HOLD firm!
YOU DON’T NEED TO TAKE SAGGING ON THE CHIN
Once upon a time surgery was the only option for sharpening up a sagging jawline, but now a firmer, more chiselled profile can be achieved without having to go under the knife.
This new, non-surgical approach usually involves a tool box of treatments.
“Everybody is different, and often a combination is needed, or one more than the other, depending on the issue,” explains Dr Joanna Romanowska of Clinic 42.
For example, to combat mild to moderate jowling Joanna might reach for thread lifts, which involves a minimally invasive procedure weaving one or two dissolvable threads under the skin.
“Thread lifts are fantastic for lifting jowls, and a really good way of redefining the jawline.
“Where skin has dropped from the cheekbone down to cause the jowling, we can lift and put it back in place with the threads,” she says.
Improving the look of a double-chin is another way to make the jawline pop.
“For this we can use an injectible solution to dissolve fat cells so that the volume is decreased,” explains Joanna.
“It also sets up a lot of inflammation with swelling and this inflammation tightens the tissue up. So not only do we get an improvement in the volume, but we get an improvement in shape because everything tightens up to the jawline.”
And with a few carefully placed needle pricks, a skilled practitioner can create a ‘scaffolding’ effect using fillers.
“We use fillers to fill the outer part of the face, in front of the ears, which helps to lift a little bit and project the jaw,” she says. “We can also use fillers along the jawline to define it further.”
Even the widely-used wrinkle relaxer botox can play a part in jawline rejuvenation.
“We can use it in the neck muscle to reduce the ability to pull down. And we can also put it into the marionette lines.”
Here it can have a lifting effect by pulling the cheeks up a little, and modestly helping with jowling. “Genetics is a big reason why some people notice their jawline goes,” says Joanna. “But sun damage contributes to it, and how much weight one carries as well.”