result. The jawline and neck are anatomically connected, and addressing both areas at the same time avoids a situation where a well-defined jaw sits above an untreated neck, or vice versa.
A combined lower face lift and neck lift can address the lower face from the mid-cheek region down to the collarbone in a single procedure, a single recovery period, and often at a lower overall cost than staging the two procedures separately.
Dr Murray may also recommend complementary procedures depending on the overall picture of facial ageing. These may include brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat transfer, or skin resurfacing treatments. The right combination is always determined at consultation, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, goals, and overall health, not by a standard template.
How to Choose: Questions to Ask Yourself
Only a qualified cosmetic surgeon can properly assess your anatomy and recommend a course of action, but thinking through a few questions beforehand can help you walk into your consultation knowing what matters most to you:
- Is my main concern the jawline and jowls, the neck, or both?
- Am I in my late thirties or forties with early signs of ageing, or have I noticed more significant changes over the past few years?
- How much downtime can I realistically accommodate?
- Am I looking for a subtle, early-intervention result, or am I ready for more comprehensive rejuvenation?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. They are starting points, not self-diagnoses. Bringing them to your consultation helps your surgeon understand your concerns and expectations, which in turn leads to a more useful and personalised discussion about your options.
Why Choose Absolute Cosmetic for Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Perth
Absolute Cosmetic is one of Perth’s longest-established cosmetic clinics, doctor-owned and operated for over 30 years. Medical Director Dr Glenn Murray (MED0001196978) brings more than three decades of experience in aesthetic and cosmetic medicine to every surgical assessment and procedure.
Dr Murray is a member of a number of professional bodies, which reflects his ongoing involvement with how cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine continue to develop:
- Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM)
- Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA)
- International Master Course on Ageing Skin (IMCAS)
- International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS)
- European Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ECAMS)
- World Academy of Gluteal Surgeons
- International Board of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (IBAMS)
All surgical procedures are performed at Absolute Cosmetic’s accredited Class B day hospital within the Nedlands clinic, licensed by the WA Department of Health. The clinic offers full pre- and post-operative care, including access to a 24-hour aftercare line.
Absolute Cosmetic operates five full-time clinics across Perth, in Nedlands, Applecross, Perth CBD (Raine Square), Innaloo, and Joondalup. Visiting practitioners also serve regional Western Australian communities, including Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Esperance, Bunbury, and Mandurah.
For further information on Dr Murray’s professional background and memberships, visit the memberships and awards page. Dr Murray’s profile is also available on RealSelf and LinkedIn.
To discuss lower face lift, neck lift, or mini facelift options with Dr Murray, book a consultation at the Nedlands clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lower face lift and a neck lift?
A lower face lift works on the jawline and jowls by repositioning the SMAS layer and tightening the tissue beneath. A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, deals with the neck instead: it tightens the platysma muscle, smooths out banding and takes away loose skin and fat under the chin. The two sit in neighbouring but separate areas, which is why they are often done together to refresh the whole lower face.
Is a mini facelift the same as a lower face lift?
Not quite. People do use the two terms loosely, but a lower face lift usually goes deeper into the SMAS layer and needs longer incisions than a standard mini facelift. The mini version, with its shorter incisions, suits mild to moderate laxity, while a lower face lift is the better fit for heavier jowling. Which one makes sense for you is something your surgeon works out based on your anatomy.
Which procedure is best for jowls?
When it comes to jowls, a lower face lift is the most direct surgical option. It lifts and repositions the SMAS layer and trims away excess skin along the jawline. If the jowling is mild and the patient is younger with good skin elasticity, a mini facelift can be enough. Where the jowling is more pronounced and paired with neck laxity, a combined lower face lift and neck lift is often the suggested route.
Can a lower face lift and neck lift be done at the same time?
Yes. Combining a lower face lift and neck lift in a single procedure is common, as the jawline and neck are anatomically connected. Doing both at once produces more harmonious results, avoids a second recovery period, and is generally more cost-effective than staging the procedures separately.
How long do lower face lift results last compared to a neck lift?
A lower face lift that uses SMAS techniques generally holds its results for around 7 to 10 years, and neck lift results last a similar length of time. How long any of this lasts comes down to skin quality, genetics, lifestyle and whether the procedures are done together. Neither one halts the ageing process, but both deal with existing laxity in a way that holds up well over time.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical procedures carry inherent risks and require a recovery period. Individual results vary based on anatomy, health status, genetics, and lifestyle. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding cosmetic surgery. For a full list of surgical risks and complications, visit the Absolute Cosmetic website. Reviewed by Dr Glenn Murray (MED0001196978), Medical Director, Absolute Cosmetic.
Further Reading
- What Is a Lower Face Lift? – Absolute Cosmetic Blog
- Pros and Cons of Surgical vs Non-Surgical Face Lifts – Absolute Cosmetic Blog
- SMAS Facelift – Absolute Cosmetic Procedures
- Neck Lift – Absolute Cosmetic Procedures
Medical References
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy) – Cleveland Clinic – Overview of facelift surgery types and techniques
- Cosmetic Surgery Advertising Guidelines (AHPRA) – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency guidelines for advertising cosmetic procedures
- Rhytidectomy – Healthdirect Australia – General information on facelift surgery from Australia’s national health information service
- Patient Guide to Cosmetic Surgery – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons – Guidance on selecting a qualified cosmetic surgeon and understanding surgical risks
