Facial skin laxity is completely natural and happens to most of us as our skin's collagen and elastin production slows down over time.
One area that people often notice first is the lower face and jawline. Here, the skin around the mouth, chin, and jaw may naturally become softer and less firm. Many people also notice similar changes in their neck area. If this sounds familiar, you might find our guide to tightening neck skin without surgery helpful.
Fortunately, there are a number of evidence-based, non-surgical approaches to enhance lower facial definition and restore skin firmness. Below, we will share advanced treatments that work with your natural features to achieve beautiful, lifted results.
What is lower facial skin laxity?
Lower facial skin laxity is what happens when the skin around your jawline, mouth, and cheek areas becomes softer and less firm. While colloquially known as ‘jowls,’ this term is less commonly used in contemporary aesthetic practice. Today's practitioners identify this condition through terms such as:
- Loss of jawline definition,
- skin laxity around the jaw,
- loose skin around the chin or,
- softening of the lower cheeks.
All of the above refer to a natural part of ageing that affects everyone. Skin laxity around the jaw can subtly alter facial contours, sometimes creating a softer appearance than you might want.
What causes loose skin around the lower face?
Certain lifestyle factors can influence when and how quickly skin changes occur. Understanding all the contributing factors can help you explore effective non-surgical solutions to tighten your jawline.
Natural ageing is the most common contributor to facial skin changes. Our body's ability to produce skin-supporting proteins naturally decreases over time. While most people notice these changes in their 50s and beyond, some may observe them as early as their 20s.
Genetics plays a big role in skin health and ageing patterns. Your genetic makeup influences when and how quickly your skin changes. While we can't alter our genetics, we can effectively address changes as they develop.
Weight fluctuations can affect skin elasticity around the cheek and jaw area.
Smoking significantly reduces collagen and elastin production, accelerating the natural ageing process throughout the body.
Sun and UV exposure can accelerate skin ageing, contributing to decreased firmness and elasticity.
Can you really tighten your jawline without surgery?
If you're experiencing lower facial skin laxity, non-surgical skin firming treatments are typically the best place to start before considering more invasive options.
At Victorian Dermal Group, our skin clinicians offer non-to-minimally invasive treatment options that can significantly reduce the appearance of skin laxity without the downtime and expense of surgery.
Disclaimer: Non-surgical treatments cannot completely eliminate lower facial skin laxity, but they can improve its appearance. Individual results may vary. A consultation with our skin clinicians is required to uncover the most suitable treatment approach for you.
Best non-surgical skin firming treatments for the lower face
We have several advanced treatments that can help improve lower facial skin concerns by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen naturally.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU technology delivers highly focused ultrasound energy deep into the skin's foundational layers, stimulating collagen production at precise depths without damaging the surface. This treatment is one of our most effective options for sagging cheeks and/or loose skin around the chin and jawline.
Ultraformer MPT
The most advanced HIFU technology to date, the Ultraformer MPT treatment targets the same tissue layers addressed in surgical facelifts, creating a lifting and tightening effect. This treatment is particularly effective for jawline definition and can produce noticeable improvements in your skin’s firmness over 2-6 months as new collagen develops.
Fraxel laser technology
A Fraxel laser uses fractional laser technology to create precise, controlled micro-injuries in the skin surface. This triggers the natural healing response of the human body and stimulates new collagen formation. The treatment improves skin texture, firmness, and elasticity while addressing surface concerns like fine lines and uneven skin tone.
The fractional approach means faster healing compared to traditional full-surface treatments, with gradual improvements becoming visible over several months.
Microneedling
Mechanical microneedling
Traditional microneedling uses extremely fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin, triggering collagen induction therapy (CIT). This mechanical process stimulates the body's natural wound healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production. The treatment improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and enhances overall skin firmness through this natural regenerative process.
Radiofrequency microneedling
RF microneedling combines the mechanical benefits of traditional microneedling with thermal energy delivered through insulated needles. This dual approach creates both mechanical stimulation and controlled heating of deeper tissue layers, resulting in immediate collagen contraction and enhanced long-term collagen remodelling. The thermal component provides superior tightening effects compared to mechanical microneedling alone, making it particularly effective for addressing skin laxity.
Facial volumisation
Strategic placement of dermal facial volumisation can help restore lost facial volume, tighten, and provide structural support to areas affected by skin laxity. This works by replacing lost volume directly, helping to lift and support sagging tissues. When placed strategically along the jawline and chin area, they can restore facial contours and reduce the appearance of soft, drooping skin.
How to tighten jawline naturally at home
At-home approaches can support skin firmness and complement professional treatments through targeted skincare and muscle strengthening.
Synergie Superserum+
Synergie Superserum+
is an advanced serum that combines peptides, antioxidants, and regenerating compounds to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness. Regular use supports natural repair processes and helps maintain results from in-clinic treatments.
ReClaim Treatment
ReClaim Treatment is a medical-grade topical treatment specifically formulated to address skin laxity by promoting cellular renewal and supporting natural collagen production. It works to improve skin elasticity, tightness, and tone as part of a comprehensive skincare routine.
>
Yoga facial exercises
Facial exercises and targeted muscle strengthening can provide modest improvements in lower facial tone and definition. These exercises work by strengthening the underlying facial muscles, which can help provide better support for overlying skin. Simple techniques include gentle jaw exercises, neck stretches, and facial massages.
While facial exercises are a 100% safe, cost-effective approach, they require consistent daily practice and typically produce subtle results. They work best as part of a comprehensive approach combined with other treatments rather than as standalone solutions for significant skin laxity.
