Understanding Age-Related Loss of Jawline Definition and Effective Treatments using Fillers, Energy-Based Devices, and PDO Threads

Introduction

As we age, the effects of time and gravity become more evident on our facial features. It happens to us all!

One of the most significant changes is the loss of jawline definition, which can contribute to an overall appearance of sagging and a less youthful look. So let’s delve into the causes and outcomes of the loss of jawline definition with age. Additionally, what are the various treatment options available, including fillers such as Juvederm and Harmonica, energy-based devices like Ultherapy and Morpheus, and using PDO threads?

Causes of Loss of Jawline Definition with Age

The loss of jawline definition is a multifactorial process that occurs due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here are some of the key causes:

  1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin: As we age, our skin’s collagen and elastin production decreases, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. This results in sagging of the skin along the jawline.
  2. Bone Resorption: Aging also leads to bone resorption, where the jawbone loses volume and density. As the bone diminishes, it affects the support structure for the soft tissues, contributing to a less defined jawline.
  3. Fat Redistribution: Facial fat pads that provide youthful fullness and contours tend to shift with age. Fat may be lost in some areas and accumulate in others, leading to an uneven appearance and a less distinct jawline. But Beware, KEEP your Buccal fat pads!
  4. Gravity: Over time, the constant pull of gravity causes the facial tissues to descend, resulting in sagging skin around the jawline.
  5. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, sun exposure, and poor diet, can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, hastening the loss of jawline definition.

Outcomes of Lost Jawline Definition

The loss of jawline definition can have several cosmetic consequences, impacting overall facial aesthetics and self-confidence:

  1. Jowls: As the skin loses elasticity and sags, jowls may form, creating an aged and tired appearance. This is one of the most common reasons people attend, requesting a reduction of Jowls
  2. Double Chin: A poorly defined jawline can contribute to the appearance of a double chin, even in individuals with healthy body weight. The cause can be skeletal, i.e. the position of the teeth, or simply ageing
  3. Lack of Facial Contours: The loss of definition along the jawline can lead to a flattened facial profile, diminishing the youthful contours that define a person’s appearance. Thats why when are younger face appears rounder – believe it or not, we need to retain fat
  4. Nasolabial Folds: The sagging of skin around the jawline can exacerbate the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
  5. Overall Aging Appearance: The diminished jawline can make an individual appear older than their actual age, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.

Treating the Jawline with Fillers: Juvederm and Harmonica

Dermal fillers have revolutionised the field of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, providing a safe and effective solution for restoring lost volume and defining facial features. Two popular fillers used to address jawline concerns are Juvederm and Harmonica.

  1. Juvederm: Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based filler, a naturally occurring substance in the body responsible for maintaining skin hydration and volume. It is injected into specific jawline areas to restore volume, lift sagging skin, and create a more defined contour. The procedure is relatively quick, and the results are immediately visible, with little to no downtime. Juvederm typically lasts 9 to 12 months, making it an excellent option for temporary but long-lasting improvements. In the Jaw, we commonly use Volux, Voluma and Volift, depending on the severity
  2. Harmonica: Harmonica is another hyaluronic acid filler specially formulated for facial contouring. It is designed to provide natural-looking results and can be targeted to enhance the jawline’s definition. Like Juvederm, Harmonica is non-invasive and provides immediate results with minimal downtime. The longevity of Harmonica varies from person to person but generally lasts between 12 to 18 months. This new filler has the advantage of an immediate effect but also bio-stimulation of our body’s collagen

Energy-Based Devices: Ultherapy and Morpheus

In addition to fillers, energy-based devices have emerged as popular non-surgical treatments for skin tightening and rejuvenation. We have both in Clinic and utilise both alone or combined with Dermal fillers. These Two devices commonly used to address jawline concerns are Ultherapy and Morpheus.

  1. Ultherapy: Ultherapy utilises focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin’s layers. This collagen regeneration results in skin tightening and lifting effects along the jawline. The non-invasive procedure requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for those seeking gradual improvements without surgery. Over several months, patients notice firmer, more defined jawline contours, with results that can last up to two years.
  2. Morpheus: Morpheus is a fractional radiofrequency micro-needling device that delivers controlled energy to the deeper layers of the skin. Combining micro-needling and radiofrequency energy triggers collagen and elastin production, leading to tighter, more youthful-looking skin along the jawline. Morpheus effectively treats mild to moderate skin laxity and requires minimal downtime. Patients usually experience gradual improvements over time, with optimal results visible after a few months. Again a good solution for the right patient

PDO Threads for Jawline Rejuvenation

PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are a non-surgical option for jawline rejuvenation. These biocompatible threads are inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissues and stimulate collagen production. PDO threads come in various types, including barbed threads and smooth threads.

  1. Barbed Threads: Barbed threads have tiny barbs that anchor to the surrounding tissue, allowing immediate lifting and repositioning of the jawline. Over time, the threads dissolve, leaving behind a scaffold of new collagen that maintains the improved jawline definition. Depending on individual factors, results can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
  2. Smooth Threads: Smooth threads are thinner and do not have barbs. Instead, they provide a subtle lifting effect and primarily stimulate collagen production. Smooth threads are often used with barbed threads or other treatments to enhance and prolong the results.
    PDO thread treatments are minimally invasive; most patients can resume daily activities within a few days. The procedure stimulates the body’s natural healing response, continuously improving skin texture and firmness over several months.

Conclusion – My Thoughts

Prevention is better than cure.

Left too late, a surgical option may be your only option

The loss of jawline definition is a common consequence of ageing, but fortunately, several effective treatment options are available. From dermal fillers like Juvederm and Harmonica to energy-based devices like Ultherapy and Morpheus and the use of PDO threads, individuals can restore a more youthful and defined jawline without the need for invasive surgery but only in the right patient.

It is crucial to consult and understand the clinical situation and the outcome that can be expected. With these innovative non-surgical techniques, regaining a well-defined jawline and rejuvenated facial appearance has become more accessible and achievable than ever before, but as always, diagnosis is essential and also the knowledge that the professional knows what is available and what results can be achieved – otherwise you end up with a disappointed patient and a result that neither the professional or patient ever wanted.

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