Understanding Jawline Sagging: The Relationship Between Genetics and Ageing

Dr Darren Mckeown

Published by Dr Darren McKeown

Date posted — 4.06.25

Before and after results of a deep plane face and neck lift with jowl lift, addressing jowls, sagging neck, and sagging jawline

A well-defined jawline is often seen as a hallmark of youth and vitality. However, when sagging begins to blur that definition by creating jowls, softening the chin, or giving rise to a ‘double chin’ appearance, it can have a profound impact on how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive our age.

At McKeown Medical, many of our patients ask: “Is this just genetics? Can I do anything about it?” The short answer is yes. While genetics may set the stage, there’s a lot we can do to combat sagging and help restore a sharper, more youthful profile.

The science behind jawline sagging

As we age, multiple changes take place beneath the skin that contribute to jawline sagging:

  • Bone resorption, particularly in the jaw and chin, reduces the structural support of the lower face. This is probably one of the most significant changes.
  • Fat redistribution, leading to volume loss in the cheeks and excess under the chin.
  • Loss of skin elasticity due to declining collagen and elastin, and the effects of the sun on the quality of the skin.

Together, these changes cause the jawline to lose its crispness and create the tell-tale signs of ageing in the lower face.

Signs of jawline sagging

Sagging doesn’t happen overnight, but its effects can be surprisingly noticeable, especially if you’re genetically predisposed or have lifestyle factors that accelerate ageing. Key signs include:

  • Jowls: Drooping skin on either side of the jawline
  • Loss of jaw definition: A ‘soft’ or blended appearance between the face and neck
  • Fullness under the chin: Sometimes mistaken for weight gain, but often structural

Some people begin noticing these changes as early as their 30s, especially if they have a poorly defined jaw and chin. Other people, with better bone structure, may not see major changes until later in life.

Genetics vs ageing: Which plays the bigger role?

Your genetic makeup has a significant influence on facial structure, skin type, and fat distribution, all of which can impact when and how sagging begins. If your parents had early jowling or weak jaw definition, you may be more prone to the same.

However, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role:

  • Sun exposure breaks down collagen
  • Smoking reduces skin oxygenation and accelerates ageing
  • Weight fluctuations stretch the skin and affect fat placement
  • Chronic stress can impact hormone levels that influence skin health

In short, you may be born with a predisposition, but lifestyle often determines how quickly (or severely) sagging manifests. The good news? This means there’s room for intervention.

How can I prevent jawline sagging?

While we can’t turn off the ageing process, we can certainly slow it down.

Skincare and Lifestyle

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
  • Incorporate collagen-boosting skincare such as retinoids and peptides
  • Maintain a healthy, stable weight and stay hydrated

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Modern non-surgical treatments can offer subtle, preventative improvements, including jowl lift without surgery options such as:

For early sagging, these approaches can delay the need for surgery and help maintain a youthful profile with minimal downtime.

When prevention isn’t enough: Facelift Treatment

If sagging becomes more advanced, non-surgical options may no longer deliver the desired results. That’s where facelift surgery becomes a powerful solution. As one of the most effective forms of facial cosmetic surgery, a facelift can restore jawline definition, reposition deeper tissues, and create long-lasting structural rejuvenation.

At McKeown Medical, we offer a range of surgical options tailored to the degree of ageing and individual goals:

  • The full facelift addresses the mid- and lower face, including the jawline
  • Deep plane face and neck lift – a more advanced technique that repositions deeper tissues for a more natural, longer-lasting lift
  • Non-surgical facelifts – for patients with mild sagging or those not yet ready for surgery, combining fillers, skin tightening, and laser resurfacing for rejuvenation

Often, a combination of treatments, such as laser resurfacing post-facelift, delivers the best results, addressing both structure and skin quality.

Tailored jawline treatments at McKeown Medical

Jawline sagging may be part of the ageing process, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to accept. Whether your concern is early-onset jowling due to genetics or more noticeable sagging that’s progressed over time, our team at McKeown Medical can help.

With decades of experience in facial aesthetics, our expert-led approach ensures your treatment is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and stage in the ageing journey. Whether you’re exploring non-surgical options such as jaw fillers or considering facelift surgery, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Looking to achieve a defined, youthful jawline? At McKeown Medical, our expert team can help tailor your treatment to your needs and goals. Book a consultation today to discuss our available treatment options.

Check out our gallery to see our facelift results.

Dr Darren Mckeown

Dr Darren McKeown

Our founder, Dr Darren McKeown, is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, Dr McKeown believes in a global approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

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The SMAS Facelift is back at McKeown Medical!�

Patients tell us all the time that they want to get rid of their jowls and facial sagging, but are hesitant about a lengthy surgical procedure or taking several weeks away from work and social commitments. The SMAS Facelift is an excellent alternative for patients who want meaningful improvement without the bigger commitment. �

It's a technique that lifts and repositions the deeper tissues of the face while removing excess skin. Until Deep Plane became more popular in the last 10 years, SMAS was the gold standard. Compared with Deep Plane, it takes about 3 hours instead of 6-8, can be done under local anaesthetic, has a shorter recovery, and lower risk of nerve injury. For many patients with moderate facial ageing, it produces excellent, long-lasting results at £12,000, all performed by the phenomenal @bramhallplasticsurgery.�

This is one of our patients who had a SMAS Facelift with eyelid surgery five years ago. She's maintained her results with HA fillers, like many of our surgical patients do, but otherwise her results are still going strong. That's what SMAS can give you.

Every face ages differently and every patient has different circumstances. Some need the extensive correction of Deep Plane, especially if they have a heavy neck. Others are better suited to SMAS, particularly if you want a less invasive option with quicker recovery.

The right choice depends on your anatomy, your concerns, and your lifestyle. If you’d like to know more about the SMAS facelift, drop your questions in the comments or send us a DM!
Yesterday was a big day in the clinic! We officially launched the game changing Quantum RF technology in the clinic. Quantum allows us to take liposuction to another level. We’ve got power assisted lipo which allows us to sculpt more, we’ve got ultrasound assisted lipo which allows us to melt the fat for more gentle removal. Now we’ve got quantum that allows us to follow this up with a treatment to shrink the skin down. It means patients who may previously have needed excisional surgery - like tummy tuck, or arm lift or thigh lift or even facelift - can be successfully treated without long scars. This is truly game changing technology and we are so excited to be the first in Scotland to introduce it. Can you guess who our first patient was? 👀
Hey everyone! We’ve had loads of people messaging asking about the Quantum Lift and I wanted to make this video to give you so more details. 

Totally non-invasive procedure for skin tightening - like Sofwave - are a huge part of what we do in the clinic. We also do a lot of deep plane face and neck lifts, which are the gold standard way to improve the jawline and neck. 

But there is a big group of patients who need more than Sofwave, but aren’t ready for surgery. Or do need surgery, but don’t want to commit to the expense or invasiveness of surgery. These are the patients The Quantum Lift is for. 

Let us know what you think in the comments below. And if you have any questions, send a pic by DM or email and we can give you an opinion 😍

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