Sagging jowls simply mean sagging skin under the jawline and chin. This is common among adults as it is likely to happen as a result of aging. The skin begins to lose its connective tissue when the body reduces collagen production in the skin as you age.
The reduction in collagen and elastin production causes the skin to become saggy. This is the number one factor that causes saggy jowls. However, not everyone experiences saggy jowls at some point in their lives.
Read ahead to find more information on the causes of saggy jowls, how to prevent it, and treatment options for it.
Why Do You Have Saggy Jowls?
Aging is a well-known factor that causes saggy skin. As the body ages, there is a breakdown in the production of collagen and elastin fibers. This causes the skin to lose its connective tissues that hold fat.
Collagen and elastin are the two protein fibers in the skin cells responsible for keeping the connective tissue together. They help to keep the skin firm and in shape. The skin begins to sag when there is less production of these proteins as the skin ages.
Genetics is another factor that causes jowls on the skin. You are most likely going to develop jowls if either of your parents has it.
Sudden weight loss is another factor that can cause jowls to develop on the face. The skin stretches when the body gains weight. When you suddenly lose weight, the stretched skin will become saggy and form jowls on the face.
Cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals that can break down the collective tissues in the skin. Smoking can also restrict blood circulation, and this prevents your skin from getting the nutrients it needs. Smoking is a lifestyle choice that can cause the development of jowls.
Other factors that can cause jowls include:
- Excessive intake of alcoholic drinks
- Severe stress
- Dehydration
- Lack of antioxidants like vitamin C, healthy fats, and other nutrients in the diet
- Lack of exercise to help tighten the muscles
How Can You Prevent Sagging Jowls?
There are several ways to prevent saggy jowls from developing. These methods include lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the severity of jowls.
Below are ways that can help you prevent the development of jowls:
- Reduce your intake of alcohol or steer away from it totally
- Drink more than enough water to hydrate your body organs(i.e your skin) so that your skin can be fresh and plump
- Use an SPF 30 sunscreen as a layer of protection before leaving your home every day
- Wear protective clothing to keep your skin safe from sun damage
- Stop smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco to avoid ruining your skin’s elasticity
- Use a gentle moisturizer on your skin every day to prevent it from getting dry
- Apply skincare products that contain ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. These will help to boost collagen production in the skin.
What Are the Treatments for Sagging Jowls?
There are several treatment options for sagging jowls, both surgical and non-surgical treatments. These are treatments that will help to tighten the skin around the jowls to make it less saggy. Below are some of the treatments you can try:
Fillers
Dermal fillers are injections that contain compounds that can help to fill the saggy skin to make it less saggy. This procedure requires the skin around the jawline to be injected with the compounds to replace lost fat.
This can also be done by filling the cheeks with the compounds, as it will naturally help to lift the skin around the jawline and corners of the mouth to give it a fuller appearance.
A study reveals that nearly 95.6 percent of people who went through the procedure were happy with the results they got. Compounds commonly used for this procedure include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Silicone
- Calcium hydroxylapatite
Neck lift
Neck lifts are another treatment option for saggy jowls and it happens to be the most effective treatment for jowls. This procedure involves reshaping the skin around the chin and side of the face.
This is done by cutting off excess skin from the chin and tightening the muscles in the jaw area. Even though the treatment is effective, it takes a long time to recover from the surgery. It also comes with several risks of implications which include scarring and infections.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is another treatment option that involves the use of ultrasound to aid the creation of collagen in the deep layer of the skin. This process only requires one session and you are good to go.
You may notice a continuous improvement in the firmness of your skin even after months following the first treatment. Study reveals that almost 70 percent of those who opted for this treatment saw improvement around their neck 3 months after the therapy.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy involves the use of intense heat to stimulate collagen and elastin fibers in the deep layers of the skin. This makes the bundles of collagen recoil and tightens the skin.
It helps to signal to the body to produce more collagen by tricking it into thinking that the connective tissues of the skin cells have been damaged. To ensure maximum effect and result, it is best to repeat the process a few times.
Can Exercise Help to Reduce the Appearance of Jowls?
Research has shown that facial exercises can help to prevent and reduce the development of saggy jowls on the skin. Facial exercises work effectively to strengthen the muscles around the face.
It also helps the muscles to be flexible enough to remain firm. These exercises help to stretch the facial muscles and make them firm.
Facial exercises to try:
- Open your mouth as wide as you can’t and yawn. Close your mouth slowly without your teeth touching.
- Grin wide, but ensure that you are comfortable. While grinning, tilt your head up and down slowly.
- Put your lower lip on the upper lip and tilt your head up.
- Hum with your tongue pressed against the top of your mouth.
- Blow your cheeks up as far as you can while ensuring that you are comfortable doing it.
You can repeat these facial exercises a couple of times daily.
Can Laser Tighten Jowls?
Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical procedure that works in tightening the skin on the body. It involves the use of an infrared light laser to correct the skin around the jawline and neck.
The hot laser is tolerable by the skin and can help to stimulate the production of more collagen in the skin to make the skin tighter.
Can You Tighten Sagging Jowls With Home Remedies?
There are several ways to tighten the skin using home remedies. Below are a few methods to try out:
1. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera gel contains malic acid—which helps to revitalize and tighten the skin.
How to do it:
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf
- Apply the gel on your face and neck
- Allow it to sit on your skin for 20 minutes
- Rinse your skin with lukewarm water
- Repeat the process three times a week
You can also mix the aloe vera gel with honey and mayonnaise to speed up the process.
2. Egg white and honey
Egg white is rich in albumin protein, which is a great remedy for tightening the jowls. It helps to repair the skin cells as well.
How to do it:
- Mix the egg white and honey in a small bowl
- Apply the mixture to your face and neck
- Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes
- Repeat the process two to three times monthly
3. Oil massage
Oil massage helps to tighten and make the skin smoother and clearer. Olive oil contains anti-aging properties like vitamins A and E.
How to do it:
- Pour the oil into a small container and warm it up
- Massage the oil on your face and neck
- Do it for about 10 minutes
- Dip a clean cloth into lukewarm water and wipe your face with it
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reduce the appearance of sagging jowls with makeup?
Yes, it can. You can reduce and hide the visibility of sagging jowls with makeup.
This is done by contouring your chin and neck with a concealer that matches your skin tone. This will make the jowls less noticeable. You can also use a piece of clothing to hide the appearance of jowls.
How long does a sagging jowl lift last?
10 years. A mini facelift can last up to 10 years when done by a professional surgeon, while a full facelift can get rid of jowls completely.
However, factors like face structure, the affected area of the skin, and how experienced a plastic surgeon is can determine how long the lift will last.
Can you fix sagging jowls without surgery?
Yes, you can. You can opt for non-surgical treatments like laser tightening treatment, radiotherapy, fillers, and so on.
You can also try home remedies as recommended in this article to help tighten your skin without implications.
Conclusion
Sagging jowls on the face can be corrected with surgical and non-surgical treatments like facelifts, fillers, ultherapy, radiotherapy, and the like. You can also try some home remedies as recommended in this article to get rid of sagging jowls.
Saggy skin can be prevented by implementing simple lifestyle changes. Take proper care of your skin, stay hydrated, use skincare products that can help to revitalize your skin, and eat foods that contain the right diet for you.
Thanks for reading.
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