Jowls are a common concern and can be caused by a variety of factors. They usually develop in adults over the age of 30, but can also occur at a younger age. They are more common in men than in women, and are primarily caused by a loss of facial fat, collagen and elastin as we age.
The appearance of jowls can often cause some aesthetic concern as they can make the face look tired. Factors that cause jowls include:
- Genetics – if your biological parents have sagging skin, you are more likely to have sagging skin as well.
- Excessive sun exposure – too much sun can lead to wrinkles and deep creases in the skin as UV rays contribute to the breakdown of collagen.
- Ageing – as you get older, your skin becomes less elastic.
- Weight gain or loss – when there’s excess tissue in your neck area from weight gain, it can cause the neck region to look heavier and create a deeper indentation under the chin. When fatty tissue is lost, it can leave behind loose skin that starts to hang.
- Alcohol – people who drink frequently may have a weak neck muscle structure as well as looser skin due to alcohol’s dehydrating effect.
Dr Waqas Chaudhary leads AHI Clinic in South Woodford and is well known for hair restoration. But they also provide effective solutions for improving the facial profile. When considering treatment for jowls, there are a couple of options to consider, such as dermal filler injections. In some cases, our doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as improving your diet or limiting your alcohol consumption. However, such changes may not be effective once the jowls have formed, but will certainly aid prevention or delaying their onset.
In general, surgical methods for the treatment of jowls are not as common as non-surgical intervention. Surgery includes excess skin removal and / or fat transfer procedures which can be quite expensive. In addition, they can be highly invasive and require several weeks of recovery time before you will be able to see the full results.
Injections at AHI Clinic are an effective treatment method for jowls because they target the specific area that needs treatment, without affecting the surrounding tissue. The procedure involves injecting a hyaluronic acid or collagen based filler material directly into the desired area using a small needle. The results from these types of injections are fantastic as the filler will help replace lost collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen is the natural protein found in the skin that helps to keep it plump and hydrated. Elastin is another naturally occurring protein, which keeps the skin nice and taut, maintaining its ability to ‘bounce back’. Together, by replacing lost collagen and elastin we can tighten the skin giving it a lifted, more youthful appearance.
