How Can I Eliminate My Sagging Jowls?
Published on September 26, 2019 by Andrew Barnett
Sagging jowls are a common concern for many aging adults. As we get older, years of gravity combined with our natural loss of skin elasticity, genetics, and even our lifestyle habits, can play a role in how quickly our facial appearance becomes aged. The good news is, sagging jowls aren’t something you have to live with any longer.
I offer several solutions for unwanted sagging jowls. Some are short term fixes that need to be repeated – others are long lasting. Depending on the severity of your concerns and your individual goals, one of the following treatments might be worth considering. Let’s take a closer look.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be an ideal solution for patients that would like to correct minor sagging without going under the knife. However, patients should be aware that results are typically subtle and short-lived. Treatments are done in-office and take just a few minutes. The strategy is to fill the depression just in front of the jowl (called the pre-jowl sulcus) which softens the shadow that we see. This is a camouflage technique as it doesn’t actually change the jowl, but for smaller jowls it works! If you understand the procedure and have realistic expectations, chances are good you’ll be happy with this approach.
Liposuction of the Jowls
Where fillers and fat grafting try to remove the depression in front of the jowl, in some cases the problem is excess fat just below the skin in the actual jowl region. Suction removal of this fat can quickly improve the contour, smoothing the jawline contour. Liposuction doesn’t remove any skin, so this only works if your skin elasticity is very good.
Lower Facelift
Lower facelift surgery is great for addressing a variety of aging concerns on the mid-to-lower face. During the procedure, I’ll make small incisions that allow me to reposition fat pads, tighten underlying muscles, and remove any excess skin causing stubborn jowls. A lower facelift might be a good choice for you if you’d like a significantly younger-looking appearance with minimal downtime. If there is loss of bone or fat in the pre-jowl sulcus, I may recommend fat grafting to this area in addition to the lower facelift.
FaceLift Consultations Available
Neck Lift Procedures
The best way to address substantial skin laxity in the jowl area is a neck lift procedure. This procedure, particularly when combined with the facelift and possibly fat grafting if needed, is the gold standard. It provides significant improvement to your facial contours from every angle. Neck lifts are generally considered a once-in-a-lifetime procedure for most aging adults. The benefits from the facelift and fat grafting is permanent, but ongoing aging may require additional surgery to maintain the results you’ll realize from these procedures.
What’s Right for Me?
As a board-certified surgeon, I’ll work with you to ensure you get the most out of your procedure whether it be surgical or non-surgical. I work hand-in-hand with each patient individually to craft a treatment plan that will provide maximum results with minimal recovery. After a careful evaluation of your concerns, and speaking with you about your short and long-term goals, we’ll have a better understanding of what’s right for you.
Very impressed with Dr. Barnett. His training, bedside manner and professionalism are all first class! Very happy with my facelift, and have recommended him to friends already!
Take the Next Step
Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation with Andrew Barnett M.D. to discuss your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 362-1221. Renee or Laurie will help you and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!
*Individual results may vary.