Skin Concerns
Jowls
Jowls refer to the natural softening and laxity of skin below the jawline that can occur with age or changes in facial structure. There are a range of treatment options available depending on your goals. Some approaches aim to restore definition through volume support, while others focus on skin quality to help improve firmness and contour. A personalised consultation is recommended to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
The term “jowls” describes sagging, loose skin below the jawline, which most people develop with age.
Facial sagging
As we age, it is natural for facial sagging to occur around the chin and jawline. Jowls give the appearance that the normal jawline position has dropped and definition of the face is lost. It is not necessarily a sign of being overweight and does not indicate underlying health problems.
Turkey neck
People with jowls may experience creepy, wrinkled skin, sometimes referred to as ‘turkey neck’; or they may have another layer of skin that drops below their jaw, more like a double chin.
Aside from ageing, a number of other factors can also contribute to having jowls.
Both sun-damage and smoking can accelerate the ageing process, resulting in a loss of the skin’s elasticity and collagen.
Genetics can also play a part in the development of jowls; those with a genetic predisposition will be more likely to develop them. It has also been suggested that sleeping on your front or side consistently may cause jowls to form over time.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers can help to restore volume, lift, redefine and tighten the jaw area. There are many types of dermal fillers which may be more effective in treating different skin concerns.
This treatment has mostly plumping, volume restoring properties and can work effectively alongside other treatments to lift and restore structure and definition to the jawline.
Dermal Needling
Dermal needling treatment is also known as a collagen induction therapy which punctures fine, tiny holes in the skin to encourage skin cell renewal and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
When this response is activated, collagen and elastin (two proteins that are fundamental in warding off wrinkles) are produced to create an immediate brighter, younger look. This treatment is also effective in reducing scarring, evening any pigmentation and UV ray exposure. This would be a good option to treat multiple concerns in one treatment.
Plasma Pen
Plasma Pen is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that can enhance the appearance and firmness of your skin.
The plasma gas produced by the pen encourages the production of new cells and collagen to create rejuvenation, plump skin. Superficial wounds will be apparent on the skin,but will flake off in the days following the treatment to reveal gorgeous results.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Skin Tightening
HIFU uses concentrated ultrasound energy to the face, neck and body by a handheld device. It is a non-invasive treatment that helps stimulates the cells, resulting in tissue rejuvenation and collagen production. The overall effect of the treatment is to promote tightening and lifting of the skin in these areas.
A HIFU treatment can help stimulate tissue rejuvenation and collagen production – resulting in the tightening and lifting of saggy skin. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, this can produce results akin to facial sculpting (but without the need for surgery)
Jowls and Lower Face Laxity
The term “jowls” refers to the natural softening or laxity of the skin below the jawline, which commonly occurs with age.
Facial Laxity
As the skin matures, it is normal for changes in firmness to occur around the chin and jawline. This can lead to a softer contour in the lower face, which is part of the natural ageing process. These changes are not associated with weight or health concerns and vary depending on factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle.
Neck Laxity
Some individuals may also notice changes in the skin texture or tone of the neck area over time. This is due to a gradual reduction in collagen and elastin, the proteins that help support skin structure. These changes are common and reflect the normal ageing process.
Why Jowls Develop
Jowls can develop gradually as part of the natural ageing process due to a combination of anatomical, biological, and environmental factors. These changes are common and vary from person to person.
Reduced Skin Elasticity
With age, the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin slows. These structural proteins help maintain firmness and flexibility, so their gradual decline contributes to changes in skin texture and tone.
Changes in Fat Distribution
Facial fat pads can decrease in volume and shift position over time, altering contour and definition in the lower face.
Bone Resorption
As part of normal ageing, the bone structure of the face may slowly remodel, providing less support to overlying tissues.
Muscle and Ligament Changes
The muscles and connective tissues that support facial structure may become less firm with age, contributing to a softer jawline appearance.
Skin Thinning
Over time, the skin’s dermal layer becomes thinner and less resilient, which can make natural laxity more noticeable.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
External factors such as cumulative sun exposure, smoking, nutrition, and general skin care can influence how the skin ages and may contribute to changes in firmness or elasticity.
Volume Restoration Treatments
At The London Skin Clinic, we offer consultation-based assessments for clients interested in supporting facial structure and addressing changes related to volume loss.
Following a personalised consultation, your clinician will discuss suitable options that may involve the use of prescription medicines or dermal treatments. All injectable procedures are performed by qualified health professionals using products that meet Australian regulatory standards. Treatments are only provided if deemed clinically appropriate and safe following an in-person consultation.
Dermal Needling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment uses a specialised device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. This may support improved texture, tone, and overall skin quality over time.
Plasma Pen
Plasma Pen is a non-surgical, energy-based treatment that uses plasma to deliver controlled microthermal effects to the skin’s surface. This may help promote new collagen formation and support smoother, more even skin texture. Mild redness and small crusts can appear for several days as the skin renews.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Skin Tightening
HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted layers of the skin to gently heat tissue and stimulate collagen production. It is a non-invasive procedure designed to support firmness and elasticity in areas such as the face, neck, or body. Treatments are performed by trained professionals using TGA-listed devices, and outcomes vary depending on individual factors.
