Jowls are folds of loose, saggy skin that appear below the chin or along the jawline. They develop when the skin in the cheeks, chin and jawline loses collagen and elastin, which are two proteins vital to smooth, firm skin. As the body’s natural supply of collagen and elastin dwindles, largely due to age, smoking and the effects of sun exposure, the skin is no longer able to return to its normal position even after it stretches. Once the skin stretches, it succumbs to the effects of gravity, drooping down around the mouth and chin. The cheeks also lose their youthful plumpness with age, as the fat disappears or “falls” lower on the face. This can contribute to the appearance of jowls.
Jowls are one of the most common age-related complaints among Dr. Rafael Cabrera’s patients. Read on as the Boca Raton plastic surgeon discusses some of the ways he can minimize the appearance of jowls for a more youthful look.
Dr. Cabrera offers TheSmarterLift™, a short, safe procedure that minimizes jowls, sagging cheeks and other signs of aging in the mid- and lower face. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts the cheeks and defines the jawline and neck for an overall more youthful, attractive expression. The procedure takes one to two hours and patients recover in approximately one week.
Dr. Cabrera also performs traditional facelift and neck lift to lift and tighten the skin along the jawline and under the chin. This is often recommended in cases of more severe “jowling” and other signs of aging in the mid- and lower face, as well as the neck.
However, surgery isn’t always warranted for the treatment of jowls. In the case of less-severe jowls, minimally invasive skin tightening treatments like photofacials or intense pulsed light can help. Laser skin resurfacing can trigger the production of fresh collagen for tighter, smoother skin.
Another minimally invasive treatment option is to inject dermal fillers into the cheeks and jawline to improve the contour in those areas. The filler plumps up sagging or “deflated“ looking cheeks and gives the skin a slight lift, which can soften the appearance of jowls.
As you can see, there are many options for improving the appearance of jowls. It’s best to consult with an experienced provider like Dr. Cabrera, who can evaluate your concerns and recommend the most suitable treatment approach for your needs.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cabrera, please contact the Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton today.
