How to Get Rid of Jowls

Jowls are one of the most common and frustrating signs of facial aging. They can soften a once-defined jawline, create a heavier lower face, and make you look older or more tired than you feel. While creams, serums, and non-surgical treatments may promise improvement, they often fall short when it comes to truly correcting jowling. For patients seeking a more noticeable, long-lasting solution, surgical facial rejuvenation remains the gold standard. 
Board-certified plastic surgeon Mary Herte, MD helps patients address jowls with customized surgical approaches designed to restore natural contours, definition, and balance to the lower face and jawline. Understanding why jowls form and which treatments work best is the first step toward achieving a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

What Causes Jowls?

Jowls usually develop gradually as a result of natural aging and changes within the face. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and firmness due to a decline in collagen and elastin. At the same time, the deeper facial tissues and fat pads begin to shift downward under the effects of gravity. The combination of skin laxity, volume redistribution, and weakening facial support structures generally leads to sagging along the jawline. 

Genetics can also play a role, causing some individuals to develop jowls earlier or more prominently than others. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and significant weight fluctuations may further accelerate the aging process. 

While early jowling may be subtle, moderate to advanced jowls typically cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments alone. This is where surgical options, particularly a facelift, offer the most effective and predictable results. 

Why a Facelift Is the Most Effective Treatment for Jowls

A facelift is widely considered the most comprehensive solution for eliminating jowls and restoring jawline definition. Unlike non-surgical treatments that primarily address the surface of the skin, facelift surgery can correct the underlying causes of sagging to create a more defined, youthful lower face.

Dr. Herte’s approach to facelift surgery emphasizes thoughtful customization rather than a one-size-fits-all technique. She takes a problem-solving approach, carefully identifying the areas that concern each patient most and tailoring the procedure to address those concerns while preserving their natural features. By lifting and supporting the deeper facial tissues, restoring lost volume when appropriate, and removing excess skin, a facelift can smooth the lower face and jawline without creating a tight or overdone appearance. This refined approach allows Dr. Herte to deliver refreshed, balanced results that maintain facial expression and individuality.

Facelift surgery can be particularly effective for: 

• Moderate to severe jowling
• Loss of jawline definition
• Sagging in the mid-to-lower face
• Deep folds around the mouth and lower cheeks

One of the most important advantages of a facelift is its longevity. While non-surgical treatments may provide temporary improvement, facelift results can last for many years, often making it an ideal option for patients seeking lasting, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

Mini Facelift: A Less Invasive Option for Early Jowls

For patients with mild to moderate jowling who are not ready for a full facelift, a mini facelift may be an appropriate alternative. This procedure uses smaller incisions and focuses primarily on the lower face and jawline. 

A mini facelift can:

• Improve early jowls
• Tighten mild skin laxity
• Enhance jawline contour
• Offer a shorter recovery time than a traditional facelift

While a mini facelift is not designed to provide the same level of correction as a full facelift, it can be an excellent option for younger patients or those experiencing early signs of aging. Dr. Herte carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy and goals to determine whether a mini facelift can deliver the desired outcome or if a full facelift would be more beneficial. 

The Role of a Neck Lift in Jowl Correction

Jowls usually go hand-in-hand with sagging in the neck and under the chin. In these cases, combining a facelift with a neck lift can significantly enhance overall results. 

A neck lift can help address: 

• Loose skin beneath the chin
• Vertical neck bands
• Loss of neck and jawline definition

When performed alongside a facelift, a neck lift can create a smoother transition between the face and neck for a younger-looking profile. Dr. Herte frequently recommends this combination for patients who want comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation and the most refined jawline possible. 

What to Expect from Facelift Recovery

Recovery from facelift surgery generally varies depending on the extent of this procedure and whether additional treatments, such as a neck lift, are performed. Most patients can expect some swelling and bruising during the first few weeks, which gradually subsides over time. 

Dr. Herte provides detailed post-operative instructions to promote healing and comfort. Many patients are able to return to light activities within two to three weeks and continue to see improvement as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Final results typically become more apparent over several months. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

Successfully getting rid of jowls requires more than tightening skin—it demands a deep understanding of facial anatomy, balance, and aesthetics. Dr. Herte is known for her meticulous surgical technique and natural-looking results. Her approach emphasizes subtle enhancement rather than an “overdone” appearance, allowing patients to look more refreshed without sacrificing individuality. 

During a personalized consultation, Dr. Herte takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals, recommending the most effective surgical plan to address jowls and overall facial aging. 

Take the First Step Toward a More Defined Jawline

If jowls are making you feel less confident in your appearance, surgical facial rejuvenation may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. A facelift, often combined with a neck lift or performed as a mini facelift, can dramatically restore jawline definition and reverse visible signs of aging. 

To learn more about how Dr. Herte can help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results, contact our practice to schedule a consultation and explore your personalized options for getting rid of jowls.