Can you prevent jowls? Maybe. Because jowls show up as a result of the body’s natural aging process, it’s unrealistic to think you can avoid them entirely. “We can often significantly improve the appearance of jowls, but fully erasing them is rarely achievable without surgery, particularly later in the aging process,” Kobets says.
Certain healthy lifestyle habits can delay their onset and reduce the appearance of jowls when they do appear.
1. Sun Protection
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin cells, leading to skin aging. “UV radiation penetrates deeply into the skin and accelerates collagen degradation, which contributes directly to skin laxity or loss of firmness,” Kobets says. Over time, this can result in jowls, Dr. Mark says.
2. Weight Maintenance
3. Nutrient-Dense Diet
Research suggests that a healthy diet may support skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health.
Nutrients to prioritize include those that protect the skin from oxidative damage (cellular damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals), minimize inflammation, and build collagen. These include:
- Protein Protein provides the building blocks of collagen, Kobets says. Healthy protein sources include lean meats like chicken and turkey, nuts and seeds, fish, dairy and soy products, and beans.
- Vitamin C Antioxidants like vitamin C support your body’s production of collagen. Berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and bell peppers are all good sources.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential fat found in almonds, chia seeds, salmon, and trout. They help regulate inflammation and support the skin barrier, Kobets says.
- Vitamin E This fat-soluble vitamin is found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts, seeds and may help promote skin suppleness and protect against wrinkles.
That said, don’t expect dramatic results from diet alone. “Diet can support skin health, but it’s not a primary driver of structural change,” Kobets says.
4. Microneedling and Energy-Based Devices
Microneedling, ideally, is done as a preventive treatment, Mark says. “We recommend a series of three initially and then maintenance sessions, ideally every three months indefinitely,” he adds.
One study including 48 adults ages 35 to 75 experiencing facial aging found that four monthly microneedling sessions boosted skin laxity and improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother texture.
“Anyone looking for prevention is a candidate for microneedling, as well as someone who wants to avoid the downtime, expense, and risks of invasive surgery,” Mark says.
Energy-based devices also address skin laxity by stimulating collagen production. Common devices include radiofrequency and micro-focused ultrasound therapy (MFU), which target deeper layers of the skin with radio waves or ultrasound energy. This treatment typically lifts the skin better than microneedling can since it penetrates deeper into the skin, Mark says.
Like microneedling, energy-based treatments are best used before jowls become significantly noticeable, he adds.
MFU can cause temporary pain, tingling, reddened skin, and swelling. Meanwhile, radiofrequency may create redness and swelling for up to a day following the procedure.
5. Dermal Fillers
The best candidates for fillers are people with mild to moderate skin laxity, some volume loss, and relatively good skin quality, Kobets notes. Results can last months or even a couple of years. Kobets says it’s best to pair injections, which add structure, with energy-based treatments, which lift the skin.
Most people tolerate fillers well, but they may come with temporary bruising, infection, rash, redness, or swelling.
6. Surgery
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is an invasive treatment, but the most effective way to treat skin jowls. “When one’s jowling is more severe, meaning there is visible loss of jawline definition, then surgery becomes the most reliable option,” says Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Blechman Plastic Surgery in New York City.
A facelift involves repositioning the deep layers of facial tissue and tightening the areas with sagging skin. “A facelift doesn’t just tighten skin but restores the underlying support that’s been lost while redefining the jawline in a way that holds over time,” Dr. Vyas says.
Note that a facelift won’t drastically change your appearance, and it won’t stop the aging process forever. The procedure also carries greater risks than less-invasive options. It can include infection, anesthesia-related issues, swelling and fluid accumulation, noticeable scarring, facial asymmetry, and facial nerve injury.
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