As we age, many of us notice subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in our face—particularly around the jawline. One of the most common concerns we hear about from our patients at The Academy Clinic is jowls.
So, what exactly are jowls? Why do they appear? And what can be done to treat or prevent them?
Let’s break it down…
What Are Jowls?
Jowls refer to the sagging or drooping skin that develops along the jawline, typically below the cheeks. They can cause the once-sharp outline of the jaw to become softer and less defined.
While it’s a natural part of ageing, many patients feel that jowls make them look tired, older, or heavier in the lower face. The good news? There are safe and effective non-surgical treatments available to address them.
What Causes Jowls?
There are several reasons jowls form over time:
- Genetic predisposition may mean some patients are more likely to develop jowls than others due to the facial structure and skin type
- Loss of volume in the face, especially in the cheeks and temples due to ageing or weightloss
- Weakened connective tissues that can no longer support the skin as firmly
- Fat shifting downwards due to gravity
- Sun damage (photoageing) which breaks down collagen and elastin
- Bone loss in the facial structure
Together, these changes lead to the skin along the jawline losing its tight, youthful contour.
Can Masseter Muscle Treatment Affect the Appearance of Jowls?
Understanding the potential effects of cosmetic treatments is key to achieving desirable outcomes. When considering anti-wrinkle injections to reduce the size of the masseter muscle, a crucial factor is patient selection.
For younger individuals who have good skin elasticity and a more square facial shape, often attributed to a prominent masseter muscle, treatment can effectively refine the jawline and create a softer contour.
However, the situation can be different for older patients, particularly those with existing skin laxity or early signs of jowls. As we age, the jowl fat pad naturally tends to enlarge and descend below the jawline. If facial fullness is primarily due to a bulky masseter muscle, reducing its size with anti-wrinkle treatment in this demographic may inadvertently cause the jowls to appear more noticeable or pronounced, rather than improve the overall contour. This is because reducing the volume in the upper jawline area can draw more visual attention to the fullness lower down.
It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced medical professional who can assess your individual facial anatomy, skin quality, determine if masseter muscle treatment is appropriate for you.
Can Jowls Be Prevented?
While we can’t stop ageing, there are steps you can take to slow the development of jowls and keep your skin looking firmer for longer:
- Daily SPF to protect against sun damage which is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown
- A good skincare routine that includes retinol and hydration to strengthen and improve skin quality
- Microneedling or radiofrequency treatments to boost collagen and elastin as early signs of laxity appear
- Early use of skin-rejuvenating injectables like Profhilo to improve hydration and skin firmness
- Regular skin consultations to assess changes and act proactively instead of actively
How We Treat Jowls at The Academy Clinic
At The Academy Clinic, we offer non-surgical treatments to improve the appearance of jowls. These are tailored to your individual needs following a thorough consultation and skin assessment.
Here are two of our most effective treatment options:
1. Dermal Fillers for Jowls and Jawline Definition
Dermal fillers can be used to reshape and lift areas of the face that have lost volume. When it comes to jowls, we don’t inject directly into the sagging skin as this can increase the feeling of heaviness. Instead, we focus on:
- Restoring volume in the cheeks and sides of the face (which supports the lower face)
- Contouring the jawline for a cleaner, more defined look
- Softening nearby lines, such as marionette lines (lines that run from the mouth downwards)
This approach subtly lifts the jowl area and improves facial harmony—without looking overdone.
Common areas we treat with filler for jowls:
- Cheeks (medial and lateral)
- Jawline
- Chin
- Preauricular area (just in front of the ears)
- Marionette lines
Every face is different, and our practitioners always take a holistic approach to ensure results look natural and balanced.
It’s important to note that the lower face is a complex area to treat, and managing jowls effectively often requires a bespoke approach. Every patient will have different contributing factors — from skin quality and volume loss to bone structure — so personalised assessment and treatment planning are essential for the best results.
2. Profhilo Structura: Regenerating the Skin from Within
If you’re looking for a non-filler option, Profhilo Structura is a revolutionary new treatment that targets sagging skin and volume loss in a completely different way.
Unlike traditional fillers, Profhilo Structura works by:
- Rejuvenating the deep fat layers beneath the skin
- Stimulating your body’s own collagen and elastin
- Providing a natural-looking lift and firmness
- Improving skin texture, strength and hydration
This treatment is particularly effective for patients with thicker skin and visible sagging along the jawline.
How Profhilo Structura Works
After assessing whether your jowls are caused by volume loss (“sinking”) or tissue drooping (“sagging”), our practitioner will carefully inject the product into the correct areas using a fine cannula.
Most patients will need:
- A small amount of product on each side of the face
- Minimal downtime (you may feel some mild swelling or tightness for 1–2 days)
Over the following weeks, your skin will begin to look firmer and more lifted—without adding weight or volume.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Both dermal fillers and Profhilo Structura are safe, clinically-proven ways to address jowls. The right option for you will depend on:
- Your skin type and facial structure
- How advanced your jowls are
- Your goals—e.g. more lift, more contour, or both
- Whether you prefer regenerative treatments or filler-based ones
Booking Your Consultation
Our skilled medical practitioners will help you understand your options and guide you towards a treatment plan that works best for you.
Book your appointment online or contact our team today to learn more about our personalised approach to aesthetic treatments. For first-time filler patients, enjoy 15% off your initial treatment with the code FillerWelcome.
