As you age, it is common to experience physical changes in the face, including lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. For many people, drooping jowls are a particularly frustrating sign of aging. Most people will experience jowls, characterized by sagging skin beneath the jawline and chin, at some point in their lives.
The leading cause of jowls is the loss of collagen and elastin through the natural aging process. Several lifestyle and environmental factors can also contribute to their development and severity. Some factors that can influence the formation of jowls include excessive exposure to harmful UV rays, smoking, stress, genetics, poor diet, and more.
Causes of Loose Jowls
Even though the effects of aging can differ from person to person, sagging jowls are a common occurrence as people age. Gravity, descending fat pads, a decrease in collagen production, skin fiber thinning, and other factors play a role. Besides these inherent causes, environmental elements like sun exposure, smoking, and genetics can also impact how severe the problem is and how quickly the face ages.
Some people may experience significant changes later in life, while others may not notice them until an earlier or more pronounced aging stage. Sagging jowls can be a source of aggravation and worry for many people, regardless of when they develop.
Getting Rid of Sagging Jowls
The best treatment for loose jowls is facelift surgery. Over the counter (OTC) skin-firming products frequently fail to produce noticeable or long-lasting results.
What Is a Facelift?
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that addresses visible signs of aging on the face and neck. These include:
Sagging skin.
Deepening of lines and wrinkles.
Falling or disappearing facial fat.
Jowl formation.
Loose skin and excess fat around the neck.
The reasons behind the loss of youthful contours in the face can stem from various factors. These include thinning skin, fat loss, gravity, sun damage, smoking, genetics, and stress.
Facelift Surgery for Loose Jowls
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your jowls? If so, a facelift can provide an excellent solution. The ideal facelift will depend on your specific needs. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a traditional facelift to address advanced signs of aging across your face. Do you want long-lasting, dramatic results? If so, your facelift surgeon may suggest a SMAS facelift to manipulate multiple layers of skin, muscles, and tissue.
Are the Results Permanent?
Undergoing facelift surgery by a skilled plastic surgeon, like a board certified plastic surgeon at Changes Plastic Surgery, can result in a rejuvenated appearance lasting up to a decade or more. Factors such as genetics and lifestyle play a role in the longevity of facelift results. Although facelift surgery cannot halt aging, there are steps one can take to extend its effects, including:
Adhere strictly to postoperative instructions.
Stay at a steady weight.
Consider additional cosmetic treatments such as facials or laser skin treatments to enhance the results.
Ensure your skin stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Quit smoking to maintain healthy skin.
Shield your skin from excessive sun exposure.
Incorporate daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Consume a nutritious and balanced diet.
Moisturize your skin to keep it supple.
Conclusion
There is good news for those bothered by loose jowls. Several treatment options can help restore a youthful appearance and eliminate them. Whether you choose a minimally invasive procedure or a more extensive treatment, you can achieve the desired results and feel confident in your appearance.
For more on facelifts, call Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego at 858-264-3800 to schedule a consultation today.
