Why do jowls form, and what can be done to improve it

Why do jowls form?

Jowls form as we age due to a combination of factors related to skin elasticity, muscle weakening, and fat redistribution. Here’s a breakdown of why they develop:

1. Loss of Skin Elasticity: Over time, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are proteins responsible for keeping it firm and elastic. This leads to sagging skin, particularly around the lower face and jawline, contributing to the formation of jowls.

2. Fat Redistribution: As we age, fat that once gave our face a youthful fullness begins to shift and diminish.   

• Malar Fat Pad: Located in the cheeks, this fat pad descends with age due to gravitational forces, causing a deflated look in the cheeks and contributing to the formation of jowls as fat and skin move downward.  
• Jowl Fat Pads: Small fat deposits accumulate along the jawline, adding to the sagging and prominence of the jowls.

3. Weakening Muscles:  The SMAS is a layer of connective tissue and muscle fibers just beneath the skin of the face. It plays a role in facial expression and supports the overlying fat and skin. With age, the SMAS becomes looser and less able to hold up the soft tissues, allowing them to sag and create jowls.

What can you do to improve the jowl area?

Non-Invasive Treatments:   Dermal Fillers such as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite - based fillers can restore lost volume in the cheeks and jawline, providing a lifting effect and reducing the appearance of jowls.

Surgical Procedures:  Surgical options are the most effective for severe jowls, providing long-lasting and more dramatic results.  A facelift is the most definitive solution for correcting jowls.  Facelift involves lifting and tightening the deeper layers of the face, particularly the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer. It provides a more natural and long-lasting lift by addressing both skin and underlying tissue.