Jowls & Neck Laxity
Jowls and neck laxity are the inferior descent of the cheek and jawline soft tissues caused by progressive weakening of the facial retaining ligaments — particularly the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular ligaments — combined with volume depletion of the deep fat compartments and skin elasticity loss.
Understanding Jowls and Neck Laxity
The lower face and neck are among the first areas to show visible signs of aging. The youthful face has a continuous, smooth jawline — the so-called "Ogee curve" — that flows from the cheekbone to the chin with no interruption. With aging, the malar fat pads descend, the retaining ligaments of the lower face stretch, and the submandibular gland becomes visible as the platysma muscle separates. The result is the characteristic jowl — a bulge of descended cheek fat that settles above the jawline — and the "turkey neck" or "wattle" appearance of the anterior neck as the platysma bands become prominent and skin loses its elastic recoil.
Modern facelift techniques — particularly the deep plane facelift — address both jowls and neck laxity simultaneously by releasing the entire midface and lower face soft tissue envelope as a single unit, repositioning it to its youthful location, and re-draping the skin without tension. Istanbul's deep plane facelift specialists perform high-volume facial rejuvenation surgery at a fraction of Western costs.
Treatment Options for Jowls & Neck Laxity
View All ProceduresAesthetic Impact of Jowls and Neck Laxity
Jowls first appear as small bulges above the jawline at the level of the oral commissure. As they progress, they extend forward toward the chin and backward toward the angle of the mandible, blurring the jawline definition that is critical to a youthful appearance. The marionette lines (the grooves running from the corners of the mouth to the chin) deepen, and the prejowl sulcus — a depression between the chin and the developing jowl — becomes more pronounced. In the neck, vertical platysmal bands become visible, the cervicomental angle (the angle between the neck and the chin) loses its sharp definition, and horizontal neck rhytids ("necklace lines") deepen.
Treatment Options at Vellum Select
Deep Plane Facelift
The gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe jowls and neck laxity is the Deep Plane Facelift in Turkey. This technique elevates the cheek, jowl, and neck as a single composite flap, releasing the retaining ligaments that cause the descent. The platysma is tightened in the midline to correct neck bands, and the submandibular gland contour is addressed. The deep plane approach delivers superior, longer-lasting results compared to traditional SMAS facelifts because it releases the entire retaining system and repositions the tissue volumetrically, not just pulling the skin.
To discuss your jowls and neck laxity with a Vellum Select facial aesthetics specialist, contact us to arrange a consultation.