How to Lift and Tighten Jowls: Your Complete Guide to Lower Face Ageing

How to Get Rid of Jowls: Understanding Your Options

Jowls(the heaviness/sagging skin that droops below the jawline) are one of the most common concerns we hear about at Fresh Aesthetics & Skin. While they’re a natural part of the ageing process, they can affect the overall contour and definition of the lower face, making patients feel less confident in their appearance.

So, how do you get rid of jowls? The answer depends on several factors including how advanced the sagging is, your skin quality, and what kind of result you’re looking for. Below, we’ll break down the most effective options available, from surgical to non-surgical treatments.

Surgical Options: The Gold Standard for Jowl Correction

For those seeking the most dramatic and long-lasting results, a surgical facelift remains the gold standard for treating jowls and lower face sagging. A facelift physically lifts and repositions the deep tissues of the face, restoring a more youthful contour to the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

While it’s a more invasive option requiring downtime and a higher financial investment, the results can last 10–15 years and offer a level of correction that non-surgical methods simply can’t achieve. For patients with significant skin laxity or heavy jowls, a facelift may be the most appropriate and effective choice.

Often jowls are accompanied by loss of neck contour. In this case a combined face and neck lift will give the best results.

Non-Surgical Options: Minimally Invasive Ways to Tackle Jowls

While non-surgical treatments cannot produce the same outcomes as a facelift, they can still provide improvements in early to moderate cases, especially when used preventatively or in combination.

Dermal Filler to Disguise Jowls

One of the most effective non-surgical methods is strategic use of dermal filler. Rather than injecting into the jowl itself, we often place filler in front of and behind the jowls, to the chin and jawline. This disguises the appearance of sagging and restore lost definition by blending the jowls into the jawline. This approach doesn’t lift the tissue but it can create a smoother, more contoured appearance that balances the lower face.

Sculptra for Long-Term Collagen Stimulation

Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable that works gradually over time to firm and improve skin structure, particularly in the lateral face. While it doesn’t lift the jowls as such, it strengthens the skin and slows the progression of sagging, making it an excellent preventative option for patients in their 30s to 50s. Think of it as building better scaffolding beneath the skin improving support, therefore slowing down the ageing process.

Threads for Skin Repositioning

PDO threads/thread lifts offer a minimally invasive way to subtly reposition the skin and tissues. Tiny threads are inserted under the skin to provide a lifting effect and stimulate collagen over time. While the results are subtle and temporary (typically lasting 12–18 months), they can be a useful option for the right patient especially when combined with other treatments like filler or skin tightening.

Energy-Based Devices for Skin Tightening

Energy-based treatments are designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production through heat, eg radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, and microneedling RF. These treatments help tighten and firm the skin gradually, but it’s important to set realistic expectations: they won’t lift deep jowls, but they can improve skin texture, elasticity, and mild laxity over time.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best treatment for jowls is always personalised. At Fresh Aesthetics, our expert team led by Dr. Jayne (aesthetics)and Dr. Brian (skin), takes a holistic, medical-led approach to facial ageing. We assess not just the jowls, but the whole face structure, skin health, and ageing patterns to create a bespoke plan that works for you.

Book a consultation to find out what’s possible for your unique facial anatomy and take the first step towards a fresher, more confident you.

Don’t Forget: Prevention Starts With Skin Health

A strong skincare foundation is key to slowing the signs of ageing. Our digital skin analysis is the perfect place to start if you’re not sure where to begin. We’ll assess your skin in detail and provide a tailored routine to support firmness, hydration, and long-term collagen health.