Jowls are often an unavoidable part of the aging process. A result of declining levels of collagen and elastin, jowls can be exacerbated by weight fluctuations, lifestyle choices like unprotected sun exposure, and genetic factors as well.
Marked by loose and sagging skin along the jawline, jowls obscure definition and produce a heavy, more aged appearance. Fortunately, there are several options available to address this common issue, some of which may even produce results for years to come.
Non-Surgical Options
There are a few non-surgical options that can help to reduce the appearance of jowls. At our office, we offer:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic. BOTOX helps to tighten and pull the skin into a tighter, more youthful position and can reduce the appearance of jowls for several months at a time.
- Dermal Fillers. Fillers stimulate collagen production and increase levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. This helps to smooth and lift the skin along the jawline and can eliminate jowls for up to 18 months.
Non-surgical options are temporary. Touch-up treatments will be needed to maintain results. Dr. Chatson can help you determine the frequency with which maintenance injections will be necessary to ensure the most pleasing and continuous results.
Surgical Options
The most effective surgical treatment for jowls is facelift surgery. With a facelift, underlying structure is repositioned before loose and sagging skin is removed, allowing Dr. Chatson to tighten the skin along the jawline for semi-permanent jowl reduction.
Once the skin has been removed, it will not simply grow back, making facelift surgery the longest-lasting option for jowl removal. Nonetheless, gravity is real and nothing can stop the march of time. Eventually, even surgical skin removal may give way, allowing jowls to reform. This process will, however, take several years and, with proper skin care and healthy living, can be prolonged even more.
Using non-surgical options like fillers and wrinkle relaxers in the years following facelift surgery can help to extend results. If you have had facelift surgery and your jowls are starting to reappear, Dr. Chatson is here to assess your jawline and help you determine which treatments will produce the most desirable outcomes.
Dr. Chatson is an award-winning and board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in North Andover, Massachusetts, and Nashua, New Hampshire. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 978-687-1151 or 603-882-2103 or use the contact form on this page to get in touch today.