How To Get Rid Of Jowls
Understanding Jawline Laxity, Jowls and Best Treatment Options
As we age, one of the most common aesthetic concerns is the gradual loss of jawline definition. The once-sharp contours of the lower face may soften, resulting in a looser, more sagging appearance—often referred to as “jowls.” This change is primarily due to the natural decline in collagen and elastin, two vital proteins that provide skin with structure and firmness. The skin, under the constant influence of gravity and facial movement, begins to lose its elasticity, making the jawline less defined.
For those looking to restore the youthful contours of their jawline, a wide array of treatments exists. These range from non-invasive skin tightening procedures and injectables to surgical interventions. Among the most popular and effective options are thread lifts, PDO threads, dermal fillers, and, for more pronounced cases, facelifts. In this article, we will explore these options, how they work, and how each treatment can help rejuvenate the jawline.
What Causes Jowls?
Before we dive into specific treatments, it's important to grasp why the jawline area becomes loose over time. A decrease in collagen and elastin production leads to the skin's gradual inability to bounce back from the effects of gravity, weight fluctuations, and everyday expressions. As skin loses its ability to hold onto its tight, smooth appearance, the jawline softens and begins to sag. Other factors that contribute to jawline laxity include sun damage, smoking, poor diet, and even the repetitive stress of chewing and speaking. Genetics also play a significant role, determining how quickly and severely the skin will lose its resilience.
Understanding these factors helps in choosing the most effective treatment to tighten and redefine the jawline area.
Non-Surgical Treatment | Thread Lifts and PDO Threads
One of the most popular non-surgical treatments for sagging jawlines is the thread lift, which has grown in demand due to its minimally invasive nature and impressive results. A thread lift involves the insertion of dissolvable threads beneath the skin to physically lift and tighten sagging tissues, creating a smoother, more defined contour. The threads are made from biodegradable materials, ensuring that they will naturally dissolve over time, leaving behind a rejuvenated appearance without permanent foreign bodies in the skin.
What Are Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts are designed to provide a subtle yet noticeable improvement in skin laxity by physically lifting the tissues that have sagged over time. In the case of jawline rejuvenation, threads are strategically placed to lift the skin back towards the ears or cheeks, effectively tightening the lower face. These threads also stimulate collagen production as they dissolve, which enhances the overall texture and firmness of the skin long after the threads have disintegrated.
The immediate lift effect is visible, and over the following months, the stimulation of collagen production helps to further tighten the skin. This dual-action approach is what makes thread lifts so popular.
Understanding PDO Threads
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are a specific type of thread used in thread lift procedures, particularly well-known for their collagen-boosting properties. These threads are commonly used in medical sutures due to their safe, biodegradable nature. When inserted into the skin, PDO threads act like scaffolding, lifting the skin and providing structure. Over time, as the threads dissolve, the body responds by producing collagen in the area where the threads were placed, helping to improve skin elasticity, texture, and firmness.
There are different types of PDO threads, including smooth threads, which are primarily used for collagen stimulation, and barbed threads, which are designed for lifting and pulling the skin. The choice between them depends on the severity of the sagging and the desired results. Barbed threads are particularly effective for jawline tightening as they offer a stronger lifting effect.
Differences Between Thread Lifts and PDO Threads
Though the terms "thread lifts" and "PDO threads" are often used interchangeably, it's important to note that thread lifts are a general category of treatment that includes a variety of thread types, not just PDO. Other thread materials, like PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) and PCL (polycaprolactone), are also available. PDO threads are one of the most common and are often preferred for their strong safety profile and reliable results.
The main difference lies in the material and the intended outcome. While PDO threads tend to focus on providing a noticeable lift and boosting collagen, PLLA and PCL threads can last longer and may offer additional benefits, such as further stimulation of collagen over time. A nurse at CeceCosmetica will choose the appropriate thread type based on your individual needs and aesthetic goals.
Injectables | Restoring Volume and Contours
In addition to thread lifts, cosmetic injectables can play a crucial role in improving the appearance of a sagging jawline. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are commonly used to add volume to the jawline and chin area, restoring definition and providing a more youthful appearance. When strategically placed, fillers can lift the skin, smooth out sagging areas, and reshape the lower face, often achieving results comparable to more invasive procedures.
Another popular injectable treatment is the use of muscle relaxants (often referred to by the brand names of the neurotoxins), which can be used to slim the jawline in cases of overactive jaw muscles (masseter hypertrophy). By relaxing these muscles, the jawline becomes less bulky, offering a more streamlined and contoured appearance.
A Cece favourite is slowing the downward facial pulling by lower face muscles (such as the platysma) by relaxing the associated muscles.
These injectables provide immediate results with little to no downtime, making them a convenient option for those seeking fast, non-surgical solutions.
Skin Treatments | Skin Tightening and Rejuvenating the Jawline
Non-surgical skin tightening treatments are another effective option for addressing jawline laxity. These treatments often utilise advanced technologies, such as radiofrequency (RF) or ultrasound energy, to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin layers. This stimulation encourages the skin to tighten naturally over time, improving its overall texture and firmness.
Popular treatments include RF-based procedures like Thermage or ultrasound-based technologies like Ultraformer or Ultherapy. These devices work by delivering targeted energy to the deep layers of the skin, triggering a natural healing response that promotes collagen production. The result is gradual skin tightening, which can significantly improve the appearance of sagging along the jawline without any invasive surgery.
Although results are not immediate, patients typically notice a gradual improvement over several months as new collagen is produced.
Surgical Interventions | Face Lift and Neck Lift
For individuals with more advanced sagging and loss of jawline definition, surgical intervention may be the best option. Face lifts and neck lifts are considered the gold standard for treating severe laxity in the lower face and neck.
A face lift, or rhytidectomy, involves removing excess skin, tightening the underlying tissues, and lifting the facial skin to a more youthful position. The results are often dramatic and long-lasting, making this a highly effective solution for those seeking comprehensive jawline and facial rejuvenation. Similarly, a neck lift focuses on tightening the skin around the neck and jawline, restoring smoothness and definition to the area.
These surgical procedures come with longer recovery times compared to non-surgical treatments, but the outcomes are often more significant and can last for many years.
Choosing a Jowl Treatment
Whether you are seeking a subtle improvement or a more dramatic change, there is a range of treatment options available to restore the jawline’s youthful contours. From minimally invasive thread lifts and PDO threads to injectable treatments and surgical facelifts, each method offers unique benefits depending on the individual’s needs and goals.
Choosing the right treatment involves a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess the severity of the sagging, the patient's desired outcome, and the best method to achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Q&A
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One of the best non-surgical treatments for a sagging jawline is a thread lift, particularly using PDO (Polydioxanone) threads. This procedure lifts the skin and stimulates collagen production, improving jawline definition without invasive surgery.
Dermal fillers and skin tightening treatments like Ultherapy/Ultraformer or Thermage can also help restore jawline contours with minimal downtime.
One of the best ways to prevent jowl formation is up-keeping collagen stimulating skin treatments and wrinkle reduction treatment.
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PDO thread lifts typically last between 12 to 18 months, depending on factors like skin type, age, and lifestyle. As the threads dissolve, they stimulate collagen production, providing ongoing tightening effects even after the threads have absorbed.
For longer-lasting results, some patients may opt for additional treatments or consider more permanent options like a facelift.
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A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift sagging skin and promote collagen production. It offers subtle, natural-looking results with minimal recovery time.
A facelift, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that provides more dramatic and long-lasting results by removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues.
While thread lifts are ideal for mild to moderate sagging, facelifts are better suited for more severe skin laxity.
