Jowls at 30? What can I do? (Photo)

Question

I recently noticed the fat in my cheeks have fallen and created a “jowl” look. It’s driving me crazy. I got filler in my cheeks hoping to “lift” it up but it hasn’t done much. What are things I can do? Will retinol help?

George Gavrila, MD · Answer

Great question! We see a lot of this in my practice and think it's best if treated sooner then later to prevent more dramatic joweling later. I find that using Syneron Candela's Profound RF device to melt the fat in the jowel then tighten the skin gives us the best and most permanent result without looking fake or puffy. Results can take up to 6 months but certainly the best and least invasive route is strategically using the Profound!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement. I recommend fillers for the jowls themselves but also lifting around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, rf treatments, J Plasma and peels to get the most conservative natural look. Please see a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Lawrence Janowski, MD · Answer

You appear to be an excellent candidate for non-surgical threadlifting.  It is a 45-minute office procedure that will produce instant lifting and straightening of the jowls.  Threadlifts typically last about one year.  You may also benefit from focused liposuction of the jowls.  This can last many years.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I think the best approach would combining filler injections in the midface/cheek to address volume loss and a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure like Thermage FLX to tighten the skin and lift the face. I would combine these procedures with a good at home skincare regimen which should include an antioxidant, sunscreen, and retinol.

Jowls at 30? What can I do? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Jowls

Answer: Jowls

Answer: Combination of fillers, Thermage FLX, and skincare to address face volume loss and skin laxity

Answer: Combination of fillers, Thermage FLX, and skincare to address face volume loss and skin laxity

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Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Jowls at 30? What can I do? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Jowls

Answer: Jowls

Answer: Combination of fillers, Thermage FLX, and skincare to address face volume loss and skin laxity

Answer: Combination of fillers, Thermage FLX, and skincare to address face volume loss and skin laxity

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.