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What to Know Before Getting a Lower Facelift
We’ve shared before how thread lifts can be an excellent alternative to a full facelift, especially in the lower face area. But before booking a lower facelift or thread lift for your neck, jawline, or jowls, there are a few important things to know. Thread lifts are not a “one-time fix” for every concern — and taking the right steps before and after treatment will help you achieve results you’ll truly love.
What Is a Lower Facelift?
A lower facelift targets one of the most common areas of aging: sagging around the mouth, chin, cheeks, and neck.
- Surgical lower facelift: Tightens skin and underlying muscle, often combined with liposuction to remove fat.
- Non-surgical lower facelift (thread lift): Uses dissolvable sutures to lift the skin, stimulate collage, and create firmer connections between skin and deeper layers.
You can read more about facelifts in this overview from the Mayo Clinic.
Learn more about our thread lifts procedure in Calgary!
How a Thread Lift for the Lower Face Works
Thread lifts gently reposition sagging skin upward, while also encouraging new collagen growth over time. This can improve firmness and contour in the jawline and lower face.
Benefits of thread lifts:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Quick recovery (1-2 days for most people)
- Results that develop and improve as collagen builds
But thread lifts can’t fix everything. They don’t treat deep muscle laxity or large pockets of fat, and results are temporary (typically lasting 12–18 months). That’s why an in-person consultation is so important — it helps us recommend treatments that will optimize your results.
When a Thread Lift Alone Isn't Enough
Sometimes, adding other treatments before or after your thread lift creates a more natural, long-lasting result. For example:
- Deoxycholic acid to dissolve stubborn fat under the chin or along the jawline
- Neuromodulators to relax or shrink muscle activity in lower face
- Morpheus8 or AccuTite for skin tightening and collagen stimulation
Jumping straight to a thread lift without addressing these underlying issues can limit results. A combination approach often delivers a smoother contour and better longevity.
Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift
Both thread lifts and surgery can improve the lower face — but they aren’t equal.
| Factor | Thread Lift | Surgical Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Downtime | Typically 1–2 days for most patients. | Around 2–4 weeks of recovery. |
| Longevity | About 12–18 months; results improve as collagen builds. | Often 7–10 years, depending on patient and technique. |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost; can adjust over time. | Higher upfront cost including anesthesia & facility fees. |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive; dissolvable sutures. | Surgical procedure with incisions and anesthesia. |
| Customizability | Easy to combine with Belkyra, neuromodulators, RF tightening. | Long-lasting but harder to “tweak” after surgery. |
Surgery remains the longest-lasting option but comes with higher risk, cost, and recovery. Thread lifts are less invasive and more customizable over time.
Is a Lower Facelift Right for You?
The best way to know is through a consultation, but here are some good indicators:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity around the jawline or jowls
- Desire for subtle, natural results without major surgery
- Realistic expectations about longevity (threads won't last forever)
- Willingness to combine with other treatments for best results
Just like any major project, preparation and planning are key. Taking the right steps ahead of time leads to beautiful outcomes that can last for years.
FAQs About Lower Facelifts
How long does a thread lift last?
Usually 12–18 months. Collagen stimulation helps results improve with time, but they aren’t permanent.
Is it painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort that improves within a few days.
What’s recovery like?
Expect 1–2 days of downtime with threads, compared to several weeks with surgery.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on how many threads are used and whether you combine it with Deoxycholic acid, neuromodulators, or skin tightening treatments.
Are results immediate?
You’ll notice a lift right away, with continued improvement as collagen builds in the months following.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re considering a lower facelift, our team can help you decide whether a thread lift, surgical approach, or combination plan is right for you.
View the pricing, areas, and full FAQs on our Calgary Thread Lifts service page.
Schedule a threads consultation and let us guide you through the process with expert recommendations and a personalized plan.