Understanding Jowls: What to Know and How to Manage Them
For many, sagging jowls—those loose areas of skin along the lower cheeks and jawline—are often one of the first signs that time is changing our appearance. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, recently shared insights on how to tackle this common concern.
To grasp why jowls develop, Dr. Idriss offers an interesting analogy: think of your face like a piece of furniture. “The bones are the frame, the fat and muscle act as the cushions, and the skin is the fabric,” she explains. So when you start to notice jowling, it’s not just about the skin. It usually involves a mix of reduced support from underlying structures and fat shifting down as we age.
As our facial structure changes, similar to how cushions start to compress on a couch, the skin naturally begins to sag. But don’t worry; Dr. Idriss assures us that it’s never too late to seek non-invasive treatments for this issue.
She emphasizes that a successful approach involves a combination of strategies instead of relying on a “miracle” solution. “It often feels like it happened overnight, but it’s really the result of many years of changes,” she notes.
While many products claim to help sculpt the jawline, Dr. Idriss reminds her patients to keep their expectations realistic. Facial rollers and massages might temporarily reduce swelling but won’t truly eliminate jowling.
Moreover, she advises against procedures like buccal fat removal, which removes fat from the cheeks to create a more sculpted look. “In fact, removing that fat can make jowls more pronounced and can age you quicker. It’s better to keep the cushioning in your face than to lose it,” she warns.
Surgical options, such as facelifts, have their limitations. Dr. Idriss explains that while facelifts can tighten skin and reposition tissue, they do not restore the foundational changes caused by aging.
Many people report feeling like their face has changed almost overnight, especially noticeable around the mid-40s. These shifts happen due to gradual collagen loss and movement of facial tissues over time.
For those in their 20s and 30s, Dr. Idriss advises focusing on prevention. This means protecting collagen levels by applying sunscreen, using retinoids, and managing skin inflammation.
Importantly, she emphasizes that developing jowls is not a sign that your skincare routine has failed. It largely relates to your bone structure and how aging alters it. The goal should be to address the cause of sagging skin, rather than chasing every new trend in skincare.
In summary, the key to youthful skin is a balanced approach. Sometimes, less truly is more. Overdoing treatments can lead to unnatural results, and the best way to maintain a youthful appearance is to understand and care for your skin over time.
