What Causes Jowls? Why Jowls Appear and What You Can Do About Them!

Jowls are one of the most common concerns people notice as the lower face begins to change with age. But what actually causes jowls, and why do some people develop them earlier or more noticeably than others?

At London Body Clinic, we regularly see clients who describe the same change: the jawline that once looked smooth and defined gradually becomes softer, the skin around the lower cheeks begins to sit lower, and small pockets of fullness appear around the corners of the jaw.

This is what is commonly referred to as jowling or jowls.

The important thing to understand is that jowls are not caused by one single factor. Facial ageing is a complex process involving the skin, collagen and elastin, facial fat, supporting ligaments, muscles and underlying facial bones. These structures change at different rates and interact with one another, gradually altering the shape and definition of the lower face.

In this guide, we explain what causes jowls, when they typically appear, whether genetics and weight loss can contribute, and what options may help improve the appearance of a softer or less defined jawline.

What Are Jowls?

Jowls are areas of sagging or downward displacement of soft tissue along the lower cheeks and jawline.

They commonly appear on either side of the lower face, around the area between the corners of the mouth and the jawline.

In a younger face, the transition from the cheek to the jaw is generally smoother and more clearly defined. As the facial tissues change over time, this transition can become less distinct.

Jowls can look like:

Small pockets of fullness beside the chin
Sagging skin along the jawline
A less defined lower face
A heavier-looking lower cheek
Loss of the previously visible jawline
A change from a more oval facial shape to a softer or squarer appearance

Jowls are completely normal and can occur as part of natural facial ageing. They can also be influenced by genetics, changes in body weight, sun exposure and other factors.

What Causes Jowls?

There isn’t one single cause of jowls.

Instead, jowling usually develops because several changes occur within the ageing face at the same time.

The main contributing factors include:

Loss of collagen and elastin
Reduced skin elasticity
Changes in facial fat distribution
Changes to facial ligaments and supporting structures
Changes in the underlying facial skeleton
Genetics
Sun exposure and environmental factors
Changes in body weight
Hormonal changes
The natural ageing process

Let’s look at each in more detail.

1. Collagen Loss and Reduced Skin Elasticity

One of the biggest contributors to facial ageing is the gradual change in the skin itself.

Collagen provides structural support within the skin, while elastin contributes to its ability to stretch and return towards its original shape.

As we age, collagen production and the organisation of the skin’s supporting structures change. The skin can consequently become thinner, less firm and less elastic.

This matters because the skin covering the lower face has to adapt to changes occurring underneath it.

When the skin becomes less resilient, it can begin to sit differently over the cheeks and jawline, contributing to the appearance of sagging skin and jowls.

2. Changes in Facial Fat

It is tempting to think that facial ageing simply means losing fat.

The reality is considerably more complicated.

Facial fat compartments can both lose volume and change position or distribution over time. Age-related changes can include loss of fat in some facial regions alongside increased fullness or redistribution in others, including areas around the jowls and lower face.

This redistribution can change the contours of the face.

For example, someone may lose volume in the cheeks while simultaneously developing more visible fullness around the lower face. The result can be a face that looks less lifted and a jawline that appears less defined.

This is one reason why simply thinking of jowls as “loose skin” can be misleading.

3. Changes to Facial Supporting Structures

The face is not simply skin sitting over bone.

It contains a complex network of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, fat compartments and other structures that help maintain its shape.

With age, some of these supporting structures change. Alterations in facial retaining ligaments and soft tissues can contribute to changes in the position and appearance of facial tissue, including the development of jowling.

This is another reason why treating the appearance of jowls isn’t necessarily about simply “tightening the skin”.

A qualified practitioner needs to consider why the jawline has changed in the first place.

4. Changes in the Facial Bones

One of the more interesting developments in our understanding of facial ageing is the recognition that the underlying facial skeleton also changes throughout adult life.

Facial ageing involves progressive skeletal remodelling and changes affecting structures including the maxilla and mandible.

Changes in the underlying bony framework can influence the soft tissues sitting above it.

Changes involving the jaw, chin and midface can contribute to alterations in the overlying soft tissue and the appearance of features including jowls.

This is why modern approaches to facial ageing increasingly look at the face as a three-dimensional structure, rather than treating the skin in isolation.

5. Genetics

Genetics can play a significant role in how and when facial ageing becomes visible.

Some people naturally have:

A softer jawline
More facial fat around the lower face
Different facial bone proportions
Thicker or thinner skin
Different collagen characteristics
Different patterns of facial fat distribution

Consequently, two people of exactly the same age can have completely different degrees of jowling.

There is no single age at which everyone develops jowls.

6. Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is another important contributor to visible facial ageing.

Repeated ultraviolet exposure can contribute to photoageing and changes in the skin’s collagen and elastin structures.

Environmental and intrinsic ageing work together to influence skin laxity, wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing.

This is why daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the simplest long-term measures people can take to help protect the appearance and health of their skin.

7. Weight Loss and Changes in Facial Volume

Significant weight loss can sometimes make jowls appear more noticeable.

This does not necessarily mean that losing weight “causes” jowls.

Rather, substantial changes in facial and overall body fat can alter the amount and distribution of soft tissue supporting the face. If the skin has previously been stretched or if facial volume has reduced significantly, laxity may become more visible.

The effect varies considerably between individuals.

8. Hormonal Changes and Menopause

Hormonal changes can also influence skin ageing.

For example, collagen loss can accelerate during the early years of menopause, contributing to reduced skin firmness and increased sagging.

This can make changes such as jowls, wrinkles and looser skin more noticeable during and after menopause.

Can Jowls Appear in Your 30s?

Yes.

Although jowls are more commonly associated with increasing age, there is no specific age when jowls begin.

Some people notice early changes in their late 30s or 40s, while others may not notice significant jowling until later.

Genetics, facial anatomy, skin quality, sun exposure, weight changes and individual ageing patterns all influence when changes become visible.

It is also worth remembering that a softer jawline isn’t necessarily caused by ageing. Natural facial anatomy and the distribution of facial fat can make some people appear to have “jowls” even when their skin is relatively firm.

Why Do I Suddenly Have Jowls?

Many people tell us that their jowls seemed to appear “overnight”.

Usually, the underlying process isn’t actually sudden.

Facial ageing is gradual, but we often notice it when several subtle changes become visually significant at the same time.

For example, a person may have experienced gradual collagen loss, small changes in facial volume and changes to the supporting structures of the lower face for years.

Eventually, the combined effect becomes noticeable in photographs or when looking in the mirror.

That can make it feel as though the jowls appeared suddenly.

Can You Get Rid of Jowls Naturally?

There is no reliable natural method that can completely reverse established jowls.

However, supporting overall skin health can help maintain skin quality.

Useful habits include:

Wearing daily SPF
Avoiding excessive UV exposure
Not smoking
Maintaining a balanced diet
Staying adequately hydrated
Following a consistent skincare routine
Using evidence-based skincare ingredients where appropriate
Maintaining a stable, healthy weight

These measures support healthy skin, but they should not be confused with a guaranteed way of eliminating established jowls.

Can Skincare Get Rid of Jowls?

Skincare can support skin quality, but topical skincare cannot recreate lost facial bone, reposition displaced fat or physically lift deeper facial tissues.

Ingredients such as retinoids may be useful as part of an evidence-based skincare routine, but expectations should remain realistic.

If the main concern is significant structural change to the jawline, a skincare-only approach may not address every factor involved.

What Aesthetic Treatments Can Help Jowls?

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every person with jowls.

This is extremely important.

Two people can have similar-looking jowls but completely different underlying causes.

One person may primarily have skin laxity.

Another may have volume loss.

Another may have excess submental or lower-face fullness.

Someone else may have a combination of changes involving skin, fat and the underlying facial structure.

Depending on the individual’s anatomy and clinical assessment, treatment options may include skin-quality treatments, collagen-stimulating approaches, energy-based treatments, dermal filler or surgical options.

In some cases, treatment may focus on improving structural support rather than simply placing product directly into the area that appears to be sagging.

At London Body Clinic, we believe the starting point should always be a proper consultation and assessment rather than assuming that one treatment is suitable for everyone.

Can Dermal Fillers Improve Jowls?

Dermal fillers may be appropriate for some patients where loss of structural volume contributes to an aged or less defined facial appearance.

However, filler isn’t simply a “jowl remover”.

The correct approach depends on the individual’s anatomy, skin quality, facial proportions and underlying cause.

An experienced practitioner may assess areas beyond the jowl itself when considering facial balance.

This is particularly important because adding too much volume to an already heavy lower face may produce an undesirable result.

The goal should be appropriate, proportionate treatment, not simply adding as much product as possible.

Can Botox Treat Jowls?

Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are completely different treatments and work in different ways.

Botulinum toxin primarily affects targeted muscle activity, while dermal fillers are used for purposes such as adding volume or supporting particular facial contours.

Therefore, Botox isn’t automatically a treatment for jowls.

Whether muscle activity is relevant to an individual’s lower-face concerns depends on their anatomy and the specific presentation.

This is why a proper consultation matters before deciding which aesthetic treatment, if any, is appropriate.

When Should You Consider Treatment for Jowls?

There is no medically defined age at which someone should treat jowls.

Treatment is a personal decision.

If you are noticing changes in your jawline and they are affecting how you feel about your appearance, the first step should be an assessment with an appropriately qualified practitioner.

A consultation should establish:

What is actually causing the appearance of the jowls?
Is there skin laxity?
Has facial volume changed?
Is there lower-face fullness?
What is the condition of the skin?
What are the patient’s expectations?
What treatment options are appropriate?
Are there reasons a particular treatment should be avoided?

A good aesthetic consultation should also include discussion of limitations and alternatives.

Our Approach at London Body Clinic

At London Body Clinic, we don’t believe in treating a face from a checklist.

The face is three-dimensional, and facial ageing involves multiple interacting structures. Modern understanding of facial ageing involves the skeleton, fat, connective tissues, muscles and skin.

That means the most appropriate treatment for one person’s jowls may be completely different from another person’s.

Our approach is therefore centred around assessment, facial balance and realistic expectations.

Rather than asking simply, “What can we inject into the jowls?”, the better question is:

“What has caused this particular change in this particular face?”

Once the underlying factors have been assessed, a treatment plan can be discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jowls

1. What causes jowls on the face?

Jowls are usually caused by a combination of age-related changes involving skin elasticity, collagen, facial fat distribution, supporting tissues and the underlying facial skeleton. Genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes and significant weight changes can also influence their appearance.

2. At what age do jowls start?

There is no fixed age. Some people notice early jowling in their 30s or 40s, while others develop more noticeable jowls later. Genetics, facial structure, skin quality and individual ageing patterns all play a role.

3. Why do I have jowls if I haven’t gained weight?

Jowls are not necessarily caused by weight gain. Changes in collagen, skin elasticity, facial fat distribution, supporting tissues and facial bone structure can all alter the jawline independently of overall body weight.

4. Can losing weight cause jowls?

Significant weight loss can make facial laxity more noticeable in some people because changes in facial volume can alter the way the skin sits over the face. However, weight loss is not the only cause of jowls.

5. Can jowls be prevented?

It may not be possible to completely prevent jowls because ageing and genetics cannot be stopped. However, protecting your skin from UV exposure, avoiding smoking and maintaining good skin health may help reduce some factors associated with premature visible ageing.

6. Can exercise get rid of jowls?

Facial exercises are often marketed as a way to lift or eliminate jowls, but there is not strong evidence that facial exercises can reverse established structural jowling. Jowls involve several layers of facial anatomy, not simply muscle weakness.

7. Can skincare remove jowls?

Skincare can improve aspects of skin quality, but creams cannot physically reposition deeper facial tissues or restore changes in facial bone and fat. A skincare routine can form part of an overall approach to maintaining healthy-looking skin.

8. Can Botox get rid of jowls?

Botulinum toxin is not a universal treatment for jowls. It works by temporarily reducing activity in specific muscles and may be appropriate for particular lower-face concerns, but it does not directly replace lost volume or tighten all types of loose skin.

9. Can dermal filler improve jowls?

Dermal filler may help selected patients where loss of structural volume contributes to reduced facial definition. However, the treatment needs to be tailored to the individual’s anatomy. Adding filler directly into a heavy lower face isn’t automatically the correct solution.

10. Can jowls be completely removed without surgery?

The answer depends on what is causing them and how pronounced they are. Non-surgical aesthetic treatments may improve the appearance of mild to moderate concerns in appropriately selected patients, but they cannot reproduce every result achievable through surgery.

11. Why are my jowls worse on one side?

Facial asymmetry is extremely common. Differences in bone structure, fat distribution, muscle activity, skin laxity and habitual movement can all contribute to one side appearing different from the other.

12. Do jowls mean my skin is ageing?

Not necessarily. Jowls can involve skin ageing, but they are a result of multiple changes beneath and within the skin as well. Facial fat, connective tissues and the underlying skeleton all contribute to the appearance of the ageing lower face.

13. Does menopause make jowls worse?

Menopause can contribute to changes in skin firmness because collagen loss can accelerate during the early post-menopausal period. Reduced skin firmness can make sagging and jowls more noticeable.

14. What is the best treatment for jowls?

There is no single “best” treatment for every person. The appropriate option depends on whether the primary issue is skin laxity, volume loss, fat distribution, facial structure or a combination of factors. A professional assessment should come before choosing treatment.

15. Should I have a consultation before treating jowls?

Yes. A consultation allows a practitioner to assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, volume distribution, expectations and suitability for different treatments. This is particularly important when considering injectable or energy-based aesthetic procedures.

The Bottom Line: What Causes Jowls?

Jowls are caused by a combination of changes rather than one single ageing process.

As we age, the skin can lose elasticity and collagen, facial fat can redistribute, supporting tissues can change and the underlying facial skeleton can remodel. Genetics, UV exposure, hormonal changes and significant weight fluctuations can further influence how these changes appear.

That is why there isn’t one universal treatment for jowls.

If you’re beginning to notice changes around your jawline, the most useful first step is understanding what is actually causing them.

At London Body Clinic, our approach is to assess the face as a whole rather than focusing on one isolated area. From there, we can discuss whether treatment is appropriate and what options may realistically improve your concerns.

Concerned about jowls or changes to your jawline? Book a consultation with London Body Clinic to discuss your individual concerns and explore your options.