Saggy Jowls & Double Chin
What are Saggy Jowls & a Double Chin?
Saggy jowls and a double chin are common signs of ageing that affect the lower face and jawline, often occurring together to diminish facial definition. Saggy jowls refer to loose skin and tissue that hang below the jawline, creating a heavier appearance in the lower face. A double chin, or submental fullness, is an accumulation of fat or sagging skin beneath the chin that blurs the contour of the neck. Together, these concerns can make an individual look heavier or older than they truly are, frequently impacting self-confidence
How Saggy Jowls & a Double Chin Form
The development of these conditions is a complex process influenced by biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors:
Collagen and Elastin Breakdown: As we age, the production of collagen and elastin slows down, leading to a loss of skin tightness. The lower face is particularly susceptible to these effects due to the constant pull of gravity.
Fat Redistribution: While some facial fat pads diminish with age, fat can also accumulate under the chin. This submental fat is a primary contributor to a double chin.
Muscle Weakness: The platysma muscle, which runs from the jaw to the collarbone, can weaken over time, causing the skin to sag and contributing to jowl formation.
Genetics: Your genetic makeup influences the shape of your jawline, where your body stores fat, and the rate at which your skin loses its natural elasticity.
Weight Gain: An increase in overall body weight can lead to larger fat deposits under the chin, worsening submental fullness
How to Treat Saggy Jowls & a Double Chin
At Home: Jolanta’s Advice
While home care cannot replace professional intervention for significant sagging, it is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing further laxity:
Firming Skincare: Use products with ingredients that boost collagen, such as retinoids, peptides, and Vitamin C. Apply these to the jawline and neck using upward motions.
Facial Massage: Regular massage or facial exercises may improve circulation and tone the muscles in the lower face, potentially helping with very mild sagging.
Daily Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential every day to prevent UV rays from breaking down the collagen and elastin that keep your jawline firm.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Managing your weight can help prevent the accumulation of new fat deposits under the chin.
At SCA Clinic
We offer several clinically proven, non-surgical treatments to redefine the jawline and reduce submental fullness:
Dermal Fillers: Strategic placement of fillers along the jawline and chin can mask the appearance of jowls by creating a more sculpted, defined contour.
Consultations for the Relaxation of Lines: Following a consultation, if appropriate, a prescription-only treatment may be recommended for the platysma bands to help lift the neck and jawline (often called a "Nefertiti Lift").
Fat Dissolving Injections: Treatments such as Aqualyx involve injecting a solution that breaks down and dissolves fat cells, making it highly effective for reducing a double chin without surgery.
RF Microneedling (Sylfirm X): This combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to penetrate deep skin layers, providing a significant tightening effect ideal for saggy jowls.
Facial Thread Lifts: A minimally invasive procedure where dissolvable threads are inserted to provide an immediate mechanical lift to sagging tissue.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing: This treatment promotes new collagen growth and tightens existing fibres to improve skin firmness in the lower face.
For the best results and choice of treatment, book a consultation with Jolanta, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, to create a personalised treatment plan.
