Treatment of sagging skin around the jaw

Sagging skin around the jaw is usually caused by aging.

Most aging effects are caused by sun exposure. The elastic fibers in the skin become fragmented  and do not support the skin as they did previously. In addition, in more advanced cases, there  is associated loss of fat and even resorption of bone (due also to chronologic aging). This results in loss of volume.

In years past, a facelift was the only answer and even today, it can be the right choice. But a facelift cannot restore the lost volume.  For volume, long term fillers such as Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxyapatite) and Sculptra (Polylactic acid) can bring about very satisfactory results, especially if combined with Thermage(R) (the "nonsurgicalfacelift").

It really depends on what the sagging skin is due to.

If the sagging skin is due to weight loss and subsequent facial volume loss, then restoring volume with Sculptra or other fillers such as Perlane or Radiesse or Juvederm can produce very nice results that reverse the appearance of a sunken, hollow, gaunt face.

If however, the primary problem is loose skin from loss of elasticity seen for example with extensive sun exposure, then fillers may not produce a satisfactory response. In these instances, a face lift may be a better option.

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