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Skin Laxity & Jowls

Softening along the jawline, early jowls and loose skin on the neck are among the first signs that make us look tired. At Skin Anatomy in Southwell we tighten and redefine the lower face with Endolaser, CO2 laser and regenerative treatments, without surgery.

Understanding skin laxity & jowls

Skin laxity and jowls develop as collagen and elastin decline, facial fat pads shift and bone structure changes with age. Mild to moderate laxity along the jawline and neck can be tightened without surgery using Endolaser, SmartXEL CO2 laser, dermal fillers and polynucleotides. Skin Anatomy in Southwell recommends the right approach after a free consultation.

Skin laxity simply means skin that has lost some of its firmness and bounce. On the face it often starts as a softer jawline and slight heaviness at the corners of the mouth, gradually forming jowls that break the clean line from chin to ear. Under the chin, laxity can combine with a small pocket of fat to create a double chin, while the neck may develop loose, crepey skin or horizontal lines. Many people notice these changes first in photographs or on video calls.

Collagen and elastin act like the scaffolding and springs of the skin, and we produce less of both every year from our mid-twenties. At the same time, the fat pads that support the cheeks descend, the jaw and cheekbones lose a little bone density, and gravity does the rest. Sun damage, smoking, significant weight loss and genetics can all speed this up, which is why two people of the same age can have very different jawlines.

Non-surgical treatments work best for mild to moderate laxity and early jowls. They tighten skin, stimulate collagen and restore support, giving a more defined, fresher appearance that develops over weeks and months. They cannot replicate the results of a surgical facelift or neck lift for significant loose skin, and we will tell you honestly if we think surgery would serve you better. At your free consultation in Southwell we assess skin quality, fat and volume before suggesting a plan.

Woman with firm, healthy-looking skin

What causes skin laxity & jowls?

  • Natural decline in collagen and elastin with age
  • Descent of facial fat pads and loss of bone support
  • Sun damage and smoking
  • Significant or rapid weight loss
  • Genetics and skin type
  • Hormonal changes, including menopause

Everyone’s skin is different. At your free consultation we look at the likely causes of your concern, and your medical history, before recommending anything.

Treatments for skin laxity & jowls

Many clients get the best results from a combination of treatments. We recommend a plan only after a free, no-obligation consultation — and we will tell you honestly what improvement is realistic.

Endolaser uses a very fine laser fibre placed just beneath the skin to deliver controlled heat that tightens tissue and stimulates collagen from within. It is designed for the jawline, jowls, under the chin and the neck, making it our most targeted option for early lower-face laxity. Expect swelling for three to seven days, initial tightening within days, continued improvement over eight to twelve weeks and final results at three to six months.

SmartXEL CO2 fractional laser tightens and resurfaces crepey skin on the face and neck by stimulating new collagen and elastin in the dermis. It improves skin quality and firmness rather than lifting heavy tissue, so it pairs well with Endolaser or fillers for a more complete result. One to two sessions are typical for tightening, with seven to ten days of recovery and gradual improvement over two to three months.

Sometimes jowls look heavier because the cheeks and jawline have lost volume and support. Carefully placed CE-marked hyaluronic acid filler along the jawline, chin or cheeks can restore that structure, making the jawline look sharper and jowls less obvious. Results are visible once swelling settles and last several months or longer depending on the product. We use filler to restore balance, never to overfill the lower face.

Polynucleotides support the skin's natural repair processes, improving thickness, hydration and elasticity over a course of treatments. On the neck and lower face they help thin, crepey skin feel firmer and look smoother. They do not lift jowls on their own, but they are an excellent way to improve skin quality before or after tightening treatments. Most clients have three sessions a few weeks apart, with gradual, subtle results.

Self-care tips

Simple habits that support your skin alongside — or before — any treatment for skin laxity & jowls.

  • Wear SPF50 on your face, neck and chest every day
  • Use a retinoid and moisturiser on the neck as well as the face
  • Avoid smoking, which breaks down collagen
  • Aim for gradual rather than rapid weight changes where possible
  • Stay hydrated and eat enough protein to support collagen
  • Be mindful of posture when using phones and screens

Skin Laxity & Jowls: your questions answered

Can jowls be tightened without surgery?

Mild to moderate jowls can often be tightened without surgery. Endolaser tightens tissue beneath the skin, CO2 laser firms the skin surface and fillers restore lost support along the jawline. Results are more subtle than a surgical facelift and develop over weeks to months. We will tell you honestly if surgery would suit you better.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for a sagging jawline?

For early sagging along the jawline, Endolaser is often the most targeted non-surgical treatment because it tightens tissue from within. Many clients get the best overall result by combining it with CO2 laser for skin quality or filler for structure. The right combination depends on your skin, volume and goals, which we assess at consultation.

How long does it take to see results from Endolaser?

Most clients notice initial tightening within a few days of Endolaser. Collagen continues to build, so improvement develops over eight to twelve weeks, with final results usually visible at three to six months. Swelling for three to seven days and tightness for up to two weeks are normal. Results vary between individuals.

Can loose neck skin be treated?

Mild to moderate loose or crepey neck skin can often be improved. Endolaser tightens tissue under the chin and along the neck, CO2 laser resurfaces and firms crepey skin, and polynucleotides improve skin thickness and elasticity. Very loose neck skin may need surgery for a significant change, and we will explain this honestly.

How long do skin tightening results last?

Results from collagen-stimulating treatments such as Endolaser and CO2 laser are long-lasting, but they do not stop the natural ageing process. Your skin continues to age from its improved starting point. Good sun protection, a healthy lifestyle and occasional maintenance treatments help you keep a firmer, more defined look for longer.

Am I too old for non-surgical skin tightening?

There is no upper age limit, but results depend on skin quality and how much laxity you have. People with mild to moderate laxity usually see the most noticeable improvement. If your skin is very loose, non-surgical treatments may give only modest change, and we will discuss realistic expectations or alternatives at your consultation.

Where can I get skin tightening near Nottingham?

Skin Anatomy offers non-surgical skin tightening at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, a straightforward drive from Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent and Mansfield. Treatments include Endolaser, SmartXEL CO2 laser, dermal fillers and polynucleotides. Your first consultation is free, and we assess your jawline and neck before recommending anything.

Is Endolaser suitable for everyone?

Endolaser is not suitable for everyone. It is not offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions, an active skin infection in the area, or very significant skin laxity. We take a full medical history at consultation and only proceed if the treatment is appropriate and likely to help.

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Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire

Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for treatment for skin laxity & jowls from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:

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