
Skin Laxity & Jowls
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.

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?
What is the best non-surgical treatment for a sagging jawline?
How long does it take to see results from Endolaser?
Can loose neck skin be treated?
How long do skin tightening results last?
Am I too old for non-surgical skin tightening?
Where can I get skin tightening near Nottingham?
Is Endolaser suitable for everyone?
Related skin concerns
- Acne ScarsRolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars softened by resurfacing and collagen-building treatments.
- Fine Lines & WrinklesExpression lines and crepey texture treated with injectables, resurfacing and regenerative care.
- Pigmentation & Sun DamageSun spots, age spots and uneven tone evened out with laser resurfacing and skin regeneration.
- Enlarged Pores & TextureRefine visible pores and rough, uneven texture for smoother, clearer-looking skin.
- Tired Eyes & Dark CirclesThin, crepey under-eye skin strengthened and brightened with regenerative treatments.
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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