As you age, gravity and changes to your skin can cause your facial and neck skin to sag. While this occurrence is a natural part of aging, there are things you can do to combat its effects. Learning about why the skin sags and how you can determine what treatment is best for you can help you achieve the results you want.
Causes
Aging is a major cause of sagging face and neck skin, according to Dr. Bruce Fox, a cosmetic surgeon. When you age, your skin loses elasticity and becomes more slack. Your skin loses also volume, making it appear less plump. Because gravity pulls on your skin, the decreased resistance causes your skin to droop. Other factors can add to these problems, including excess sunlight exposure and smoking.
Effects
Sagging affects different aspects of the face, according to Fox. Perhaps most noticeable is sagging of the cheeks, which can give a sunken appearance to the face. The upper portion of the neck typically begins to sag first, creating what some call a "turkey wattle;" sagging in the lower neck follows. Other areas that can droop include the eyebrows and the folds around the nose and mouth, which can contribute to sagging of the cheeks.
Expert Insight
Sagging skin is a significant cosmetic issue that has no easy fix, according Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a spokesperson for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, writing in Good Housekeeping. "Tightening sagging skin requires more intervention than any other problem," she said. When initiating treatments, she recommends applying a moisturizer containing active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C serum or alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
Treatment Options
When you experience sagging facial and neck skin, facial rejuvenation treatments can help to tighten loose skin. Examples include chemical peels, which can stimulate the growth of new, firmer skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Laser treatments also can help tighten skin sagging. Examples of skin-tightening lasers include ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers and fractional rejuvenation.
Surgical Treatments
When less-invasive means fail to produce the desired result, cosmetic surgery can be an option. A facial plastic surgeon can discuss surgical approaches, which may vary based on the level of facial sagging you are experiencing, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Options include liposuction, which removes excess fat from the jawline that can cause the skin to sag. You also can consider a neck lift, which tightens the area under the skin but does not always involve the removal of excess fat. A less-invasive option is the mini-neck lift, which requires smaller incisions than a full neck lift.
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