The jowl is a small fatty deposit located on each side of the chin that protrudes beyond the mandibular line, causing a loss of definition of the facial oval.
This unaesthetic concern represents the final stage of oval laxity and is often associated with the appearance of the double chin. The oval loses its definition, and the face appears sad and tired.
What is the sagging of the facial oval ?
The loss of definition of the facial oval refers to the loss of firmness and definition of the jawline and facial contours, often accompanied by the appearance of jowls, which are localized fat deposits that weigh down the oval.
From the age of thirty, the first wrinkles appear, and from the age of forty sagging begins. The face becomes square and tired.
The treatment of sagging jowls is a common request in aesthetic-oriented medicine.
How can a sagging face be lifted ? How can jowls be lifted without surgery ? Several non-invasive techniques exist : hyaluronic acid injections to redefine the facial oval, thread lifts and radiofrequency treatments. These methods aim to redefine the facial oval and improve skin elasticity.
The appearance of jowls is mainly linked to the aging of the face. With age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, which causes a loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Other changes are also involved.
Other factors are responsible for the loss of definition of the facial oval and the appearance of jowls : gravity, which progressively pulls the skin downward ; weight fluctuations ; certain environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun, smoking and poor lifestyle habits, which accelerate skin aging.
The jowls are mainly made up of :
Some facial exercises can help strengthen facial muscles and improve blood circulation, but their benefits on skin tone in the jowl area remain minimal.
The sagging of the facial oval and jowls worsens over time.
At the initial stage, there is a slight loss of skin firmness and elasticity due to the gradual decrease in collagen. At this stage, the facial contours begin to sag subtly but remain relatively well defined.
The intermediate stage is characterized by more pronounced sagging, the jowls become visible and the mandibular line begins to lose its sharpness.
At the advanced stage, the laxity is significant, the jowls fall noticeably and the facial oval appears severely altered, giving the face a tired and aged look.
Five stages of the phenomenon are described.
Advances in aesthetic-oriented medicine make it possible to treat jowls (eliminating or improving them).
A cervico-facial lift without surgery is now possible.
In the past (and unfortunately still today), there was a tendency to fill the hollows above and below the jowl with hyaluronic acid injections. This weighs down the face and makes it puffy by widening the lower third.
Dr Romano uses two techniques for the treatment of jowls. The doctor begins with the medical lift technique, which she then complements with the Abeille Lift technique.
The techniques for redefining the facial oval are personalized in order to meet the specific needs of each patient. This makes it possible to obtain natural results that are adapted to the unique characteristics of each face.
The injection of hyaluronic acid is the leading method for treating jowls and restoring the facial oval.
Dr Romano first performs a medical lifting technique. The 8 points face lift exerts a tightening effect on the descended fat. The injection is performed with a needle using a fairly firm product injected deeply.
This technique is complemented by filling injections aimed at replacing the fat and bone that have diminished over time. The injected areas will depend on the patient’s anatomy.
The doctor’s expertise is essential for a harmonious result. In fact, this technique is not performed by all doctors and requires specific know-how.
The 8-point lift acts on the fat, and it is obvious that the skin follows the fat and will be lifted at the same time.
However, true skin laxity caused by skin thinning is treated with the technique created by Dr Romano, the Abeille Lift. Injections following a pattern similar to a spiderweb or a honeycomb are performed in a targeted, personalized way for each face. The hyaluronic acid used must contain very fine particles and will be injected into different skin planes depending on the patient’s needs.
A poorly performed injection can swell and distort the face, hence the importance of consulting an experienced doctor.
The result on the facial oval is immediate and lasts one year.
Patients describe :
The goal of the treatment is to restore the patient’s original anatomy and re-establish the triangle of youth
A failed injection weighs down, swells, and distorts the face
The duration of results depends on the treatment chosen. The results of filler injections typically last around twelve months.
The treatment of jowls with hyaluronic acid aims to restore tension in the facial oval by filling volume loss and redefining the mandibular contours. The price of a hyaluronic acid injection to correct jowls is 600 CHF per syringe.
The number of syringes required varies depending on facial anatomy, the degree of skin laxity, and the desired aesthetic effect. In some cases, a more complete correction may require a larger volume, combined with additional injections in the cheeks, jaw angle, or chin.
The total cost of the treatment is determined after the medical consultation, based on a personalized plan. This pricing is always communicated clearly and transparently.
Patient reviews :
Doctors’ opinions :
Reshaping the oval of the face is a frequent request for a number of reasons.
There are several treatments.
The non-invasive options are : hyaluronic acid injections, thread lifts and radiofrequency.
The surgical intervention is the facial lift.
Unfortunately it is not possible to prevent the sagging of the facial oval.
However, it is recommended to maintain a stable weight and adopt an appropriate skincare routine : use products containing retinoids and antioxidants, protect the skin from the sun and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It is advisable to consult a specialist as soon as you notice any signs of sagging of the oval or jowls in order to discuss possible treatments and obtain personalised advice.
No, the appearance of jowls is not necessarily a source of insecurity for everyone. This concern depends on various factors.
Anyone noticing a loss of firmness of the facial oval and the presence of jowls can be a good candidate. A consultation with an experienced doctor makes it possible to determine the most suitable treatment.
Most non-invasive treatments for jowls and sagging facial contours are well tolerated.
Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and slight sensitivity. These effects are temporary and disappear within a few days.
