With age, facial tissues gradually sag. This often leads to the appearance of jowls which, fortunately, pose no health risk. However, it has to be said that sagging jowls are an unpleasant blur on the oval of the face. The good news is that, in many cases, jowls can be removed without surgery. You can even prevent them – or at least delay their appearance as long as possible – because, according to specialists, ” 80% of skin ageing is due to environmental factors (sun, pollution, etc.) rather than age alone“. Factors against which there is no shortage of means of protection…
Sagging jowls are caused by a number of factors: natural aging, gravity, sunlight, smoking, pollution, weight variations and poor lifestyle habits.
Sun protection, smoking cessation, retinol skin care, a balanced diet, regular exercise and massage can all help prevent the appearance of jowls.
Jowls can be treated with cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, HIFU ultrasound, pulsed light and also the Bodysculptor lifting mask.
Jowls correspond to the sagging of the lower part of the face. Visually, they appear as excess skin hanging more or less tightly on either side of the chin. Jowls are even more visible if fat is lodged inside them: these are known as “fatty jowls”. 
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for fat to lodge in this area. And so does the neck. That’s why drooping jowls are often associated with a double chin. Even if it’s not always the case.
Whatever the case, the inconveniences are essentially aesthetic: the jawline is no longer as well defined as in the past, and the oval becomes blurred. When pronounced, jowls can even give the face a “square” appearance. Of course, the ideal solution is to combat the causes of their appearance as much as possible. But if necessary, there are also solutions for treating them once they’ve set in.
A jowl problem in women, as in men, is generally due to several causes. The main cause is natural aging, which is compounded by various factors that aggravate the phenomenon.
Over the years, facial skin gradually loses its elasticity. The cause? A natural decline in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. These molecules are all essential for skin hydration and tone. To make matters worse :
The hormonal disturbances of menopause further reduce collagen production, leading to the formation of jowls in women;
Facial muscles lose tone, further aggravating facial sagging;
The hypodermis (fatty tissue beneath the skin) also undergoes changes with age. Specifically, fat gradually melts away in many areas (e.g. cheekbones, cheeks, temples). Deprived of this “volumizing support”, the skin sags even more;
Facial bones (jaw, cheekbones, etc.) undergo slow resorption, which amplifies the phenomenon.
In fact, jowls can start to appear as early as forty. Or even earlier, if there’s a genetic predisposition: after all, we’re not all equal when it comes to the natural aging process. Some people show signs of ageing (e.g. wrinkles, jowls) at a very early age, others much later than the average. As a rough guide, however, it’s generally between the ages of 50 and 60 that jowls become really pronounced.
We don’t often think about it, but gravity does play a role in the appearance of jowls. In fact, our whole body is subject to the famous law of universal attraction. As long as our skin remains young and supple, its effects are hardly noticeable. But slack skin can’t fight back: it will be drawn down.
There’s nothing like overexposure to the sun’s UV rays to accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and jowls. In concrete terms, excess UV rays lead to an overproduction of free radicals in the body: this is the phenomenon of oxidative stress.
Unfortunately, these molecules can cause a great deal of damage to the body, including the premature breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, signs of skin sagging on the face can appear much earlier with prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun. More precisely, this phenomenon is known as ” photoaging of the skin “.
We can’t stress this enough: smoking is extremely harmful to the skin. Smoking generates major oxidative stress: each puff releases around 200,000 free radicals that attack skin cells. This is why smokers tend to look older: their skin loses its firmness, wrinkles appear more quickly, they have dark circles around the eyes, a greyish complexion… This is known as “smoker’s face“.
Did you know? Studies have shown that air pollution accelerates skin aging, by damaging skin structures. We immediately think of outdoor pollution, but the quality of the air inside your home may also be to blame.
In practice, the micro-particles penetrate the epidermis, gradually accumulating and altering the skin’s proteins, thus affecting its elasticity and tone. This phenomenon is known as ” bioaccumulation “.
Weight variations also favor the appearance of jowls. Particularly when they are :
very fast. But why? Quite simply because the skin needs a little
time to adapt. Faced with too sudden a weight loss, it can therefore remain distended;
and/or repeated, following several successive diets for example. The elastic properties of skin are not infinite.
Lack of physical exercise can promote both :
fat storage in the neck and face;
lack of firmness in the muscles supporting the facial skin.
A very bad cocktail, predisposing to the formation of drooping jowls.
It’s at night that the skin regenerates and produces collagen. That’s why chronic sleep deprivation accelerates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, jowls and other signs of skin aging.
A healthy diet can really protect your skin for longer against the effects of aging. Especially when it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Conversely, an unbalanced diet can harm skin tone.
Excess sugar, in particular, causes glycation. This is a chemical process that stiffens and destroys collagen fibers, accelerating skin aging. But that’s not all! You also need to watch out for lack of hydration. Not drinking enough water dries out the skin, making it less supple and more vulnerable to external aggression.
Prevention is better than cure! Here’s a series of practical tips to delay the sagging of the oval of the face as much as possible.
Sun protection
Protecting yourself against UV rays is essential to slow the appearance of signs of skin aging. In concrete terms, this means above all :
Apply a good sunscreen during the summer months. ” Below SPF 30, it’s a placebo, it’s absolutely not active,” says Dr. Claudine Blanchet-Bardon, vice-president of the Syndicat national des dermatologues-vénéréologues, in an interview for BFM ;
Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours (between 12pm and 4pm), even if you have sun protection;
Adopt a sufficiently covering outfit – the fewer directly exposed areas you have, the better – and don’t forget the two essential accessories. Sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
We would also like to remind you to avoid UV cabins.
Smoking cessation
Admittedly, quitting smoking is easier said than done. But it’s really important to protect the health of your skin. Not to mention your lung health. In concrete terms, quitting smoking improves skin microcirculation and reduces oxidative stress. The skin can therefore regenerate more easily.
All that remains, however, is to take the plunge. To make it easier, we invite you to visit Tabac Info Service. You can get free support there.
Skin care – Retinol: moisturizing and appropriate creams
Technically, there are many anti-aging active ingredients on the market (e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, etc.). But among them, retinol (a form of vitamin A) is the benchmark for stimulating cell renewal and collagen production. It also holds the record for the most scientific publications, as Paris-based plastic surgeon Dr. Cohen-Hayoun points out in an interview with Santé-Magazine.
So, if possible, it’s best to opt for an anti-aging cream containing retinol to pamper your skin. Bear in mind, however, that retinol :
Contraindicated during pregnancy (risk of fetal malformation in case of vitamin A overdose);
Has a photosensitizing action. In other words, it can aggravate the effects of the sun on your skin if you expose yourself too much. Retinol-based creams and serums are normally used at night;
Simply not suitable for all skin types (risk of irritation).
If need be, you can turn to one of its more easily tolerated derivatives. Like retinal, for example. But, like all chemical retinoids, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
The good news is that some naturally-derived molecules largely mimic the effects of retinol, while remaining suitable for pregnant women and even the most sensitive skin. These are known as ” bio-retinol “. Take bakuchiol, for example. Derived from the plant world, its effectiveness on the effects of aging has been corroborated in several scientific publications, notably the JAAD(Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology). And best of all, it’s non-photosensitive, so you can use it during the day.
Balanced diet and antioxidants
Adopting a balanced diet on a daily basis will also help you prevent the appearance of jowls and wrinkles. The basics:
Avoid products rich in sugar. Pastries and ice cream spring to mind. But beware of all commercially processed products. Many of them contain hidden sugar (e.g. ketchup, sandwich bread);
Limit foods rich in trans fatty acids (e.g., red meat, deli meats and other processed products);
Instead, focus on antioxidant-rich foods. These are various molecules (e.g. vitamins A, C and E, zinc, etc.) capable of countering the effects of free radicals. In practical terms, this means eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. But you can also find these precious antioxidants in other foods and even drinks, such as green tea! To find out more, take a look at our article on antioxidants.
Finally, don’ t forget to stay sufficiently hydrated every day. Unless there are specific medical contraindications, we recommend drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.
Physical activities and postures
Spending hours bent over the phone screen is a very bad habit to break. It can lead to “tech neck” (neck pain and stiffness) and wrinkles on the neck… As a bonus, keeping your head bent too far forward also accentuates facial sagging.
Why not go for a workout instead? It’s good for your health and helps keep your face toned. Physical activity stimulates blood circulation. Including in the skin of the face. This oxygenates the skin and helps it regenerate. What sport should I do? Whichever you like: the main thing is to exercise and enjoy your activity. Having said that, there are also facial gymnastics exercises to work your face directly: we talk about them just below.
Facial gymnastics
Also known as ” facial yoga “, facial gymnastics can help firm the skin and reshape the oval of the face, by stimulating blood circulation and facial muscles. For jowls, you can tone your cheek muscles with the following exercises:
Inflate your cheeks as much as you can. Then imagine blowing on a flame to extinguish it.
Cup your hands under your chin, then move the air from one cheek to the other. Remember to breathe through your nose during the exercise.
You can repeat these two exercises about twenty times a day.
Facial massage (draining and firming)
Facial massage, one of the most popular treatments at beauty salons, can also help prevent the appearance of jowls. At least, if you do it regularly enough. Specifically, it aims to :
Tone your muscles;
Stimulate blood circulation;
Stimulate collagen production;
And drain toxins, for draining massages.
In concrete terms, massages should always be performed from the bottom to the top of the face, to counteract gravity. Movements can be performed with the fingertips or the palm of the hand, or even with massage tools such as a jade roller.
Specific dermo-cosmetic treatments
Finally, you can also call on a wide range of serums, firming creams or lifting patches to maintain your skin’s tone. There are even fabric masks, soaked in collagen or peptides, which promise a temporary tightening effect.
Do you already have visible jowls? Don’t panic! Before considering surgery, there are several gentle solutions to combat them. Most of them have few contraindications. By way of illustration, these generally include pregnancy in progress (usually as a precautionary measure), cancer in progress, skin infection in the area to be treated, or the presence of severe circulatory disorders. Normally, the first interview is used to check that you have none of these contraindications.
HIFU Ultrasound
The HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) laser diffuses ultrasonic waves into the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. 1 session may be enough to reshape the oval of the face for very slight skin slackening. However, a second session may be required a few months later. It should also be noted that the effects are not immediate: it takes 2 to 3 months to notice the tightening effect on the skin.
Approximate cost in France: for the oval of the face, expect to pay between €300 and €500 per session on average.
Radiofrequency & micro-needling
Radiofrequency is the use of very high-frequency electromagnetic waves to heat subcutaneous tissue. The aim is to stimulate collagen production. Sometimes, it is combined with micro-needling to optimize results. This is known as fractional transcutaneous radiofrequency. This is a minimally invasive technique involving the introduction of fine needles into the skin: this encourages the skin to regenerate.
For “simple” radiofrequency, a session costs
often between €150 and €300. An average of 5 to 6 sessions are required, spaced three weeks apart, with a booster every 4 to 12 months.
For fractional transcutaneous radiofrequency, a single session is often sufficient for 3 years. Expect to pay €2,500 on average.
Cryolipolysis
How does cryolipolysis work? Destroy fat cells using cold. It really works to eliminate fat. However, its effectiveness in tightening the skin is very limited. In other words, cryolipolysis should only be considered in cases of fatty jowls, without significant skin slackening.
Price: prices vary according to the establishment, but expect to pay between €300 and €500 on average for a session. 1 to 2 sessions are generally sufficient for jowls.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) and dermatological lasers
Pulsed light (Lampe Flash) stimulates the cells that produce collagen and elastin. It helps to tone the skin, but is particularly effective in cases of slight sagging, especially in younger patients. Generally, 1 to 3 sessions are required: on average, you should expect to pay between €150 and €500 per session (depending on the device used).
There’s also an innovative technique called Endolift. The principle: introduce a laser micro-fiber under the skin to contract the tissue from within and tighten the lower face. This minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anaesthetic, is carried out by specialized doctors: it’s an alternative to full-fledged facelift surgery, in cases of moderate sagging.
Another innovative solution for removing jowls without surgery: the BodySculptor lifting mask. Suitable for both men and women, you can use it right at home. In concrete terms, it relies on BioStimology®, a patented technology that diffuses a low-frequency magnetic energy field to gently stimulate subcutaneous muscles. A clinical study conducted in Spain by the Institut de Fotomedicina (Barcelona), on a sample of 20 participants, reported that after 12 sessions (3 per week for 1 month) :
Subjects lost an average of 3.5 mL of fat volume in the facial oval. This represents a reduction of around 17% in jowl volume. This is equivalent to a small liposuction;
The oval of the face has been visibly reshaped (reduction of the cervico-chin angle by ~16%);
The skin on the face and neck became noticeably firmer. Skin texture also improved.
The study concludes that it is a kind of natural facelift, with no pain and no social eviction (no hematoma or unpleasant swelling). This lifting mask is therefore one of the gentle solutions that can be considered before resorting to a more invasive technique, such as neck liposuction.
BodySculptor Le Masque, the 1st triple-action anti-aging mask: oval – neck – décolleté. It delivers concrete, measured and proven results in just a few weeks: a refined face, an erasing effect on the double chin, an anti-slackening effect, smoother, firmer skin on the neck and décolleté.
When faced with established sagging jowls and marked facial skin slackening, gentle methods are rarely enough. In such cases, it’s time to consider aesthetic medicine solutions, which are more invasive than gentle techniques, but nonetheless lighter than surgical procedures.
However, at a certain stage, surgical treatment remains the only solution…Here again, a serious doctor or surgeon will check that you have no contraindications (e.g. blood coagulation disorder, allergy to an anaesthetic) before starting treatment. If you have the slightest doubt about his or her professionalism, turn away: quacks abound on the Net.
Hyaluronic acid injections
This aesthetic medicine technique involves injecting hyaluronic acid to fill the hollows in the face. The lower part of the face is mechanically pulled upwards. Great for making jowls disappear!
Advantages :
It’s fast (about 30 minutes);
The effect is immediate;
There is virtually no social eviction (although slight swelling or bruising can sometimes be observed).
However, the effects will disappear after a few months. New injections will then be required.
Tensor threads
These threads are used to tighten facial skin and support sagging subcutaneous tissue. It really is a serious alternative to a surgical facelift. It is often indicated for patients between 40 and 65 years of age: beyond that age, sagging is generally too severe for this technique.
Disadvantages :
Small pains and swellings for a few days;
Risk of transitory irregularities ;
Permanent tensor threads can sometimes feel to the touch. Or even migrate further than intended. This is one of the reasons why many doctors prefer absorbable threads today. What’s more, absorbable sutures are easy to apply: all that’s needed is a simple needle. For permanent threads, small incisions may still be necessary.
Collagen inducers
Collagen inducers are a group of substances (e.g. poly-L-lactone or calcium hydroxyapatite injections) that boost collagen production in the injected area. This improves skin firmness over several months. Admittedly, it’s not a panacea. But it remains a useful technique for prevention, or to complement the application of tensor threads, for example.
Mesotherapy and mesolift
Mesotherapy involves injecting micro-doses of various active ingredients: usually a cocktail of vitamins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. The aim is to tone and revitalize the skin. In practical terms, mesotherapy is mainly used to treat large areas or correct several aesthetic problems at the same time.
For a more targeted hydration boost, mesolift, based on injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, is more appropriate. Derived directly from mesotherapy, this faster-acting treatment (effects are visible from the very first sessions, whereas mesotherapy is slower) can be enough to improve the appearance of facial skin. It’s even possible to combine the two techniques to optimize results. However, this is not very effective for very sagging skin.
Carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy involves injecting CO₂ to improve microcirculation. This results in a slight tightening of the skin… While reducing a little local fat in the process. Considerable, therefore, for :
Erase a faint double chin;
Lightly smooth the skin of the neck;
Combating faint jowls.
Last but not least, the cervico-facial lift is the solution to drooping jowls, when no other technique will work. To be used as a last resort. It is generally performed around the age of 50-60, to remove excess skin directly.
In some cases, the surgeon may also propose localized liposuction, to remove excess fat in the jowl area and under the chin. It can be performed alone, if the skin is still sufficiently elastic and the problem is mainly due to fat accumulation, or as a complement to a facelift.
In any case, both techniques are well mastered in France. The most important thing is to choose your surgeon carefully. The best thing to do is to consult the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Médecins website to check that he or she is registered.
