As we age, sagging jowls can be one of the first signs that our skin is losing its elasticity. They can give the face a heavier, older look, and for many, this change around the jawline feels at odds with how they feel inside. The good news? There are a variety of effective treatments available, both surgical and non-surgical, to help lift and define the lower face. In this post, we’ll explore the best treatments available for sagging jowls so that you can decide which approach best suits your needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Sagging Jowls
- Radiofrequency Microneedling (Virtue RF)
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, like the Virtue RF, combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. The RF energy heats underlying tissue, promoting a firming and tightening effect over time, making it ideal for those with mild jowl sagging.
- Best for: Mild to moderate sagging.
- Downtime: Mild redness and swelling for a day or two.
- Results: Gradual, improving over 3-6 months as new collagen forms.
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, like the Virtue RF, combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. The RF energy heats underlying tissue, promoting a firming and tightening effect over time, making it ideal for those with mild jowl sagging.
- Dermal FillersÂ
- Â Dermal fillers can provide a quick lift to sagging jowls by restoring lost volume in the cheeks and around the jawline. By filling these areas, fillers create a subtle lift, reducing the appearance of jowls and creating a more youthful contour.
- Best for: Early signs of sagging.
- Downtime: Minimal, with some mild swelling or bruising.
- Results: Immediate, lasting from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used.
- Â Dermal fillers can provide a quick lift to sagging jowls by restoring lost volume in the cheeks and around the jawline. By filling these areas, fillers create a subtle lift, reducing the appearance of jowls and creating a more youthful contour.
- Botox for Jawline Contouring
-  While Botox doesn’t lift sagging skin, it can contour the jawline by relaxing the masseter muscles, making the jawline look slimmer and more sculpted.
- Best For: Those looking to soften a square jawline and improve overall facial harmony.
- Pros: Quick and effective with no recovery time.
- Cons: Results last 3-6 months and do not address significant sagging.
-  While Botox doesn’t lift sagging skin, it can contour the jawline by relaxing the masseter muscles, making the jawline look slimmer and more sculpted.
- Renuvion (J-Plasma) Skin Tightening (Non-Surgical & Surgical)
- Renuvion combines helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to create controlled tissue contraction, tightening the skin from within. This treatment is often paired with liposuction for optimal contouring and can provide noticeable improvement in the appearance of jowls. This can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- Best for: Moderate sagging and those seeking a more defined jawline without a facelift.
- Downtime: Mild swelling, with results improving over several months.
- Results: Long-lasting, with significant tightening visible over 6-12 months.
- Renuvion combines helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to create controlled tissue contraction, tightening the skin from within. This treatment is often paired with liposuction for optimal contouring and can provide noticeable improvement in the appearance of jowls. This can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Surgical Treatments for Sagging Jowls
- Facelift/Deep Plane FaceliftÂ
- For more advanced signs of aging, a deep plane facelift offers the most comprehensive rejuvenation. This technique lifts deeper facial layers, giving dramatic and natural results that can last over a decade.
- Best for: Significant sagging and jowling.
- Downtime: 2-3 weeks for most people, with final results visible after several months.
- Results: Long-lasting, with some patients experiencing results for up to 15 years.
- For more advanced signs of aging, a deep plane facelift offers the most comprehensive rejuvenation. This technique lifts deeper facial layers, giving dramatic and natural results that can last over a decade.
- Mini Facelift
- A mini-facelift targets the lower half of the face, including the jowls and jawline. The surgeon lifts and repositions underlying tissue, creating a more youthful contour with longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical options.
- Best for: Moderate to severe sagging.
- Downtime: 1-2 weeks, depending on the individual.
- Results: Long-lasting (typically 5-10 years or more).
- A mini-facelift targets the lower half of the face, including the jowls and jawline. The surgeon lifts and repositions underlying tissue, creating a more youthful contour with longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical options.
- Neck Lift
- Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift focuses on tightening the skin and muscles around the neck and jawline. This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of sagging jowls.
- Best For: Patients with sagging jowls and excess skin under the chin and neck.
- Pros: Long-lasting results and a smooth, youthful neck and jawline.
- Cons: Requires surgery and recovery time.
- Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift focuses on tightening the skin and muscles around the neck and jawline. This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of sagging jowls.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
When it comes to treating sagging jowls, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice depends on several factors, including the severity of the sagging, your age, skin quality, and your personal preferences regarding downtime and longevity of results. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon or an experienced aesthetic specialist is essential to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Schedule a Consultation in Washington, D.C.
At West End Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of options, from non-surgical skin-tightening treatments to surgical lifts. Book a consultation today to discover the best approach for your unique needs and reclaim a youthful, defined jawline! If you’re ready to learn more, contact West End Plastic Surgery at  202-785-4187 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Your journey to a more sculpted body starts here.