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2026.10.20
What Are the Cosmetic Procedures That Improve Sagging and Looseness Along the Jawline? An Explanation by Cause
Sagging and loose skin along the jawline are caused not only by excess fat but also by skin laxity, sagging cheek tissue, and skeletal structure.
Cosmetic procedures aimed at improvement include HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), radiofrequency (RF), thread lifts, and liposuction.
However, since the appropriate method varies depending on the cause, choosing the right treatment is also important.
A doctor at BIANCA CLINIC explains why facial contours become blurred and how to choose the right treatment.
Causes of a Sagging Jawline
My face has been looking more square than before, the contours of my profile aren't as defined, and the line between my chin and neck has become less distinct.
Some people attribute these changes to “gaining fat,” but that’s not the only cause.
The facial contour is influenced by the skin, fat, supporting tissues, and the skeletal structure.
Fat
Excess fat in the lower cheeks and under the chin causes bulges along the outer edges of the face, making the jawline appear blurred.
Even if your weight hasn't changed, fat under the chin may still be noticeable.
On the other hand, the bulge next to the mouth may be more noticeable due to a shift in the position of cheek fat and tissue than to an actual increase in fat.
It’s important not to assume that “flab equals excess fat.”
Skin
As the skin loses its firmness and elasticity due to aging and UV exposure, sagging occurs on the cheeks and under the chin.
Even if you don't have that much fat, your face may appear rounder due to sagging skin.
Tightening treatments are an option for sagging skin, but if there is a significant amount of excess skin, it may be difficult to achieve sufficient results with light therapy alone.
SMAS
SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is a fascial structure associated with facial muscles and other tissues, and it is part of the framework that supports the face.
As we age, changes in deep tissues—including the SMAS—and supporting tissues lead to sagging cheeks and a loss of facial contour definition.
When the tissue in the cheeks sags, the bulge from the sides of the mouth to the jaw becomes noticeable, which can give the face a so-called “bulldog face” appearance.
In some cases, simply tightening the skin's surface may not be enough to achieve sufficient improvement.
skeleton
The appearance of the jawline also varies depending on one’s natural bone structure, such as having a small jaw or a receding lower jaw.
If the line between your chin and neck isn't well-defined, you may appear to have a double chin even if you have little fat.
In addition, age-related changes in the skeletal structure are one of the factors that affect facial contours.
A sagging appearance caused by skeletal structure may not necessarily be resolved simply by losing fat.
When it comes to sagging along the jawline, it’s important to distinguish between fat and skin laxity.
To achieve a more defined jawline, it’s important to determine whether the issue is primarily due to excess fat or sagging skin and tissue.
In some cases, both may overlap, so it cannot be determined based on appearance alone.
When fat is the primary cause, there is thickness under the chin and along the lower cheeks, and the fullness may be noticeable not only from the front but also from the side.
On the other hand, when sagging is the primary issue, the cheeks droop, creating a step-like contour around the mouth or causing the skin along the lower part of the jawline to sag.
If you find that “even though I’ve lost weight, I still have a double chin,” it may be due not only to fat but also to loose skin and skeletal structure.
Conversely, even younger people can have a less defined jawline if they have excess fat under the chin.
During the consultation, we assess the balance of the face from the front, at an angle, and in profile, as well as skin thickness and elasticity, fat volume, and cheek sagging.
Since treatments designed to reduce fat and those designed to tighten tissue have different goals, it is essential to identify the underlying cause.
Cases Suitable for HIFU
HIFUThis procedure is an option for treating mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks and jawline, with the goal of tightening the deep tissues.
This is a procedure that does not involve any incisions; it focuses ultrasound waves at the targeted depth.
There are two types of HIFU treatments: one designed to tighten deep tissues, and another designed to target the fat layer.
The appropriate treatment method varies depending on whether the sagging along the jawline is caused by tissue laxity or excess fat.
However, this does not mean that “HIFU can be used on any sagging area.”
For people with a lot of excess skin or little fat in their cheeks, a different procedure may be more suitable.
Situations Where RF Is Appropriate
Radiofrequency (RF) is a good option when there is noticeable loss of skin firmness or mild sagging of the facial contours.
This treatment uses thermal energy to tighten the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
For example,volnemaThis is an RF treatment that targets sagging skin on the cheeks, around the mouth, and under the chin, as well as a loss of definition in the jawline.
However, since it does not directly lift sagging tissue, there are limits to how much sagging it can correct.
In addition, there are various types of RF, and the physical burden on the body differs depending on whether the treatment is administered externally or by inserting a device under the skin.
At our hospital,Embrace RFWe also offer a variety of other treatments, so you can choose the one that best suits your desired level of firming.
For information on how it differs from HIFU and who it's suitable for,Comparison Article on Volnuma and HIFUPlease see.
Cases Where Thread Lifts Are Recommended
A thread lift is a good option when the tissue in the cheeks has sagged and sagging has accumulated around the mouth and along the jawline.
This procedure involves inserting medical-grade sutures under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue.
At Bianca Clinic,BIANCA LIFTWe carry products such as BIANCA LIFT W, Artemis Lift, and Tesu Lift.
We adjust the type of thread and insertion method based on the degree and location of sagging, as well as your desired results.
However, adding more thread does not necessarily mean the outline will turn out neat.
If there is a significant amount of excess skin, a surgical facelift may be appropriate.
Cases Suitable for Fat Reduction Treatment
If you have excess fat under the chin or along the jawline, options such as liposuction or fat-dissolving injections may be considered.
While this method involves reducing fat to refine facial contours, it is not a procedure that directly lifts sagging tissue.
VASER Facial Contouring Liposuctionis a procedure that removes fat from the cheeks and under the chin.
We assess body fat, bone structure, and skin laxity to determine the area to be treated with liposuction while preserving the necessary volume.
For those who want to avoid surgery,Fat-dissolving Injections (Cabeline)It's also a candidate.
However, depending on the amount of fat, multiple injections may be necessary, and in some cases, the desired results may not be achieved.
It’s not necessarily true that “losing fat will give you a more defined jawline.”
In cases of severe skin laxity, reducing fat can sometimes make excess skin more noticeable, so it is important to make a judgment that takes the degree of sagging into account.
An Approach to Preventing Sunken Cheeks Through Facial Contouring Treatments
Just because you're concerned about sagging along your jawline doesn't mean we recommend reducing fat in your cheeks across the board.
This is because even if there is fullness around the mouth, the upper cheeks and temples may still be sunken.
Facial fat is distributed across different areas, and there may be a mix of areas where you want to reduce fat and areas where you want to maintain volume.
When performing procedures such as HIFU, RF treatment, or liposuction, it is important to assess the amount of fat and the condition of any hollows to ensure that sunken cheeks are not accentuated.
At our clinic, we perform treatments with care to preserve the necessary volume.
If you're concerned about sunken cheeks, please feel free to consult with us before your treatment.
Facial Contouring Treatments at BIANCA
At Bianca Clinic, we assess the entire facial contour—not just a specific part of the jawline—but the area extending from the cheeks to the mouth, under the chin, and down to the neck.
This is because even though it’s all referred to as “sagging,” it results from a combination of multiple factors, such as fat, skin, tissue sagging, and skeletal structure.
During the examination, we assess skin thickness and elasticity, fat volume, the presence of sunken cheeks, and the degree of tissue sagging.
In addition to your past treatment history, we’ll take into account your preferences—such as “I want to improve my appearance without surgery” or “I want to achieve a well-defined facial contour”—as well as any concerns you may have about downtime.
For example, if there is both fat under the chin and sagging skin, simply reducing the fat may not result in the desired facial contour.
At our clinic, we assess the condition of each specific area and identify any underlying causes, then tailor our treatments accordingly.
We place great importance on achieving a natural-looking facial contour while taking each individual’s preferences into account.
At our clinic, we don’t limit ourselves to a single procedure; instead, we propose treatment plans based on the overall balance of your face and the changes you’d like to see.
For information on the types of treatments for sagging skin and how to choose the right one based on the cause,The Complete Guide to Facial Sagging TreatmentsWe also feature it here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sagging Along the Jawline
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about treatments for sagging along the jawline.
Q1. What works for sagging along the jawline?
RF and HIFU are potential options for treating sagging skin, while thread lifts are a potential option for treating tissue ptosis.
If there is a significant amount of fat, liposuction may be considered; however, since there may be multiple underlying causes, it is important to determine the exact cause during a medical examination.
Q2. Which is better, HIFU or RF?
If your priority is tightening deep tissues, HIFU is a good option; for skin firmness and sagging, RF is a good choice.
Suitability varies depending on body fat, the presence or absence of sunken cheeks, and the treatment area.
Q3. Do I need liposuction?
Just because you have a lot of fat doesn't necessarily mean you need liposuction.
Fat-dissolving injections are also an option. If there is a significant amount of excess skin, reducing fat alone may not be enough to improve sagging.
Q4. What is the difference between a double chin and sagging skin?
A double chin is a condition in which the area under the chin appears to have two layers; it is caused not only by fat accumulation but also by sagging skin and skeletal structure.
On the other hand, sagging refers to the drooping of the skin and underlying tissues. In other words, sagging can sometimes be one of the causes of a double chin.
Q5. Do I need a thread lift?
If sagging of the cheek tissue is the main cause, a thread lift is a good option.
However, if the main concerns are sagging skin or fat under the chin, a different method may be more appropriate.
Treat sagging along the jawline based on the underlying cause
A sagging jawline is caused by a variety of factors, including fat, skin, deep tissues, and bone structure.
Rather than simply deciding to “lose fat” or “tone up,” it’s important to choose a cosmetic procedure that addresses the underlying cause.
At BIANCA CLINIC, we propose treatments tailored to each individual based on the condition of their facial contours and their specific goals.
If you're concerned about sagging along your jawline or a double chin, please feel free to consult with us.
▷View a list of anti-aging treatments for sagging skin and facial lifting, along with case studies
▷Try a consultation at BIANCA CLINIC
