Sagging skin is a common problem as we get older, even if we age gracefully.
Sun exposure, reduced collagen production, loss of structural support and genetics all play a role in the thinning of our skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the effects of gravity.
Thankfully, there are many effective ways to prevent and treat sagging skin.
What is sagging skin?
Loose, sagging skin is a natural part of the ageing process.
As we age, our body’s production of structural proteins such as elastic and collagen – the compounds that give our skin its fullness and elasticity – declines.
Collagen production slows after the age of 20 and this decline ramps up for women during menopause.
Ageing in the face also happens on a deeper, structural level due to changes in fat, muscle and bone.
Supporting tissues can weaken and elongate, leading to shifts in fat which cause parts of the face to droop.
Skin also becomes drier and thinner with age, making it more vulnerable to the effects of external factors including gravity and ultraviolet sunlight.
While the ageing process can’t be fully reversed, you can take steps to slow this process and improve the quality of your skin.
How can you treat sagging skin?
Prevention is always the first step in maintaining skin health and there are a number of things you can do to reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
Avoiding sun exposure, using the right skincare as guided by a skin doctor, not smoking, eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep will all contribute to your skin health.
When it comes to treating existing saggy skin and skin volume loss, there are surgical and non-surgical treatment options. A surgical face lift is often the most effective option for severe sagging. At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we specialise in non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate sagging skin.
Dermal fillers can be used to treat a range of sagging skin concerns from sunken cheeks and exaggerated cheek folds (also known as Nasolabial folds) to hollow temples, hollows under the eyes and neck and jowl sagging.
Thread lifting (Silhouette Soft), Pelleve RF skin tightening, and collagen-stimulating dermal fillers are also common and effective treatments for neck and jowl sagging.
Drooping eyelids can be easily treated with a non-surgical ‘plasma style’ eyelid lift or in more severe cases with a surgical eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).
Many of the factors that contribute to a poor jawline are often the same as those causing loose neck skin, so treatment options for the two may overlap.
Can a skin doctor treat sagging skin?
A qualified cosmetic skin doctor is best placed to address your saggy skin concerns as they will expertly assess your face and neck to ensure you receive the right treatment or combination of treatments for your condition.
The skin experts at Bass Coast Skin Doctors believe in the 6 Rs of holistic skincare: repair, relax, restore, reposition, refine, and retain.
Healthy skin is the cornerstone of general dermatology, as well as cosmetic medicine, and long-lasting results are all about simple and consistent upkeep.
Like your general health, skin health is a journey rather than a destination. A skin doctor can give you expert guidance as your skin needs change over time.
Book a consultation with Bass Coast Skin Doctors today for advice and information about treating sagging skin.