Plump and firm skin is associated with youth and vitality. Although signs of aging can’t be halted, preserving the skin’s firmness allows us to age more naturally and gracefully. Facial sagging is caused by several internal and external factors. Understanding the underlying causes and how to alleviate them is the key to maintaining radiant, youthful skin for longer.
Facial Sagging: What Is It?
Facial sagging is a cosmetic condition where the skin loses its firmness and elasticity and appears to “sag” over time. In most people, facial skin sagging occurs as a part of the natural aging changes. However, it can also happen prematurely due to other causes, like face sagging after rapid weight loss.
What Are the Causes of Facial Sagging?
There are many causes for facial sagging. Familiarizing ourselves with these causes will lead to a better understanding of how to prevent the loss of skin firmness and preserve its appearance.
Age-related
Our skin contains two important substances that are necessary for its youthful appearance: collagen and elastin. Both of these substances are susceptible to depletion with age and exposure to environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. Diminishing collagen and elastin levels are the primary cause of facial sagging due to advancing age.
The constant gravitational pull also plays a role in skin sagging. It manifests as the appearance of jowls and wrinkles on the face.
Fluctuating Weight
Sudden or extreme weight loss, whether it’s intentional (diet, exercise) or unintentional (illness), results in skin sagging all over the body. Facial skin sagging after weight loss is very common. It happens because the skin is unable to snap back quickly.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions that lead to facial sagging include malignancies, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, various skin conditions, etc. Most conditions cause bilateral facial skin sagging, but some diseases, like Bell’s palsy, may lead to face sagging on one side only.
Missing teeth can contribute to facial sagging due to the shrinking and weakening of the jawbone. It is often remedied by inserting dental implants. Bad health may also lead to face sagging due to weight loss.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another cause of skin sagging. Although this type of sagging is more noticeable in the abdominal area, some mild sagging appears on the face as well, especially in twin or triplet pregnancies. This happens particularly after the post-pregnancy weight loss period.
Genetics
Facial sagging may run in families; therefore, some people are more prone to early face sagging compared to others.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol, excessive time in the sun, unhealthy eating habits, and dehydration lead to saggy facial skin.
What Are the Signs of Facial Sagging?
The common signs of facial sagging include:
- Lowering of the cheekbones
- Prominent cheek hollows
- Weakening of the jawline
- Prominent smile lines
- Sagging jowl
- Wrinkles
Can I prevent Facial Sagging?
In the absence of any serious health issues, many steps can be taken to prevent premature facial sagging. Such as:
- Proper hydration
- A diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals
- Effective skincare routine
- UV protection
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding habits like smoking
How Is Facial Sagging Treated?
Facial sagging can be treated effectively. Topical creams and lotions are among the options, as are surgical interventions. It all depends on the level of face skin sagging and the overall health status of the individual.
Mild Facial Sagging
For early and mild facial sagging, a good skincare routine is beneficial. Activities like retinoids, glycolic acid, etc. trigger cell renewal and exfoliate to give the skin a rejuvenated and firm appearance. The use of sun protection cannot be stressed enough. Effective sun protection prevents pigmentation, wrinkles, and loss of collagen.
Moderate Facial Sagging
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures in conjunction with a good skincare routine may alleviate moderate skin sagging and keep it looking radiant for longer. These include ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments, dermal fillers, Botox, or lasers. These treatments work gradually and are generally safe, with little to no downtime.
Severe Facial Sagging
Severe facial sagging may require cosmetic surgical intervention. Unlike the noninvasive options, the results are quicker and more noticeable. Cosmetic surgery solutions for facial sagging include facelifts, neck lifts, thread lifts, blepharoplasty, etc. Due to its invasive nature, cosmetic surgery requires extensive research and consideration before committing.
Finally, while we cannot prevent the signs of aging from appearing on our faces, we can delay their appearance. With a combination of an effective skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle, we can keep facial sagging at bay for a long time.
