How to Get Rid of Bulldog Jowls: Causes and Lifting Methods
2026-07-24
Bull dog jowls (deep fat pads) are caused by decreased skin elasticity, increased fat volume, and inherited facial structure.
Ultherapy can help lift sagging fascia and reduce the fat in the bulldog jowls, helping to refine the facial line.
Onda lifting can also help reduce the fat in the bulldog jowls and refine the facial line.
Hello, this is Derna Clinic.
"I'm not angry."
When the area known as bulldog jowls or deep fat pads starts to become prominent, it can lead to misunderstandings. Even when I'm not angry or depressed, just maintaining a neutral expression can prompt questions from those around me like, "Is something wrong?" This change is not a result of neglect or mismanagement; it is simply a natural change that occurs with age. However, it is completely natural to want to return to the firmer version of yourself when looking in the mirror.
Today, I will easily summarize effective methods to naturally return to my original facial line through bulldog jowl lifting.
Why Do Bulldog Jowls Occur?
The reasons for the development of bulldog jowls vary from person to person. While it may be easy to think they are simply caused by weight gain, multiple factors can interact in complex ways.
1. Decreased Skin Elasticity
This is the most common reason for the formation of bulldog jowls. As we age, the collagen and elastin that serve as structural pillars in the skin gradually decrease each year. The support that held the skin tissue weakens, and combined with the effects of gravity, the fat in the cheek area slowly gets pushed down. These sagging tissues gather next to the mouth, forming the protruding bulldog jowls and deep fat pads.
2. Development of Bulldog Jowl Fat & Increased Fat Volume
When the body gains weight, not only does the subcutaneous fat in the face increase, but the fat in the bulldog jowls also increases, making the face appear larger and fuller.
3. Inherited Facial Structure
Some individuals have a facial structure with developed bulldog jowl fat regardless of weight. In such cases, even those with a slim physique may have prominent bulldog jowls.
Can Home Care Like Exercise or Massage Improve This?
While facial stretching or massage may help temporarily reduce swelling, there are limits to their effectiveness in lifting or reducing the fat in bulldog jowls. In fact, if too much pressure is applied incorrectly, it can damage the skin barrier or stretch the delicate elastic fibers, accelerating sagging. To restore the sagging structure to its original position, receiving customized treatments using dermatological equipment may be a wise approach.
What Dermatological Treatments Are Available for Improving Bulldog Jowls?
There are various methods to improve bulldog jowls. It is important to accurately identify the main causes of bulldog jowls rather than simply opting for strong treatments to regain my original facial line, and to choose treatments accordingly.
Today, I will introduce two representative treatments in detail.
1. Ultherapy
💛Target
Skin and fascia that have sagged due to loss of elasticity
💛Principle
Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy precisely to the deepest fascia (SMAS) layer of the skin without damaging the surface. It contracts the stretched and loosened fascia through thermal energy, allowing for the lifting of the heavy sagging tissues next to the mouth.
2. Onda
💛Target
Unwanted fat that has sagged downwards
💛Principle
Using ultra-shortwave energy, the surface of the skin is kept cool while heat is delivered to the fat layer underneath. This heat can induce fat reduction in the sagging bulldog jowl fat layer. As the fat decreases, collagen is generated in the area, enhancing elasticity and refining the facial line.
What Effects Can Be Expected from Bulldog Jowl Lifting?
1. Ultherapy
With Ultherapy, the sagging tissues below the front cheek can be lifted, resulting in a more defined jawline. However, the collagen in the skin regenerates gradually over 1 to 3 months, so the lifting effect will be seen gradually rather than immediately.
2. Onda
The volume of the bulldog jowls and deep fat pads that made the area next to the mouth look harsh and bulky will slim down. The reduction in weight at the bottom can lead to a more relaxed and softer appearance, rather than looking tired or unfair. Additionally, there is usually little bruising or swelling after the treatment, allowing for a quicker return to a lighter facial line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an effect from Ultherapy for bulldog jowls?
Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy to the fascia (SMAS) layer of the skin to contract the sagging tissues. In cases where sagging fascia is the cause, it can help alleviate cheek sagging. However, since it is not a treatment that reduces fat itself, if there is a lot of fat, it may be more efficient to combine it with fat-targeting treatments like Onda.
Q. How effective is Onda for bulldog jowls?
Onda uses two types of handpieces, 3mm and 7mm, depending on the area. For areas with thick fat layers like bulldog jowls, the 7mm handpiece, which reaches deeper layers (near SMAS), is primarily used. It works by inducing thermal changes in fat cells using ultra-shortwave energy. The degree of fat reduction can vary based on individual fat volume and skin condition.
Q. Are there any side effects like facial hollowness (skeletal or peanut face) after lifting?
Facial hollowness can occur if the energy capacity or treatment range does not match the individual's fat volume and facial structure. Particularly, excessively reducing the volume of the front cheek and mid-face can lead to an appearance that looks older. Therefore, it is important to accurately diagnose the thickness of the fat layer and sagging areas and apply appropriate energy only to the necessary areas. It is recommended to have a one-on-one consultation with experienced medical personnel.
Q. Can I receive Ultherapy and Onda together for bulldog jowls and deep fat pads?
Ultherapy lifts sagging fascia, while Onda acts on the fat layer beneath it, so they target different layers and can provide complementary effects when performed together. However, the order of treatment, intervals, and energy intensity may vary based on individual conditions, so it is not always correct to combine them. Prioritizing a precise diagnosis to find the necessary combination is essential.
Q. How does the pain compare between Ultherapy and Onda?
Ultherapy can cause a momentary tingling sensation as the ultrasound energy reaches the fascia layer, while Onda, using ultra-shortwave technology, tends to be relatively less painful. However, pain perception varies by individual threshold, so if you are sensitive to pain, it is advisable to have a thorough consultation beforehand.
Q. What is the appropriate number of Ultherapy shots or Onda energy for bulldog jowls?
The number of shots or energy capacity varies based on the degree of sagging, fat volume, and skin thickness, so there is no fixed answer. Rather than arbitrarily requesting a large number of shots or energy without diagnosis, it is best to receive a tailored prescription for only the necessary areas based on a precise diagnosis to minimize side effects.
Q. Is it possible to reduce bulldog jowls with just Ultherapy and Onda without liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat cells, while Ultherapy and Onda are non-invasive methods that contract tissues or gradually reduce fat, so the approaches are different. If the deep fat pads are not severe, non-surgical treatments can be expected to refine the line, but if there is a lot of fat or a structurally prominent case, there may be limits to non-surgical methods.
Q. What are the prices for Ultherapy and Onda lifting?
Both Ultherapy and Onda have varying costs depending on the treatment area, number of shots, energy capacity, and whether they are combined, making it difficult to provide a uniform price. Since different clinics, including those near Gangnam Station, have different pricing structures, it is recommended to get an accurate estimate after a direct diagnosis of your facial condition rather than judging solely based on reviews or price lists. If you are curious about the prices for Ultherapy and Onda lifting at Derna, please check the event page below.
🔎Go check the Ultherapy and Onda event
※The event is subject to change or termination without notice as of the date of writing.
Q. Can Ultherapy improve marionette lines around the mouth?
Marionette lines often deepen as the tissues next to the mouth sag, and Ultherapy can help alleviate the depth of these wrinkles by contracting the fascia to lift the sagging tissues. However, if the cause of the wrinkles is not sagging fascia but rather repetitive facial habits or damage to the dermis, other treatments may need to be combined, so it is advisable to first identify the cause through consultation.
Q. How long do the effects of Onda last, and what is the treatment interval?
It is generally understood that fat cells reduced by Onda do not regenerate, but weight gain or aging can lead to new fat accumulation or sagging recurrence, so the maintenance period varies by individual. The interval for re-treatment also depends on skin recovery and fat response, so it is best to decide on the next treatment timing after consulting with the attending physician.
Even though bulldog jowls may have the same name, the causes differ from person to person, so it is important to first identify whether decreased skin elasticity or increased fat volume is the cause. Derna Clinic uses EVE V MUSE to diagnose the skin in 3D and offers personalized solutions including Ultherapy, Onda, Shrink, Inmode, and thread lifting.
If you want to regain your unique facial line, feel free to contact Derna Clinic.
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