As we age, many people worry about our sagging jowls.
Loss of elasticity in the cheeks can be a problem for anyone, no matter how active they are or how healthy their diet.
However, this does not mean it has to be ignored. There are many options available to treat sagging cheeks. These range from simple exercises to more complex cosmetic procedures. Some options will be more effective than others.
We will be briefly discussing what jowls look like and why they sag. Next, we will discuss steps you can take to prevent them from sagging and what you can do to correct the situation.
What are Jowls?
Jowls are a term that describes the skin below the jawline and skin below the chin. It is specifically described as sagging skin.
This is skin that appears loose or baggy, and skin that has lost its elasticity.
Although jowls do not pose a health risk, they can cause discomfort and affect self-esteem.
Everybody is susceptible to developing jowls as they age. However, the effects will vary depending on when the jowls first appear.
What is the secret to our jowls?
There are many causes of jowls. Some we can control, but others we cannot.
The main causes are simple age and genetics, which unfortunately we can’t control.
The collagen and elastin naturally produced by our skin ageing can cause the skin below the jawline and in the cheeks to lose their natural glow. These proteins help to connect the skin to tissues and give it elasticity, allowing it to spring back to its original shape when we move.
As collagen and elastic are lost, our jowls will become obvious. The skin is less able to resist gravity and so it sags.
Our genes are tied to this. Some people will experience collagen and elastin loss earlier than others. In fact, it can happen as early as the teens. Others will experience it decades later or even beyond old age.
While there are other factors that we can control, it is important to remember that genetics can have a significant impact on our lives. We could have a beautiful lifestyle but still have prominent jowls due to our genetic makeup.
These are all possible to make prominent jowls even more likely.
– Smoking. Like many other conditions smoking can have a negative effect. Smoking can cause blood vessels to narrow, making it more difficult for nutrients to flow through the body. Also, elastin and collagen production can be affected.
Exposed to the sun at high levels can cause skin damage. The ultraviolet rays may cause reduced collagen production.
Crash diets are a great way to lose weight. The skin tends to stretch as we gain weight. Losing this weight can lead to excess skin and eventually sagging.
Other minor factors may also play a role. For instance, some people claim that too much screen time can cause prominent jowls. This is due to the tendency to look at the technology from the side, not the technology itself.
Quick Fix For Sagging Jowls Newcastle
Many people seek quick and easy fixes for their sagging cheeks.
First, stop smoking or reduce your exposure to UV rays.
While it won’t eliminate jowls, it can help to reduce their severity.
You can do a variety of exercises to reduce the appearance and size of your jowls. However, there is not much evidence that any exercise will make you look more jaded.
There are however some supporters for the following:
Chin exercise
Keep your lips closed and raise your lower lip.
For a few seconds, hold the position and then go back to the beginning. Repeat the process around 20 times.
This exercise is designed to strengthen the jaw muscles and define muscle in this area.
Neck exercise
Keep your head at the level of your neck. Next, move your neck forward and back. Your jaw should protrude forward while your head is still at the level of your neck.
Exercise is not something we have focused on because, although they may strengthen certain muscles, they don’t target or remove loose skin.
Other quick fixes
Other options exist that may be more convenient than going to a doctor, clinic, or surgery.
You can hide your jowls by wearing a scarf or jumper around the neck. This is more practical for winter than for the beach.
The skillful use of make-up can make your jowls more noticeable. This does not reduce the appearance of the jowls. The effect is limited to the amount of time that the make-up is used.
You will need to apply makeup again. This is likely to take time. It can be used for a single occasion to boost confidence and hide sagging cheeks.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is at the other end of the spectrum.
This option can reduce the appearance of jowls, as well as improve self-esteem.
A detailed consultation with a respected surgeon is the best way to start thinking about having surgery. They can assess the potential benefits and offer the options.
One option is liposuction, which uses a cannula and a needle to remove excess fat from the neck and chin. To prevent further sagging, the area would be reshaped.
The procedure of liposuction can be expensive and time-consuming. You can expect swelling and bruising after surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It will take some time to fully recover.
A neck lift is another option that you might consider – possibly in conjunction with a facelift.
Like liposuction. Fat is removed, muscles are tightened and remaining skin is sewn in a more favorable position. An incision will be made, usually near the ears. It should be as discrete as possible.
The cost of a neck lift will likely be higher than liposuction.
A surgeon would advise on the best course of action in each case and answer any questions.
Non-surgical procedures
There is a middle ground and many people choose to go for non-surgical procedures.
These options are faster and more affordable than full surgery, and still make a visible difference.
You can still do your daily business with a non-surgical procedure. There is no need to take time off work and you don’t have to wait as long for recovery.
Popular options for dermal fillers include injections of hyaluronic Gel to stimulate collagen and elastin formation, which can correct the loss of natural proteins.
An experienced practitioner can inject a lot of product into the skin to make a big difference. The results can last up to two years if they are injected in multiple layers.
Many companies offer dermal fillers to their clients. It is worth checking out the reputation of any potential candidates.
Ultherapy is another option. This FDA-approved treatment can be used to restore skin that has been affected by sagging jowls. This treatment is used by Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, and costs only PS400.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound only. There are no injections or incisions, making it non-invasive. This involves heating the skin gently in a targeted way to stimulate collagen production.
This is an innovative procedure that delivers results in days.
Ultracel, which uses radio frequency and ultrasound to perform a similar treatment, is another example.
Laser skin tightening may be an option. This uses heat to stimulate the production of elastic and collaged fibres in deeper layers of skin. Modern laser treatments can target deeper layers without removing the skin’s surface layer. This results in a new layer of skin being formed without scarring.
In a recent article (LINK), we looked at the effectiveness of laser skin tightening.
It can be difficult to decide which option is best for you, as it is with all surgical options.
It is important to arrange a consultation with a qualified, skilled expert so you can learn about the best options and make informed decisions.
