Sagging Skin and Jowls Treatment
Sagging Skin & Jowls
Sagging skin and jowls are common facial concerns that can develop gradually as the skin and deeper facial tissues change over time. You may notice heaviness through the lower face, a softer jawline or skin around the cheeks and jaw that no longer feels as firm as it once did.
These changes vary between individuals. Genetics, skin quality, facial structure, sun exposure, changes in facial support and weight changes can all influence how the lower face ages.
At Face and Body Adelaide, we assess sagging skin and jowls as part of the whole lower face. Understanding whether the main concern is skin laxity, changes in facial support, under-chin fullness or a combination of factors helps guide an individual treatment plan.
What Causes Sagging Skin & Jowls?
Jowls describe sagging or heaviness along the lower cheeks and jawline. They can soften the transition between the face and neck and make the jawline appear less defined.
Several factors may contribute.
Loss Of Skin Elasticity
Collagen and elastin contribute to skin firmness and elasticity. These structural components change with age, while cumulative sun exposure can also contribute to visible skin ageing. As the skin becomes less firm, laxity may become more noticeable around the lower face and jawline.
Changes In Facial Support & Volume
Changes in facial fat distribution and deeper structural support can alter how soft tissue sits over the face. In some people, changes through the midface may contribute to heaviness lower in the face.
Facial Structure, Genetics & Weight Changes
Natural chin projection, jaw shape and facial structure can influence how jowls appear. Genetics also affects how and when facial ageing becomes visible. Significant or repeated weight changes may further affect facial volume and skin firmness.
Sagging Skin Or Jawline Definition?
Sagging skin and reduced jawline definition can look similar but are not always the same concern.
Jowls primarily involve tissue laxity and heaviness developing around the lower face. In contrast, someone may have relatively firm skin but naturally have a smaller chin or softer jawline structure.
If your main concern is chin shape, projection or jawline proportions rather than sagging, our Chin & Jawline Definition page may be more relevant. If fullness beneath the chin is the main concern, see our Double Chin page.
Treatment Options For Sagging Skin & Jowls
Treatment depends on the degree and cause of the concern, skin quality, facial anatomy, medical history and individual goals.
Non-surgical treatments have limitations and should not be expected to reproduce the results of surgical lifting procedures. Depending on assessment, one or more approaches may be discussed.
HIFU For Skin Laxity
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) delivers focused ultrasound energy at selected tissue depths.
For suitable patients, HIFU may be considered where reduced tissue firmness contributes to lower-face or jawline concerns. Suitability and the degree of change vary between individuals.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. It may be considered where skin quality, texture and mild laxity contribute to the appearance of the lower face.
The most appropriate treatment settings and expected recovery depend on individual assessment.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing & Skin Quality
Where sagging is accompanied by visible skin ageing, fine lines or textural changes, CO2 laser resurfacing may sometimes form part of a broader skin rejuvenation plan.
Laser resurfacing and tissue-tightening treatments address different concerns, so treatment should be selected according to the individual indication.
Facial Support & Combination Planning
In some people, changes in facial support or volume contribute to lower-face heaviness. A whole-face assessment can consider the cheeks, chin, jawline and facial proportions rather than focusing only on the visible jowl.
Some cosmetic procedures may involve prescription-only medicines. These are not advertised on this page and, where relevant, can only be considered following an appropriate clinical consultation, assessment and prescribing process.
Where several factors contribute, a staged approach may sometimes be considered. More treatment is not necessarily better; each treatment should have a clear indication.
Can Non-Surgical Treatment Remove Jowls Completely?
Non-surgical treatment should not be expected to completely remove significant jowls or reproduce the result of surgery.
For appropriately selected patients, non-surgical options may be considered to address particular aspects of skin quality, firmness or lower-face ageing.
The degree of change varies according to the severity of laxity, skin quality, facial anatomy and treatment selected. Where laxity is more advanced or a substantial lifting effect is desired, a surgical opinion may be more appropriate.
Who May Consider A Consultation?
You may wish to have an assessment if you are concerned about early or established jowls, sagging around the lower cheeks, reduced jawline definition associated with laxity, loose lower-face skin or age-related changes in facial firmness.
A consultation can help determine what is contributing to the concern and whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate.
What Happens During Your Consultation?
Your assessment may consider your medical history, previous cosmetic procedures, skin quality, degree of tissue laxity, facial volume distribution, chin and jawline structure, under-chin fullness and your treatment goals.
Your practitioner can explain which concerns may realistically be addressed with non-surgical treatment and which may not.
Where treatment is considered, potential benefits, limitations, risks, alternatives and expected recovery will be discussed before you decide whether to proceed.
Risks & Considerations
All cosmetic procedures have potential risks and limitations.
Depending on the treatment selected, temporary effects may include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, discomfort or temporary changes in sensation. Some procedures can involve uncommon but potentially significant complications.
Treatment-specific risks and alternatives will be discussed during consultation. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Do Jowls Usually Start?
There is no particular age. Genetics, facial structure, skin quality, sun exposure, weight changes and natural ageing all influence when lower-face laxity becomes noticeable.
Why Is My Jawline Becoming Less Defined?
Reduced jawline definition can result from skin laxity, changes in facial support, under-chin fullness or natural facial structure. An assessment can help identify the main contributing factors.
Can HIFU Help With Jowls?
HIFU may be considered for suitable patients where tissue laxity contributes to lower-face concerns. It is not appropriate for everyone, and outcomes vary.
Is RF Microneedling Suitable For Sagging Skin?
RF microneedling may be considered where skin quality, texture and mild laxity contribute to the concern. Suitability depends on your skin, anatomy and treatment goals.
Do I Need Skin Tightening Or Facial Balancing?
If the main concern is sagging or laxity, a lower-face ageing assessment may be most relevant. If the skin is relatively firm but you are concerned about chin projection, jawline shape or facial proportions, a Chin & Jawline Definition or Facial Balancing assessment may be more appropriate.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There is no standard number of treatments. The treatment course depends on the concern, procedure selected, degree of laxity and individual response.
Sagging Skin & Jowls Treatment In Adelaide
If you are searching for sagging skin or jowls treatment in Adelaide, Face and Body Adelaide provides personalised assessment of lower-face ageing, skin laxity and reduced jawline definition.
We consider the skin, facial support, chin, jawline and under-chin area rather than treating the visible jowl in isolation. Our approach is consultation-led, with realistic discussion of what non-surgical treatment may and may not achieve.
Book A Consultation
If you are concerned about sagging skin, jowls or changes to your lower face, you can book a consultation with Face and Body Adelaide.
Your consultation provides an opportunity to understand the factors contributing to your concern and discuss whether treatment is appropriate. Expected outcomes, limitations, potential risks, recovery and alternatives will be discussed before you decide whether to proceed.