REMOVE JOWLS : MINI FACELIFT

Dernière mise à jour : 06 July 2026

What are jowls ?

Jowls are small fat deposits on either side of the chin that extend below the jawline, causing loss of jawline definition and giving the face a tired or aged appearance.
This aesthetic concern represents the final stage of jawline sagging and is often associated with a double chin.
Lower facial sagging results from progressive volume loss, reduced skin elasticity and tissue descent with ageing.
Jowl treatment takes a comprehensive approach to restoring facial support points rather than injecting directly into the jowls. Hyaluronic acid injections, sometimes combined with collagen stimulators or tightening techniques, redefine the jawline without surgery. Treatment is personalised according to each patient's anatomy and degree of sagging.

Session duration
Duration depends on the areas and technique selected
Number of sessions
Personalised plan; 1 or more sessions
Time to results
Depending on the procedure: immediate or gradual
Usual after-effects
Depends on the technique; possible swelling or bruising
Duration of effects
Depends on products, devices and ageing
Price
CHF 600 per syringe
Contents
  1. Key points
  2. Why do I have jowls ? Why does the jawline sag ?
  3. What are jowls made of ?
  4. Which exercises help jowls ?
  5. Degrees of jowl severity and jawline sagging
  6. How can the jawline be tightened without surgery ?
  7. How can jowls be lifted without surgery ?Removing jowls with hyaluronic acid injections
  8. How can a sagging face be lifted ?
  9. Before/after results of treatment for jawline sagging
  10. How much does a medical lower face lift cost ?
  11. Jowl treatment : reviews
  12. Frequently asked questions about jowls in Geneva
  13. Articles about jowls

Key points

Removing jowls in Geneva 

What is jawline sagging ?
Loss of jawline definition means reduced firmness and definition of the mandibular line and facial contours, often accompanied by jowls, localised fat deposits that weigh down the jawline.
The first wrinkles appear from the thirties, and sagging begins from the forties. The face becomes square and tired-looking.

Treatment for sagging jowls is a common request in aesthetic medicine.
How can a sagging face be lifted ? How can jowls be lifted without surgery ?  Several non-invasive techniques are available : hyaluronic acid injections to define the jawline, thread lifts and radiofrequency treatments. These methods aim to redefine the jawline and improve skin elasticity.

Brown jowl treatment

Why do I have jowls ? Why does the jawline sag ?

Jowl development is mainly associated with facial ageing. With age, collagen and elastin production declines, causing loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Other changes accompany this.

  • Malar fat descent : fat from the cheekbone gradually descends and eventually extends below the jawline.
  • Loss of bone support : the mandibular bone is resorbed, reducing its length and height.
  • Structural changes : the jawline loses definition because the jaw angle increases with age and the skin becomes less firm, toned and elastic.


Other factors cause loss of jawline definition and jowls : gravity gradually pulling skin downwards ; weight fluctuations ; environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking and unhealthy habits, which accelerate skin ageing.

What are jowls made of ?

Jowls mainly consist of :

  • Adipose tissue (fat) : jowls contain significant fat accumulation, causing this area to sag.
  • Skin tissue (skin) : the skin covering jowls loses elasticity and firmness over time, contributing to sagging jowls.
  • Connective tissue : composed of collagen and elastin, this gives skin firmness and elasticity. Collagen production declines with age, causing skin laxity.

Which exercises help jowls ?

Certain facial exercises can strengthen facial muscles and improve circulation, but benefits for skin firmness around the jowls are minimal.

  • Exaggerated smile : smile as broadly as possible without showing your teeth.
  • Kissing the ceiling : tilt your head slightly backwards towards the ceiling. Push your lips upwards as though trying to kiss it.
  • Tongue resistance : press your tongue against your palate as firmly as possible.
  • Fish face : suck your cheeks inwards to make a fish face.
  •  Balloon : inflate your cheeks with a deep breath. Slowly move air from one cheek to the other.

Degrees of jowl severity and jawline sagging

Jawline sagging and jowls worsen over time.
Initially, skin firmness and elasticity decline slightly because of gradually decreasing collagen. Facial contours start sagging subtly but remain relatively well defined.
The intermediate stage involves more pronounced sagging, visible jowls and a less distinct jawline.
At the advanced stage, sagging is significant, jowls hang noticeably and the jawline is substantially altered, giving a tired, aged appearance.
Five stages are described.

  • Stage 0 : no jawline sagging.
  • Stage 1 : mild jawline sagging.
  • Stage 2 : moderate jawline sagging.
  • Stage 3 : severe jawline sagging.
  • Stage 4 : very severe jawline sagging.
Brown jowl treatment

How can the jawline be tightened without surgery ?

Advances in aesthetic medicine make jowl treatment possible (removal or improvement).
A non-surgical face and neck lift is now possible.
Previously (and unfortunately still today), there was a tendency to fill hollows before and behind the jowl with hyaluronic acid. This weighs down and puffs up the face by widening the lower third.
Dr Romano uses two techniques for jowls. She begins with a medical lift, complemented by the Abeille lift technique.

How can jowls be lifted without surgery ?Removing jowls with hyaluronic acid injections

Jawline redefinition techniques are personalised to each patient's specific needs. This achieves natural results suited to each face's unique characteristics.

Hyaluronic acid injections are the main method for treating jowls and restoring the jawline.
Dr Romano first performs a medical lift. The 8-point face lift tightens descended fat. Injections are performed with a needle, using a sufficiently firm product placed deeply.
This is complemented by filler injections to replace fat and bone lost over time. Injection sites depend on the patient's anatomy.
The doctor's expertise is essential for a harmonious result. Not all doctors perform this technique, which requires specific expertise.

Brown jowl treatment
Brown jowl treatment

How can a sagging face be lifted ?

The 8-point lift acts on fat, and the skin naturally follows the fat and is lifted with it.
However, actual skin laxity caused by thinning is treated with the technique Dr Romano developed, the ‘Abeille lift’. Injections arranged like a spider's web or honeycomb are targeted and adapted to each face. The hyaluronic acid must have very fine particles and is injected into different skin layers according to the patient's needs.
An unsuccessful injection puffs up and distorts the face, making an experienced doctor essential.

Before/after results of treatment for jawline sagging

Jawline results are immediate and last a year.
Patients describe :

  • A feeling of facial rejuvenation and a fresh, rested appearance. The face looks less sad and tired, becoming brighter and younger-looking.
  • Jowl disappearance : depending on severity, jowls improve or are completely eliminated.
  • A facial slimming effect.
  • A lifting and tightening effect.
  • Improved skin quality. Hyaluronic acid injections stimulate collagen production, improving overall skin quality over the long term.

Treatment aims to restore the patient's original anatomy and youthful facial triangle.
An unsuccessful injection makes the face heavy, swollen and transformed.

How long do treatment results last ?

Duration varies according to treatment. Filler injection results last around twelve months.

How much does a medical lower face lift cost ?

Hyaluronic acid treatment for jowls restores jawline tension by filling certain volume deficits and redefining mandibular contours. Hyaluronic acid injections to correct jowls cost CHF 600 per syringe.
The number needed varies according to facial anatomy, skin laxity and the desired aesthetic effect. More comprehensive correction may require greater volume with additional injections in the cheekbones, jaw angle or chin.
The total treatment cost is determined after the medical consultation, based on a personalised plan. Prices are always communicated clearly and transparently.

Jowl treatment : reviews

Patient reviews :

  • Overall satisfaction : most patients are very satisfied, describing improved jawline firmness and definition.
  • Confidence : many patients feel younger and more attractive.
  • Natural results : the face is naturally rejuvenated.
  • Treatment experience : patients generally appreciate quick, simple, non-invasive treatments giving visible results without after-effects.

Doctors' opinions :

  • Proven effectiveness of jowl treatments.
  • Personalised treatments : tailored protocols are possible.
  • Safety : jowl treatments are well tolerated, with low complication risks when performed by experienced doctors. 
WHAT THE STUDIES SAY
01

A publication on jowls describes the different factors contributing to their formation: loss of support, changes in fat, skin laxity and muscle activity. Examination helps identify the role of each factor in an individual patient and select an appropriate treatment. Injections can be used in non-surgical lifting techniques, but cannot always treat jowls.

Source: Revitalizing the lower face: Therapeutic insights and an innovative treatment guideline for jowl rejuvenation — Fabiano Nadson Magacho-Vieira, Luíza Jorgiana Riotinto Bezerra, Daniel Boro et al. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2024.

02

In a trial of hyaluronic acid injections for redefining the jawline, an improvement was observed at six months in 69% of treated patients, compared with 38% in the control group. Treated patients were also more satisfied with the harmony of their face. These results show better jawline definition with an improvement in jowls.

Source: Safe and Effective Restoration of Jawline Definition With Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Gel VYC-25L: Results From a Randomized Controlled Study — Alexander Rivkin, Jeremy B Green, Suzanne Bruce et al. Aesthetic surgery journal, 2024.

03

In a clinical trial, hyaluronic acid injections were assessed for redefining the jawline. At three months, an improvement was observed in 85.1% of treated patients, compared with 14.3% in the control group. In many patients, the correction remained visible for up to two years. Some had received maintenance treatment and others had not, depending on their group. These results concern the gel and protocol studied.

Source: Effectiveness and Safety of a High G' Hyaluronic Acid Injectable for Jawline Definition: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Investigation — Sachin M Shridharani, Glynis Ablon, Oscar Hevia et al. Dermatologic surgery, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about jowls in Geneva

Why redefine the jawline ?

Jawline redefinition is a common request for several reasons.

  • Rejuvenation : redefining the jawline restores a younger, fresher face.
  • Harmonising features : a well-defined jawline is important for balanced, harmonious facial proportions.
  • Confidence.
  • Preventing ageing.
  • Reducing jowls.

What treatments are available for jowls and jawline sagging ?

Several treatments are available.
Non-invasive options are : hyaluronic acid injections, thread lifts and radiofrequency.
The surgical procedure is a facelift.

How can jawline sagging be prevented ?

Unfortunately, jawline sagging cannot be prevented.
However, maintaining a stable weight and appropriate skincare is recommended : use retinoid and antioxidant products, protect skin from the sun and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When should I consult a specialist about jawline sagging ?

Consulting a specialist as soon as jawline sagging or jowls appear is recommended to discuss available treatments and receive personalised advice.

Does everyone feel self-conscious about developing jowls ?

No, developing jowls is not necessarily a source of self-consciousness for everyone. This concern depends on various factors.

  • Personal perception.
  • Importance placed on appearance.
  • Cultural and social context : beauty standards and societal expectations influence perceptions of ageing. Some cultures highly value a youthful appearance.
  • Confidence.
  • Individual experiences : personal experiences such as compliments or criticism can play a role.
  • Access to information and treatments.

Who is a suitable candidate for jowl treatment ?

Anyone noticing loss of jawline firmness and jowls may be a suitable candidate. An experienced medical consultation identifies the most appropriate treatment.

Are treatments for jawline sagging painful ?

Most non-invasive treatments for jowls and jawline sagging are well tolerated. 

What are the possible side effects of jawline sagging treatments ?

Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and slight tenderness. They are temporary and resolve within days.

Articles about jowls