Filler for jowls and nasolabial folds - effective? (photos)

Question

I want to address jowls and the nasolabial fold. The doctor suggests radiesse, but I feel more comfortable with something that can dissolve. With radiesse, he said he can treat the areas I've marked in red to create a facelift effect. My questions : 1. Can this area be treated effectively with a hydrochloric acid filler? 2. Will fillers along the back of my face near my ear make me look more masculine? Thanks for your time!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Mom4twokidsI thank you for your question. I recommend a combine treatment because Radiesse that helps in contour marking, tissue repositioning or Ultherapy are technologies have a tensing effect on the skin. Ultherapy also controls and prevents signs of aging, flaccidity, improves skin quality, pores, luminosity and the mandibular angle. On the other hand, Hyaluronic acid corrects static expression lines of medium or great depth and it can tense to some point with the correct application. It is important that you have a consultation with a board certified specialist to determine the ideal protocol for you, every skin is different. Best wishes!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos along with your question. Based on these images, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. If you prefer the non-surgical route, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can help restore lost volume and instantly lift your skin. ProfoundRF uses RF energy to produce new collagen, improving mild to moderate skin laxity in the neck and jawline. Lasers may also be used to heat the skin and encourage collagen production for skin tightening. A PDO threadlift can also give you a non-surgical facelift. To determine the best treatment or combination of treatments, I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can assess your skin quality and facial profile, create the best treatment plan for you, and ensure the best possible outcome.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Great question! I thinks it's reasonable to use a hyaluronic acid filler that's thicker in those areas if you want something that can be dissolved. There's may different types of hyaluronic fillers on the market with a difference in "stiffness." Fillers, if performed correctly, can gently elevate the skin and add volume, without making you masculine. I've developed the Model Lift for patients who want total facial rejuvenation, but don't want surgery. Hope that helps!

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

In my professional opinion I would recommend a FaceTite treatment to help with the jowl area which is minimally invasive but result driven. As far as a filler, the injector who does an in person consultation will recommend the best filler for the lift needed. Some fillers are thicker than others giving more volume which you may need after viewing the pictures provided. Good Luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I personally stopped injecting Radiesse several years ago when robust HA fillers, such as Voluma XC, came on the scene, which could provide results that rivaled those of Radiesse, lasted nearly as long, and had the additional major advantage of being dissolved, whenever needed. Additional photos would have been helpful, but from what was provided, it would appear that volume is necessary in the upper cheek region (before use in the region of the angle of the jaw).  Doing so would likely help to create a more feminine, heart-shaped face, diminish the hollows, and even to some degree secondarily improve the drooping corners of the mouth. I strongly suspect that the latter would also need an additional filler, such as Restylane Lyft, more directly injected in order to further straighten the angles of the mouth.  Following the foregoing, the posterior angle of the jaw region can be better evaluated to determine whether additional filler would be needed. Make sure that you consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are a variety of fillers that could be used to help improve jowls and nasolabial folds.  Radiesse could be used but there are many different hyaluronic acid fillers that could be used as well.  With the limited view on your photos, it is difficult for me to give you advice about the possible use of filler along the back of your face.

Olga Zilberstein, MD · Answer

The areas can be treated directly with HA fillers. Fillers along the back of your face and ear will not make you appear more masculine.

Monique Mazzuca, MD, CCFP · Answer

From the photos the folds are rather deep and you have thicker skin. Nevertheles, filler can be used if placed strategically however at least 4 syringes will be needed to start building. Another option are thread lifts to pull back those folds and then contour with filler.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are many fillers that can be used to address your concerns including HA fillers and Radiesse.  You may also benefit from treatments such as Morpheus8 which can remodel underlying tissue improving skin tone and texture.  Another longer lasting option is Sculptra which works differently than HA fillers and Radiesse.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.