Awoman in a bathrobe examines her reflection in the bathroom mirror
Awoman in a bathrobe examines her reflection in the bathroom mirror

Can You Reverse Sagging Jowls?

If you’ve looked in the mirror recently and noticed your jawline isn’t as defined as it used to be, you’re certainly not alone. Sagging jowls are a common concern as we age, often leading to frustration or self-consciousness. When the skin around your jawline loses its elasticity, it can cause the lower face to sag, leaving you asking, “Can I do something about this?”

The good news is, yes—you can! Thanks to advancements in cosmetic treatments, surgical and non-surgical options can help restore a firmer, more youthful jawline. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your appearance, and we’re here to provide personalized solutions to help you achieve just that.

This post will explore the causes of sagging jowls and the treatments available to help you reclaim your youthful, defined look.

Ready to restore your jawline? Contact Wave Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and explore the most effective treatment options for sagging jowls.

Call 888-674-3001

Surgical Options for Sagging Jowls

If you have more advanced sagging, surgical treatments often provide the most effective and lasting results. At Wave Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County, we offer a variety of procedures tailored to lift and redefine the jawline, restoring a more youthful appearance. The surgical options can help you achieve long-lasting, dramatic improvements.

Cropped view of woman with painted lines on face for plastic surgery

If you have more advanced sagging, surgical treatments often provide the most effective and lasting results. 

At Wave Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of procedures tailored to lift and redefine the jawline, restoring a natural, youthful appearance. These surgical treatments can help you achieve long-lasting, dramatic improvements.

1. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift is one of the most powerful surgical solutions for addressing sagging jowls. This procedure tightens the skin, muscles, and underlying tissues in the lower face and neck, helping restore a firm and youthful jawline.

Can You Reverse Sagging Jowls? facelift 13a 1
  • How it works: Through discreet incisions, the surgeon lifts and tightens the skin and underlying muscles, removing excess skin to create a smoother, more defined jawline.
  • Results: Long-lasting results that can endure for ten years or more with proper care.
  • Ideal for: Moderate to severe sagging jowls, especially in those seeking comprehensive rejuvenation.

Learn More About Facelifts

2. Neck Lift

A neck lift specifically targets sagging skin and muscles in the neck and along the jawline. For patients looking for more dramatic, overall results, this procedure is often combined with a facelift.

  • How it works: The surgeon tightens the skin and underlying muscles in the neck and jawline area, removing excess skin to create a firmer, youthful appearance.
  • Results: A smoother, more contoured jawline with long-lasting effects.
  • Ideal for: Moderate to severe sagging in both the jowls and neck.

Learn More About Neck Lifts

3. Chin and Jawline Augmentation

Chin and jawline augmentation involves implants or fat transfer to add volume and structure to the lower face. Enhancing the chin or jawline helps to balance facial proportions and reduce the appearance of sagging jowls.

Chin Augmentation before and after
  • How it works: Implants or fat grafts are strategically placed to enhance the natural structure of the chin and jawline, creating a more defined and balanced lower face.
  • Results: Permanent improvements that enhance facial harmony and definition.
  • Ideal for: Individuals looking to add structure and definition to their lower face while reducing the appearance of jowls.

Learn More About Chin Augmentation

4. Buccal Fat Removal

While buccal fat removal doesn’t directly address jowls, it can refine the contour of the lower face by removing excess fat from the cheeks, indirectly improving the jawline’s definition and reducing the appearance of sagging.

  • How it works: Fat is carefully removed from the lower cheeks, creating a slimmer, more sculpted appearance that enhances the jawline.
  • Results: Permanent excess cheek fat reduction leads to a more refined and defined jawline.
  • Ideal for: Individuals with fuller cheeks and mild sagging looking to improve overall facial contour.

Learn More About Buccal Fat Removal

Schedule Your Consultation. Contact Wave Plastic Surgery to explore personalized solutions for sagging jowls. Our board-certified surgeons will recommend the best treatment options to help you achieve your anti-aging goals.

Call 888-674-3001

Non-Surgical Treatments for Sagging Jowls

If you’re not quite ready to consider surgery, plenty of non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments can effectively address mild to moderate sagging jowls. 

At Wave Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Newport Beach, we offer several non-surgical options to lift and tighten the jawline, providing natural-looking results with little to no downtime. Here are some of the most popular treatments:

1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid fillers, are a great option for restoring lost volume in the cheeks and jawline. This helps lift sagging jowls and improve overall facial contours.

ALLERGAN FILLERS
  • How it works: Fillers are injected into areas with volume loss to create a smoother jawline.
  • Results: You’ll see immediate improvements, and depending on the type of filler used, the results can last 6 to 18 months.
  • Ideal for: Mild to moderate sagging.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers

2. Botox

While Botox is best known for treating wrinkles, it can also help with sagging jowls by relaxing specific muscles that contribute to drooping. A few injections can give your face a subtle lift.

  • How it works: Botox injections relax the muscles, pulling the jowls downward and creating a smoother jawline.
  • Results: Results last around 3 to 6 months.
  • Ideal for: Mild sagging or early signs of jowling.

Learn More About Botox

3. Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. This naturally tightens and lifts the skin along the jawline and neck.

Can You Reverse Sagging Jowls? ultherapy
  • How it works: Ultrasound energy penetrates the skin to stimulate collagen production, gradually tightening and lifting the skin over time.
  • Results: You’ll notice gradual improvements over 2 to 3 months, with results lasting up to a year or more.
  • Ideal for: Mild to moderate sagging.

Learn More About Ultherapy

4. Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments, like InMode, use controlled heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten loose skin. These treatments can be especially effective on the lower face and neck.

  • How it works: RF energy heats the deeper layers of the skin to boost collagen production and tighten sagging skin.
  • Results: Gradual tightening over a few months, with effects lasting up to 12 months.
  • Ideal for: Mild to moderate sagging.

Learn More About Radiofrequency Treatments

Schedule Your Consultation. Contact Wave Plastic Surgery to learn about our non-surgical options for sagging jowls and other aging concerns. Our board-certified surgeons will recommend the best treatments tailored to your needs.

Call 888-674-3001

What Causes Sagging Jowls?

Sagging jowls are a common concern that many people experience as they age. The skin, muscles, and underlying tissues around the jawline naturally lose their firmness over time, and several factors can contribute to this:

  • Aging: Our skin produces less collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep it firm and resilient as we age. The gradual decline of these essential proteins leads to sagging skin.
  • Loss of muscle tone: As we age, the muscles around the jawline weaken, reducing their ability to support the skin and soft tissues, causing the area to sag or droop.
  • Genetics: Some of us are more prone to developing sagging jowls due to our genetic makeup. You may notice it earlier or more prominently if it runs in your family.
  • Sun exposure: Years of sun exposure can speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature sagging and wrinkles.
  • Weight fluctuations: Significant weight changes, whether through loss or gain, can stretch the skin and affect its elasticity, contributing to sagging around the jawline.
  • Lifestyle factors: Habits like smoking and not maintaining a proper skincare routine can also contribute to the development of jowls.

While these factors are common, the good news is that several treatments can help reverse or improve the appearance of sagging jowls. With today’s cosmetic advancements, solutions are more accessible than ever.

Can You Prevent Sagging Jowls?

While preventing sagging jowls completely might not be possible, you can take several proactive steps to slow down the process and maintain a firmer jawline for longer.

Woman putting on skincare products and smiling

Incorporating these habits into your routine can make a noticeable difference over time:

1. Prioritize Your Skincare Routine

Using the right skincare products can help your skin stay firm and youthful. Look for products that promote collagen production, like retinoids and vitamin C serums. These can boost skin elasticity and slow down the effects of aging.

2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Daily sun protection is one of the best defenses against sagging jowls. UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, so wearing sunscreen daily—regardless of the weather—helps shield your skin from premature aging.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

How you care for your overall health plays a crucial role in the appearance of your skin. Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and eating a balanced diet of antioxidants can improve skin health and prevent premature sagging.

4. Consider Non-Surgical Maintenance

For those looking for a little extra help, regular non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy or dermal fillers can help maintain skin firmness. These treatments stimulate collagen production and can delay the need for more invasive procedures.

Ready to Revitalize Your Jawline?

Side view of cropped woman with beautiful skin touching chin

If sagging jowls are affecting your confidence, don’t wait to explore the available solutions. At Wave Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Laguna Beach, we offer a range of advanced non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a subtle lift or a complete transformation, our team of experts is here to help you achieve a more youthful, defined jawline.

Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation and discover the best treatment options for restoring your confidence and enhancing your appearance.

Call 888-674-3001

Picture of Ben Lee

Ben Lee

Dr. Lee received his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology with highest honors from the University of Colorado in Boulder. He went on to earn his M.D. with highest honors from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, followed by his MBA from the University of Colorado Denver. He completed his surgical internship at the University of California at San Francisco. Going on to train in otolaryngology/head & neck surgery at Duke University Medical Center, working closely with the plastic surgeons during his head and neck residency inspired him to continue training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. After this specialized training, Dr. Lee went on to become Board Certified in Plastic Surgery.

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With a wide range of breast, body, and face procedures, our goal at Wave Plastic Surgery is to allow for all of our patients to achieve their ideal appearance, no matter their age or ethnicity. Our doctors all have extensive experience working with patients of all different backgrounds and have developed expertise in Asian plastic surgery procedures such as eyelid and nose surgery. We work with all sorts of men and women—both local to the Los Angeles area and from far out of town—to help find the right procedure to help them reach their goals.

Wave Plastic Surgery offers an inclusive menu of non-surgical treatment options that will cover all types of anti-aging and skin concerns from wrinkles, sagging skin, hair loss, women’s health, poor skin texture, large pores, skin discoloration, Rosacea, acne, scars, volume loss, and aging hands, neck and chest.