As you age, you may notice sagging skin near your jawline. While this loose tissue is perfectly harmless, you might find yourself missing your chiseled jawline. The good news is you don’t have to let gravity win this round! Whether you’re considering non-invasive treatments, simple exercises, or even surgery, there are various ways to combat jowls and regain a more youthful contour. 

Stick around as we look at the most effective methods to say goodbye to jowls and hello to a firmer, tighter jawline.

What exactly are jowls, and what causes them? 

Jowls are the sagging bits of skin and fat under your jawline that become more prominent as you age. So what exactly makes them show up uninvited? There are quite a few culprits. First, fat can start shifting around your jawbone, reducing the appearance of your defined jawline.¹ Then, your face’s support system, the tissues, can weaken over time, leading to—you guessed it—jowls.

Ever heard of something called the “mandibular septum?” It’s like your jawline’s backstage crew—if it falters, fat can flow more freely across your jawbone,² giving jowls a stage to shine on. And let’s remember your skin’s elasticity. As we get older, our skin just doesn’t have that youthful snap-back it used to, contributing to the appearance of jowls.

Oh, and don’t underestimate what thinning tissues and a little loss of bone in your jaw can do; they can make jowls even more noticeable. And last but not least, if the tissues in your midface decide to take a bit of southward vacation (i.e. undergo midface descent), the sagging only intensifies.³

Now, jowls aren’t going to harm your health, but if they’re affecting your confidence, you’ve got options for dealing with them!

The latest treatments for jowls 

So you’re looking for the latest and greatest ways to tackle those jowls? Let’s look at some of the most effective and popular treatments.

ATX-101 (Kybella)

When injected by a trained professional, this treatment specifically targets and breaks down the fat beneath your chin and jawline.⁴ Your body’s natural waste removal systems gradually process the fat cells. The beauty of ATX-101 is its nonsurgical nature, and it has been studied rigorously. However, you must have this done by a certified healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and effective. Multiple sessions are typically involved, so you must commit to the process for the best results.⁵ It may be a solid choice for those who want to avoid the operating table.

Surgical liposuction

For those who prefer a quicker approach, surgical liposuction has stood the test of time. This method reduces jowl fat and can also tackle neck fat you might find bothersome. The procedure has advanced over the years, and the incidence of adverse reactions is notably low, making it a generally safe and effective surgical option.⁶

Thread lifting

If you’re open to a semi-invasive option but not quite ready for full-blown surgery, thread lifting might be your answer. Special threads are inserted under your skin, acting like a scaffold to help lift sagging areas. These threads may also help stimulate collagen production, enhancing the effect over time.⁷ It offers a unique blend of immediate and long-term results that can be quite appealing, though this treatment does carry risks that need to be considered.

Radiofrequency (RF)

If you’re a total no-go on anything that pierces the skin, then radiofrequency is another option. This non-invasive technique tightens skin by stimulating collagen production from the inside out. RF uses controlled heat to achieve this, but don’t worry—this process is well-regulated to avoid harming your skin’s surface. It’s a low-risk option that many find effective for mild to moderate skin laxity.⁸

Lasers

Lasers are not just for sci-fi anymore; they’ve made their way into the cosmetic world! Endolift lasers, in particular, have been shown to help improve the quality of the skin, making it thicker, denser, and more elastic. Around 90% of patients in studies reported good to excellent results, highlighting the effectiveness of this treatment for jowls.⁹

Facial exercises

Last but not least, let’s talk about the most budget-friendly option—facial exercises. These aren’t your average face stretches; these exercises, mainly when using devices like the Pao, have been shown to help improve jawline contour through increasing muscle thickness.¹⁰ It’s a great at-home, non-invasive technique that may be beneficial for lower face concerns. 

The approach to treating sagging jowls could vary based on several factors, such as pain tolerance, budget, and how fast you want to see results. Always consult a medical professional for personalized advice. The good news is, that there are more options than ever for tackling jowls, each with its advantages and considerations.

There you have it! You’re now armed with the latest intel in the fight against jowls. Choose your treatment wisely—ideally with the help of a dermatology provider!

Get personalized skincare and expert advice

If you’re diving into the world of skincare, especially for issues like dark spots or fine lines, it's always beneficial to get expert advice tailored just for you. 

That’s where personalized skincare services like Curology come in handy.

While jowling is generally a concern requiring in-person consultation for treatments like injections or surgery, Curology can offer topical solutions for other skin issues you might be dealing with such as acne or fine lines. 

We understand that skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. After a proper assessment by a dermatology provider, we can recommend a treatment plan best suited for your individual needs. We offer a complete set with a cleanser and moisturizer designed to work hand-in-hand with your personalized treatment. And our Future-ProofRx for anti-aging can help address your skincare concerns with anti-aging ingredients that are customized for you.

So, professional advice is invaluable, whether it’s jowls that are bothering you or other skin woes like dark spots or fine lines. After all, you have unique skin, and it deserves unique care. With services like Curology, that specialized care is just a click away.

Enhance your skincare routine with Curology today.

Ready to up your skincare game? With Curology, you'll get personalized treatments for everything from fine lines to acne. Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all; your skin deserves the best. 

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P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Shridharani, S.M. Novel Surface Anatomic Landmarks of the Jowl to Guide Treatment with ATX-101. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. (2019, October 10).

2. Shridharani, S.M. Novel Surface Anatomic Landmarks of the Jowl to Guide Treatment with ATX-101. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Ibid.

3. Shridharani, S.M. Novel Surface Anatomic Landmarks of the Jowl to Guide Treatment with ATX-101. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Ibid.

4. Shridharani, S.M. Improvement in Jowl Fat following ATX-101 Treatment: Results from a Single-Site Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. (April 2020).

5. Shridharani, S.M. Novel Surface Anatomic Landmarks of the Jowl to Guide Treatment with ATX-101. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Ibid.

6. Langdon, R.C. Liposuction of neck and jowls: five-incision method combining machine-assisted and syringe aspiration. Dermatol Surg. (April 2000).

7. Kalra, R. Use of barbed threads in facial rejuvenation. Indian J Plast Surg. (October 2008).

8. Elsaie, M.L. Cutaneous remodeling and photorejuvenation using radiofrequency devices. Indian J Dermatol. (July-September 2009).

9. Nilforoushzadeh, M.A., et al. Endolift laser for jowl fat reduction: clinical evaluation and biometric measurement. Lasers Med Sci. (July 2022).

10. Hwang, U.J., et al. Effect of a Facial Muscle Exercise Device on Facial Rejuvenation. Aesthet Surg J. (April 2018).

Kristen Jokela is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Kristen Jokela, NP-C