Jowls aren’t the result of one bad habit or one more birthday. They develop due to the accumulation of changes that happen to your face over time. As aging occurs, so do structural changes in bone and the downward shift of facial fat. A qualified plastic surgeon can evaluate your changes and recommend non-surgical options like skincare or surgical corrections like a facelift to give you the look you are seeking. But understanding what causes jowls can help you slow progression and even help improve its appearance over time.
Understanding Jowls
Jowls are characterized as loose or sagging tissue that forms under the lower cheeks, jaw, and chin. They are common with age and typically harmless; they do, however, often cause softening of the line between the face and neck. Loose skin is used as a broad term for the symptom, but changes in fat, collagen, elastin, muscle, a nd structural support all affect the placement of your skin. That’s why two people of the same age can experience this sagging differently and why in some cases cream alone isn’t an effective treatment.
Aging
Aging is the primary cause of jowls. Over time, your skin produces less collagen and elastin; these are necessary to keep your skin firm and buoyant. Your skin also becomes thinner and drier, often causing a downward shift of facial fat and lost volume. That, compounded with gravity and tissue, begins to gradually settle toward your jaw. It happens progressively, often being noticed as heaviness near the corners of your mouth or your jawline looks less defined.
Bone Loss
Your facial structure changes with age too. Bone can lose volume around your cheeks, chin, and jaw, weakening the framework that supports the soft tissue above it. When the jaw and chin don’t have the necessary support to support the skin and fat, it sags. This can look more prominent in individuals with thinner skin or a naturally smaller chin.
Genetics
Genetics influence skin thickness, collagen quality, facial shape, fat distribution, and underlying support. This makes some people more likely to develop jowls earlier. Softer jawlines or smaller chins show signs of sagging sooner than stronger natural bone structures. Genetics does not inherently mean jowls are the fixed outcome. Lifestyle habits and sun exposure can impact risk of jowls.
Sun Damage
Elastin and collagen break down when repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet rays. The result is a decline in the skin’s ability to maintain its shape. Damage is built slowly and may show up as uneven pigmentation or fine lines, then contribute to deeper laxity later. Protecting against UV exposure won’t lift jowls that are already present, but it can help protect remaining collagen and slow any additional damage.
Smoking
Smoking constricts healthy blood flow, exposes tissue to damaging chemicals, and contributes to collagen breakdown. Your skin may become thinner, drier, and less elastic over time. It isn’t the only cause of jowls, but it does make facial aging harder on your skin, causing jowls to appear earlier or become more noticeable.
Weight Changes
Weight fluctuation can create an environment for the development of jowls. Weight gain around the chin, cheeks, and neck area can blur your jawline. Substantial or rapid weight loss can remove volume faster than your skin can contract. Speak with a qualified professional on the best options for your situation before deciding on one thing for sure.
Treating Your Jowls
Treatment depends on the stage of jowls and its cause. Mild changes may respond to treatments that improve skin firmness or restore selected areas of volume. More prominent jowls often need more intensive correction. Speak to a qualified provider to help determine the most effective treatment for your goals.
Schedule a consultation to find the right treatment for your jowls today.