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The muscles that control jowls are the platysma and the depressor anguli oris. Jowls are the sagging skin or fat that hangs along the jawline. They are a result of ageing, genetics, facial expressions, weight loss, sun exposure, smoking, and excessive use of computers or phones. Neck lifts, injectable fillers, radiotherapy, acupuncture, facial massages, and facial yoga are some of the treatments available. Facial exercises can also help strengthen the underlying muscles and improve muscle tone, reducing the appearance of jowls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscles that control jowls | Platysma, depressor anguli oris, masseter, mandibular ligament, buccinator, depressor labii inferioris, levator anguli oris, levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, mentalis |
| Number of facial muscles | 20 |
| Functions of facial muscles | Chewing, making facial expressions |
| Factors causing jowls | Age, genetics, facial expressions, weight loss, sun exposure, smoking, use of computers or phones, loss of collagen and elastin, loss of fat and mid-face volume |
| Treatments for jowls | Facial exercises, neck lifts, injectable fillers, radiotherapy, acupuncture, facial massage, facial yoga, toxin injections, Botox, facelift |
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What You'll Learn
The platysma muscle
The platysma is a muscle of facial expression and is innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), specifically its cervical branch. It contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular structure at the corners of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris complex. When stimulated or contracted, the platysma may produce wrinkling of the skin on the neck, a slight depression of the mandible, or drooping of the lower lip and angle of the mouth.
In terms of function, contraction of the platysma muscle elevates the neck and lowers midfacial tissues, including the lower eyelids and midface, deepening the malar and nasolabial folds. It also plays a role in preventing compression of the jugular veins during strenuous physical activity by bulging out.
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The depressor anguli oris muscle
The depressor anguli oris is a paired triangular muscle, with one on each side of the face. These muscles are part of the buccolabial group, which includes other facial muscles such as the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, zygomaticus major, and orbicularis oris. The muscle fibres originate from the oblique line and mental tubercle of the mandible, located on the anterior aspect of the bone. From here, the fibres converge into a narrow bundle known as a fascicle, which runs superiorly towards the angle of the mouth.
At the angle of the mouth, the depressor anguli oris muscle joins with other muscles to form a fibromuscular structure called the modiolus. This structure allows for the expression of sadness and assists in opening the mouth. The depressor anguli oris is supplied by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve and receives motor innervation from the buccal branches as well. Additionally, it is vascularised by the inferior labial and mental arteries, which are branches of larger arteries in the face and maxilla.
In summary, the depressor anguli oris muscle is a facial muscle that contributes to expressions of sadness and anger by pulling down the corners of the mouth. It is a paired muscle found on both sides of the face and plays a crucial role in our emotional expressions. Cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, can be used to modify its action and reduce the appearance of frowning.
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Facial exercises to reduce jowls
The platysma muscle, which starts at the jawline and extends down to the collarbone, is the muscle that controls jowls. As we age, the platysma and the muscle under the jowls (depressor anguli oris) stretch the skin downwards and outwards, leading to sagging jowls. While jowls are harmless, they can be uncomfortable for some people.
Facial exercises are a less invasive alternative to medical treatments for reducing the appearance of jowls. These exercises can help to improve the overall health of the skin, making it healthier and clearer, and giving it a more youthful appearance.
- Yawn and open your mouth as far as possible, then close it very slowly without letting your teeth touch.
- Puckering the lips outwards. This exercise works best when done lying down, and by using the fingers to draw the sides of the mouth downward.
- Blowing the cheeks up as far as comfortable.
- Chewing with the head tilted slightly up.
- Grinning as widely as comfortable, then slowly tilting the head up and down.
- Putting the lower lip on the top lip and tilting the head up.
- Lying down flat, curling the neck in toward the chest with the tongue pressing on the roof of the mouth.
- Opening the mouth slightly and moving the jaw forward slowly into an underbite position. Move the jaw back into place, then repeat on each side.
- Hold your smile and swallow. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds.
- Make fists with your hands and place them underneath your jawline, holding your forearms pressed against your chest and your chin resting on your fists, parallel to the floor. Breathe in through your nose and slide the tip of your tongue up and down the roof of your mouth for one second, then take a break for 5-6 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 30 seconds.
It is recommended that these exercises be done one after another to ensure the facial muscles are worked evenly. Each exercise can be held for 5 to 20 seconds and repeated 8 to 12 times, several times daily.
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Invasive treatments for jowls
While jowls cannot be improved with exercise or diet, there are several invasive treatment options available.
One such option is a facelift. A full facelift can be quite invasive, requiring incisions, the removal of skin tissue, and anesthesia. A mini facelift, on the other hand, is a less invasive option that can help define the jawline and reduce sagging jowls. Fat grafting is another minimally invasive procedure that involves transferring fat cells to areas with a lack of volume, such as the cheeks, to lift the jowls and reduce saggy skin.
Liposuction is also an option for reducing jowls. This procedure can be combined with other treatments, such as fillers and Botox, for optimal results. Botox injections can be used to relax the platysma muscle in the neck, reducing the appearance of bands and wrinkles, and creating a more youthful appearance. Fillers, such as Sculptra, can be injected to lift the cheeks and the skin around the jawline, providing a more defined chin and jawline.
For those with severe jowls or substantial skin laxity, neck lift surgery (platysmaplasty) is the most effective, but also the most invasive, treatment option. This procedure involves making small incisions under the chin or behind the ears to surgically remove excess skin and tighten loose muscles.
While these invasive treatments can provide more dramatic results, they often require longer recovery times compared to non-invasive alternatives. It is important to carefully research and consult with a professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs and expectations.
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Non-invasive treatments for jowls
While jowls are a natural part of ageing, they can be an unwanted cosmetic feature. Jowls are caused by the muscle under the jowls, the platysma, stretching the skin downwards and outwards. This is exacerbated by clenching or stress. As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in our cheeks and around our jawline, which contributes to a heavy-looking facial shape. Genetics, facial expressions, weight loss, sun exposure, smoking, and the use of computers or phones can also cause jowls to develop faster.
There are several non-invasive treatments available to reduce the appearance of jowls. One option is injectables, such as Botox, which can help relax the muscle and give the jowls a lift. Another injectable treatment is Kybella, which uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance that destroys fat cells, to offer long-lasting improvements to your appearance.
Dermal fillers are another non-surgical option that can help improve skin laxity along the jowls. Hyaluronic acid fillers can help provide a more defined chin and jawline, reducing the appearance of jowls.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production in the skin, helping to tighten and lift sagging areas. Sofwave is another treatment that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production and tighten tissue.
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment that freezes the fat, destroying the underlying fat cells. As the fat is reabsorbed into the body, the skin contracts and tightens.
Radiofrequency treatments such as Thermage deliver heat deep into the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous (fat) layers of the skin, tightening loose skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging jowls.
EMFace is a non-invasive, needle-free, toxin-free, and surgery-free treatment that uses radiofrequency and HIFES technology to remodel and smooth sagging skin while increasing collagen production.
Laser treatments such as Fraxel, picosecond, and IPL are non-surgical options that can stimulate the skin and induce collagen and elastin production. Laser skin resurfacing uses laser energy to remove the outermost layers of the skin, creating a controlled skin injury that prompts the body to produce collagen and new cells, tightening the jowls and rejuvenating the skin.
Facial massages and facial yoga can also be incorporated into your daily skincare routine to help reduce jowls.
Finally, facial exercises can help reduce the appearance and severity of jowls by making the facial, jaw, and neck muscles better able to hold their shape. Recommended exercises include yawning and opening the mouth as far as possible and then closing it very slowly without letting the teeth touch, puckering the lips outwards, blowing the cheeks up as far as comfortable, and grinning as widely as comfortable and then slowly tilting the head up and down.
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Frequently asked questions
Jowls are sagging skin/fat that hangs along the jawline. They are a natural part of the ageing process, but they can also be caused by lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors.
The muscle underneath the jowls is called the platysma. It acts as a turtleneck, extending from the jawline down to the collar bone. As we age, the platysma and the muscle under the jowls (depressor anguli oris) stretch the skin downwards.
To prevent jowls, you should limit extreme facial expressions, avoid smoking, limit sun exposure, and reduce screen time. Using creams and lotions with antioxidants like retinol, vitamin C, and vitamin E can also help promote collagen production.
There are various treatments available, from facial exercises to invasive facelift surgeries. Facial exercises can help strengthen the underlying muscles and improve muscle tone, while surgeries like neck lifts and facelifts are more permanent solutions. Injectables like fillers, Botox, and wrinkle-relaxing injections can also be used to reduce the appearance of jowls.
