Other than changes around the eyes, the development of jowls is the most common complaint that people have regarding the aging face. What are jowls? When the skin and fat in the lower cheek become loose and begin to obscure or hang over the jawline, that is jowling. This BLOG will discuss what causes jowls and how to treat them.
Gradual bone loss over time is a natural occurrence during the aging process. In the face, the cheek and jaw bones contribute to “parallel lines of beauty”, a term referred to the structure and support given to the face from these 2 bones, most evident in the side profile, or from a view looking upward at the face. Deterioration of these structures is similar to that which would occur if you were to use a smaller hangar for a shirt. The shirt would still have support, but it would hang much different.
Another contributing factor to jowl formation is collagen loss in the skin. Collagen forms a matrix in the skin that creates firmness and elasticity. Not only does collagen production slow down with age, but years of UV sun exposure is like a microwave for collagen destruction. Skin laxity and sagging are results of collagen loss, most apparent in individuals with low bodyfat percentages.
Experiencing an increase in body fat percentage also results in jowl formation. This happens more so in people over 40 who have reduced bone mass and collagen loss, as it’s the combination of all the factors that makes jowls more apparent. Along the jawline and under the chin are anatomically “tricky” areas because of the sharp curvature and angle change. Body fat accumulation here is difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone.
So what treatments are now available that are most effective for treating jowls and the lower face? (Obviously surgery will always be the #1 aesthetic treatment that will yield the greatest amount of change in the shortest time possible.) When addressing bone deterioration, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers placed in areas of bone loss are a tremendous help to re-volumize the area. It is often necessary to use dermal fillers in areas of cheek and jaw bone loss to keep proper proportions with respect to the parallel lines of beauty. Kybella is also a great choice to rid the stubborn body fat along the jawline and under the chin. This treatment is often referred to as “liposuction shots” because Kybella destroys the fat cell membranes to permanently rid fat in the injected areas. Finally, skin tightening methods (lasers, prescription Retin-A, threads) also help to improve jowling, and are recommended as part of a regular skincare routine to prevent skin laxity and sag.
For a free consultation, or to schedule any one of these treatments please call/text 786-529-1860.
