What Are Jowls?
Jowls are the excess skin, fat, and loosened facial muscles—particularly the platysma—that develop along the jawline and chin as we age. As collagen and elastin fibers in our skin naturally break down over time, gravity takes hold, causing the tissues around our face and neck to sag. Resulting in the formation of jowls, which can make us look tired and older than we feel. While jowls may seem inevitable, there are surgical treatments available to help improve their appearance and restore a more youthful, rejuvenated look.
Sagging Jowls Symptoms
Sagging jawline symptoms begin subtly, gradually progressing to more pronounced changes affecting overall appearance and function. Early recognition is essential for effective treatment and preserving a youthful profile.
Initial Sagging Jowls Symptoms
Early signs include slight skin laxity around the lower face, subtle drooping near the chin, and a minor loss of jaw definition. These initial symptoms often appear during facial expressions or after prolonged exposure to gravity.
Overtime, Additional Symptoms
As sagging progresses, more noticeable changes occur. The lower face may develop deeper jowls, increased skin creasing, and a significant reduction in jawline definition, contributing to an overall aged appearance.
What Causes the Jawline to Sag?
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, collagen, and fat deposits, resulting in sagging and drooping in various parts of our face, including the jawline. Genetics may also play a role, as some individuals are predisposed to having a weaker or less defined jawline. Some of the most common causes of sagging jowls are:
Skin Laxity
Over time, collagen production declines, leading to decreased skin elasticity. This gradual weakening causes the soft tissues to sag along the jawline, resulting in a drooping appearance.
Fat Accumulation
With advancing years, changes in metabolism and lifestyle may lead to increased subcutaneous fat. This accumulation, particularly along the jawline, accentuates sagging and creates a fuller, less defined facial contour.
Structural Shifts
Alterations in bone density and muscle tone can change facial structure, reducing support for soft tissues. These structural shifts contribute to sagging jawlines and a less youthful appearance.
Sagging Jowls Treatment Options
Sagging jowls, or the droopy skin beneath the chin and jawline, can significantly impact one’s facial appearance and self-confidence. Fortunately, leading facial plastic surgeon in NYC, Dr. Sam Rizk offers the most advanced techniques to patients struggling with this condition. Schedule a consultation to see which procedure suits you the best!
Plastic Surgery for Jowls
If sagging jowls are truly concerning you, these surgical procedures offer effective solutions for rejuvenating your facial contours and restoring a youthful appearance.
- The deep plane facelift is ideal for people who experience a lot of sagging and loose skin. Dr. Rizk’s deep plane facelift technique is distinguished by the repositioning of the soft facial tissue deep beneath the muscle. This accentuates the jaw and the neck, minimizes swelling and bruising, and has a longer-lasting result.
- A neck lift focuses on tightening the skin and underlying muscles of the neck, reducing sagging and excess fat. This procedure enhances jawline definition and refines neck contours for a more youthful profile.
- A partial lower facelift targets the lower face, this procedure lifts sagging jowls and refines the jawline by addressing mid-to-lower facial tissues. It offers subtle, effective rejuvenation with a shorter recovery time compared to full facelifts.
- Full facelift surgery is a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, full facelift surgery lifts and tightens both upper and lower facial tissues. It effectively eliminates sagging jowls, restores youthful contours, and addresses deep-set wrinkles for complete transformation.
Understanding the Risks of Sagging Jowls Treatment
While highly effective, even the best procedure for sagging jowls comes with inherent risks. However, with Dr. Rizk’s extensive expertise and precise surgical techniques, these complications are minimized. Potential risks include:
- Anesthesia Risks: Rare complications related to sedation or anesthesia may occur.
- Bleeding and Infection: Excessive bleeding, infection, or hematoma formation may occur.
- Nerve Damage: Risk of temporary or permanent facial numbness due to nerve injury.
- Scarring and Asymmetry: Possibility of visible scarring or uneven, asymmetrical results.
- Swelling and Bruising: Extended recovery periods with significant swelling or bruising.
Your Recovery Journey
Recovery following surgical treatment for sagging jowls involves a careful healing process that may take several weeks. Initially, patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the face and neck. Dr. Rizk recommends keeping the head elevated and using cold compresses to help minimize swelling during the first few days. Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided. As healing progresses, follow-up appointments allow Dr. Rizk to monitor recovery. Full results are generally visible within three months as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new positions.
Meet Dr. Rizk | NYC Expert Surgeon for Sagging Jowls
Dr. Sam Rizk is widely recognized as a leading facial plastic surgeon in NYC and beyond. With over two decades of experience, he consistently employs the most advanced techniques to help patients achieve a youthful, defined profile. He is especially known for his innovative 3D imaging technology, ensuring a precise approach for each patient. His compassionate manner fosters genuine trust and confidence throughout.
- Double board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Dr. Rizk was honored in New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” list for Facial Plastic Surgery.
- Featured in prestigious media like The New York Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best treatment for sagging jowls?
The best treatment for sagging jowls is a deep plane facelift, either a lower facelift & neck lift or a deep plane scar facelift. Non-surgical fillers do not improve jowls and may actually make it worse as they can migrate into the area of the jowls and can make the face appear bottom-heavy and masculine/square. Mild jowling at a young age might be amenable to non-surgical ulthera or thermage treatments.
Does a facelift hurt?
A facelift is generally performed under anesthesia, so there is little to no pain during the procedure itself. Post-operative discomfort, such as soreness or swelling, is common but typically manageable with prescribed pain medication and recommended aftercare.
How long does a facelift last?
On average, a facelift can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether any complementary procedures (like a neck lift) are performed simultaneously. Dr. Rizk will provide a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
Get in touch!
When you consult with Dr. Rizk for a sagging jawline, you can be confident that you will receive the most effective and compassionate care possible. Book your appointment today!
Dr. Rizk in the Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine's 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
Awards & Certifications
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References
1 National Library of Medicine – The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9944027/.
2 healthline – Jowls: Why It Happens and What You Can Do. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jowls.
3 eatthis – The Top-recommended Exercises for Sagging Jowls, According to Trainers. Available: https://www.eatthis.com/top-recommended-exercises-for-sagging-jowls/.
By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.