The passage of time brings wisdom and experience, but it can also bring subtle changes to our appearance, such as the development of jowls. These sagging pockets of skin along the jawline can impact our self-esteem and how we feel about our facial aesthetics. If you're seeking a non-surgical solution to restore a more youthful appearance, dermal fillers might be the answer you're looking for. In this blog, we'll explore what causes jowls to form and how dermal fillers can improve the look of jowls, rejuvenating your facial contours.

Understanding Jowls: What Causes Them?

Before we dive into the benefits of dermal fillers, let's understand the root cause of jowls. Jowls typically develop due to a combination of factors, including:

1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin: As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for keeping our skin firm and elastic. This loss can lead to sagging and the formation of jowls.
2. Gravity and Fat Redistribution: The effects of gravity, skeletal bone loss, coupled with changes in fat distribution, can cause the skin and soft tissues of the face to shift downward. This downward pull can contribute to the development of jowls. The face consists of many different fat compartments. Each year, we lose volume from our face and the fat compartments get smaller and less voluminous. The fat compartment that runs from the temple down to the jawline in front of the ear is called the Lateral Temporal cheek fat compartment. Loss of the fat in this compartment causes the tissue to fall forward, which creates the jowl, the small pocket of fat that forms in the middle of the jawline. 
3. Weakening of Facial Muscles and Ligaments: The muscles and ligaments that support the lower face can also weaken with age, further exacerbating the sagging of jowls.
4. Loss of bone in the mandible: As we age, we experience bone loss and the angle of the jaw becomes more obtuse, which again leads to the tissue falling forward and a less sharp jawline angle.
5. The pre-jowl sulcus: The area of skin in front of the jowl and lateral to the chin is called the pre-jowl sulcus. The ageing process can cause loss of bone and fat in this area which accentuates the look of the jowl.

The Role of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment designed to address various signs of aging, including the appearance of jowls. Here's how they can improve the look of jowls:

1. Restoring Lost Volume: One of the key features of dermal fillers is their ability to restore lost volume. Injecting the gel into the subcutaneous layer behind the jowl along the jawline, dermal fillers can plump up and restore lost volume.  The temporal lateral cheek compartment volume is restored, and this camouflages the jowl, creating a lift and effectively rejuvenating the area.
2. Stimulating Collagen Production: Some dermal fillers contain substances that stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As the filler gradually breaks down, the increased collagen production continues to support the treated area, providing longer-lasting results.
3. Contouring and Smoothing: Dermal fillers can be strategically placed to contour and sculpt the jawline, creating a more defined and youthful appearance. The filler is skilfully injected to provide a natural-looking result that complements your facial features.
4. Non-Surgical and Minimal Downtime: Unlike surgical options, dermal filler treatments are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime. Most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.

The Procedure

The dermal filler procedure is typically quick and straightforward. A trained and experienced healthcare provider will assess your specific concerns and goals before determining the appropriate type and amount of filler. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Cleansing: The treatment area is cleaned and prepped for the injection.
2. Injection: The dermal filler is injected beneath the skin's surface using a fine needle or cannula.
3. Sculpting: The provider carefully sculpts and shapes the filler to achieve the desired result.
4. Post-Treatment: After the procedure, you may experience some minor swelling or bruising, but these effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days.

Long-Lasting Results

While the longevity of results can vary depending on the type of dermal filler used, many individuals enjoy the benefits for up to 18-24 months. Maintenance treatments can help sustain the desired appearance over time.

In conclusion, dermal fillers offer a non-surgical and effective solution for improving the look of jowls. By restoring lost volume, stimulating collagen production, and sculpting the jawline, dermal fillers can help you regain a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance.

If you're considering this option, consult with a qualified Privée Clinic professional who can assess your needs and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals. Embrace the opportunity to revitalize your youthful contours and boost your confidence.

To book a consult, you can book online or call 02 8041 5725.