Jowls—the sagging skin along the jawline—are a common concern as we age. They can change the contour of the face, making it look heavier or less defined. But why do jowls form, and what can be done to improve them? Let’s explore the causes and the most effective treatment options.
What Causes Jowls?
Jowls develop due to a combination of natural aging processes and genetic predisposition. Several key factors contribute to their formation:
- Fat Pad Descent: Over time, the fat pads in our face shift downward due to gravity, leading to volume loss in the midface and excess skin in the lower face.
- Muscle Movement: Continuous facial expressions and muscle activity can pull the skin downward, especially around the lower face and neck.
- Bone Resorption: The jawbone naturally recedes with age, reducing structural support for the skin and soft tissues.
- Genetics: Some individuals are more predisposed to developing jowls due to their inherited facial structure and skin quality.
- Skin Aging: As we age, collagen and elastin production decline, leading to decreased skin elasticity and firmness.
- Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss can contribute to skin laxity, making jowls more pronounced.
How to Improve Jowls?
While jowls are a natural part of aging, there are effective ways to minimize their appearance, both at home and in-office.
At-Home Strategies
- Sun Protection: UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, so daily SPF use is essential.
- Topical Retinoids: Retinoids help stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity over time.
In-Office Treatments
- Restoring Structure & Removing Excess Volume:
- Filler for Jawline Enhancement: In patients with a weak jawline, dermal fillers can add definition and structure, improving the transition between the face and neck.
- Cheek Augmentation: Replacing lost volume in the cheeks with fillers can lift the lower face indirectly.
- Botox for Platysma Relaxation: Overactive platysma muscles can pull the skin downward; Botox injections can relax them, helping to refine the jawline.
- Kybella or Liposuction for Excess Fat: If jowls are caused by excess fat, Kybella injections (deoxycholic acid) or liposuction can help sculpt a more defined jawline.
- Lifting Sagging Skin:
- Thread Lifts: Dissolvable threads can provide a subtle lifting effect, though results are temporary.
- Juliäne Biostimulator: A cutting-edge treatment that enhances collagen production, improves skin quality, and offers a firming effect—an excellent option before considering surgery.
- Facelift: The most effective and long-lasting solution for significant jowls, a facelift repositions deep tissues and removes excess skin for a naturally rejuvenated appearance.
Final Thoughts
Jowls are a multifactorial issue, but with the right combination of skin care, injectable treatments, and—when necessary—surgical interventions, their impact can be significantly reduced. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine the best approach for your individual needs.
