How to Get Rid of Jowls: Best Treatments for a Sharper Jawline

• August 25, 2025
• Richard Hanson

Last updated on April 13, 2026

Jowls (the sagging skin that forms along the lower cheeks and jawline) are one of the most common concerns among patients seeking facial rejuvenation. As we age, it’s natural for the lower face to lose definition.

However, for many people, the appearance of jowls can feel premature or more pronounced than expected. The good news is that a range of prevention strategies and treatment options exist to address sagging jowls, from lifestyle support to advanced surgical techniques.

In this latest blog post, we explore what causes jowls, how to reduce their appearance and when it might be time to consider a surgical solution. Whether you’re just starting to notice subtle sagging or seeking a more defined jawline, this guide will help you make informed choices.

What Are Jowls and Why Do They Form?

Jowls refer to the soft, sagging tissue that forms along the jawline as a result of skin laxity, fat redistribution and gravity. While they develop at different rates for different people, they’re most often associated with the natural ageing process.

Several factors contribute to the formation of jowls:

• Loss of collagen and elastin: With age, the skin’s support structure weakens, reducing firmness and elasticity.
• Fat descent: Facial fat pads shift downward over time, particularly in the mid and lower face.
• Bone resorption: The jawbone gradually loses volume, reducing structural support under the skin.
• Lifestyle influences: Smoking, sun exposure, repetitive facial movements and significant weight loss can all accelerate sagging jowls.
• Genetics: Some individuals are more predisposed to early jowl formation based on their facial anatomy and skin type.

Understanding the cause helps inform the most effective approach to managing jowls, whether through prevention or treatment.

Prevention Tips to Minimise Future Sagging

While jowls can’t be prevented entirely, these steps may help delay their onset:

• Wear SPF daily – protects collagen and slows skin ageing
• Avoid smoking – reduces collagen breakdown and poor circulation
• Keep weight stable – prevents skin stretching from fluctuations.
• Stay hydrated and eat well – supports skin repair and firmness
• Sleep well and manage stress – aids skin regeneration
• Use quality skincare – retinoids and antioxidants help maintain elasticity

These habits can support long-term skin health and reduce the severity of jowls over time.

How to Get Rid of Jowls: Your Options

Once sagging jowls have formed, the most effective treatments depend on their severity and the underlying cause. While topical skincare may support overall skin health, moderate to severe jowls typically require structural repositioning to restore a more defined jawline.

Surgical Treatments

Deep Plane Facelift

Unlike traditional facelifts that only tighten the skin, a deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues, including the SMAS layer, to correct sagging at its source. This technique provides natural-looking results by lifting both the cheek and jawline areas simultaneously, making it one of the most effective options for jowls treatment.

The procedure restores volume where it has descended and smooths out folds, resulting in a firmer lower face and sharper jaw contour.

Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift targets excess skin and muscle laxity in the lower face and neck. When jowls are accompanied by a sagging neck or undefined jawline, this procedure tightens the platysma muscles, removes loose skin and refines the jaw and chin area. It is often performed alongside or instead of a facelift, depending on the pattern of ageing and anatomical concerns.

Both surgical options are tailored to the individual and can be discussed during a comprehensive consultation.

Non-Surgical or At-Home Strategies (For Mild Sagging)

While non-surgical options won’t reverse moderate to severe jowls, they may be useful in the early stages:

• Facial exercises or massage: May improve circulation and support muscle tone, though clinical evidence is limited.
• Topical firming serums: Ingredients like peptides and retinoids can help improve skin texture but won’t lift tissue.
• Healthy lifestyle habits: Consistency with hydration, sleep, and skincare remains important for maintaining results over time.

For patients considering non-invasive treatments, it’s important to understand their limitations. Surgical intervention remains the most definitive solution for eliminating sagging jowls.

When to Consider Professional Treatment

If jowls have become more than a subtle change and are affecting facial definition or symmetry, it may be time to consider a surgical consultation.

Professional treatment is especially worth considering if:

• You have deep folds or loose skin around the jaw and chin
• Non-surgical methods have had little to no effect
• You are seeking long-lasting, natural-looking results

A tailored assessment will help determine the most appropriate approach — whether a facelift, neck lift, or combination of both. At The Hanson Clinic, we work with each patient to address their specific concerns and develop a surgical plan that enhances natural facial balance.

Final Thoughts

Sagging jowls are a natural part of the ageing process, but they don’t have to be permanent. By understanding the causes and applying preventive strategies early, it’s possible to delay their development.

For those already noticing a loss of definition in the lower face, procedures like the deep plane facelift or neck lift offer reliable and transformative solutions. Professional assessment is key (especially when considering surgical options), and early intervention often leads to the most natural outcomes.

How to schedule a consultation

To book an appointment with Mr Hanson, please call us on 0873735089
or 01-526-2235, email us at richard.hanson@imeddoc.net, or complete an online form via our website.

FAQs

What causes sagging jowls and how can they be treated?

Sagging jowls are primarily caused by ageing, collagen loss, fat descent and reduced skin elasticity. Mild cases may benefit from lifestyle changes, but more advanced jowls often require a facelift or neck lift.

Does a neck lift help get rid of jowls?

Yes, a neck lift can significantly reduce the appearance of jowls by tightening loose skin and underlying muscles around the jawline and neck. It’s particularly effective when sagging extends below the chin.

What is the best treatment for jowls in Ireland?

For moderate to severe jowls, surgical procedures like the deep plane facelift or neck lift are considered the most effective options. Treatment choice depends on individual anatomy and goals.

Are there non-surgical ways to reduce the appearance of jowls?

Some non-surgical options like skincare, facial massage and lifestyle changes may help in the early stages. However, these methods do not offer the same degree of structural lift as surgery.

How long does it take to recover from a facelift for jowls?

Initial recovery from a facelift typically takes 2–6 weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually subsiding. Full healing and final results may take several months.

This article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.