Will Pixel or Other Laser Tighten Up my Jowls?

Question

I've had Restylane in my nasolabials, and my MD is suggesting more filler to plump out my jowls.  I fear looking like a chipmunk.  Are lasers effective at tightening up this region?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Lasers are a big part of our practice.  They are wonderful in the right areas.  They tighten slightly.  They do not, unfortunately, change the deep architecture of the facial tissues and redistribute the jowl tissue upward the way a skillfully performed facelift can.
Jowls form not only because of looseness of the neck skin, but because of drooping of the deep tissues and loss of volume.  These are all problems that lasers just don't treat effectively.
If it is too early to have a facelift, many patients benefit from Juvederm or Restylane in the area just in front of the jowls (pre-jowl area).  Even this solution is a camouflaging procedure.  The best results will come from a nicely performed facelift.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

FaceTite can internally tighten the skin in the lower face and neck. After all the skin has been heated and contracted, we shape the neck with liposuction to give definition and remove stubborn pockets of fat. In one quick treatment, we can tighten skin, remove fat, and contour the lower face, jawline, and jowls with only a weekend of downtime.  Keep in mind that combination approaches will give you a more significant improvement as opposed to a single procedure. I recommend getting a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You do not have full trust in the recommendation of your doctor, so it is time for you to get examined by a new one.  I suggest that you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon or two for help.  Laser is not going to solve the problem that you described and self-research on your part would have educated you.  Make sure that you embark on self-education so that you can ask good questions on your consultations and this will help you to determine what treatments will bring the results that you desire.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Lasers and other laser-like devices (Thermage, etc.) will likely disappoint you if you are looking for improvements in your jowl region. Injectable fillers can help to soften the transition from jowl to chin, where you have a subtle break. Your concern about looking too puffy is understandable. We usually don't try to achieve a 100% correction and often stage the treatment into 2 spaced 4 weeks apart.
As mentioned earlier, a facelift will give you the most significant and long-lasting improvements, but you have to be ready for it.
Best wishes.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Yes, there are lasers to tighten the skin but are not the most effective treatment for your concern. There are also other treatments that you can combine with lasers for better results; one of them is Ultherapy, a non-invasive treatment that will increase collagen production and cause skin tightening while giving you a natural look and will improving your jowls; you will see partial results immediately, but the final look will achieve some months later. You can also continue using the hyaluronic acid fillers to improve these areas as long overcorrections are not made.

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

Dear BeeAlexandra,
Thank you for your question. To anwer this, lets first understand why do we have saggy skin. It is due to 2 main reasons.
1. Biological ageing – Gradual loss of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid in skin, bone loss and soft tissue loss
2. Photo-ageing – Sun exposure leads to free radical damage of skin collagen, elastin, Hyaluronic acid
Your jowls form as a result of skin and soft tissue ligamentous laxity, causing prolapse of your lower cheek fat pads.
Here are your non surgical options.
Microbotox + FillersLifting with ThreadliftMaintainence with energy based devices – RF, HIFU
Micro-toxin is a special technique that helps to tighten and firm the upper layers of your skin.
Fillers help to revolumise, hence firming your skin layers. This would be aimed at restoring volume in your cheeks and jawline.
Threadlifts serve to lift, reposition and anchor your jowls.
HIFU and RF stimulate fibroblasts to induce neo-collagenesis.
All the above treatments promote collagen growth, hence further enhancing the skin firming and tightening result. This improves skin quality and dynamism. 
For optimum results in patients with a fair degree of sagginess, I advocate combining all 3 steps. step 1 and 2 to fill and lift your face. This is followed by maintainence with step 3, 3 months later. Presently, there isnt any laser that is as effective as Ulthera for skin tightening. 
I hope this helps you.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would suggest Ultherapy for facial skin tightening. Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time. Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. Plus, the treatment is completely non-invasive and does not require downtime. I have seen excellent results with the treatment.

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

While there are many indications for laser resurfacing, this does not appear to be one of them. 
While laser can improve skin tone, texture, and fine lines, it cannot elevate the jowls and restore a youthful jawline in the same manner as a facelift. 
Judging from your photo, you may be a good candidate for Restylane, Radiesse, or other injectable intradermal filler in the labiomental creases 
(marionette lines). These can improve the appearance of the jowls by softening the shadowing that occurs with jowling. 
If injections are performed skillfully, you will not look "puffy" or like a chipmunk.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

You are obviously a beautiful woman that would have great results with a midface lift in an effort to replace those jowls back where they belong. I agree with you that too much filler will lead to that chipmunk look. Take the plunge and you will be happy that you did. A subtle lift can go a long way. Also, today's lifts can be performed through a minimal incision.

D.J. Verret, MD · Answer

Laser therapy would not do much for your jowl area. I agree though that improvement in you prejowl area could be seen with filler. If the jowl is a significant area of concern, I would suggest liposuction, possibly with some form of facelift.

Will Pixel or Other Laser Tighten Up my Jowls?

Answers (11)

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