Quick facts about jowls
What are jowls?
Jowls are the sagging skin and fat below your jawline.
With age the jawline begins to weaken, and the skin loses its elasticity. This leads to sagging and droopiness. In addition, the fat pad in the lower cheeks descend. When the skin and fat sags under the jawline it’s known as jowls.
Some people develop more prominent and visible jowls than others, due to genes and lifestyle habits.
Why do jowls form?
The lower face is very susceptible to the changes of ageing. As skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, the jawline starts to appear soft and lacking in definition. The corners of the mouth also begin to droop, causing ‘Marionette Lines’ (wrinkles from the corner of the mouth to the chin) and jowls begin to form.
In addition to skin changes, the ageing process leads to a reduction in the support of fat, muscle, ligament, and bone. The jawbone (mandible) shrinks and provides less support adding to the loss of definition in the ageing jaw line. Fat pads descend causing jowls. The lower cheeks lose volume causing a deflation of the tissue further accentuating the appearance of jowls.
Consultations for Jowls
Consultations with a thorough assessment and treatment plan can offer non-surgical solutions to reduce jowling. A combination of solutions will be discussed to reduce and camouflage the jowls, including jawline reshaping and double chin discussions.
The chin, jawline, and cheeks are all intimately connected; therefore, when discussing a treatment plan for the jowls, all these areas require assessment. When we lose volume in our cheeks, this has a sagging effect in the lower face and jowls. Areas of the face are not single units, and it is best to address the face as a whole to achieve a more balanced, harmonious, and natural-looking result.
Reshaping the following areas may improve the jowls:
- The pre and post-jowl sulcus which are divots that forms in front of and behind the jowls and further accentuates the jowls
- The edges along the jaw line to recreate a straight strong jawline
- The outer corner of the jaw line (mandibular angle) to improve its definition and help pull the jowls back
- Chin to add balance and help straighten the jawline and jowls
- Marionette Lines
- Lower and mid cheeks to restore volume and lift the jowls.
Biostimulators can also be used in conjunction with other modalities to further improve the jowls and jawline.
What does a jowl consultation and treatment plan involve?
A thorough assessment and consultation followed by a treatment plan is discussed with you. Each patient has individual anatomy, goals, and facial balance so we individualize every treatment. Included in the assessment is a careful observation of your facial shape and your facial proportions. Photographic documentation is part of every initial assessment. The clinicians at Face To Face Medical are highly skilled and strive for the best and most natural result possible.
Disclaimer: The details shared here are for general educational purposes only. Everyone’s situation is unique, and results can vary. Please consult a qualified practitioner to discuss whether this treatment is right for you and to understand any possible risks or side effects.