What is it?
When the human skin loses its natural elasticity that is kept firm by collagen and elastin we start to develop sagging skin.
Intrinsic aging or the natural aging process typically diminishes the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. However, extrinsic factors can also contribute to sagging skin due to premature aging and some of them are:
- Repetitive Facial Expressions
- Sleeping positions
- Smoking
- Exposure to sun
- Rapid weight loss
Causes
Some of the common causes include:
- Genetics is known to play a part in developing sagging skin on certain parts of the body.
- Lack of muscle beneath the skin can also cause sagging skin. The weakening of the muscles that support in these areas and the
- accumulation of fat instead, form the sagging portions of the skin.
- When fluid retention takes place, puffiness is developed forming saggy tissues as it progresses.
- Sagging skin can also occur if the patient loses weight rapidly, usually from dieting without exercising.
- Dry skin that is damaged by the sun produces fine lines and wrinkles, which can progress to become sagging skin.
Treatment
Some of the treatment options for sagging skin include,
- Chemical Peels: is a treatment where a chemical solution is applied to the patient’s skin to peel the skin’s top layer, which in turn will stimulate the new skin to grow.
- Neuromodulators: like Botox are applied to reduce the wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
- Plastic Surgery: include procedures like, body contouring, tummy tucks, and arm, brow, chin, and facelifts. This will remove the excess sagging skin completely
- Laser Resurfacing: is a medical procedure to remove the old skin cells in the upper layers of the skin in order to reveal newer, more youthful cells. Ablative laser resurfacing is an effective laser resurfacing method to improve its overall appearance. It heats the layers below to promote the collagen production. This will stimulate the skin to heal smoothly.
Even though there might be some swelling or discomfort during the recovery period of this procedure, the pain can be managed. The doctor might prescribe and recommend the following:- Pain Medication
- Ice Packs are used to reduce the swelling
- Wraps for the treated skin.
