Treatment of the Jowls

In aesthetic medicine, the term “jowls” refers to the sagging of skin around the lower jaw. Jowls are a combination of fat accumulation and skin laxity. They develop with aging due to the loss of support and volume at the back of the face. Jowls alter the facial contour, giving it a more rectangular shape, similar to a “Winston Churchill” appearance, and make the jawline less defined. Here are some procedures used:

Facelift Surgery (Face Lift)

In the 1970s and 1980s, surgical facelifts were a popular solution to tighten the skin and correct sagging in the lower face, including the jowls. The early facelift techniques were quite invasive and required a long recovery period.

Deoxycholic Acid Injection (Belkyra®)

This treatment involves the injection of deoxycholic acid, targeting the fat cells in the jowls to gradually destroy them. Each session results in a permanent reduction of approximately 20% of the targeted fat cells.

Dermal Filler Injections (Hyaluronic Acid)

The use of dermal fillers for volume correction began in the 1990s-2000s. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which provide structure and volume, can be used at the back of the face to recreate the foundational pillars lost over the years.

Lasers and Radiofrequency

Fractional lasers like Fraxel®, introduced in the 2000s, are used to improve skin texture and firmness. Microneedling radiofrequency, such as Morpheus®, also gained popularity since 2010 for its lifting and tightening effects on the jowls. This technology also allows for lipolysis (fat reduction).

Each of these treatments offers unique benefits and can be personalized to meet the specific needs of patients, depending on the severity of the jowl sagging, age, and individual expectations.