A universal sign of youth is a tight jawline and upper neck. Fair or not, our subconscious mind sees both men and women with a tight , defined jawline and upper neck as younger, thinner, healthier and more attractive.

Unfortunately, as we age, jowls appear and the jawline tends to merge with the neck. These often show up on profile pictures and cause us to cringe. According to a recent newspaper report , the five worst signs of ageing that worry Hong Kong women the most are a sagging jawline , double chin , turkey neck , cheek wrinkles and volume loss in cheeks. I would wager than Thai ladies are not very different in their concerns.

So is it possible to firm up the jawline and make it the way it used to be and, if so, can this be done without surgery?

Fortunately , today’s bag of tricks can mitigate this ageing sign more effectively than ever before.

Non-ablative skin tightening programmes such as Thermage , Ulthera and Duo Lift are used to correct the “triangle of youth”, a term used to describe the widest part of the face. In our younger years , the triangle of youth places its lengthiest points at the cheek bones and temples but eventually inverts to the ” pyramid of age ” as gravity causes sagging and widening of the jawline and jowls.

The primary goal of these revolutionary skin-tightening technologies is to cause contraction and regeneration of collagen to decrease some of the skin laxity and enhance the neck and jawline, without surgery.

We all know that collagen is an essential connective protein that gives skin the youthful qualities of structure and elasticity. Thermage, Ulthera and Duo Lift programmes work by emitting and delivering energy into the underlying tissue, creating collagen contraction and stimulating collagen production as well. |The procedures require little to no downtime. For three to six months following treatment, collagen formation will tighten and lift the skin for a more youthful contour. The results from these skin-tightening programmes tend to look natural and last about a year.

So while we may fear and shun all the indicators of ageing, it is never too late to regain our youth. And with the promise of further developments in cosmetic care technology ahead, we may one day be able to banish the ravaging signs of age forever.

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD| is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and |certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions |for her to info@romrawin.com