Jowls

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Say Goodbye to Jowls

Redefine Your Lower Face – Expert Tips from E-Beauty Gurus

Jowls - a surprisingly common appearance problem! In this article, we present different types of solutions, with varying degrees of effectiveness, to address the problem. We start with home remedies and skin-firming cosmetic products, through to aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery.

Jowls form on both sides of the lower face as facial features begin to sag. The aging process that causes this sagging affects not only the skin but also deeper layers, including subcutaneous fat, muscles, and even the skeletal structure. Because of this, the most effective approach involves layered treatments that target both the surface and underlying tissues. The best results are often achieved through combination treatments and longer treatment plans. (Ville Männistö, Surgeon)

 

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Summary

  • The problem: Jowls have a more significant impact on facial appearance than individual wrinkles. They develop due to aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors, gradually affecting multiple layers of tissue. Because the issue builds up in different layers—epidermis, dermis, fat, and muscle—the most effective treatment approach targets all these levels for a more comprehensive and lasting improvement.
  • Solutions: Preventing jowls is easier and more affordable than correcting them. Starting early with the right treatments can help maintain a firm jawline and reduce the need for more invasive procedures later. Non-surgical combination treatments are highly effective for early to moderate sagging, while significant tissue loss may require plastic surgery for the best results.
  • How to get started: Start with a free consultation, where we’ll design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. The consultation provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision, with no obligation to proceed.

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Jowls - more than sagging skin

The same laws apply to ageing faces as to ageing buildings.

  • Regular maintenance keeps both your face and your home in good shape.
  • Surface treatments rejuvenate the outer layers of the skin, but deeper structures beneath the surface require targeted treatments to achieve lasting improvements.
  • On the other hand, when the damage is on the surface, there is no reason to touch the deep structures.
  • The more meticulous the daily maintenance, the more diligent the restoration efforts become.

A Comprehensive Approach to Layered Jowl Treatment

  • What is the condition of the facial bones? Do the features need filler support due to shrinkage of the cheekbones?
  • What about muscle activity and muscle tension? Does an overactive plastysmal muscle stretch the jawline downwards too much? Or do the ever-swollen masseter muscles stretch the skin so much that the skin finally gives in and starts sagging on the jawline?
  • Has the subcutaneous fat layer shrunk? Does the adipose tissue need regeneration? Would it be worthwhile to support eroded fat pads with, for example, filler or cog threads?
  • Is the dermal scaffolding (hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin) in good condition, or do the fibroblasts need external stimulation and stimulation?
  • What about the surface or epidermis? Is its protective barrier intact, or can the outside air penetrate through the epidermis deep into the tissue without any barriers?

The above comparisons and perspectives are, of course, a simplification. However, for those interested in preventing and treating jowls, breaking down a complex issue into simpler terms can provide valuable insight.

Sometimes, advertising can give the impression that a single €300 injection treatment can erase jowls that have formed over decades. However, no aesthetic treatment works like magic. The more advanced the concern, the more comprehensive, multi-layered, and long-term the treatment plan needs to be. (Nurse Juuli Korkeila)

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What Causes Jowls and How Do They Form?

Jowls develop due to a combination of factors. Here are some of the primary causes.

  • Genes
    If parents or grandparents have experienced significant jawline sagging with age, it's likely that jowls are a hereditary cosmetic concern passed down through genetics.
  • External factors
    • Sun: UV radiation damages skin cells, weakens collagen molecules in the cell membrane and accelerates skin ageing through a number of other mechanisms.
    • Smoking impairs blood circulation and causes a wide range of cellular changes, including in the skin.
    • Incorrect sleeping positions: sleeping on your side or on your stomach can increase skin sagging and stretching.
  • Stress and lifestyle
    • Chronic stress negatively impacts skin regeneration, slows fluid circulation, and contributes to puffiness and dullness in the lower face.
    • Poor diet, little or poor quality sleep, tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption and low water intake all affect the condition and appearance of the skin.
  • Ageing
    • Collagen and elastin production slows down, reducing skin firmness and elasticity.Hyaluronic acid content decreases: skin thins, reducing the youthful roundness and fullness of the mid-lengths.
    • There are also changes in adipose tissue, muscles and skeleton. The fat pads atrophy, separate from each other and drain from the midface to the jaw line.
    • The muscles that pull down your features - such as the skin muscle in the neck and the DAO muscles that affect the corners of the mouth - stretch the skin.
    • The cheekbones become smaller, which means that the cheeks also lose their firmness.

Ultimately, the root cause of jowls and sagging facial features is gravity.

Jowls are caused by a combination of external and internal factors. Preventing, fading and correcting the jowls is challenging but possible.

Understanding the Causes of Jowls Helps Prevent Them

Preventing jowls early is key, especially if lower face sagging and tissue laxity run in the family. Starting proactive treatments can help maintain firmness and delay the signs of aging.

Aging affects everyone differently. For some, it appears as wrinkles and facial hollowness, while for others, it manifests as a softening and dulling of features—often leading to jowls. Not everyone develops jowls, and even for those who do, they may not be a concern. And that’s perfectly okay! Beauty is personal, and the most important thing is feeling confident in your own skin.

Better safe than sorry - preventive action

  • Sunscreen: wear sunscreen daily. A sun protection factor of 50 is no exaggeration, even in the heat of the day.
  • Quitting smoking: stopping or at least reducing smoking is an important health and beauty step. Tobacco products have a major impact on skin and appearance. It's not just about tobacco scars above the upper lip, but extensive skin damage.
  • A healthy diet: following the official nutritional recommendations is reflected in a fresh appearance. Skin loves antioxidants, polyphenols and good fatty acids. Excessive sugar and alcohol intake, on the other hand, is reflected in puffiness of the lower face and later chronic pouching.
  • Drinking enough water: your skin needs water. The skin needs water. Quantity is the poison - this principle of toxicology also applies to drinking water.

Regular skin care

  • Use collagen supplements. Recent studies show that digested collagen stimulates fibroblast cells to produce new collagen and elastin.
  • Exfoliate regularly to speed up your skin's renewal cycle.
  • Try retinol. Its anti-ageing power is indisputable - also according to extensive scientific research.
  • Regular medical facials will enhance your daily skin care routine and reduce facial swelling and stretching. A medical skin care professional will detect the onset of age-related changes early on during facial treatments, so you can tackle them before they become permanent and visible.
  • Try the face massage, face taping and guasha. Although there is no scientifically validated data on these trend treatments, some of our clients feel they help.

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Can Facial Exercises Get Rid of Jowls?

Facial exercises, face yoga, and face Pilates are gaining popularity as mega-trends. Regular practice can help strengthen facial muscles and support skin firmness. While exercise alone won’t eliminate jowls, it can be a beneficial complement to other treatments aimed at reducing sagging and maintaining a youthful contour.

Face gymnastics moves worth trying:

  • "Blowing a balloon": blow your cheeks full of air and hold for 10 seconds. Slowly release.
  • "Jawline stretch": lift the lower lip over the upper lip and push the chin forward.
  • "Say O and E": exaggerate the pronunciation and vary the sounds.
  • "Tongue press": press the tongue against the palate and pull the chin down.

There are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube and other video platforms.

Best product for jowl prevention?

There are several products on the market to help prevent and treat jowls. Here are a few effective options:

  • Collagen supplements containing hydrolysed collagen stimulate fibroblast cells to produce some new collagen. This new collagen increases the firmness of the skin. Up-to-date research has shown that collagen supplements work.
  • Retinol products strengthen the skin and accelerate the skin cell renewal cycle.
  • Hyaluronic acid and collagen creams increase the hydration of the skin's surface layer and bring temporary smoothness to ageing skin. However, hyaluronic acid and collagen creams or serums cannot be absorbed into the skin. In other words, they do not increase the fullness of the features or the firmness of the skin. Both active ingredients always remain on the surface of the skin. Their function in skin care products is therefore always to moisturise.

ZO Skin Health

ZO medical skincare products contain scientifically researched ingredients and efficient active ingredient release and delivery systems.

The effectiveness of medical skincare products can surprise you, and you always need professional help to choose a retinol that really works, for example.

The retinol content of so-called market products is so low that a normal-skinned person can use them quite safely. Of course, the efficacy of market retinols is not as high as that of retinol products sold in aesthetic clinics.

ZO Retinol Skin Brightener

ZO Retinol Skin Brightener is an effective treatment that lightens dark pigmentation and brightens and evens skin tone.

The product will still be available in 2025 in three different concentrations: 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%.

ZO Wrinkle + Texture Repair

Using micro-emulsion technology, the product's retinols help to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the signs of ageing. Improves skin texture, firms and prevents the appearance of new lesions.

Retinol content: 0,5%

Radical Night Repair

A powerful anti-age product with a high retinol content and a patented micro-dosage system.

Retinol content: 1%

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Don't know which treatment would suit you best? Send your photo to our professionals for evaluation.

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Jowls treatment best

Say Goodbye to Jowls!

Ebeling Beauty offers a variety of treatments for both preventing and treating jowls. Clients don’t need to worry about choosing the right treatment themselves—since every case is unique, each treatment plan is individually tailored based on the client’s starting point, desired results, and budget.

Ebeling Beauty offers non-surgical options

Sometimes plastic surgery is needed

Ebeling Beauty provides non-surgical solutions for facial rejuvenation. However, these treatments may not be suitable for everyone. For those considering more extensive correction, consulting a qualified plastic surgeon is the best way to explore the possibilities of a surgical facelift.

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the face and neck by removing excess skin, firming underlying muscles, and enhancing overall facial contours. A traditional facelift is a highly effective and long-lasting solution for correcting jawline sagging. While a mini facelift can also be an option, its shorter-lasting results may come as an unexpected disappointment for some patients.

The surgery is suitable for healthy people who want to treat moderate to severe ageing changes.

Ideal candidates are

  • 40-70 year olds with good skin elasticity
  • people who are smoke-free and generally healthy
  • people who have realistic expectations and are able to set aside enough time for recovery

The benefits of a surgical facelift:

  • Removes excess tissue and firms the facial appearance.
  • Improves facial symmetry and youthfulness.
  • The results of a classic facelift remain good for 5-10 years.

The risks of a facelift:

  • Risks of anaesthesia
  • Infection is a rare but possible risk that may require antibiotic treatment.
  • Scarring is common, but in some cases it can be more prominent or thicker.
  • Damage to the facial nerves can lead to temporary or permanent weakness or numbness.
  • After surgery, the sides of the face may not be perfectly symmetrical.
  • Hairline changes. As a result of the surgery, the hairline may shift slightly.
  • Poor circulation can lead to tissue damage, especially in patients who smoke.
  • Complications related to surgery and general anaesthesia are rare but possible.

Non-surgical treatments can be applied in layers, targeting the skin, fat tissue, and muscles for a comprehensive rejuvenation approach.

Epidermis – Radiant, Healthy Skin at Any Age

ZO Skin Health facials and home care programmes focus first and foremost on rehabilitating and beautifying the skin's surface. These programmes help to firm and revitalise the skin. Healthy, firm and healthy skin is beautiful at any age.

DERMIS - Collagen stimulation treatments from the age of 25

The natural production of collagen, which maintains the skin's firmness, and elastin, which maintains its resilience, starts to decline around the age of 25. Slowed collagen and elastin synthesis leads to sagging skin.

Needling treatments, such as microneedling and mesotherapy, are traditional and extremely effective alternatives to dermal stimulation. They help to prevent and even correct skin sagging. The effectiveness of needling treatments is based on their ability to stimulate the skin's own fibroblast cells to produce new collagen and elastin.

Regular collagen stimulation treatments should be started at the latest on your 30th birthday. In most cases, one annual series of treatments is sufficient for a 30-40 year old. As the years go by, it is a good idea to combine traditional microneedling and mesotherapy with more effective treatments, such as Profhilo, Harmonyca and Tience.

DERMIS - Biorevitalisation

In biorevitalization, the dermis is rejuvenated using either hyaluronic acid injections or PDO threads (straight threads). These treatments stimulate the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production while boosting blood circulation and fluid flow. In some cases, they may also slightly reduce fat deposits in the deeper skin layers. The result is improved hydration, a brighter complexion, enhanced elasticity, and a smoother, firmer skin texture.

The benefits of biorevitalisation:

  • Increases the skin's moisture balance and elasticity.
  • Brightens the surface of the skin, allowing light to reflect off the skin more beautifully than usual.
  • Reduces swelling in the so-called jowl area.
  • The effects of treatment typically last for about six months.
  • Enhancing treatment results is simple. Biorevitalization is often combined with other treatments, such as botulinum toxin for the lower face, to achieve a more refined and long-lasting effect.

DERMIS - What about laser treatments?

Laser treatment is an effective method for skin tightening and moderate jowl lifting. It stimulates the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin, improving firmness and elasticity over time. A series of laser treatments is particularly beneficial for preventing the formation of jowls and maintaining a more youthful contour.

A light series of laser treatments, repeated every 1–2 years, is enough to help prevent jowls from forming. However, if the goal is to correct already visible sagging, laser treatment is usually just one step in a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Jowl Tightening with Laser: Quick Overview

  • Tightens and firms the skin.
  • Improves skin texture and elasticity.
  • Long-lasting results.
  • The treatment may cause temporary discomfort, such as redness and swelling, but these symptoms usually disappear within a few days.
  • Local anaesthetics and appropriate aftercare will alleviate any pain.

In most cases, laser treatment is fractionated, meaning the laser light is divided into micro-beams that leave small areas of untreated skin between the treated zones. This approach is effective enough to tighten and firm the entire skin area while allowing for faster recovery due to the preserved untreated tissue. If the laser beam is not fractionated, the recovery process tends to be slower.

Jowls

FAT TISSUE - Subcutaneous fat regenerated with Profhilo Structura

As we age, our skin not only loses its elasticity and glow. The layers of fat underneath the skin also change. Age-related changes in adipose tissue occur deep down. However, the effects are directly reflected on the surface of the skin.

Profhilo Structura is an innovative injection treatment designed to target adipose tissue, improving firmness in the lower face, reducing jawline sagging, and smoothing deep skin irregularities. Its effects are particularly noticeable along the jawline, especially in the early stages of jowl formation, where aging creates deeper shadows. By subtly lifting these areas, the treatment helps refresh and brighten the overall facial appearance.

If necessary, the treatment result can be enhanced with a light filler treatment. In this case, the function of the filler is to support the tissue rather than to increase its volume.

More information on Structura 

Profhilo Structura, like traditional Profhilo, is made from hyaluronic acid. However, Structura works at a deeper level, targeting superficial fat tissue rather than just the dermis. By repositioning fat deposits, it helps prevent sagging in the upper face and slows down tissue descent. Clinical studies show that Profhilo Structura enhances skin elasticity and facial contours, restoring a youthful, refreshed appearance. The result is a subtly lifted and naturally sculpted face.

Structura is an excellent choice for people with facial depressions, loss of volume and sagging skin due to age-related changes in adipose tissue. The treatment is particularly suitable for those who are afraid of the so-called "overfilled look" or "pillow face".

TWO TIMES IN A ROW

  • Structura treatment is usually done twice every four weeks.
  • If the result is satisfactory, it can be maintained by repeating the treatment, for example every six months.
  • The results last 6-12 months. Age, lifestyle and other individual factors influence the duration of treatment results.
  • The first results can be seen after just one treatment with Structura. However, in most cases, results are not visible until 4-6 weeks have passed since the second treatment.
  • Clinical studies show that Profhilo Structura is a safe product.
  • The product contains ultra-pure hyaluronic acid, which is almost identical to the body's own hyaluronic acid.

BENEFITS:

  • Fast results and high customer satisfaction
  • Face lifting and shaping
  • Skin firming
  • Softening Indentations Caused by Fat Pad Loss

Muscles – Jowl treatment also targets the underlying muscles

The Nefertiti treatment lifts the jawline and firms the neck. The treatment is performed with botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is used to relax the platysma muscle that pulls down the lower face. By leaving the upward-pulling muscles untreated, the jawline is gently lifted. The lifting is caused by the action of the untreated upward-pulling muscles.

Nefertiti treatment with botox is most effective for preventing jowls and correcting early-stage sagging. If the issue is more advanced, the Nefertiti treatment can be a beneficial part of a comprehensive treatment plan to restore definition to the lower face.

Often in conjunction with the classic Nefertiti treatment, botulinum toxin is also used to treat tightness in the tip of the jaw and the DAO muscles that pull down the corners of the mouth. Doing so gives a nice lift to the lower face while still keeping the features as natural as possible.

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Facial Bones Shrink with Age – Are Fillers the Solution?

Fillers can also be effective in treating jowls, especially when combined with botulinum treatment to help lift and contour the lower face. A comprehensive approach using both fillers and Botox can enhance definition and restore a more youthful jawline.

When treating jowls on the lower face, fillers play three roles:

  • They add volume to the mid-face, creating a fuller and more youthful appearance. As the mid-face gains structure, the lifting effect often extends to the lower face, enhancing overall facial contour and definition.
  • They provide a subtle tightening effect on the jawline. By slightly enhancing the chin tip and lifting the jaw angle, the entire jawline appears more defined and moderately tightened.
  • They enhance the contours of the lower face by lifting both the upper and lower edges of the jowls. By brightening shadowed areas, an optical illusion of a straighter, more defined jawline is achieved.

Types of fillers:

  • Hyaluronic acid-based fillers Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft, which moisturise and shape the jawline.
  • Collagen-stimulating semi-permanent fillers: Harmonyca and Sculptra, which improve skin texture in the long term.

Fillers are ideal for healthy individuals aged 30–60 with mild to moderate skin sagging and good skin elasticity. The treatment is quick, often painless, and requires minimal downtime. Results are visible immediately and can last for several months, sometimes even up to two years.

A filler treatment that contours and straightens the jawline works much like the art of makeup. A skilled makeup artist softens the appearance of jowls by highlighting shadowed areas and adding depth to fuller regions. A filler expert achieves the same effect, but with longer-lasting results—using filler gel instead of contour makeup. It’s all about optical illusion; strategically placed filler doesn’t remove excess tissue but reshapes the area by playing with light and shadow, creating a more sculpted and balanced look. (Juuli Korkeila)

Cog Threads: A Non-Surgical Lift for Jowls

The MINT lift is a non-surgical facelift technique, particularly effective for contouring jowls and defining the jawline. The procedure uses polydioxanone (PDO) threads, which anchor into the skin, providing an immediate lifting effect while also stimulating collagen production for long-term rejuvenation. The treatment is virtually painless and typically performed under local anesthesia. Often, the MINT lift is the final step in a comprehensive facial treatment plan—once the skin, underlying tissues, and muscles have been addressed, the threads mechanically lift and subtly reposition the skin for a naturally refreshed appearance.

The benefits of MINT lift:

  • No cuts or scars.
  • No risks associated with surgery or anaesthesia. Of course, the final result is also more moderate than that of a surgical facelift.
  • Natural result
  • Quick recovery, no need for sick leave.

MINT cog threads are ideal for patients with early or moderate jowl formation. However, the treatment is not recommended for individuals with very thin skin or excessive fat in the neck and face, as the threads require sufficient tissue support to achieve optimal results.

The results are immediate and improve over time. The threads break down within a few months, but the collagen network that replaces the threads maintains the lifting effect of the treatment for 9-12 months after treatment.

Examples of 1-2 years of comprehensive treatments

Example 1

  • Home skincare of the epidermis: the ZO skin care programme
  • A microneedling treatment series designed to stimulate collagen production in the dermis.
  • Profhilo Structura to prevent and correct changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue
  • Nefertiti lift and full-face filler treatment to complete the treatment package

Example 2

  • In-clinic medical facial series
  • Laser treatment to repair the skin and increase collagen production
  • Harmonyca hybrid filler treatment to firm the lower face
  • Mint thread lift to reposition the skin

Treating jowls requires patience and a combination of treatments. Clients don’t need to decide on treatments themselves—we always begin with a free consultation to align goals, budget, and schedule. (Surgeon Ville Männistö)

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