How to Lift Jowls Without Surgery: What Really Helps?

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Noticing a little sagging along your jawline or small folds near the corners of your mouth? It's a common change as we get older, but that doesn't mean you can't do anything to improve how it looks.

If you're wondering how to lift jowls without surgery, there are several options worth knowing about—from facial exercises and massage to skincare and professional treatments.

But they don't all work the same way, and some may be better suited to your face than others.

I've spent years working with facial exercises and trying different at-home techniques. Here, I'll walk you through what may help, what has limitations, and what's worth considering before spending your time or money.

What helps sagging jowls without surgery

60-second jawline massage

If your lower face sometimes looks a little puffy or less defined, here's a simple massage I like to use.

It takes about a minute, and all you need are clean hands and a little moisturizer or face oil so your fingers glide comfortably.

Just keep in mind that this is a gentle massage, not a treatment that can lift loose skin. I think of it as a small extra step in my facial care routine.

1) Jawline glide

Start with a little moisturizer or face oil.

1. Lift your chin slightly, keeping your neck comfortable.
2. Place your fingertips along your jawline near your chin.
3. Gently glide outward toward your ears without pulling or stretching the skin.
4. Repeat about 10 times.

Use light pressure. More pressure doesn't mean better results.

2) Mouth-Corner Soft Lift

1. Relax your face and make a soft "O" with your mouth.
2. Place your fingertips beside the corners of your mouth.
3. Gently glide upward and outward toward your cheekbones.
4. Repeat about 10 times.

Keep the movement comfortable, especially if your skin is thin or sensitive. There's no need to tug or stretch.

What can this massage actually do?

I like gentle massage because it's easy to work into a daily routine, and it may temporarily improve the look of puffiness.

But there's a difference between a jawline that looks puffy and one that's sagging because of loose skin or lost facial volume. Massage won't correct those deeper changes.

If fullness under your chin is something you've noticed, you might also like my lymphatic drainage massage for a double chin.

And if you want to work on facial muscle tone rather than just massage the skin, see my favorite two jowl exercises. Those are part of the facial fitness approach I've practiced for years.

Can skincare help tighten sagging jowls?

Skincare can't physically lift sagging jowls or replace lost cheek volume. But that doesn't mean it's not worth doing.

I've noticed that when my skin is well moisturized, especially around my mouth and jawline, it looks smoother and a little fuller. Dryness can make those areas look more crepey and emphasize folds.

Here's what I focus on:

1. Moisturize daily

A good moisturizer helps soften the look of fine lines and keeps dry, mature skin more comfortable.

I personally like using a rich ceramide cream. At night, I'll sometimes press a thin layer of face oil or balm over my moisturizer to help seal in moisture.

It won't tighten loose skin, but I find the area looks smoother when I keep it well hydrated.

2. Consider retinol for skin texture

Retinol can gradually improve fine lines and uneven texture by supporting skin renewal and collagen production.

But if your skin is sensitive, like mine, start slowly. Two or three nights a week may be plenty, and you can use it less often if needed.

Think of retinol as long-term skincare, not a quick fix for jowls.

3. Protect your jawline and neck

Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin from additional sun damage.

I make sure to bring broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher down along my jawline and neck—not just my face.

My take: Good skincare is worth doing, even if it doesn't lift jowls. It helps the skin look and feel better, and that's something I appreciate on its own.

Why jowls show up

Jowls aren't just about loose skin. Changes in facial fat, muscle, and the tissues that support your face can all affect how your jawline looks.

And that's worth understanding because what helps one type of sagging may not help another.

Here's what can contribute:

• Loss of skin firmness: As collagen and elastin decline with age, skin gradually loses some of its ability to bounce back.
• Changes in cheek volume: The fat that gives our cheeks their fullness can shrink or shift over time. This may make the lower face look heavier, even when you haven't gained weight.
• Gravity and facial structure: Over time, changes in the skin, underlying tissues, and even bone structure can make jowls more noticeable.
• Weight loss: Losing facial fat can sometimes leave the jawline looking looser, especially when the cheeks lose fullness. I explain this in more detail in this page on jowls after weight loss.

Here's something I've noticed from years of doing facial exercises: the cheeks and lower face work together. When my cheeks look fuller and more supported, my whole lower face tends to look better, too.

That's one reason I don't believe in focusing only on the jowl area.

The takeaway? Before spending money on treatments, think about what's actually changing in your face. Is it mostly loose skin, lost cheek fullness, or a combination? That can make a real difference in which options are worth considering.

Non-surgical options to discuss with a pro

If you've tried at-home methods and want to know what else is available, there are a few professional treatments worth understanding.

None works quite like a facelift, but some may help improve mild sagging or make the jawline look more defined.

1. Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening

Radiofrequency treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin.

• Best for: Mild skin looseness and some loss of firmness.
• What to expect: Gradual, usually modest improvement over several months.
• Downsides: Cost, possible redness or swelling, and results that aren't guaranteed.

Worth considering? Possibly, especially if loose skin is your main concern. But I'd want to know how much improvement is realistic before paying for a series of treatments.

2. Focused ultrasound treatments

Ultrasound treatments, such as Ultherapy, use focused energy to heat tissue beneath the skin and encourage collagen production.

• Best for: Certain types of mild to moderate skin laxity.
• What to expect: Subtle tightening that develops over two to six months.
• Downsides: Treatment can be uncomfortable, results vary, and it can be expensive.

Worth considering? Maybe, if you're looking for modest improvement without surgery. I'd be especially careful about discussing facial volume loss with the provider if your cheeks are already thin.

3. Fillers for jawline contour

Fillers work differently. Rather than tightening skin, they add volume to selected areas to improve facial shape.

• Best for: Certain volume-loss and contour concerns.
• What to expect: A more immediate change, although swelling can temporarily affect the appearance.
• Downsides: Maintenance, cost, possible puffiness or an unnatural-looking result, and rare but serious injection complications.

Worth considering? That depends on your facial structure. If you've already lost cheek fullness, I'd want a provider to evaluate the whole face rather than simply add filler around the jowls.

My take: Before spending money on any of these, ask what the treatment can realistically improve on your face. A subtle change may be exactly what you're looking for, but it should be worth the cost, downtime, and possible downsides.

For these treatments, I'd consult a qualified, experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon who understands mature facial anatomy.

What do nonsurgical jowl treatments cost?

Cost is worth considering, especially when results are subtle or maintenance treatments are needed. Here are some general price ranges to help you compare, but I'd always get a personalized quote before deciding.

Who these options tend to work best for

Not every nonsurgical treatment is a good match for every face. And after 40, it's especially important to consider how much skin looseness you have and whether you've also lost fullness in your cheeks.

These treatments may be worth considering if:

• Your sagging is mild to moderate, and you're looking for a subtle improvement.
• Your skin still has some elasticity.
• You're comfortable with gradual results and possible maintenance treatments.
• You understand that nonsurgical treatments won't give you the same result as a facelift.

They may be less helpful if:

• You have a significant amount of loose or hanging skin.
• You've lost considerable cheek volume and need more than skin tightening.
• You're expecting a dramatic lift or a sharply defined jawline.
• The cost and ongoing maintenance don't seem worth the likely improvement.

My take: I think the most important question isn't simply, "Does this treatment work?" It's "Is it likely to help my particular concern?"

If your jowls are mostly related to loose skin, a tightening treatment might be worth discussing. But if lost facial volume is part of the problem, you'll want a provider who evaluates your cheeks and lower face together.

And if a treatment isn't a good fit, that doesn't mean you have to choose surgery. It's ok to stick with at-home care and focus on keeping your skin looking its best.

If you're trying to decide

If you're trying to figure out what to do about sagging jowls, I'd start by looking at what's actually bothering you—and how much improvement you're hoping for.

If you want to start naturally: Facial exercises, gentle massage, and good skincare are reasonable first steps. They're affordable and easy to work into your routine, but don't expect them to remove loose skin.

If your jawline has lost definition: It may be worth discussing professional treatments. Just remember that tightening loose skin and replacing lost facial volume are two different things.

If you're considering an expensive treatment: Ask to see before-and-after photos of women with similar facial structure and skin concerns. Find out how much improvement is realistic, what could go wrong, and whether you'll need maintenance.

If you have significant sagging: Nonsurgical treatments may not give you the change you're hoping for. A surgical consultation can help clarify your options, but there's no obligation to do anything.

My take: I've always preferred starting with what I can do at home. But I also believe in knowing when something has limitations. You don't have to chase every new treatment to make your face look a little fresher.

The goal is to find what makes sense for your face, your comfort level, and your budget.

Helpful next reads

Want to explore a little more? These guides may help you find an approach that makes sense for your face:

• Full Face Workout — why I prefer working the whole face rather than focusing only on jowls.
• Non-Surgical Options for a Turkey Neck — practical ways to care for loose-looking skin around the neck.
• At-Home Face-Lift Massage — another hands-on option for the lower face.
• Why Buccal Fat Removal Won't Fix Jowls — what to consider before removing facial fat.
• Lower Face Sagging Guide — understanding changes in your cheeks, jawline, and lower face.

FAQs

what studies suggest

References:

1. Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging - JAMA Dermatology (2018) Available on NIH/PMC

2. Enhancing Facial Aesthetics with Muscle Retraining Exercises-A Review - Available on NIH/PMC.

3. Does your face need a workout? - Harvard Health

Have a question or want to share your experience?

I'd love to hear from you! Visit my Questions & Comments page to ask a question, share a tip, or tell me what's worked for you.

About the Author:

Linda Robison is a Certified Facial Fitness Specialist and founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone, where she shares practical tips, products, techniques, and at-home options for women over 40. She personally tests many of the methods she writes about.

Experience: Linda spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has over 30 years of experience testing facial anti-aging techniques, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her work has been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can view her background on LinkedIn and follow her on Pinterest.

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