Jowl prevention and treatment: What causes the sagging skin and the 'extremely effective' plan to reverse it

“While it’s not possible to completely prevent the development of jowls, their onset can certainly be delayed through diligent and consistent prevention measures,” says Doctor Mafalda, from the York Dental Suite.

She added: “Although it’s a natural part of ageing, jowls can have a profound impact on a woman’s self-esteem and appearance, making it not just a physical issue but an emotional one too.”

As such, many women come to wonder what contributes to the development of these changes and how to prevent them.

Doctor Mafalda noted that the key elements the skin needs to stop the development of jowls are collagen and elastin.

“Remember that these two proteins are what keep our skin looking youthful and voluminous,” she said. “Without them, the skin tends to show more signs of ageing and sagging.”

Some experts argue that the most important among them is skin care, which should consist of a good nighttime regimen tailored to your skin type.

“It can make a significant difference,” explained doctor Mafalda. “Furthermore, applying sunscreen daily is crucial, regardless of whether the sun is visible."

Facial expressions

According to Doctor Mafalda, facial exercises are among the most promising techniques to maintain firmness under the jawline, and they're free to do.

“In addition to skin care, incorporating specific facial exercises into your routine can also help combat sagging jowls,” she said.

“Exercises such as opening the mouth wide while slowly tilting the head up and down, or blowing up the cheeks as far as comfortable, can improve muscle tone and skin elasticity.”

The expert also recommends lying down flat and curling the neck towards the chest with the tongue pressing on the roof of the mouth, adding that humming with the tongue pressing against the roof of the mouth is an alternative method.

“Regularly performing these exercises can help maintain a more youthful contour in the jawline," explained Dr Mafalda.

Can jowls be reversed?

According to Dr Maflada, the short answer is “yes”. While procedures like fillers are among the most effective for treating jowls, there are less invasive ways.

“Taking daily collagen supplements can support skin health by boosting collagen levels, essential for maintaining skin elasticity, especially as natural collagen production declines with age," explained the expert.

Henry Criss, the CEO of the Fraum Center, the leading provider of restorative medicine and proactive wellness care, confirms this.

He explained that jowls primarily develop due to ageing but they are also the results of genetics, weight fluctuations, sun exposure and lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet.

“As we age, our skin loses elasticity because of the reduced collagen and elastin production, leading to sagging," he explained.

“Genetics also play a role in how our skin ages and its overall elasticity. Change in weight can stretch the skin and if the weight is low, it may not return to its former tightness. Moreover, sun damage can accelerate collagen and elastic breakdown, contributing to early sagging.”

To prevent these issues, Criss proposes several “effective strategies” to help the skin maintain its elasticity, starting with prevention.

“To naturally prevent jowls, several strategies can be effective," he noted. "Protecting skin from the sun with regular use of sunscreen helps maintain its elasticity.

“A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins, along with staying hydrated, supports skin health.”

Frequent bouts of exercise can also help by promoting greater blood flow, as it boosts circulation, which in turn nourishes the skin cells.

“Some also advocate for facial exercise to strengthen jawline muscles, though their effectiveness varies,” added Criss.

Reversing Jowls

“Reversing jowls is more challenging but possible through various approaches,” explained Criss.

“Skin care products containing retinoids, peptides and hyaluronic acid can boost collagen production and improve firmness.

“Professional treatments like radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy and laser treatments stimulate collagen and reduce sagging. Facial exercises also help tone the jawline.

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Treatment

One therapy found to be extremely successful in reversing jowls is radio-frequency microneedling, according to the expert.

“RF microneedling is an effective non-surgical method for reversing the appearance of jowls by enhancing skin tightening and rejuvenation," noted Criss.

“This technique merges traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy, where microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin to trigger natural healing processes, and radiofrequency energy delivers thermal energy to deeper skin layers.

“This dual action stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, crucial proteins for maintaining skin’s elasticity and structural integrity.

“As a result, the skin around the jawline becomes firmer and tighter, visibly reducing sagging. RF microneedling offers targeted treatment, allowing adjustments in depth and intensity to specifically address jowls with minimal impact on surrounding areas."

What's more, the treatment requires minimal downtime, making it a convenient choice for those seeking to improve skin laxity without a lengthy recovery.

“The results are cumulative, with optimal outcomes generally seen after multiple sessions as the skin continues to produce more collagen and elastin," added Criss.

This gradual improvement can significantly lift and tighten the jowls, offering a less invasive alternative to surgical procedures and life facelifts, while progressively enhancing the skin’s natural youthfulness.