Jowls—the dreaded sign of aging that no one asks for but nearly everyone gets. They start subtly, with a little loss of skin elasticity here, and a little volume loss there. Before you know it, the appearance of jowls can change the contours of your face, making you look older than you feel.
The good news? There are plenty of treatment options—from non-surgical treatments to surgical procedures—that can restore definition to your jawline and give you a more youthful appearance.
What Causes Jowls?
Jowls form due to a combination of factors, but at the root of it all is the natural aging process. As we age, collagen production slows, connective tissue weakens, and fat deposits shift. Over time, the breakdown of collagen and loss of elasticity in the deep layers of the skin contribute to the sagging effect.
Other contributing factors include:
- Sun damage: UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and leads to loose skin.
- Weight loss or weight gain: Rapid weight loss can leave behind excess skin, while weight gain can add bulk to the jawline.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, and dehydration all impact skin tissue and collagen production.
- Genetics: Some people are simply predisposed to noticeable jowls earlier than others.
Now that we know what causes jowls, let’s talk fixes.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Jowls
For those looking to address mild to moderate jowls without downtime, non-invasive treatments can help firm up droopy skin and restore facial contours.
1. Dermal Fillers for Volume Loss
When jowls appear due to loss of volume, strategically placed dermal fillers can restore definition. Fillers made of hyaluronic acid or collagen-stimulating ingredients can help lift sagging skin by adding structure to the lower face. A dermal filler facelift is an excellent option for patients who aren’t ready for surgery but want a noticeable improvement.
2. Morpheus8 for Skin Tightening
Morpheus8 is a cutting-edge RF microneedling treatment that tightens loose skin by delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the skin tissue. This stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity while firming the jawline. It is particularly effective for those experiencing mild to moderate jowls who want a non-surgical option.
3. FaceTite for a More Defined Jawline
FaceTite is an advanced radiofrequency-based treatment that targets fat deposits and sagging skin in the lower face and neck. By heating the deeper layers of the skin, FaceTite promotes natural collagen production and skin tightening for long-lasting results. This is a great alternative to more invasive surgical procedures for those who want a refined jawline without extensive downtime.
4. NeoGen Lift for Skin Rejuvenation
Known as a non-surgical facelift, NeoGen Lift uses next-generation plasma energy to tighten facial skin, stimulate collagen growth, and resurface the skin surface. Unlike laser treatments, NeoGen works on all skin types and provides long-lasting results by addressing skin laxity and fine lines around the jawline and lower face.
Surgical Treatments for Jowls
For severe jowls, non-surgical options may not be enough to achieve a lasting improvement. This is where facelift surgery comes into play.
1. Mini Facelift for Moderate Jowls
A mini facelift is ideal for those with moderate sagging who want long-lasting results without a full surgical facelift. This procedure involves shorter incisions than a traditional facelift, repositioning facial muscles, and tightening loose skin for a natural lift.
2. Deep Plane Facelift for Severe Jowls
The gold standard for severe jowls is the deep plane facelift, which lifts the deeper layers of the face rather than just tightening skin tissue. By addressing fat deposits, connective tissue, and facial muscles, this procedure provides the most effective treatment for jowls with long-lasting results.
3. Neck Lift for Neck Sagging and Jowls
A neck lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to address neck sagging and remove excess skin under the chin. This combination approach ensures facial features remain balanced and natural-looking.
Which Jowl Treatment Is Right for You?
Choosing the best treatment for jowls depends on the level of droop, skin laxity, and patient goals. While non-invasive treatments can offer impressive improvements, surgical procedures provide a permanent solution for those with severe sagging.
- Best for mild jowls: Dermal fillers, Morpheus8, NeoGen Lift
- Best for moderate jowls: FaceTite, mini facelift
- Best for severe jowls: Deep plane facelift, neck lift surgery
Discover the Best Jowls Treatment for You!
Whether you opt for non-surgical procedures or a surgical facelift, the goal is the same: a refined, youthful appearance that enhances your natural collagen production. If you’re unsure which jowl treatment is best for you, schedule a consultation with a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Aesthetics MD to create a customized treatment plan that suits your needs.
Restore your confidence and book a consultation at Aesthetics MD today—because a sculpted, defined jawline never goes out of style.