Top dermatologist Dr Nyla Raja of Medispa said: “Everyone is liable to getting jowls to some extent as they age, but the severity of the problem can vary from person to person, and the age at which they develop can too.”
Dr Nyla explained: “As we age, the skin in the cheeks and below the jawline is prone to losing the collagen and elastin which are produced naturally in the body.
“Both of these proteins work to create elasticity in the skin, connecting it to tissue and helping it spring back into shape as we move.
“Our jowls become more apparent as this elasticity is lost over time – with collagen and elastin depleted, the skin is less able to fight against gravity and so the skin sags and droops.”
Prominent jowls are more likely for smokers, those with sun damage, and those who suddenly lose a lot of weight.
“Tech neck” may also be a concern, as looking down for extended periods of time, on the phone for example, could lead to more prominent jowls.
Thankfully there is a “quick fix for sagging jowls”, Dr Nyla promised, which doesn’t always involve surgery or other cosmetic procedures.
Exercising the chin and neck area could make a difference in the appearance of jowls.
Chin
Dr Nyla instructed: “Close your mouth and push your lower jaw forward while simultaneously lifting your lower lip.
“Hold this position for several seconds and repeat about 20 times. This exercise aims to engage the jaw muscles and define the area.”
Neck
Dr Nyla added: “With your head held level, keep everything else still except for your neck.
“Gently move your neck backwards and then forward, ensuring your jaw juts out as you move forward while keeping your head level.”
These exercises can help strengthen certain muscles, but loose skin will need to be addressed in another way.
Dermal fillers, for instance, use an injection of hyaluronic gel to stimulate the creation of collagen and elastin.
Such treatment is said to last up to two years, “which can make a profound difference to your appearance”.
Alternative treatments include Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen production, or ULTRAcel, which uses ultrasounds and radio frequency.
A surgical procedure, such as a neck lift, should only be considered when using a reputable surgeon.