Jowls

The natural ageing process, determined by genetics is a main factor in jowl formation, due to loss of collagen, elastic and gravitational changes. Underlying changes to the fat pads that once gave support and structure to the lower face will occur, becoming heavier and changing position. This is further exacerbated by surrounding muscle weakness resulting in the sagging of the lower face, forming jowls.

Lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet and sun exposure can also contribute to the development of jowls.

While it is impossible to completely prevent the formation of jowls due to genetics and the natural ageing process, there are a number of things you can do to delay the onset and minimise the appearance of them. Behavioural and lifestyle factors can help, such as wearing SPF on a daily basis, a good skincare routine with antioxidants, maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, limiting alcohol and not smoking.

Treatment to rejuvenate the jowl area will be determined by the degree of rejuvenation required; for some patients a single treatment may be enough, whilst for others combination therapy will give the best aesthetic results. Some options are:

1. Ultherapy® – jowl formation is partly due to skin laxity, with Ultherapy® being a non-surgical alternative to a face lift, recognised as gold standard for non-surgical skin lifting and tightening. Ultherapy® uses advanced ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of your natural collagen and elastin, restoring suppleness and firmness of the skin. This is a great treatment option for lifting the jowls, alongside the lower part of the cheeks and jawline, with a single treatment lasting up to a year. Ultherapy® can be used in combination with other treatments for further rejuvenation.
2. Exilis Ultra 360 – this can be used as a standalone treatment, or alongside Ultherapy for improving the lower face and jowl area. It uses radio-frequency to heat the deeper layers of the skin stimulating collagen production and a skin tightening effect.
3. Dermal filler – prior to treatment of the jowl area with a dermal filler, it is important to assess volume loss in the mid-face, as treating this first is sometimes advised for better, natural looking results. A dermal filler is a hyaluronic acid placed along the jaw line with a canula, to add volume, strength and support to areas of weakness in order to minimise the appearance of the jowl. It can be used in combination with skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy and Exilis Ultra 360 for maximum results.

Following your consultation your practitioner will advise on the best treatment for you. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including any downtime expected, duration of the treatment and costs.

ZO® Skin Health products are specifically designed to be the best skin care for ageing skin by addressing both the visible signs and key triggers of ageing, including jowls, at every phase, restoring your skin’s strength and health overall. It uses only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more.

Following a consultation the best anti-ageing regimen that works to improve your skin texture, repair your skin barrier and restore a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

To help improve the appearance of ageing skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production, experts recommend supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements. While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach. Your skin will certainly thank you for it.