While a strong jawline is a hallmark of youth, jowls—sagging skin in the jaw area—are a common sign of aging. Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss emphasizes the difficulty of treating this area, noting that even facelifts may not completely eliminate jowls.
Although the jawline is a tricky area, Dr. Idriss provides a range of strategies, from simple home care to advanced procedures, to help define and tighten it.
How to Get Rid of Sagging Jowls from a Dermatologist! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
At-Home Solutions for Temporary Relief and Long-Term Benefits
Our journey towards a sharper jawline can begin right at home. Dr. Idriss highlights the power of facial massage techniques like facial yoga and gua sha.
By encouraging lymphatic drainage, these techniques help remove toxins and minimize puffiness, resulting in a temporary firming of the skin. Using tools like jade rollers and gua sha stones can further amplify these effects.
For a more targeted approach, Dr. Idriss introduces microcurrent devices. Microcurrent devices stimulate facial muscles and tissues with low-level electrical currents. While they come at a premium, consistent use can lead to substantial results.
Microcurrents stimulate muscle tone, boost collagen production, and improve lymphatic drainage. Over time, this translates to plumper, firmer skin, contributing to a more defined jawline.
Popular microcurrent devices include the Nuface Trinity Starter Kit and the Ziip Halo Nanocurrent Device.
NuFACE Trinity® Starter Kit
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ZIIP Nanocurrent™ and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
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Professional Treatments for a More Dramatic Improvement
For more significant changes, Dr. Idriss recommends in-office treatments performed by a dermatologist, building upon the foundation of at-home care. Let’s explore some of the procedures a dermatologist can provide.
Dermal fillers: This common procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid fillers into specific areas of the jawline. These fillers add volume, smoothing out jowls and restoring a more defined appearance. The results are immediate and last for varying durations based on the filler used.
Botox: Though typically used for wrinkles, Botox offers a solution for jowls as well. Strategic injections into the platysmal muscle can create a lifting effect, refining the jawline.
Ultherapy: Ultherapy provides a non-surgical approach to tightening and lifting the jawline. The ultrasound energy stimulates collagen production in deep skin layers, resulting in gradual improvement, making it ideal for mild to moderate jowls.
Radiofrequency treatments: Radiofrequency treatments, similar to Ultherapy, employ heat to stimulate collagen production in deep skin layers. This process results in firmer, tighter skin and a more sculpted jawline. Popular radiofrequency devices include Thermage and Infini.
Kybella: This injectable procedure reduces the appearance of jowls by dissolving fat cells under the chin, eliminating a double chin. Kybella dissolves fat cells permanently, offering long-lasting results.
Thread lifts: For those seeking a subtle lift without surgery, thread lifts are a good option. This minimally invasive procedure uses dissolvable threads to tighten sagging tissues and enhance jawline definition.
Making the Right Choice
The ideal approach for tackling jowls depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:
Severity of jowls: There’s a spectrum of treatments for jowls. For mild cases, at-home routines or minimally invasive options like Botox or fillers may be sufficient. More significant jowls may require treatments like Ultherapy, radiofrequency, or thread lifts.
Desired results: Subtle enhancements can be achieved with facial exercises, microcurrent devices, or Botox. For more dramatic results, consider options like dermal fillers, Ultherapy, radiofrequency treatments, or thread lifts.
Budget: While in-office procedures can be effective, at-home options like facial massage and microcurrent devices are more budget-friendly. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each approach.
Downtime: Recovery time varies between procedures; fillers or Botox require minimal downtime, whereas thread lifts or Kybella may involve a longer recovery period.
Consultation is Key
To determine the best approach for a defined jawline, Dr. Idriss recommends a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.
Their expertise will ensure a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.