Understanding jawline sagging: The relationship between genetics and ageing

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.

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 and important 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.

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.

Your genetic makeup has a huge influence on facial structure, skin type, and fat distribution — all of which can affect how and when 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.

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:

• Chin and jawline fillers to enhance contour and support structure
• Skin-tightening procedures (e.g., radiofrequency)

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

If sagging becomes more advanced, non-surgical options may no longer deliver the desired results. That’s where facelift surgery becomes a powerful solution.

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.

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 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.