How Do You Get Rid of Jowls?
Understanding the causes, prevention strategies, and effective treatments for sagging skin along the jawline.
Jowls, which are characterized by sagging or drooping skin along the jawline, are a common sign of aging that many people notice as they get older. While they’re a natural part of how the skin changes over time, they can affect facial definition and self-confidence. Fortunately, modern cosmetic and surgical techniques, such as facelift surgery, offer several ways to improve or reduce the appearance of jowls. In this post, Dr. Jordan P. Farkas, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, explains what causes jowls, how lifestyle and skin care can help, and the most effective non-surgical and surgical options available today.
What Are Jowls and Why Do They Form?
Jowls are the loose, sagging folds of skin that develop along the lower face and jawline. They occur when the supportive tissues in the face — such as collagen, elastin, and fat — begin to weaken or shift downward over time. A combination of factors contributes to jowl formation:
- Aging: As we age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness.
- Gravity: Over time, gravity pulls on facial tissues and contributes to sagging.
- Genetics: Some people are predisposed to early jowl formation.
- Sun damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen and accelerates aging.
- Weight fluctuations: Rapid weight loss or gain can stretch and weaken skin.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, and inadequate hydration affect skin health.
Understanding these causes can help guide the most effective approaches to prevention and treatment.
Non-Surgical Approaches to Reducing Jowls
Many people begin by exploring non-surgical options. While results may be more subtle compared to surgery, they can help improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance, especially when started early.
Skin-Tightening Treatments
Non-invasive energy-based treatments can stimulate collagen and elastin production:
- Radiofrequency (RF) Devices: Techniques such as Morpheus8 RF microneedling heat the deeper dermal layers to promote collagen remodeling.
- Laser Treatments: Laser skin resurfacing can help tighten skin and improve texture.
These procedures are typically well-tolerated and have minimal downtime, often making them ideal for those who want gradual improvement without surgery.
Injectable Treatments
Injectables can help restore facial volume or contour the jawline:
- Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can add volume to areas that have lost support, smoothing the appearance of jowls.
- Neuromodulators: In select cases, small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic or similar neuromodulator injectables can soften tension in certain muscles, subtly lifting tissues.
While injectable results are temporary (usually lasting a few months to a year), they can be an effective part of a comprehensive strategy.
Facial Exercises and Skin Care
Although evidence is mixed, some people find benefit from facial exercises designed to strengthen jaw and neck muscles. These can be a supplemental approach but are unlikely to dramatically reduce jowls on their own.
High-quality skin care also plays a role. Ingredients in advanced skincare products like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can support skin health, helping maintain elasticity and texture.
Surgical Solutions for More Significant Results
For more pronounced jowls or deeper sagging, surgical options are often the most effective and long-lasting solutions.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A surgical facelift remains the gold standard for reducing significant jowling. During a facelift:
- Excess skin is removed.
- Underlying tissues are tightened.
- Facial contours are re-positioned for a smoother jawline.
Modern facelift techniques focus on natural-looking results and can be customized to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Recovery can take a few weeks, but results are long-lasting.
Neck Lift
Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin beneath the chin and jawline. This dual approach provides a more cohesive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck, especially when jowls and neck laxity occur together.
Liposuction and Fat Reduction
For individuals whose jowls are primarily caused by excess fat along the jawline, targeted liposuction can often be used for effective neck contouring. This is often combined with other procedures to achieve the most balanced result.
How to Choose the Right Option
Deciding on the most appropriate treatment depends on several factors:
- Severity of jowling
- Skin elasticity
- Age and overall health
- Desired results
- Tolerance for downtime
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can clarify which approach, or combination of approaches, is best for your individual needs.
Recovery and Aftercare
Non-surgical treatments usually have minimal recovery time, with many patients returning to their routine within a day or two. For surgical procedures:
- Facelift or neck lift recovery can take several weeks.
- Bruising and swelling are common initially.
- Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, with continued improvement over several months.
- Proper skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle can help sustain results and support overall skin health.
Natural Aging vs. Treatable Sagging
It’s important to recognize that some degree of facial aging, including the development of jowls, is natural. Treatments don’t stop aging, but they can slow visible changes and restore balance to the face. Whether you’re seeking a subtle refresh or a more dramatic transformation, today’s options allow you to choose what best suits your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Jowls are generally caused by aging, gravity, genetics, and lifestyle factors that weaken skin and supportive tissue.
- Non-surgical options like skin-tightening treatments, injectables, and good skin care can improve mild to moderate jowling for some individuals.
- Surgical solutions such as facelift and neck lift can provide the most dramatic and long-lasting results.
- Combination approaches often yield optimal outcomes tailored to individual needs.
- A consultation is essential to determine the best treatment plan.
If you are considering your options for facial rejuvenation, jawline refinement, or other aesthetic concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We will be happy to answer your questions or assist you with scheduling a consultation.
