Sagging Jowls: Causes and Treatments

Sagging jowls is one of the first and most prominent signs of aging for any individual. As the skin ages, it begins to become saggy and loose, especially around the face. While this may occur all over the body, it is definitely more noticeable on the face. As the skin collects around the chin and neck, the jowls become more pronounced. Most women will struggle with this issue at some point during their lives. For some, it can start as early as their 20s, while others may not see it until they are 50 or 60. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can make sagging jowls less noticeable by removing the excess fat and skin altogether.

The Main Causes of Sagging Jowls

The most common cause of sagging jowls is aging of the skin. As people age, the connective tissue and collagen in the skin breaks down. The skin begins to sag and pool around the chin and throat, creating the appearance of sagging jowls.  

In some situations, dramatic weight loss can cause the jowls to sag. If a person quickly loses a large amount of weight, the skin that once conformed to the excess weight will now be loose. If the person lost a significant amount of weight in the face area, the remaining skin may hang off of the face. While some people may see their skin begin to shrink and conform to the now slimmer profile of their neck and face, others may not and will require professional help in order to get rid of their jowls.

Treatments for Sagging Jowls

One of the most common non-invasive treatments for sagging jowls is the use of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can be injected into the area around the jowls, plumping up the area beneath the skin. The added volume fills out the skin so it more tightly conforms to the underlying structures of the face.

Thermage is another treatment option for patients to consider. Theramge is a non-surgical treatment that can rejuvenate and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of saggy jowls. Many women choose this option over a face lift because it does not require surgery and is much faster and often less expensive than surgery. For women that have only a little sag that needs to be addressed, non-invasive treatments like Thermage may be a viable option.

On the other hand, some women with significant skin to remove will likely opt for facelift treatment. By lifting and/or removing excess skin in the area, the appearance of jowls can be minimized. This is often the best choice for women who have a lot of skin that needs to be removed, or those who have not responded positively to dermal fillers or laser treatments in the past.

For more information about what causes sagging jowls and how to treat them, please contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today. The surgeons at our practice can determine if you are better suited to dermal filler injections or facelift cosmetic surgery.