Sagging jowls are a common concern for many people, as they can affect the overall appearance of the face. Jowls are caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, and gravity. Fortunately, there are several non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments available to help address this issue. From facial exercises to cosmetic procedures like face lift surgery and turkey neck treatment, there are a variety of options to help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of jowls. It’s important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine which treatment option is best suited for your individual needs and goals.
What Are Jowls?
Jowls are a facial feature that many people associate with aging. They refer to the loose skin and fat that droops below the jawline and along the sides of the face. Jowls can create a sagging or heavy appearance in the lower face, which can be a source of concern for many individuals. Almost everyone develops sagging jowls as they age. It happens because your skin becomes thinner and less elastic over time.
What Causes Jowls?
Jowls are caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, loss of skin elasticity, and gravity. As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which can result in the sagging and drooping of the skin around the face. The breakdown of elastin may also contribute to the appearance of jowls. Elastin is a protein that supports the elasticity of the skin under the chin and cheeks. Additionally, factors such as sun damage, smoking, and weight fluctuations can contribute to the development of jowls. While jowls are often associated with older individuals, they can also affect younger people who have a predisposition to this facial feature.
Some people may never experience jowl formation. This could be due to their genes, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Below we mentioned some of the factors that will cause jowls formation.
| Causes | Explanation |
| Aging | Natural aging process leads to loss of skin elasticity. |
| Genetics | Genetic factors can contribute to skin laxity and jowl formation. |
| Loss of skin elasticity | Sun exposure, smoking, and poor skincare habits can diminish skin’s elasticity. |
| Weight fluctuations | Significant weight gain or loss can affect skin’s ability to bounce back, leading to jowls. |
| Hormonal changes | Hormonal shifts, particularly during menopause, can affect skin structure and contribute to jowl development. |
| Facial expressions and muscle movement | Repetitive facial movements can break down collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin and jowls. |
| Gravity | Over time, gravity pulls down on facial tissues, contributing to sagging and jowls. |
How to Reduce Jowls naturally?
Reducing jowls naturally is a common goal for those seeking non-invasive methods to improve their facial appearance. While natural methods may not provide the same dramatic results as surgical or medical treatments, they can still contribute to a more toned and lifted look. Here are a few tips to help reduce jowls naturally:
| Tips | Explanation |
| Facial Exercises | Perform targeted exercises to strengthen facial muscles, focusing on the jawline and cheek area. |
| Healthy Lifestyle | Maintain a balanced diet, proper hydration, and protect your skin from the sun for overall skin health. |
| Skincare Routine | Follow a skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using collagen-promoting products. |
| Posture Awareness | Improve your posture by keeping your head up, shoulders back, and neck elongated for enhanced contours. |
| Massage and Facial Tools | Utilize facial massage techniques and tools like gua sha or jade rollers to improve circulation and drainage. |
Remember, natural methods may require consistency and time to see noticeable results. For more significant changes, consulting with a professional can provide additional treatment options.
Sagging Jowls Treatment
When it comes to addressing sagging jowls, there are various treatment options available, ranging from non-surgical procedures to surgical interventions.
Sagging skin is usually the main cause of sagging jowls or a sagging chin. Also there are other factors that can play their part in saggy jowls like having fat deposits beneath the facial tissue, which add extra bulk. By analyzing the underlying cause of your sagging jowls, your trusted healthcare professional can determine the most suitable treatment plan to effectively address the issue.
A good facelift results makes you feel younger. Below we’ll discuss these options for reducing droopy jowls or droopy cheeks.
Non-Surgical Sagging Jowls Treatment Options
Dermal fillers offer a non-surgical approach to address sagging jowls by restoring volume and improving the overall contour of the jawline. There are specific types of dermal fillers that can be used for different areas:
Cheek Filler
Cheek fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can be strategically injected to add volume and lift to the cheeks. By enhancing the cheek area, it creates a natural lifting effect, minimizing the appearance of sagging jowls.
Jaw Filler
Jaw fillers help to redefine the jawline and provide better definition, which can reduce the sagging appearance of jowls. The fillers are injected along the jawline to enhance its structure, resulting in a more sculpted profile.
Filler Injections for Sagging Jowls
Comprehensively, filler injections can be directly targeted towards the sagging jowl area. The filler is carefully injected to restore volume and firmness, reducing the drooping appearance and enhancing the overall tightness of the lower face.
Dermal filler treatments for sagging jowls are minimally invasive, and the results can be seen immediately. However, it’s essential to consult with a skilled medical professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable dermal filler approach to achieve optimal results.
Jowls Surgery
For individuals seeking more dramatic and long-lasting results, surgical interventions can provide a comprehensive solution. Jowls Surgery treats the jowls by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles. This can restore your face to a more radiant position. It requires an incision running from the hair in the temple, down in front of the ear, and then behind the ear, and into the hair behind the ear. It is performed under general anesthesia. Facelift surgery doesn’t prevent ageing but can help you look 10 years younger.
Here are a few surgical treatments commonly used for sagging jowls:
Facelift
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck. It can address sagging jowls and provide overall facial refreshing.
Neck Lift
A neck lift specifically targets the sagging skin and excess fat beneath the chin and along the neck. Therefore, this procedure can improve the appearance of jowls and redefine the neck and jawline contours.
Facelift and neck lift are complimentary procedures, Dr Doyle always performs these surgeries together.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat grafting involves transferring fat from one part of the body (typically harvested through liposuction) and injecting it into the face to restore volume and improve facial contours.
In the context of sagging jowls, fat transfer can be utilised to add volume to areas of hollowing or deflation, including hollow cheeks, jawline, and jowl area. By carefully injecting the transferred fat into targeted regions, the appearance of sagging jowls can be diminished, resulting in a more radiant and lifted facial appearance.
Dr Doyle’s Recommendation
The best treatment for sagging neck and jowls is a facelift. But you may consider exploring non-surgical options first. This is because not everyone will qualify for plastic surgery or want it done right away.
You’ll need to consult with a surgeon before making a decision about what procedure is right for you.
FAQs
Does a Neck Lift Help Sagging Jowls?
Yes, a neck lift surgery can help improve sagging jowls. By removing excess skin and fat from the neck and jawline areas, a neck lift tightens sagging skin under the chin, resulting in a more defined appearance. The procedure produces immediate and long-lasting results, with benefits including smoother skin, reduced lines, and minimal scarring.
What to Consider for Sagging Jowls Treatment?
Drawbacks of neck lift surgery include a high price tag and risk of complications (as with any surgery). Patients who undergo the surgery can expect a reduction in sagging skin. But, results are not guaranteed. When looking for sagging jowls treatment, you should always discuss your options with a specialist plastic surgeon who is well-versed in facial plastic surgery procedures.
What Is the Typical Recovery Time After a Jowl Surgery?
After jowl surgery, recovery time varies based on the procedure and individual factors. Generally, expect 1 to 2 weeks of swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s instructions, use compression garments, take prescribed medications, and attend follow-up appointments for a smooth recovery
What Are the Treatment Options for Addressing Sagging Jowls and Turkey Neck?
If excess fat is the primary concern, chin and neck liposuction is a popular choice. Liposuction can remove excess fat deposits in the neck area, providing a smoother and more defined neck contour. It is a relatively painless and quick procedure with minimal downtime. However, it’s important to note that liposuction alone cannot address loose skin. For older patients with reduced skin elasticity, a combination of liposuction and a mini neck lift may be recommended. This approach allows for the removal of both excess fat and hanging skin under the neck, resulting in a more radiant appearance. Additionally, consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon will help determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs and desired outcomes.
Book a Consultation
Book a consultation with Dr Mark Doyle, Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He can help you find out the best solution for you to reduce the appearance of sagging jowls.
Medical References
- The Aesthetic Jaw Line: Management of The Aging Jowl
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
