What Is The Best Non Surgical Treatment For Jowls?

The best non surgical treatment for jowls is thread lifts, which provide immediate lifting plus long-term collagen stimulation. Other effective options include radiofrequency microneedling for skin tightening, dermal fillers for volume restoration, and Botox for jawline definition. The right choice depends on what’s causing your jowls and how much sagging you have.

This article covers everything you need to know about treating jowls without surgery. We’ll walk through the most popular treatments, what causes jowls in the first place, and what you can realistically expect from each option.

What Causes Jowls To Form?

Jowls form when the skin along your jawline starts to sag and lose its tight connection to the underlying structures. Several factors work together to create this drooping effect.

Age is the biggest culprit. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that we lose about 1% of our collagen each year after age 30. Less collagen means less skin support, which leads to sagging.

Fat pads in your face also shift downward as you age. The fat that once sat high on your cheeks migrates south, settling along your jawline and creating that jowly appearance. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that facial fat redistribution begins as early as the mid-30s for most people.

Genetics play a big role. If your parents developed jowls early, you’re more likely to see them sooner too. Some people have naturally weaker skin elasticity or thinner facial structures that make jowls more noticeable.

Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that up to 90% of visible aging comes from UV exposure. Your face gets plenty of sun over the years, and that adds up.

Weight fluctuations stretch the skin. Losing a lot of weight can leave excess skin that hangs along the jawline. Even smaller weight changes over time can affect skin elasticity.

Smoking speeds up collagen breakdown. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, smokers develop jowls about 5 to 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

Poor skincare habits don’t help either. Skipping sunscreen, not moisturizing, and sleeping on your side can all contribute to earlier jowl formation.

The good news? Several treatments can address jowls without going under the knife.

Want to learn more about treating sagging jowls? Our team in Lee’s Summit would be happy to answer your questions. Book a consultation today.

Can You Lift Jowls Without Surgery?

Yes, you can lift jowls without surgery. Non surgical treatments have come a long way in the past few years. While they won’t give you the same dramatic results as a facelift, they can create noticeable improvement for mild to moderate jowls.

Thread lifts are one of the most popular options. These dissolvable threads physically lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen production as they dissolve. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery reports that thread lift procedures increased by 31% from 2021 to 2022.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Thin threads with tiny barbs are inserted under your skin using a needle. The barbs grab onto tissue and pull it upward, creating an immediate lift.

Results show up right away, and they continue improving over the next few months as your body produces new collagen around the threads. Most people see results lasting 12 to 18 months.

Radiofrequency microneedling tightens skin from the inside out. The treatment combines tiny needles with heat energy to trigger collagen production deep in your skin.

A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed that radiofrequency treatments improved jawline definition by 42% after a series of three sessions. The tightening continues for months after your last treatment.

Dermal fillers can restore volume to areas that have deflated with age. When placed strategically along the jawline and cheeks, fillers create structure that makes jowls less noticeable.

Ultrasound skin tightening uses focused sound waves to heat tissue deep under your skin. This stimulates collagen production and gradually tightens loose skin over several months.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery notes that non surgical face lifting procedures grew by 28% from 2020 to 2022. People here in the Kansas City area love that they can get results without taking time off work.

Each treatment works differently, and many people combine two or three options for better results. The key is matching the right treatment to what’s causing your jowls.

Does Filler Help Sagging Jowls?

Fillers can help with sagging jowls, but they work best when used strategically as part of a bigger plan. They don’t directly lift jowls, but they can create the illusion of a lifted jawline.

Here’s how it works. When you lose volume in your cheeks and mid-face, everything slides down. That downward shift makes jowls look worse. By restoring volume higher up on your face, fillers can reduce the appearance of jowls without actually injecting the jowl area itself.

Dermal fillers placed in the cheeks, temples, and along the jawline create structure. This structural support makes your face look more lifted overall.

Some providers also inject filler directly along the jawline to strengthen the jaw angle and create better definition. This technique works well for people who have lost bone density or volume in that area.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 3.4 million dermal filler procedures were performed in 2022. Jawline contouring is one of the fastest-growing uses for fillers.

Sculptra is popular for jowl treatment because it stimulates collagen production over time. Rather than just filling space, it actually helps your skin produce its own volume. Results can last up to two years or more.

Radiesse works similarly. It provides immediate volume plus collagen stimulation. Many people use it for jawline definition because it’s thick enough to create structure.

Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers that work well for adding volume to the mid-face and temples. This indirect approach to treating jowls is sometimes called a “liquid facelift.”

Keep in mind that fillers alone won’t fix moderate to severe jowls. If your main issue is loose, sagging skin rather than volume loss, you’ll get better results from treatments that tighten skin, like thread lifts or radiofrequency treatments.

Many of our clients combine fillers with other treatments. Fillers restore volume while RF microneedling tightens skin. That combination addresses both aspects of jowl formation.

Thinking about trying filler treatments? We can help you figure out if it’s right for you. Contact us to set up a time to chat.

What Tightens Skin On Jawline?

Several treatments can tighten skin along your jawline. The best option depends on how loose your skin is and what results you’re hoping for.

Radiofrequency microneedling is one of the most popular choices. It combines tiny needles with radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of your skin. That heat triggers your body to produce fresh collagen and elastin.

The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published a study showing that RF microneedling improved skin laxity by 35% after three treatments. Most people need three to five sessions spaced about a month apart.

Results develop gradually over two to three months as your body builds new collagen. The tightening can last 12 to 18 months with good skincare maintenance.

Ultrasound skin tightening uses focused sound waves to heat tissue deep under your skin without damaging the surface. This deep heating stimulates collagen production at the foundational level.

A clinical trial in Aesthetic Surgery Journal showed that 87% of patients had visible improvement in jawline definition after ultrasound treatments. The procedure takes about 60 minutes and requires no downtime.

Thread lifts provide both immediate lift and long-term collagen stimulation. The threads physically pull sagging tissue upward while triggering your body to produce new collagen as they dissolve.

PDO threads are the most common type used for jawline tightening. They dissolve over six to eight months, but the collagen they stimulated continues supporting your skin long after the threads are gone.

Laser skin resurfacing removes damaged outer layers of skin while heating the deeper layers to stimulate collagen. This dual action tightens skin and improves texture at the same time.

Skin tightening treatments using various energy-based devices heat the skin to cause collagen contraction. You might see some immediate tightening, with continued improvement over several months.

The Aesthetic Surgery Journal reports that satisfaction rates for non surgical skin tightening procedures hover around 79%. People appreciate the natural-looking results and minimal recovery time.

Here’s a quick comparison of skin tightening treatments:

If you’re in the Kansas City area and curious about your options, schedule a consultation with us. We’re here to help.

How Do You Fix Drooping Jowls?

Fixing drooping jowls requires a multi-angle approach. You need to address the loose skin, restore lost volume, and sometimes strengthen the underlying muscle structure.

The most common solution combines thread lifts with skin tightening treatments. Thread lifts provide immediate lift by physically repositioning sagging tissue. Skin tightening treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound improve skin quality and firmness over time.

A study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that patients who received combination treatments reported 45% higher satisfaction than those who had single treatments. You’re tackling the problem from multiple directions.

Botox can play a role too. When injected along the jawline (sometimes called a “Nefertiti lift”), Botox relaxes the muscle that pulls down on your lower face. This creates a subtle lift and better jaw definition.

Dermal fillers restore volume to the mid-face and cheeks. By filling in areas that have deflated, you reduce the downward pull that makes jowls more noticeable. Some providers also use filler to strengthen the jaw angle itself.

Radiofrequency microneedling improves skin quality from the inside out. The treatment stimulates collagen production, which tightens and firms the skin over several months.

Many people start with less aggressive options and work their way up if needed. You might begin with RF microneedling and add fillers later. If those don’t give you enough improvement, thread lifts can provide more dramatic results.

The key is setting realistic expectations. Non surgical treatments create noticeable improvement, but they won’t give you the same results as a surgical facelift. For mild to moderate jowls, non surgical options work great. For severe sagging, surgery might be the only way to get the results you want.

Timing matters too. Addressing jowls early (when sagging is mild) gives you better results than waiting until the problem is severe. Starting treatment in your 40s or early 50s often means you can maintain good results with occasional touch-ups.

Here in Lee’s Summit, we see clients at all stages of jowl formation. Some come in at the first sign of sagging, while others wait until it really bothers them. Either way, we can create a plan that makes sense for where you’re at.

Ready to take the next step? Request a consultation and let’s talk about what might work best for you.

Can Threads Lift Jowls?

Yes, threads can lift jowls, and they’re one of the most popular non surgical options for this specific concern. Thread lifts work by physically repositioning sagging tissue and stimulating collagen production.

The procedure uses thin, dissolvable threads made from polydioxanone (PDO). These threads have tiny barbs or cones that grab onto tissue and pull it upward. The threads create an immediate lift, then dissolve over six to eight months while stimulating your body to produce new collagen.

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, thread lifts for jowls have an 82% satisfaction rate. Most people love the immediate results combined with continued improvement over time.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. After numbing the area, your provider inserts threads under your skin using a thin needle. The threads are placed strategically to lift the jowl area and create better jawline definition.

You’ll see results right away. There might be some swelling and bruising for a few days, but most people return to normal activities within three to five days. That’s way different from surgical facelift recovery, which can take weeks.

Thread lift results last 12 to 18 months for most people. Some see results lasting up to two years. As the threads dissolve, the collagen they stimulated continues supporting your skin.

The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published a study showing that thread lifts improved jawline definition by an average of 38% after one treatment. Patients reported looking three to five years younger.

Not everyone is a good candidate for thread lifts. They work best for mild to moderate jowls. If you have severe sagging or very loose skin, threads might not provide enough lift. Your provider can tell you during consultation if threads are right for you.

Some people combine thread lifts with other treatments for better results. Threads provide the lift, while radiofrequency treatments improve overall skin quality. Fillers can add volume to areas that look hollow after lifting.

Cost varies based on how many threads you need. Most people need 4 to 8 threads per side for jowl lifting. Thread lift costs typically range from $1,500 to $4,500 for the full treatment.

Want to see real results? Check out our thread lift before and after pictures to see what this treatment can do.

Have questions? Our team loves talking about this stuff. Reach out anytime.

Combining Treatments For Jowls

Combining treatments often gives you the best results when dealing with jowls. Different treatments address different aspects of the problem, so using multiple approaches makes sense.

A popular combination here in the Kansas City area is thread lifts plus radiofrequency microneedling. The threads provide immediate lift, while RF treatments improve skin quality and firmness over time. You get both instant gratification and long-term improvement.

Another common pairing is fillers plus Botox. Dermal fillers restore volume to the mid-face and cheeks, reducing the downward pull that creates jowls. Botox along the jawline relaxes muscles that pull down on your lower face. Together, they create better jaw definition.

Some people add ultrasound skin tightening to their treatment plan. This works well with thread lifts because it targets deeper layers of tissue that threads can’t reach.

The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published research showing that combination treatments improved patient satisfaction scores by 38% compared to single treatments. People appreciated the comprehensive approach.

Timing matters when combining treatments. Botox can be done anytime. Fillers should be placed at least two weeks before or after thread lifts. RF microneedling needs time to heal between sessions.

Not everyone needs multiple treatments right away. Many people start with one option and add others based on results. You might begin with RF microneedling, then add threads six months later if you want more lift.

Budget plays a role in treatment planning. Combining treatments costs more upfront but can save money long-term by giving you better results that last longer. You might need fewer touch-ups overall.

Our team at Slimming Solutions Med Spa creates customized treatment plans based on your specific concerns, timeline, and budget. We don’t push unnecessary treatments. We focus on what will actually help you reach your goals.

What To Expect During Treatment

Most non surgical jowl treatments are quick and comfortable. Here’s what typically happens for each option.

Thread lift procedures start with a consultation. We’ll examine your face, discuss what’s bothering you, and determine how many threads you’ll need. Photos help track your progress.

On treatment day, the area gets cleaned and numbed. Once you’re comfortable, thin needles insert the threads under your skin. You might feel tugging or pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.

The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll see immediate lift when you look in the mirror. Some swelling and bruising are normal for a few days. Most people return to work within three to five days.

Radiofrequency microneedling sessions take 30 to 45 minutes. After applying numbing cream, the device moves over your skin creating tiny needles that deliver radiofrequency energy.

The treatment feels warm and prickly. Most people say it’s totally tolerable. Your skin will be red afterward, like a sunburn. That usually fades within 24 hours.

You’ll need three to five sessions spaced about a month apart. Results develop gradually over two to three months as your body builds new collagen.

Filler treatments are quick. After cleaning the area, your provider injects filler into specific points along your jawline and cheeks. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You might feel pinching or pressure during injections. Some people experience mild swelling or bruising for a day or two. Results show up immediately and continue improving as any swelling goes down.

Botox injections for jawline definition take about 15 minutes. Small amounts get injected along your jaw and neck. You’ll feel quick pinches as the needle goes in.

No downtime is needed. Results show up in about a week and last three to four months. You can return to normal activities right away.

Ultrasound treatments feel like a warm massage. The treatment head delivers focused energy while moving across your skin. Sessions last 30 to 60 minutes.

You might feel tingling or warmth during the procedure. Most people find it comfortable. There’s no downtime. Results develop over two to three months.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 89% of people who get non surgical facial treatments return to normal activities the same day or the next day. That’s one of the biggest benefits compared to surgery.

If you’re curious about what treatment might work best for your jowls, schedule a consultation. We can walk you through the process and answer all your questions.

Maintaining Your Results

Getting rid of jowls is just the beginning. Maintaining results requires some ongoing care and occasional touch-up treatments.

Sunscreen is your best friend. Apply SPF 30 or higher to your face and neck every single day. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that consistent sunscreen use can reduce signs of aging by 24% over three years.

Good skincare habits make a big difference. Use products with retinoids to boost collagen production. Vitamin C serums brighten and protect your skin. Peptide therapy products support skin repair and firmness.

Don’t forget to moisturize. Hydrated skin looks plumper and more lifted. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide for aging skin.

Sleep position matters. Sleeping on your back prevents creases and sagging from forming. If you’re a side sleeper, consider a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and pulling on your skin.

Stay at a stable weight. Big fluctuations stretch the skin and can make jowls worse. If you’re working on weight loss, do it gradually to give your skin time to adjust.

Consider maintenance treatments. Thread lifts need to be repeated every 12 to 18 months. RF microneedling sessions once or twice a year help maintain collagen production. Botox needs touch-ups every three to four months.

Regular facials keep your skin healthy and glowing. Treatments like chemical peels or dermaplaning remove dead skin cells and boost cell turnover.

A healthy lifestyle supports your results from the inside. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Quit smoking if you haven’t already. According to research published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, smokers develop facial sagging 5 to 10 years earlier than non-smokers. Quitting helps preserve your results.

Exercise helps too. Facial exercises might have some benefit, but overall fitness improves circulation and keeps your skin healthy.

Consistency is what matters most. Small daily habits add up over time and help you maintain the results you worked hard to get.

Cost Of Non Surgical Jowl Treatments

Non surgical jowl treatments cost less than surgery, but they’re still an investment. Prices vary based on the treatment type and how much correction you need.

Thread lifts typically cost $1,500 to $4,500 for jowl treatment. The price depends on how many threads you need. Most people need 4 to 8 threads per side.

Radiofrequency microneedling costs $500 to $1,500 per session. You’ll need three to five sessions initially, then maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Dermal fillers for jawline contouring range from $800 to $2,500 depending on how many syringes you need. Most people need 2 to 4 syringes for noticeable results.

Botox for jawline definition costs $300 to $600 per treatment. You’ll need 20 to 40 units typically. Treatments need to be repeated every three to four months.

Ultrasound skin tightening costs $1,000 to $3,000 per treatment. Most people need one to two sessions initially, with maintenance every year or two.

While these numbers might seem high, compare them to surgical facelifts. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average facelift costs $8,500, not including anesthesia, facility fees, or other expenses. Plus surgery requires weeks of recovery time.

Many people find that spreading treatments over time makes them more affordable. You might start with one option, see how it works, then add others later based on your budget and results.

Some practices offer package deals or membership programs that reduce per-treatment costs. At Slimming Solutions Med Spa, we work with clients to create treatment plans that fit their budget and goals.

Remember that non surgical treatments need maintenance. Factor those ongoing costs into your planning. The good news is that as your skin improves, you might need treatments less frequently over time.

Insurance doesn’t cover treatments for jowls since they’re considered cosmetic. However, some practices offer financing options that let you pay over time rather than all at once.

If you’re curious about pricing for your specific situation, schedule a consultation. We can give you accurate pricing based on your individual needs and goals.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

Good candidates for non surgical jowl treatments have mild to moderate sagging. If your jowls are just starting to form or you’ve had them for a while but they’re not severe, non surgical options can work really well.

You should be in generally good health. Most treatments are safe for almost everyone, but some medical conditions or medications might affect your candidacy. Let your provider know about any health issues during consultation.

Realistic expectations matter. Non surgical treatments create noticeable improvement, but they won’t give you the same dramatic results as a facelift. If you’re looking for subtle to moderate enhancement, you’ll probably be happy with results.

Your skin quality plays a role. People with some remaining elasticity in their skin respond better to tightening treatments. If your skin has completely lost its elasticity, you might need more aggressive options.

Age isn’t necessarily a limiting factor. Some people develop jowls in their 40s, while others don’t see them until their 60s. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that the average age for non surgical facial treatments is 45 to 55.

You should be a non-smoker or willing to quit. Smoking interferes with healing and collagen production. It can reduce the results you get from any skin treatment.

Patience is important. Most non surgical treatments work gradually. If you want instant transformation, you might be frustrated with how slowly results develop. Thread lifts provide immediate lift, but other treatments take weeks or months to show full results.

You should be willing to maintain results. Non surgical treatments don’t last forever. Plan on regular touch-ups to keep your jawline looking good.

Budget considerations matter too. If you can only afford one treatment and expect permanent results, non surgical options might not be the right fit. These treatments require ongoing maintenance.

During consultation, we’ll examine your jowls and discuss what’s realistic for your specific situation. Some people are perfect candidates for non surgical treatments. Others might be better off considering surgery down the road.

When To Consider Surgery Instead

Non surgical treatments work great for many people, but they have their limits. Sometimes surgery is the better option.

If you have severe sagging with lots of excess skin, non surgical treatments might not provide enough improvement. Thread lifts can only do so much. Radiofrequency can only tighten skin to a certain degree.

A surgical facelift removes excess skin and repositions deeper tissues. That creates more dramatic results than any non surgical option can achieve. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that satisfaction rates for facelifts are around 92%.

People with very loose neck skin in addition to jowls often need surgery to get the results they want. Non surgical treatments can improve the jawline, but they struggle with loose neck skin.

If you’re looking for permanent results, surgery makes more sense. While surgical results don’t last forever (you’ll continue aging), they do last much longer than non surgical options. A facelift can turn back the clock by 10 to 15 years.

Budget can influence this decision. While surgery costs more upfront, you won’t need regular maintenance treatments. When you add up the cost of thread lifts, RF sessions, fillers, and Botox over several years, surgery might actually be more cost-effective long-term.

Your lifestyle matters too. If you can take two to three weeks off for recovery, surgery might be fine. If you can’t afford that much downtime, non surgical options work better.

Some people use non surgical treatments as a way to “test drive” results. They get thread lifts or fillers to see how they like having a more defined jawline. If they love it, they might consider surgery later for longer-lasting results.

There’s no rush to make this decision. Many people start with non surgical treatments and move toward surgery only if they’re not happy with the results. Others are perfectly satisfied with non surgical options and never need surgery.

During consultation, we’ll be honest about what non surgical treatments can and can’t do for your specific situation. If we think surgery would serve you better, we’ll tell you.

Final Thoughts

Treating jowls without surgery is absolutely possible. Modern treatments like thread lifts, radiofrequency microneedling, dermal fillers, and Botox give you real results without the risks and recovery time of surgery.

The best approach depends on what’s causing your jowls and how severe they are. Mild sagging responds well to skin tightening treatments. Moderate jowls benefit from thread lifts. Volume loss improves with fillers. Often, a combination of treatments gives the best results.

Results won’t last forever, but with proper maintenance and good skincare habits, you can keep your jawline looking defined and lifted for years. Many people find that non surgical options fit better into their lifestyle than taking weeks off for surgery recovery.

Here in Lee’s Summit, we help people tackle jowls every day. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. The right treatment plan makes all the difference.

If jowls are bothering you, don’t wait. The sooner you address them, the better your results will be. Mild sagging is easier to treat than severe sagging.

Contact us to discuss your options. We’ll help you figure out which treatments make sense for your goals, your timeline, and your budget. You deserve to feel good about how you look.