What are jowls?
“Jowls” are the lower part of a person’s cheek that is often fleshy or drooping. This creates a scalloped appearance of the jawline. These develop as we lose collagen and elasticity in the skin causing the fat pads and skin of the lower cheek to sag.
What are non-surgical options to get rid of jowls?
There are several options depending on the severity of a person’s jowls and if they have good skin elasticity. For individuals with minor jowling, dermal fillers along the jawline and in the marionette folds, or folds around the mouth, can be used to camouflage this area and smooth the deep lines. Additionally, radiofrequency treatments with Pixel8 ™, Profound ™ or FaceTite ™ can tighten the skin in this area and improve collagen formation and elasticity. These treatments can be combined for mild to moderate jowls or in patients that are not ready for surgery.
What are surgical options to get rid of jowls?
In general, jowls are drooping of facial fat pads and loose skin. Therefore, the most definitive treatment is going to be a lower facelift. This surgically releases the jowl from a ligament that tethers the drooping skin and lifts the deeper tissue and skin to recontour the lower face. This re-creates a tighter, more angular jawline and gives a more long-term result. Incisions are usually well-hidden around the ears and in the hairline in order to elevate the lower face and neck.
Sometimes, a lower facelift is combined with facial fat grafting to re-volumize the deep folds around the mouth in order to create a smooth, natural appearance. This will be done at the same time as surgery.
If you want to get rid of jowls, it is important to see a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to assess your face and determine which treatment or combination of treatments are best for you!
