15 Feb Can Exercise Tighten Your Jowls? Learn About The Best Options For Sagging Skin
What Are Jowls?
Not to be confused with a double chin, jowls are loose, sagging skin that develops below the jawline. Almost everyone develops jowls with age as the skin loses strength and elasticity. Over time, sagging skin can cause the face to lose definition and a sharp jawline. Jowls can often lead to issues like a turkey neck on the sides or a double chin to the front. There are ways to restore a smooth, photo-ready jawline. Understanding the best options can help to keep jowls at bay.
Causes of sagging skin
Aging has a significant impact on how the skin looks and feels. Most people start to lose collagen and elastin from age 30, leading to sagging skin. As a result, some people develop jowls at a younger age, while others have more defined jowls due to genetics. Lifestyle factors like smoking, stress, excess sun exposure, diet, and poor skincare habits can also contribute to the development of jowls.
Getting rid of jowls naturally
Jowls are not a sign of a medical issue but can feel distressing every time someone sees the excess skin in the mirror. There are a few ways to address jowls with varying degrees of success. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet can help. Specific jaw exercises can also tighten jowls. Reducing sunlight exposure and avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoke are other possible fixes. A consistent skincare routine also helps. This routine should include vitamins C, A, E, and hyaluronic acid. These steps can work but take months or years to see results.
Filling in the face
Non-surgical options are also available for jowl treatment. Dermal fillers add volume and can smooth the jawline, thanks to strategically placed injections of natural compounds. Fillers, however, last 18 months at most and need periodic touch-ups. Thread lifts, chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling are other options worth considering. The results of these procedures can vary.
The power of facelifts
One of the best long-term solutions for jowls, turkey necks, double chins, and other signs of aging is a facelift. The surgical procedure seeks to remove excess fat and skin in the lower face, particularly the jawline. Facelifts happen under general anesthesia. First, the surgeon lifts the skin to readjust the underlying muscle and tissue. Next, the surgeon tightens the skin and removes any excess causing the sagging. Facelifts have been proven to address jowls, and results can last 10 or more years. Some surgeons will also recommend a neck lift simultaneously for maximum results.
Enjoy a fresher look
Sagging skin can place a damper on self-esteem. Performing jaw exercises, changing diet, improving skincare, and trying in-office cosmetic procedures can help. However, a facelift is one of the best ways to address the issue long-term. Facelifts are a serious decision that must not be taken lightly. Patients who undergo this procedure for jowls experience a smooth, tight face for years.