The jawline and neck are defining facial features that can sag over time to create undistinguishable facial lines. While surgery is still the gold standard, non-surgical treatments are also available to restore definition and create a more youthful, beautiful facial contour.

Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York is a renowned dermatology and plastic surgery practice in New York City that offers a range of procedures to address various skin conditions and concerns. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a Laser & Skin Surgery Center board-certified dermatologist that sees patients in NYC and the Hamptons. In a recent webinar, Dr. Murphy-Rose breaks down how to tighten sagging skin with minimally-invasive treatments.

Many patients wonder why their skin begins to sag over time. Dr. Murphy-Rose explains that skin is significantly different from age 20 to age 60 due to increased skin laxity. Collagen and elastin decline 1% every year, and the ability to retain water also decreases over time. The loss of collagen and moisture leads to sagging or drooping skin.

The structure beneath the skin is also essential for maintaining firm skin, and aging can lead to volume loss, fat loss, or fat herniation. Patients can see signs of sagging skin as young as age 25 due to bone resorption or genetic traits, and by age 35, there are usually noticeable changes in the face or neck.

The jawline significantly impacts how the face and neck look, and preferences on what makes an ideal jawline vary by individual. Men tend to want a more prominent, stronger jawline, while  women prefer a delicate yet defined contour. The ideal jawline might be:

• Youthful
• Well-defined between the jawline and neck
• Well-hydrated and plump 
• Free from lines and wrinkles

As we age, gravity takes over and pulls the skin downward. An aged lower face and neck can have:

• Jowl formation
• Indistinct border of the mandible
• Increased laxity
• Prominent platysmal bands
• Flattening of the chin
• Blunting of the angle from the chin to the neck
• Submental fullness

There are many ways to contour the jawline and neck for smooth, defined skin. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York has more than 100 laser and energy devices to help patients achieve tighter, more youthful jawlines and necks. Some of our procedures include:

Ultrasound

• Sofwave addresses mild to moderate skin laxity and is an FDA-approved device. It uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Array technology to generate heat in the mid-dermis while protecting the outer layer of skin. The heat stimulates treatment zones, spurs collagen production, and creates smoother and tighter skin.
• Ultherapy is another FDA-approved skin tightening device that treats sagging skin in the face and neck. The non-invasive treatment delivers heat deep beneath the skin’s surface to constrict tissue and boost collagen levels.

Radiofrequency

• Infini Genius delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermal layers with microneedles. The tiny channels made with the device trigger a natural healing process to increase collagen production. When used on the neck and jawline, it improves laxity, lines, and uneven tone and texture.
• Morpheus is another radiofrequency microneedling device that rejuvenates skin and stimulates collagen for firmer, younger-looking skin. The microneedle delivers radiofrequency energy into the subdermal tissues to increase cell turnover.
• Thermage is an FDA-approved device that uses radiofrequency to smooth and tighten skin. The heat contours the skin for a more defined look around the neck and jawline.

Lasers

Fraxel lasers use fractional technology to resurface the skin. These devices are effective for reducing hyperpigmentation, improving tone and texture, and increasing collagen production.

Injectables are well-known treatments that produce noticeable results without downtime. Some of our injectables include:

Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, etc.)

• Botox, Dysport, and other wrinkle smoothers can be used to contour the jawline and reduce prominent masseter muscles. Patients see a more defined jawline within two weeks after their treatment.

• Dermal fillers help replenish lost volume, correct minor asymmetries, and improve facial proportions. They can reduce signs of aging and create a more contoured neck and jawline without surgery.

Thread lifts

• Thread lifts are made with special suture material and inserted into the skin. The threads provide instant lifting in the midface and along the jawline. The sutures dissolve within months, but stimulate collagen production as they dissolve for natural, long-lasting results.

Stubborn submental fat can give you the appearance of a double chin, making you look older than you feel. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York offers non-surgical treatments for submental fat, including:

• Kybella breaks down fat tissue in quick injectable treatments placed 4-8 weeks apart. It treats submental fullness under the chin and is an FDA-approved fat-reducing treatment for the neck and jawline.

CoolSculpting

• CoolSculpting is a body sculpting treatment that freezes and destroys unwanted fat cells with maximum results and minimal downtime. It can help reduce fat pockets around the jawline and create smoother, firmer skin.

Neck and jawline contouring procedures are safe and effective when performed by skilled and experienced dermatologists. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York experts work closely with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals with the customized procedures.

 Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about jawline and neck contouring treatments.