If you've noticed sagging around your jawline or feel like your lower face has lost its youthful contour—you're not alone. Whether it's due to aging, weight loss, or simply genetics, lower face laxity (aka jowls) is one of the most common concerns in my cosmetic dermatology practice.
The good news? You don’t have to jump straight to surgery to see improvement. In fact, there are several in-office, non-invasive treatments that can help restore structure, tighten the skin, and improve the appearance of the lower face.
Let’s talk about why this happens, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and some of the best treatment options—all of which I go into greater detail about in the video here:
What Causes Jowls and Sagging Around the Jawline?
Jowling is the result of multiple layers of aging happening at once:
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Loss of collagen and elastin in the skin
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Thinning of the subcutaneous fat (the soft padding beneath the skin)
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Muscle and fascia weakening (also known as the SMAS layer)
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Bone resorption in the jaw and lower face, especially post-menopause
Combine these with gravitational pull, repetitive facial expressions, or recent weight loss, and suddenly the jawline starts to lose definition, dips form at the pre-jowl sulcus, and everything looks a little…less snatched.
Non-Surgical Options That Actually Work
We’re seeing amazing results with non-invasive lower face rejuvenation, especially when we combine modalities tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Here’s a sneak peek of what I discuss in the video:
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Injectables
Structural fillers like Volux can mechanically lift and define the jaw. Biostimulatory injectables (like Sculptra or Radiesse) stimulate your own collagen over time. And yes, Botox—when used strategically—can help lift the jawline by weakening downward-pulling muscles. -
Laser and Energy-Based Treatments
While lasers like CO2, Fraxel and Erbium are best for resurfacing they do stimulate collagen. Devices like Thermage stimulate collagen in deeper layers of the skin—improving laxity and texture with minimal downtime. -
Thread Lifts
These are a minimally invasive option to manually lift sagging skin, while also encouraging collagen production. I use them selectively, as results are temporary and technique matters. -
At-Home Maintenance
Tools like microcurrent devices (NuFACE), lymphatic massage, and even facial yoga can help temporarily reduce puffiness and support tone—but they’re no substitute for in-office treatments if true laxity has set in.
When to Consider Surgery
Non-surgical treatments can go a long way—but they won’t match the results of a facelift. In the video, I explain when it might be time to consider a surgical consult and why strategic, localized procedures (like a lower face or neck lift) are often preferable to a full facelift too early in life.
Also: I share a quick update on my own recent lip lift surgery, including how I’mTacy Bailey managing post-op healing with intentional Botox use.
Aging Is Inevitable—But Jowling Doesn’t Have to Be
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for jowls or facial sagging. What matters is understanding what’s really causing the change and choosing safe, strategic treatments to address it—not just following trends.
💬 Want to know exactly which treatments work best—and how to layer them for results that last?
👉 Watch the full video above for a deeper dive into each option, plus patient examples rom my practice in Newport Beach.
