Kai EDITION - A Guide to Combatting Jowls (Sagging Lower Face Skin)
Sagging skin at the jowls is a common concern and can result from several factors, often a combination of intrinsic aging processes and external influences. Here's a breakdown of the primary causes:
Causes of Sagging Skin at the Jowls
Natural Aging: Decline in collagen and elastin reduces skin firmness and elasticity.
Volume Loss: Fat pads shrink and descend; bone resorption weakens structural support.
Gravity: Pulls soft tissues downward over time.
Muscle Weakening: Reduced tone in the platysma muscle contributes to sagging.
Genetics: Predisposition based on skin type, bone structure, and fat distribution.
Lifestyle Factors:
Sun Damage: UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown.
Smoking: Decreases blood flow and damages skin elasticity.
Poor Diet & Dehydration: Weakens skin structure and firmness.
Weight Loss: Rapid fat loss can leave excess, sagging skin.
Facial Expressions: Repetitive downward movements may exacerbate sagging.
Environmental Damage: Pollution and blue light exposure accelerate skin aging.
Hormonal Changes: Reduced Oestrogen (post-menopause) leads to thinner, less elastic skin.
Aesthetics: Treatments like fat dissolving, overused or misplaced dermal fillers, poorly placed anti-wrinkle treatments, fat transfer and thread lifts can often leave hollowing in the jowl region or promote sagging of the lower face.
Managing Jowl Sagging with Dermal Fillers and Skin Rejuvenation
A dual approach using dermal fillers for structural support and skin rejuvenation treatments like Profhilo Structura for overall skin tightening is highly effective for addressing sagging jowls. Here's how these treatments complement each other:
1. Dermal Fillers to Anchor and Lift
Mechanism
Strategic placement of dermal fillers restores volume to key areas of the face, creating a lifting effect by anchoring and supporting sagging skin.
Cheeks and Midface: Adding volume here can indirectly lift the jowls by restoring natural facial contours.
Jawline and Chin: Fillers define the jawline, improving the transition between the jaw and neck and reducing the appearance of jowls.
Marionette Lines: Filler can smooth the lines between the corners of the mouth and chin, reducing the pull on the jowl area.
Benefits
Immediate results with minimal downtime.
Precision in targeting specific problem areas.
Long-lasting effects (6–18 months depending on the filler).
2. Profhilo Structura for Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening
Mechanism
Profhilo is a bioremodeling injectable made of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid. It spreads across the skin, enhancing hydration, elasticity, and firmness, particularly in areas prone to sagging like the lower face.
Hydration: Deeply hydrates the dermis, improving skin texture and plumpness.
Collagen and Elastin Boost: Stimulates fibroblasts, promoting natural tightening and lifting over time.
Treatment Protocol
Typically involves two sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6–12 months.
Results appear gradually over 4–8 weeks as collagen and elastin synthesis peaks.
Combination Approach for Maximum Effect
Using dermal fillers and Profhilo Structura together creates a synergistic effect:
Step 1: Filler Placement to restore structure and lift sagging tissue.
Anchors skin up and sharpens contours.
Reduces the depth of jowls and marionette lines.
Step 2: Profhilo Application to tighten and rejuvenate the overlying skin.
Improves elasticity and minimises fine lines, enhancing the result of fillers.
Other Approaches
Thread Lifts: Biodegradable sutures (e.g., PDO or PLLA threads) are inserted under the skin to lift and support sagging tissue. At Kai Clinic, we prioritise treatments that deliver reliable, long-term results and excellent value for our clients. For this reason, we do not offer thread lifts, as we believe the temporary and inconsistent outcomes, combined with the potential for complications, make this procedure less cost-effective compared to other advanced, non-surgical aesthetic options that we confidently stand behind.
Skin Tightening and Resurfacing: Radiofrequency (RF) and Ultrasound (HIFU) tightening treatments and Laser and Chemical Peel resurfacing treatments can help with skin tightening and lifting. These results however can be variable and require several months for progressive improvement.
Surgical Management: Facelifts (Rhytidectomy), Mini Facelifts, Neck Lifts (Platysmaplasty), Liposuction, Buccal Fat Removal, Chin or Jawline Implants should be considered in patients where non-surgical interventions are not successful. All surgical procedures come with risks associated with general anaesthetic and surgery itself (including scarring, asymmetry, variable results and permanent complications).
Patients concerned about jowls and sagging skin in the lower face are encouraged to book a consultation with the experts at Kai Clinic, where we provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored management plan to suit individual needs and goals. Book HERE today.
