Facial Skin Laxity

“Healthy beautiful skin is high on the list of your personal bill of rights”

What causes Skin Laxity?

Skin laxity, or facial sagging, is primarily caused by the natural aging process affecting the skin, muscles, and bone structure. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity and volume, leading to the formation of jowls along the jawline. The initial indicators of sagging often manifest as a double chin or sagging of the nasolabial folds, followed by the development of sagging jowls.

What causes jowls?

There are three primary factors that contribute to the formation of jowls in the face. One significant cause is increasing age. As the natural aging process progresses, the skin undergoes a reduction in collagen and elastin levels. Collagen, a crucial protein responsible for the body's connective tissue, and elastin, another key connective tissue protein that helps the skin maintain its elasticity, diminish with age. The loss of these proteins results in a decrease in the firmness and tightness of facial fat and cheeks. Subsequently, gravity pulls the facial fat downward, causing sagging around the mouth area, leading to the formation of marionette lines and jowls along the jawline.

Genetics and skin type also play a crucial role in the development and visibility of jowls. An individual's genetic makeup can determine the age at which jowls may appear and their prominence. People with a family history of jowls are more predisposed to acquiring them. Thin skin or limited collagen and elastin in the skin can also accelerate the onset of jowls. Conversely, individuals with abundant facial subcutaneous fat, known for its youthful appearance, may find that the loss of collagen and elastin over time leads to pronounced jowls. Early signs of jowls can manifest as early as the twenties due to genetic factors and skin type.

Additionally, lifestyle choices and habits can influence the development of jowls. Significant weight fluctuations, particularly extreme weight loss or repeated cycles of gaining and losing weight, can lead to the sagging of the skin, forming jowls. Repetitive facial expressions may also contribute to the stretching of facial or neck skin, potentially accelerating the appearance of jowls. Factors such as UV exposure and smoking, known to impede collagen and elastin production in the skin, can also exacerbate the presence of jowls, underscoring the importance of lifestyle considerations in managing skin health.

What are my treatment options for jowls?

Treatment options for facial sagging and jowls are:

What causes a sagging neck and double chin?

A double chin happens when neck fat builds up or skin under the chin sags. It can make the neck look loose, like a turkey's neck. This is common as people age or if they're overweight. Genetics and aging can also play a role, causing a fuller neck appearance. Typically, a double chin shows up around age 40 due to collagen and elastin loss, leading to saggy skin.

What are the treatment options for a sagging neck and double chin?

To treat a sagging neck we recommend:

  • For the neck treatment a skin booster (Profhilo)

  • To address neck skin stretching, Platysma band anti-wrinkle injections can help.

  • To treat a double chin we recommend a course of fat dissolving injections.

Our Recommended Treatments for Facial Skin Laxity

  • Dermal Filler

    Dermal fillers are injectable substances used in cosmetic procedures to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial contours. They are commonly used to address signs of aging, such as sagging skin, loss of facial fat, and the development of wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers can also be used for aesthetic enhancements, such as lip augmentation and improving the symmetry of facial features.

  • Anti-Wrinkle Injections

    Anti-wrinkle injections are injected into specific muscles to temporarily freeze them. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the treated areas, typically the face. It is commonly used to address facial wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines.

  • Skin Boosters (Neck)

    Skin boosters, also known as dermal fillers or injectable moisturizers, are a type of non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin from within. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume to specific areas, skin boosters are formulated to improve overall skin texture, elasticity, and hydration.

  • Fat Dissolving Injections

    Fat dissolving injections are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to reduce localised areas of stubborn fat. These injections typically contain compounds that work to break down and dissolve fat cells, leading to a slimmer and more contoured appearance in the treated area. The primary active ingredient in fat dissolving injections is usually a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into specific areas of the body, such as the chin (to address double chin), stomach, thighs, or love handles, these compounds disrupt the fat cell membrane, causing the fat cells to break down and be eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system.

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