As your skin ages, it gradually loses its fullness and firmness. This can result in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Jowls can form along the jawline when skin becomes droopy due to a combination of aging and the persistent pull of gravity. The front edges of the jowl that appear on either side of the mouth are commonly referred to as marionette lines. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says there are a growing number of facial rejuvenation options available to tighten the jowl area and diminish its accompanying wrinkles.
Botulinum Rejuvenation
Botulinum (Botox) rejuvenation can help soften the appearance of jowls by temporarily filling out the skin and filling in wrinkles. Botox injections work by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles and causing them to relax. Botox treatments take only a few minutes, have little or no downtime and appear to be free of side effects. The results from Botox typically last for a few months.
Tumescent Liposuction
A minimally invasive surgical procedure known as Tumscent liposuction is performed to remove excess fact on the face as well as other areas of the body. The procedure can improve the shape of the face and reduce the lines that were caused by sagging. As a result, jowls may become less apparent or disappear. Tumscent liposuction is typically performed on an out-patient basis.
Laser Therapy
Laser rejuvenation is used to treat a number of skin conditions. A laser is an intense beam of light that can target specific areas or tissues within the skin. The AAD says laser treatments can help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and may have a minor tightening effect on sagging skin.
Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layer of the skin to encourage firming and improve its tone and texture. Non-ablative lasers have penetrating effects underneath the surface of the skin and can encourage the growth of collagen. Collagen helps give skin its texture and firmness. Since ablative laser treatments are more aggressive than non-ablative therapy, the recovery period is significantly longer, taking up to two months in some cases.
Outlook
The premature aging of the skin is highly preventable. It is important to not smoke and limit your sun exposure. The natural effects of aging, such as jowls and wrinkles, may be inevitable, but they can often be successfully, albeit temporarily corrected.
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