What options do I have to minimize the appearance of jowls? 18 y/o (photo)

Question

I'm 18 years old with a really round saggy face, jowls as you can see. Is there any procedures that I can get that can help with jowls that don't include buccal fat removal?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and photo—it really helps to understand what you’re seeing. At 18, it’s quite unusual to have pronounced jowls, and sometimes what looks like “sagging” can actually be related to natural facial shape, fullness in the cheeks, or even genetics. True age-related jowling usually develops later in life, so part of what you’re noticing may be your natural facial contours rather than actual tissue sagging.

Since you mentioned you don’t want buccal fat removal, there are a few ways to subtly improve jawline definition without surgery:

Skin-tightening treatments: Non-invasive devices like radiofrequency or ultrasound can help tighten the skin over time. At your age, results are subtle but can give a slightly lifted look.

Strategic dermal fillers: Carefully placed fillers along the jawline and chin can create the illusion of more definition and counteract a round appearance. The key is very conservative placement—too much filler can make the face look heavier.

Botox along the jaw muscles: If the masseter muscles are large (often from teeth grinding or natural muscle bulk), small amounts of Botox can slim the lower face, which may make the jawline look more defined.

Lifestyle and muscle tone: Sometimes fat distribution and mild sagging can improve with weight management, facial exercises, or even posture improvements that affect how the jawline appears.

At your age, I’d emphasize subtle, non-permanent approaches first, as your face is still developing. In many cases, patience and minimal enhancements go a long way before considering more invasive options in the future.

You’re not alone in feeling self-conscious about this—it’s very common to be hyperaware of your facial shape at your age, but many changes we perceive are normal for your developmental stage.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Micro liposuction is so easy and simple to get under local and really helps the jawline look so much better.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photo it doesn't appear you have any jowls.  To keep your skin healthy and youthful we encourage you to use medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and to wear sunscreen every day.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Simply put, you don’t have any jowls. There is nothing to treat. I hope this helps and good luck from NYC plastic surgery

What options do I have to minimize the appearance of jowls? 18 y/o (photo)

Answers (4)

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