For many people, sagging jowls are one of the first unexpected signs of aging.
The Science Behind Jowls
Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist, uses a couch analogy to explain how jowls form: the bones are the frame, the fat and muscle are the cushions, and the skin is the fabric.
Jowls typically result from a combination of loss of structural support and fat shifting downward with gravity.
Treatment Options
Idriss advises against relying on jawline sculpting gadgets for significant results, as they only temporarily reduce puffiness.
She also cautions against buccal fat removal, as it can accelerate jowl formation.
Surgical options like facelifts have limitations, as they do not rebuild the deeper structural changes that happen with aging.
Prevention Strategies
For individuals in their 20s or 30s, the focus should be on maintaining the skin by protecting collagen, using retinoids, and managing inflammation.
Idriss emphasizes that jowls are not a result of skincare failure but rather bone structure.
Her advice is to address the root cause of the 'drape' rather than chasing a fleeting trend.