The lower face is one area of the body that tends to show some of the most visible signs of ageing. As we age, the once-sleek contours of the chin and jaw begin to sag due to a loss of skin elasticity around the cheeks and mouth.
Jowls is a term that refers to the sagging skin that collects on the lower part of the face, particularly along the jawline.
The good news is that there’s no need for jowls to give away your age, not when you have several effective treatment options to choose from. Patients who are only showing early signs of jowl formation do have more non-surgical options available to them. Severe jowls will more than likely require surgery.
Reversing Jowl Visibility – Top 5 Treatment Options
Here are the jowl treatment options that are available at clinics such as https://www.plastic-surgery-brisbane.com.au.
Dermal Fillers
When dermal fillers are injected into the underlying tissue of the skin, it helps restore lost volume and plump out wrinkles. Fillers are capable of producing great results without the need for incisions or downtime, just two of the many reasons why this treatment is so popular. To treat jowls, fillers are injected into cheeks as well as the skin around the mouth and jaw. Along with plumping up this area, the filler will also stimulate collagen production, which generates gradual rejuvenation. The results won’t be permanent but in most cases, results will last up to 12 months, after which a top-up treatment will be required.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a laser-based treatment that tightens and firms the skin by increasing collagen production. However, instead of using traditional laser energy, Ultherapy treatments use ultrasound technology to tighten sagging skin. Most patients can achieve their desired result after just one treatment but if there is a fair amount of skin laxity, several treatments may be required. Patients can expect their results to last for several months after their Ultherapy session.
Thermage
Thermage is quite similar to Ultherapy in terms of its tightening and firming effects but radiofrequency energy is used instead of ultrasound. During the treatment, radiofrequency energy is transferred into the deeper layers of the skin, which firms existing collagen and elastin fibres, while also stimulating new collagen production. Thermage is more ideal for someone who is in the early stages of jowl formation.
CO2 Laser
CO2 laser systems are designed to reduce the amount of skin, which eliminates the appearance of jowls. This can be done in one of two ways. CO2, or Fraxel, lasers work by destroying small columns of excess skin. They also transfer heat during the process, which shrinks any remaining skin and stimulates collagen production. CO2 laser treatments are slightly more invasive than Thermage and Ultherapy but they do offer fast and dramatic results too. Most patients will achieve their desired outcome after just one treatment, provided they are in the early stages of jowl development.
Neck Lift
Finally, if the jowls are more severe, a neck lift is the best way to get rid of them. During a neck lift procedure, a small incision is made just underneath the chin or behind the ears, which will allow your surgeon to remove any excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles. When compared to the other jowl treatment options, neck lifts do provide the most effective and long-lasting results. However, it is more costly and you will need to take some time off work to recover. The results are worth it though.
As you can see, jowls are not something you need to live with. Just be sure to schedule a consultation at a reputable clinic to discuss your options.