As we age, the skin around the jawline often begins to lose its firmness, leading to the development of jowls. This sagging can be frustrating, especially when it affects the youthful contours of your face. Fortunately, nonsurgical treatments have advanced to offer effective solutions for those who want to lift and tighten their jowls without the need for surgery.
At Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, we offer several cutting-edge nonsurgical treatments to help you achieve a more defined and youthful jawline. Here, we’ll explore the four best options to address jowls:
- Ellacor
- Emface
- Sublime
- CoolSculpting Elite
What Are Jowls and Why Do They Develop?
Jowls refer to the sagging skin that forms along the jawline, often as a result of aging, gravity and the natural loss of skin elasticity. As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and tight. This decrease in collagen and elastin combined with the gradual loss of facial fat and bone structure cause the skin to droop, leading to the formation of jowls. Other factors, such as genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle choices, can further contribute to the development of jowls.
Fat also plays a significant role in the appearance of jowls. Over time, the fat pads that once provided youthful volume in the midface begin to descend due to gravity and weakening skin. As fat shifts downward, it can accumulate around the jawline and chin, contributing to sagging and making jowls more pronounced. Additionally, the accumulation of submental fat beneath the chin can add bulk, further diminishing the definition of the jawline and exacerbating the appearance of these bothersome signs of aging.
While surgical options like a facelift have traditionally been the go-to solution for treating jowls, the rise of nonsurgical treatments has provided effective alternatives for those seeking less invasive procedures with minimal downtime.
1. Ellacor®: Precision Micro-Coring for Remarkable Skin Tightening
One of the most advanced nonsurgical treatments available at Ridenour Plastic Surgery is Ellacor, a micro-coring technology designed to tighten and lift sagging skin. Ellacor is particularly effective for treating moderate jowls, offering impressive results without the need for surgery.
How Does Ellacor® Work?
Ellacor uses a device equipped with hollow needles to remove tiny columns of skin, known as micro-cores, from the treatment area. This innovative approach triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to significant skin tightening and lifting. Unlike other skin tightening treatments that work on the skin’s surface, Ellacor goes deeper to remove actual skin tissue, providing more noticeable results. The best part? The micro-cores are so small that they leave no visible scarring, making Ellacor an excellent option for those who want dramatic results without the telltale signs of surgery.
Why Choose Ellacor® for Jowls?
Ellacor is ideal for individuals with moderate jowls who want a significant lift without undergoing surgery. It’s especially beneficial for those who want to avoid the longer recovery time associated with surgical procedures. With Ellacor, you can achieve a more defined jawline and smoother skin with minimal downtime.
2. EMFACE®: Noninvasive Facial Toning and Lifting
Emface is another powerful treatment we offer that combines radiofrequency energy with high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation to lift and tone facial muscles. While many nonsurgical treatments focus solely on the skin, Emface targets both the skin and underlying muscles, making it highly effective for treating jowls.
How Does EMFACE® Work?
Emface uses a unique combination of radiofrequency energy and electromagnetic stimulation to tighten the skin and strengthen the muscles beneath it. The radiofrequency energy heats the dermal layers, stimulating collagen production that causes the skin to contract and tighten. Meanwhile, the electromagnetic stimulation works to tone and lift the facial muscles, providing a dual-action approach to facial rejuvenation. This combination improves skin texture and enhances overall facial contours, making it an excellent option for lifting and defining the jawline.
Why Choose EMFACE® for Jowls?
Emface is perfect for individuals who want to address both skin laxity and muscle tone. It’s noninvasive, requires no downtime and delivers noticeable results after just a few sessions. Emface is particularly beneficial for those with early to moderate jowls who want to improve the firmness and contour of their jawline without surgery.
3. Sublime™: Infrared and Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Sublime offers a gentle yet effective solution for those with mild to moderate jowls. This treatment combines infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, making it an excellent option for improving sagging skin along the jawline.
How Does Sublime™ Work?
Sublime delivers a combination of infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency deep into the dermal layers of the skin. The infrared light heats the deeper layers, while the radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen production. This process helps to contract existing collagen fibers and encourages the formation of new ones, resulting in tighter, firmer skin. Unlike more aggressive treatments, Sublime is gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile option for those looking to address early signs of aging.
Why Choose Sublime™ for Jowls?
Sublime is a great choice for individuals with mild to moderate jowls who are looking for a noninvasive treatment with no downtime. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to maintain their skin’s firmness and elasticity as they age. Sublime is also an excellent option for those who prefer a gradual improvement in their appearance rather than a dramatic change.
4. CoolSculpting® Elite: Contouring the Jawline by Reducing Fat
While CoolSculpting Elite is primarily known for its fat reduction capabilities, it can also be an effective tool for improving the appearance of jowls. By targeting the submental fat under the chin, CoolSculpting Elite can help create a more defined and contoured jawline, complementing other skin tightening treatments.
How Does CoolSculpting® Elite Work?
CoolSculpting Elite uses cryolipolysis, a process that freezes and destroys fat cells in the targeted area. During the treatment, an applicator that delivers controlled cooling to the fat cells is placed on the area under the chin. The fat cells are damaged and then naturally eliminated by the body over the following weeks. Because CoolSculpting Elite specifically targets fat, it’s particularly effective for individuals with a double chin or excess fat contributing to the appearance of jowls.
Why Choose CoolSculpting® Elite for Jowls?
CoolSculpting Elite is ideal for those who have excess fat under the chin or displaced fat deposits contributing to the appearance of jowls. It’s a noninvasive procedure with no downtime, making it a convenient option for busy individuals. While CoolSculpting Elite doesn’t tighten the skin, it can be combined with treatments like Ellacor, Emface or Sublime for a more comprehensive approach to jawline contouring.
Combining Treatments for Optimal Results
Each of these treatments offers unique benefits for addressing jowls, and in many cases, combining them can lead to even more impressive results. For example, pairing CoolSculpting Elite with Ellacor can help both reduce fat and tighten the skin, resulting in a more defined jawline. Similarly, combining Emface with Sublime can enhance skin tightening while also improving muscle tone, offering a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, our team of experienced aesthetic professionals can help you determine the best treatment or combination of procedures for your specific needs. With a personalized approach, you can achieve the youthful, contoured jawline you desire without the need for surgery.
Why Choose Ridenour Plastic Surgery for Nonsurgical Jowl Treatments?
Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis is a leading provider of advanced nonsurgical treatments for facial rejuvenation. Led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brock Ridenour, our practice is dedicated to offering the latest and most effective treatments to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking to address jowls, enhance your facial contours or simply maintain a youthful appearance, we offer a range of options to suit your needs.
We are known for our commitment to patient care, providing personalized consultations and treatment plans tailored to your unique concerns. With a focus on achieving natural-looking results, Ridenour Plastic Surgery goes above and beyond to make sure every patient receives the highest level of care and attention.
Sculpt Your Jawline, No Surgery Required
If you’re ready to explore nonsurgical options for treating jowls, call our St. Louis plastic surgery practice at 314-878-8600 or schedule your consultation online today. Discover how these cutting-edge treatments can help you achieve a more defined, youthful jawline without surgery.