Dr. Steve Jepson shares the non-surgical options for firming jowls.
As we age, many of us start to develop a collection of saggy fat and loose skin at the jawline – the dreaded jowl. For years the only way to get rid of jowls was surgically – via a facelift. Pull everything up and the jowls go away. But not only are facelifts expensive, they will leave behind scars, and often result in a pulled-too-tight look. Fortunately we now have a few non-surgical approaches to the jowls which can be very effective with less expense, less downtime, no scars, and a more natural look.
How do jowls form? As the years go by, the fat in our upper face/cheek area starts to fall and ultimately collects along the jawline . Our skin also loses collagen and becomes saggier. This further accentuates the jawline droop. Pockets of lost collagen in front of the jowl area can also make the jowls look more prominent than they really are (this area is called the “pre-jowl” sulcus)
For people who are just starting to develop jowls, a dermal filler like Radiesse or Juvederm can be injected just in front of the jowl. This fills in that “pre-jowl” sulcus, effectively masking the appearance of the jowl. This type of filler injection is very simple, very effective, and will last for about a year
For people with larger jowls, I recommend Lipodissolve injections as the ideal alternative to surgery. Lipodissolve is a natural substance that when injected directly into fat, triggers a microscopic chemical reaction that causes the fat cells to burst open and the fat to dissolve. This chemical reaction also induces the formation of new collagen which ultimately leads to a tightening of the skin in that area, too.
We have been offering this treatment at my clinic for three years now, and the results are very impressive. Typically only 3-6 injections with a tiny needle are needed on each side, and the pain is minimal. There is usually mild swelling for 3-5 days following the injections, but you start to see gradual improvement in the size of your jowls over a 2-3 week period of time following the injections. More than one treatment may be necessary depending on the size of your jowl. I tell most people to expect 2-3 treatments spaced out every 3-4 weeks. This treatment results in a permanent improvement in your jowls. (Of course with time, gravity will pull down more fat from above, but further treatments won’t be necessary for several years.)
So if you are bothered by your jowls, please feel free to contact my office for a free consultation and we can guide you through your non-surgical options.
Dr. Steven Jepson, M.D.
The Spa at the Utah Dermatologic & Medical Procedures Clinic
154 E. Myrtle Ave. (5065 S) #102
(just off State Street in Murray)
(801) 281-0022
www.UDMPC.com
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