How to avoid jowls?
Jawline slimming through masseter muscle reduction is a popular way to achieve a more contoured lower face. However, a primary concern for many patients is whether the reduction in muscle volume will lead to sagging skin or "jowls."
While this risk exists, it is highly manageable and often preventable with the right clinical approach. Below is a guide on how to avoid jowls when undergoing jawline treatments and what factors determine a safe, successful outcome.
1. The Importance of a Professional Skin Laxity Assessment
The most effective way to avoid jowls is through a thorough clinical evaluation before any treatment begins. Jowls typically occur when the muscle underneath the skin shrinks, but the skin is not elastic enough to tighten over the new, smaller shape.
During your consultation at TT Aesthetics, we evaluate your skin’s "snap back" quality. If an individual already has significant skin laxity or saggy skin around the jaw, reducing the muscle volume significantly may not be recommended. By identifying these risk factors early, we can adjust the management plan to prioritize your facial structure.
2. Conservative and Tailored Dosing
Over-treating the jaw muscles can lead to a sudden loss of structural support, which increases the risk of the skin drooping. Avoiding jowls requires a precise, tailored dose that relaxes the muscle without completely removing the support it provides to the lower face. Having a break from the treatment after a couple of years can help.
3. Strategic Muscle Management (The Nefertiti Approach)
Sometimes, avoiding jowls requires looking beyond just the jaw muscle itself. The lower face is affected by a group of muscles that pull the skin downward.
To counteract this downward pull and support the jawline, we can perform strategic injections in the neck and lower jaw area, often referred to as a Nefertiti lift. By relaxing the muscles that tug the skin down, we can help maintain a tighter, more lifted appearance even as the jaw muscle slims down.
4. Supporting Skin Quality
The healthier and thicker your skin is, the better it will adapt to changes in the underlying muscle volume. Incorporating treatments that focus on skin quality can be a vital part of your long-term plan.
Clinical options such as skin quality boosters help to thicken the dermis and improve the skin’s internal "bounce." When the skin is resilient, it is much more likely to remain firm and contoured against the jawline as the masseter muscle reduces in size.
Why a Doctor-Led Assessment is Essential
Avoiding complications like jowls requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aging. At TT Aesthetics, our treatments are led by a medical doctor who can accurately assess the relationship between your muscle volume, fat pads, and skin elasticity.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All medical procedures carry risks, including bruising, swelling, or changes in facial symmetry. Clinical suitability must be determined through a private, one-on-one assessment and informed consent.
To learn more about your masseters book a consultation with a qualified expert, book TT Aesthetics.
