Medical Aesthetics Treatments That Can Help Add Lift to Sagging Skin

Once you hit a certain age, all it takes is to spot yourself in unflattering overhead lighting, and you’ll see it: sagging skin. Whether yours manifests as a downturned mouth or deflated cheeks, it’s an unfortunate truth that sagging is inevitable. Genetics, personal habits, and environmental factors all play a key role in when most people start to experience it. For many, though, the visible effects usually become apparent right around our mid-thirties to forties.

Light sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines that are just starting to form around your eyes and mouth indicate that skin is beginning to deflate slightly. According to Dr. Raymond Douglas, a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializing in ophthalmic and reconstructive surgery, there are two main causes.

“The first is loss of volume, which causes a deflation effect, much like a deflated balloon,” Dr. Douglas explains. This creates hollows and bags, as well as a sagging look. “Where the plumpness once was, skin appears to drape over the bone with very little fat underneath.”

The second reason, he says, is a gradual reduction in bone mass — the very foundation of our skin. Though this second cause isn’t something that can be easily addressed with plastic surgery or non-surgical medical aesthetics treatments, the former can. “[Volume loss can be mitigated] if we help our skin strengthen itself by boosting the collagen production,” notes Dr. Sheila Malek Kassir, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Once early signs of sagging skin and wrinkles are visible, it can be a good idea to start looking into treatments.

With expert guidance from Dr. Kassir and Dr. Douglas, we’ve outlined professional medical aesthetic treatments to improve the appearance of saggy skin — from non-surgical injectables and lasers to full-fledged under-the-knife.

Filler

Dr. Douglas says filler can be an effective treatment. Currently, injectable filler is FDA-approved for use in cheeks, lips, and laugh lines around the mouth. Because lost volume can contribute to a sagging look, the addition of filler could help correct that “deflated balloon” appearance and add a bit of lift. The average cost is $800 to $2,000 per area treated.

Venus Freeze Skin Tightening™

Venus Freeze is the only FDA-cleared skin tightening treatment that combines radiofrequency with zero down time. It’s a non-surgical procedure that’s approved for all areas of the body and face, and costs roughly $1,500 to $3,000, depending on area treated. Six to ten 30- to 60-minute treatments are recommended for most people, with about a week between each treatment, though individual treatment plans vary person to person. It’s said to be a pretty comfortable procedure (some compare the sensation of it to a hot stone massage), and there is no downtime required.  

The ideal candidate for Venus Freeze is [typically] anyone that would like to have tighter skin and reduce wrinkles without any invasive surgery. It is mainly used on jawlines, necks, eyes, lips/mouth, belly, decolletage, arms, hips and thighs.

Fractional CO2 Laser

Fractional CO2 lasers, like Fractora from InMode Aesthetics, have two primary functions. First, they resurface skin to nix spots, lines, and wrinkles for a more even complexion. Second, they boost collagen production, which helps to firm and tighten the treated area. Fractora laser treatments are best for patients with sun spots, age spots, acne scars, deeper wrinkles, [and laxity]. The technology, when combined with Selphyl's PRFM [also known as PRP] as the “ultimate skin rejuvenation treatment combo.” Though the laser can treat any area of the body, it’s mainly used on the face, neck, hands, and décolletage, the areas of the body that experience the most sun damage.

Each treatment can take anywhere from a 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the area being treated, and whether or not an ablative or non-ablative laser is being used. And yes, you’ll want the numbing cream to reduce any discomfort. A full face+ treatment starts at roughly $3,000 and you’ll need to buffer in a few days of minimal downtime while your skin heals. 

A monthly series of 3 sessions can take up to 10 years off for - UP TO 10 YEARS. Talk about long lasting!