As we age, our skin gradually loses firmness and elasticity. Gravity, genetics, and the natural decline of collagen production can cause once-sharp facial contours to soften, especially along the jawline and lower face. This frequently causes the development of jowls, sagging skin, and a tired appearance that can make you look older than you feel. Fortunately, modern cosmetic surgery options from board-certified Greensboro plastic surgeon Mary Ann Contogiannis, MD offers several effective solutions for restoring definition and youthfulness to the face. Whether through facelift surgery, advanced minimally invasive treatments, or other options, there are ways to achieve sleeker, more sculpted facial angles tailored to your needs.
What are the Causes of Jowls and Skin Laxity?
Jowls typically form as the facial skin and underlying tissues lose structural support. Over time, collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for the skin’s firmness and resilience, break down. Facial fat also shifts downward, creating heaviness along the lower cheeks and jawline. Other contributing factors include sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and genetics. While skincare and non-invasive treatments can help maintain firmness early on, more advanced sagging often requires targeted intervention to lift and tighten the skin at a deeper level.
Facelift: The Gold Standard for Restoring Support
For patients with moderate to significant sagging, a facelift (rhytidectomy) remains the most comprehensive and long-lasting solution. A facelift addresses the deeper layers of the face — not just the skin — to restore a youthful facial structure. During surgery, the underlying muscular system (known as the SMAS) is lifted and repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the jawline is redefined.
Modern facelift techniques have evolved significantly, emphasizing natural results over the overly “pulled” appearance of the past. Today’s facelifts enhance facial harmony and restore youthful volume without changing your fundamental appearance. The result is a smoother neckline, firmer cheeks, and sleeker jawline contours that can take years off your appearance. Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, enjoying results that last for a decade or longer.
FaceTite®: A Minimally Invasive Alternative
For those who aren’t quite ready for a surgical facelift, FaceTite® offers a powerful, minimally invasive alternative. This technology uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to melt small pockets of fat while simultaneously tightening the skin from beneath the surface. Through a tiny incision, a thin probe delivers controlled heat to stimulate collagen production and contract the underlying tissues, resulting in firmer, smoother skin and improved definition along the lower face and neck.
FaceTite® is often described as a “non-surgical facelift” because it bridges the gap between non-invasive treatments and surgery. This technique can be an excellent option for patients who show mild to moderate jowling or early signs of facial laxity and want noticeable improvement without extensive downtime. Most people experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days, with gradual tightening and contour enhancements experienced over several months as collagen remodeling continues.
Eyelid Surgery: Refining the Upper Facial Angles
While jowls draw attention to the lower face, sagging skin around the eyes can also make the face appear aged or tired. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and repositioning or removing fatty deposits. By smoothing puffy lower lids and lifting drooping upper lids, blepharoplasty can open up the eyes, creating a more rested and alert look.
At the Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Contogiannis can help you age more gracefully by addressing visible signs of aging and highlighting more youthful, elegant facial angles. Don’t hesitate to contact our Greensboro practice for more information on our advanced face procedures, or if you’re ready to schedule a personal consultation.