Before you start: what Endolift does to the jowls
Jowls form when the skin and soft tissue along the jawline loosen and small pockets of fat settle below the line of the jaw. Endolift treats both parts of that problem. A laser fibre, between 200 and 600 microns wide, is placed beneath the skin through a tiny entry point under local anaesthetic. At 1470 nm the laser is strongly absorbed by water and fat, so it contracts the fibrous bands under the skin, can liquefy small fat deposits and starts collagen remodelling.
That gives 2 kinds of change. Some tightening happens straight away. The rest builds slowly as weaker Type III collagen is replaced by stronger Type I collagen, which is why results continue to improve for around 6 months. The timeline below describes what many people experience. Everyone heals differently and results vary.
Treatment day
At TK Medispa, Dr Seth sees you in person first, goes through the plan again and you sign the consent form on the day. If you decide not to go ahead at that point, you receive a full refund. The treatment itself takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the areas, and is usually a single session.
Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, most people describe pressure and warmth rather than sharp pain. Afterwards the jawline may already look a little more defined, but some of that early appearance is swelling, so try not to judge it yet. If the neck or under chin has been treated as well, you will be given a compression strap to wear for 3 to 4 days.
Week 1: swelling and settling
This is the week when you look most like you have had something done.
- Swelling along the jaw and under the chin is common and often peaks in the first couple of days.
- Bruising, redness and tenderness can appear, mainly around the entry points and treated areas.
- The skin may feel numb or tight.
- Where fat was treated, you may feel firmness or small lumps under the skin.
Most people return to work the next day or within 48 hours. Bruising can usually be covered with make up once the entry points have closed, or with a scarf or collar. Follow the aftercare you are given, and our guide to aftercare in the first 7 days has practical detail.
Weeks 2 to 12: the jawline emerges
Weeks 2 to 4: the face starts to look like yours again
Most swelling and bruising has settled by now. Numbness and firmness can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer, so it is normal for the jawline to feel slightly different to touch for a while. Small lumps where fat was treated usually soften gradually.
Many people notice that their jawline looks cleaner in photos during this period, and that the jowl sits a little higher. It is still early. The deeper collagen changes are only just beginning.
Weeks 6 to 12: definition improves
This is often when people start to see the change themselves, not just in comparison photos. As the collagen remodels, the skin along the jaw feels firmer and the line from chin to ear tends to look sharper. Fat that was treated beneath the jowl has had time to clear, which can reduce the heaviness at the corners of the mouth.
Photos of real patients at around 8 weeks often show a sharper jawline, less jowling and a tighter area under the chin. You can see examples on our before and after page. Your own result may be more or less marked.
Months 3 to 6: the final result builds
Improvement usually continues for around 6 months. Changes in this phase are gradual, so it can be hard to see them in the mirror day to day. That is why a review with after photos taken in the same light and position as your originals is so useful.
| Stage | What you may notice | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Some definition, plus swelling | Immediate contraction of fibrous bands |
| Week 1 | Swelling, bruising, numbness | Normal response to treatment |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Swelling settles, firmness fades | Healing and early remodelling |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Sharper jawline, less jowling | Treated fat cleared, collagen building |
| Months 3 to 6 | Gradual further tightening | Type I collagen replaces Type III |
Results can last up to 2 years. Age, skin quality, stable weight, sun protection and not smoking all help.
When to call the clinic
Most of what happens in the first weeks is expected. Contact your clinic promptly if you notice increasing pain rather than steady improvement, spreading redness or heat, discharge from an entry point, blistering or a wound that looks like a burn, or any weakness or change in your smile. Temporary weakness of the marginal mandibular nerve, which helps move the lower lip, is a rare risk with jawline treatment. Our side effects and safety page explains these risks plainly.
Dr Seth's view "The question I am asked most in the first fortnight is whether it has worked. My answer is always the same: be patient. The swelling hides a lot early on, and the collagen work happens quietly over months. I would much rather you judge it at your review, with matching photos, than in the mirror on day 5."
Next step
If your jowls are bothering you and you would like to know whether Endolift is likely to help, send 3 photos (front, left and right, in natural light) for Dr Seth's free assessment. You can read more about treating this area on the jowls and jawline page, or send your photos now.
Questions people also ask
Will my jowls look better straight after Endolift?
Many people see some tightening on the day because the fibrous bands under the skin contract. Swelling also makes the area look fuller, so early appearances can mislead. The more reliable change builds over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms.
How long does jowl swelling last after Endolift?
Swelling is usually most noticeable in the first few days and settles over the following 2 to 4 weeks for most people. Numbness and firmness can last 1 to 2 weeks or longer, particularly where fat has been treated.
Can I go to work after Endolift on my jowls?
Most people return to work the next day or within 48 hours. You may have visible swelling or bruising for several days, so if you have an important meeting or event, plan your treatment with some time to spare.
Do I need more than 1 session for jowls?
Usually not. Endolift is normally a single session, and the result keeps improving for around 6 months. Some people choose to repeat it later, as results can last up to 2 years depending on age, skin, weight and lifestyle.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Endolift® and LASEmaR® are registered trademarks of Eufoton® S.r.l.