what are jowls on face

Jowls are the loose, sagging skin and soft tissue that hang below the jawline, which can make the lower face look less defined. They’re a common sign of aging, but genetics, weight changes, sun damage, and loss of skin elasticity can make them show up earlier or more noticeably.

What they look like

• Skin or fat that droops along the lower cheeks and jaw.

• A softer, less sharp jawline.

• Sometimes a double-chin-like appearance, depending on facial shape and volume changes.

Why they happen

Jowls form when skin, fat, and supporting tissues in the face shift downward over time. As collagen and elastin decrease, the skin has less firmness and begins to sag. Sun exposure, smoking, rapid weight loss, and family history can also contribute.

Common ways people manage them

• Skincare and sun protection to slow further laxity.

• Non-surgical options like fillers, radiofrequency, laser treatments, or thread lifts.

• Surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift, for more dramatic correction.

Simple takeaway

Think of jowls as sagging along the lower face , especially near the jawline, caused by aging and tissue shifting. They’re very common and can range from barely noticeable to more pronounced.

Summary: Jowls are the sagging skin and tissue below the jawline that often develop with aging, though genetics and lifestyle can speed them up.