August 08, 2025 | Facelift
5 minute read
Your jawline used to be sharp and defined. Now, when you look in the mirror, you notice loose skin hanging below your chin and along your jaw. Over time, gravity pulls everything downward, and skin loses its natural firmness. The muscles underneath weaken too, leading to the appearance of jowls.
Unfortunately, skincare products cannot fix this degree of sagging. You need something that works on a deeper level. A facelift can address those pesky jowls that make you look older than you feel on the inside. This blog discusses what causes jowls and how this often unwanted sign of aging can be treated.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Jowling?
- How Can I Prevent Jowls?
- The Best Way to Get Rid of Jowls
- When Will I See My Facelift Results?
- Interested in Facelift Surgery in Houston, TX? Let’s Talk!
What Causes Jowling?
The term “jowls” is often used to describe loose skin that appears in the lower half of the face. Jowls usually appear as a sign of aging, creating a less defined jawline. Many aspects influence jowl development, including:
- Loss of collagen and elastin, which naturally decrease in production as we age.
- Genetics plays a role in the severity of jowling; some people have thinner skin and more noticeable jowls, while others do not develop jowls at all as they age.
- Environmental and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and certain repetitive facial movements can contribute to the development of jowls.
Because jowls tend to hang over the jawline, it’s a common misconception that this sign of facial aging is caused solely by lax neck muscles. However, jowls are ultimately caused by a combination of factors, particularly weakened facial tissues and loss of elasticity in the platysma, which is the muscle that extends from the lower face, down the neck, to the upper chest.
How Can I Prevent Jowls?
While jowls are an inevitable result of aging for many people, there are preventative measures people can take to put off their development or reduce their appearance.
Non-surgical options are often an appealing option for patients who want to take preventative measures or who might not be ready for surgery and want to try a less invasive approach. These options include injectable fillers and skin tightening treatments, which are effective for addressing mild jowling concerns.
However, non-invasive measures can only address jowls, gravity, and the natural aging process for so long. Ultimately, the best way to address jowling is with a facelift that elevates the lax tissue vertically back onto the face.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Jowls
While non-surgical treatments can provide temporary relief, surgical procedures like a facelift will give you the most dramatic, long-lasting results. At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Sean Delaney’s Deep Plane Facelift can reduce jowls and provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The Deep Plane Facelift addresses jowls in a way that a traditional SMAS facelift simply cannot. Dr. Delaney is able to access deeper levels of tissue, skillfully releasing facial retaining ligaments and addressing muscular layers of the lower face, jawline, and neck. This specialized procedure creates less tension and therefore more natural-looking results. A Deep Plane Neck Lift is performed in conjunction with this procedure for a comprehensive look, seamlessly creating a defined jawline and youthful-looking neck without a jowl in sight.
If you are looking for correction rather than prevention, a Deep Plane Facelift at FPSA may be your best option. Your age and skin elasticity will help guide your decision. During your initial consultation with Dr. Delaney, you can explore your options and determine if the Deep Plane Facelift is right for you and your goals.
When Will I See My Facelift Results?
While recovery from a facelift is typically smooth with proper preparation and diligent post-op care, healing still takes time and patience. Some patients may notice what appears to be residual jowling or puffiness under their jawline—don’t worry, this is just temporary swelling. As your tissues heal and the inflammation subsides, your true results begin to show.
Most facelift patients are back to their regular routines after three weeks, with final results completely evident and all significant swelling gone after five weeks. Your jawline will look much sharper and more defined, with refined contours and jowling eliminated.
Interested in Facelift Surgery in Houston, TX? Let’s Talk!
When it comes to achieving long-lasting, natural facelift results, you need a facial plastic surgeon with years of specialized experience and attentive patient care. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Sean Delaney at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates.
Here’s what sets him apart:
- Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
- Facelift techniques with proven results.
- His own accredited surgical facility, featuring advanced, private consultation and exam rooms.
Call us at (713) 526-5665 or complete our online contact form to schedule a private facelift consultation today.
