How to Fix Jowls: Your Guide to a Firmer Jawline

Jowls—sagging skin and fat along the jawline—show aging. Several treatments are available to lift and firm your jawline.  Let’s consider what may work for you.

What Causes Jowls?

Jowls show when skin and fat droop along the jaw, softening your face’s shape. Aging plays a big role: collagen and elastin production slow, skin that has been stretched by decades of jaw movement relaxes and settles. Gravity pulls cheek fat and skin downward across the  jawline squaring off the shape of the lower face. Genetics might mean you’re more likely to get them early if your family has them. Sun exposure, smoking, or big weight changes also speed up sagging. Here’s a quick look:

Understanding these triggers helps you choose the best way to tackle jowls.

Non-Surgical Options to Lift Jowls

Looking for quicker results without surgery? We offer non-surgical treatments at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery that can help tighten skin and reshape your jawline with little downtime.

Fillers for a Quick Lift

Dermal fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, add volume to your cheeks or jaw, lifting sagging areas. Our team in San Diego uses fillers to smooth jowls, with results you’ll see right away. They typically last 6–18 months, depending on the type. Here’s what to know:

Our experienced providers ensure safe, natural-looking results. It’s a great option if you want a fast lift without surgery.

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Firmness

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical option we provide to help with jowls. It uses targeted light to stimulate collagen production, tightening the skin over time. Sessions take about an hour, with results building over a few months. It’s ideal for mild jowls, with minimal redness afterward. Ask us these questions during your consult:

• How many sessions will I need for my skin?
• What’s the best aftercare for quick recovery?
• Can this be combined with fillers for better results?

Our San Diego team is here to customize a plan that fits your needs.

Surgical Solutions for Lasting Results

For more significant jowls, surgery can offer dramatic, long-lasting results. At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, we specialize in procedures like facelifts and neck lifts to address sagging skin and redefine your jawline. A facelift tightens the lower face, while a neck lift focuses on the area beneath the chin, often targeting jowls directly. These surgeries involve removing excess skin and tightening tissues, but they require a few weeks of recovery.

Our board-certified surgeon will guide you through every step, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed. If you’re considering surgery, book a consultation to discuss what’s best for you—it’s ideal when other options aren’t enough.

At-Home Ways to Tighten Jowls

You can start at home with professional quality skin care that maintains skin firmness and elasticity. Proven essentials include:

• Tretinoin Cream: Dab on a pea-sized amount at night to boost collagen. Start 2–3 times a week to avoid redness.  Our GOLD prescription is best for this.
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Use morning and night for a hydrated, smoother look.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Apply daily, even indoors, to block UV damage that causes sagging.

Consider moisturizing with a cream that has antioxidants like vitamin C. 

Keeping Jowls at Bay

Prevention can slow down jowls and keep your skin looking youthful. Add these habits to your daily routine:

• Control Your Weight: Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, and proteins. Foods like salmon have omega-3s that support skin health.
• Stay Hydrated: Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily to keep skin plump.
• Stay Active: Walking or yoga boosts blood flow to your face, keeping it healthy.
• Avoid Smoking: It breaks down collagen, speeding up sagging.
• Protect Your Skin: Use SPF 30+ every day, reapply every 2 hours outside, and try a night cream with peptides.

Pick one habit to start today—it’ll add up over time.

Finding Your Best Approach

Not sure where to begin? Healthy lifestyle and quality skin care is the foundation. If you want more, non-surgical options like fillers or laser skin tightening offer small but visible improvements. For lasting change, surgical jowl removal, facelift, or neck lift might be the answer—Dr. Steve Laverson will help you decide.

Everyone’s skin is different, so a quick chat with our experts can point you in the right direction. Snap progress pics to track your journey, and give it 8–12 weeks to see results. Have a question? Drop it in the comments—we’re here to help! Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with us today and let’s make your firmer jawline a reality.