What Causes Jowls to Form?
Collagen and elastin promote skin strength and elasticity. Yet, the natural aging process causes collagen and elastin loss. As the skin loses collagen and elastin, the cheek skin can sag, which can lead to jowls.
In addition, genetics can dictate whether jowls occur. Those with a blood relative who experiences jowls are more susceptible than others to jowling. If an individual’s parents experience jowls at an early age, he or she could experience the same results, too.
Various environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to the formation of jowls. These factors include:
- Smoking: Smoking can narrow the blood vessels and make it difficult for skin to get the protein it needs to stay healthy, which can increase the likelihood that jowls will form.
- Sun Exposure: Excess exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage collagen and increase the risk of sagging skin and jowls.
- Weight Loss: Stretched skin can start to sag due to weight loss, resulting in jowls.
- Computer or Mobile Device Use: Looking down at a computer or mobile device screen for an extended period of time can cause the neck skin to lose elasticity, leading to jowls.
A jowl lift surgery or laser jowl lift can be used to treat jowls. To determine which jowl lift procedure is ideal, meet with Dr. Azizzadeh. Then, Dr. Azizzadeh can conduct a full evaluation and offer a personalized jowl treatment recommendation.
Are Jowls Preventable?
Jowls cannot always be prevented. But, there are several things that people can do to minimize the risk of jowling, such as:
- Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke, as cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals that can damage the skin.
- Apply Sunscreen: Use sunscreen on the face and neck before going outdoors to limit skin damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.
- Keep the Head Elevated: Ensure the head remains at a natural, comfortable angle, particularly when using a computer or mobile device. This reduces the risk that neck skin can become bunched up or stretched out.
Once jowls form, their severity can escalate quickly. People can wear a scarf or turtleneck to try to hide their jowls. Or, they can apply makeup to make jowl lines less noticeable.
For those who experience jowls and want to explore treatments that deliver long-lasting results, Dr. Azizzadeh can help. At this point, Dr. Azizzadeh can determine if a patient is a viable candidate for surgical or non-surgical jowl treatments.
Are You a Good Candidate for Jowl Surgery?
Dr. Azizzadeh has a simple goal during a jowls treatment consultation: to help a patient identify the best way to correct jowls. To accomplish his goal, Dr. Azizzadeh assesses a patient’s jowls, along with the chin, jawline, and other facial features. Dr. Azizzadeh also reviews his patient’s medical history and finds out why he or she is considering jowls treatment options.
In some instances, Dr. Azizzadeh recommends jowl lift surgery. The procedure can be used to treat jowls and prevent them from recurring. Dr. Azizzadeh sometimes recommends surgery be completed in combination with a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures as well.
What Non-Surgical Jowls Procedures Are Available?
A non-surgical jowl lift can be performed if surgery is deemed too risky for a patient or if he or she does not want to go under the knife. The non-surgical procedure can be used to tighten the skin around the neck and chin, and it can be completed multiple times until a patient achieves their desired results. Plus, recovery time is usually minimal with a non-surgical jowl lift, and the procedure can be completed quickly.
Dermal fillers are commonly used to address jowling. They can be injected into a patient’s neck and chin to treat sagging skin.
To date, Dr. Azizzadeh has used Voluma to correct jowling. Voluma is an FDA-approved facial filler that adds volume to the face.
Along with Voluma, Dr. Azizzadeh can use Restylane and Sculptura for jowling. These facial fillers can be used for jawline contouring.
Botox can also be used to reduce the appearance of jowls. Patients can receive Botox injections that tighten sagging facial skin.
Which Is Better: Surgical or Non-Surgical Jowls Treatment?
Every jowls treatment must be tailored to a patient. Because, there may be times when a surgical jowls procedure is the best option for a patient. In other instances, a non-surgical procedure can help a patient safely and effectively manage jowling.
A jowl surgery can provide results that remain visible years after treatment. However, the procedure can be more expensive and require a longer recovery period than a non-surgical jowl lift. It also exposes a patient to a greater risk of complications.
Comparatively, a non-surgical jowls treatment can be performed in minutes. The results of a non-surgical jowls procedure become visible within days of treatment, and they can last for several months. Yet, the results are temporary, and a patient will require ongoing treatments to prevent jowling from recurring.
There are many factors to consider relative to surgical and non-surgical jowls treatments. As patients weigh the pros and cons of surgical and non-surgical treatments for jowling, Dr. Azizzadeh can offer insights into both options.
Dr. Azizzadeh is world-renowned for his expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery. He is happy to teach patients about jowls treatment options. And, if a patient decides to pursue a procedure to correct jowls, Dr. Azizzadeh can craft a custom plan to accommodate their treatment goals.