Facial skin laxity is completely natural and happens as our skin’s collagen and elastin production slows over time.
One area that people often notice is the lower face and jawline. Here, the skin around the mouth, chin, and jaw may appear less firm, with subtle changes to definition and contour.
Many people also notice similar changes around the neck area. We talk more about this in our guide to addressing neck skin laxity.
Fortunately, there are a number of evidence-based, non-surgical approaches to enhance lower facial definition and support skin firmness. Below, we’ll share cosmetic treatments that work with your skin’s natural structure and regenerative processes to help improve the appearance of laxity over time.
Important information: Professional treatments may not fully address lower facial skin laxity, but they can help improve its appearance. Results vary from person to person, and not all treatments are suitable for everyone. A consultation with one of our dermal clinicians is important to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual skin needs.
What is lower facial skin laxity?
Lower facial skin laxity refers to the gradual softening of the skin around the jawline, mouth, and lower cheeks. While colloquially known as ‘jowls,’ this term is less commonly used in contemporary aesthetic practice. Dermal clinicians typically describe these changes using more neutral, descriptive terms such as:
- Loss of jawline definition,
- skin laxity around the jaw,
- loose skin around the chin or
- softening of the lower cheeks.
These changes are a normal part of the ageing process 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?
A range of factors can influence when and how changes in skin firmness become noticeable in the lower face. Understanding these contributing influences can help you make informed decisions when exploring non-surgical options to enhance jawline definition.
Natural ageing is the most common factor. Over time, the skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin gradually slows, which can affect its firmness and elasticity. While many people notice these changes later in life, others may become aware of them earlier, depending on individual skin characteristics.
Genetics also plays a role in skin structure and ageing patterns. They can influence how and when skin changes appear. Although genetics can’t be altered, changes in the skin can be addressed as they develop through tailored skincare and treatment approaches.
Weight changes may also affect skin elasticity in the cheek and jaw area, particularly where the skin has less underlying structural support.
Lifestyle and environmental factors can further influence skin ageing. Smoking is known to impact collagen and elastin production throughout the body, while cumulative sun and UV exposure can contribute to changes in skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Can you really tighten your jawline without surgery?
Professional aesthetic treatments can help improve the appearance of lower facial skin laxity by supporting the skin’s natural collagen production and structural support. Rather than changing facial anatomy, these approaches work within the skin and underlying tissues to gradually improve firmness, texture, and definition over time.
For many people, non-surgical skin-firming treatments are used to address early to moderate softening around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. Results tend to develop progressively, as the skin responds to treatment and your natural regenerative processes are activated.
Best non-surgical skin-firming treatments for the lower face
Non-surgical treatments can support lower facial firmness and jawline definition by working at different levels of the skin and underlying structures.
Because everyone’s skin is different, the most suitable treatment depends on your skin thickness, degree of laxity, facial anatomy, and how your skin responds. In many cases, treatments are combined to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
Ultraformer MPT
Ultraformer MPT uses focused ultrasound energy to deliver controlled heat to targeted tissue layers beneath the skin’s surface. This process encourages collagen stimulation at specific depths, which can help support gradual improvements in skin firmness and lower facial definition.
It is commonly used for early to moderate skin laxity around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. Changes tend to develop progressively over time as collagen remodelling occurs, with results varying between individuals.
Fraxel® laser treatments
Fraxel laser treatments work within the dermis to stimulate collagen renewal and strengthen the skin’s supporting structure. By improving skin density and overall skin quality, Fraxel can help the skin appear firmer and more resilient over time.
This treatment is best suited to early or moderate laxity and is often used to refine texture and firmness. Fraxel is commonly combined with other treatments as part of a broader skin-firming plan.
Facial volumisation
Facial volumisation focuses on restoring structural support in areas where age-related volume changes have occurred. When used conservatively and placed with care, volumisation can help support facial contours and reduce the appearance of lower facial softening.
This approach doesn’t tighten skin directly, but it can complement skin-firming treatments by improving underlying support and balance.
Facial muscle-relaxing treatments
In some cases, muscle-relaxing treatments may be used to address muscle activity that contributes to downward pull in the lower face. While these treatments don’t firm the skin itself, they can support overall facial balance when used appropriately as part of a tailored treatment plan.
Considering your options for lower facial skin laxity
Changes in the lower face and jawline are a natural part of ageing, and how they appear can vary from person to person. While non-surgical treatments can’t stop the ageing process, they may help support skin firmness and definition when tailored to your individual skin characteristics.
At Victorian Dermal Group, our dermal clinicians take the time to assess your skin in detail, considering factors such as facial anatomy, skin condition, and your personal goals. From there, we can discuss whether non-surgical treatment options may be appropriate for you and how they might fit into a broader skin health plan.
If you’d like personalised guidance, you’re welcome to book a consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
