Stocksy
It’s an inevitable truth that our skin changes with age.
Apart from developing fine lines and wrinkles, our skin also losescollagenwhich leads to overall sagging.
One of the most prominent places we can see this sagging is around the jaw and in the jowls.
Stocksy
We tapped two board-certified dermatologists and three plastic surgeons to compile the best ways to prevent and treat jowls.
Meet the Experts
What are Jowls?
Before we jump into the subject even further, let’s get our definitions right.
What Causes Loss of Elasticity in the Jowls?
One of the most common reasons we lose elasticity in the jowls is aging.
However, Dr. Kontis says jowls typically form in the 50s to 60s range.
Outside of aging, Dr. Shafer says that extreme weight gain and loss can also play a role.
Think about a balloon, he says.
If you blow it up and let the air out the elastic shrinks down.
But if you blow it up and let the air out several times, the balloon loses its elasticity.
Smokingas if it werent already bad enough.
Smoking is the number-one thing you’re free to stop to improve your skin, Dr. Shafer says.
How Do You Know If You’re Losing Elasticity?
Not sure if youre losing elasticity?
Expert-Recommended Jowls Treatments
Look Into Kybella
Kybella injectionsare the most popularand most directjowl treatment.
Opt for Skin Tightening With Thermage
If injections arent your thing, consider radiofrequency.
Thermageis the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening, Dr. Green says.
Whats more, its non-invasive.
It is the tightening of these layers of skin which produces the smoother skin texture and defined contour.
Results may appear immediately after treatment with improvements continuing in two to four months."
Consider CoolSculpting
Another needle-free option: Dr. Shafer recommendsCoolSculpting.
“This is a staple of my treatments for jowls.
Plastic Surgeon, Sam Rizk, MD, seconds this treatment as a go-to solution for jowls.
Botox injectionscan be used to help reduce the look of bands across the neck, she explains.
Botox injections into the muscle help it relax, reducing the appearance of the bands.
The treatment is two parts, she explains.
The first part consists of injections of Botox across the platysma muscles and jawline.
Onestudyfound that participants who consumed collagen supplements regularly noticed significant improvements in skin elasticity.
Schedule a Laser Treatment
Another in-office treatment revolves around lasers.
Try Radiofrequency Treatments
If you’re looking for another minimally invasive treatment, then you should tryradiofrequency.
It’s a super quick and easy procedure (hello, lunch break!
), and has minimal downtime.
I perform a lot of facelifts in our surgical sky suite at Shafer Clinic.
This is the most effective and beneficial treatment for people who have a lot of excess skin.
The best thing about ultherapy is you usually only need one treatment to see major results.
Studieshave shown that nearly 70 percent of people saw improved results up to three months after the treatment.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen is single-handedly the most effectiveanti-aging ingredienton the market.
“This sounds so simple, but it is crucial.
I always advise my patients towear a physical sunblock, even when theyre not outside, says Rizk.
“Glass blocks UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but UVA rays can still get through.
“If sunscreen isnt a part of your daily routine, start now.”
Add Vitamin A or Retinol Derivatives to Your Routine
Retinol for aging?
Groundbreaking, we know.
But hey, it works!
As such, collagen peptides are a no-brainer for jowl prevention.
Dermatologists recommend adding avitamin C serumto your routine every morning.
Facial Yoga
Yes, facial massage and exercises can also help with jowling.
“Consider adding in agua sharoutine or massaging the face while you remove your makeup with an oil cleanser.
Fabi SG.Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques.
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
Lim HW.Effects of facial exercise for facial muscle strengthening and rejuvenation: systematic review.J Kor Phys Ther.
2021;33(6):297-303.
