Sagging Skin: Causes and Treatment Options

By Editor1SYS | June 10, 2022 0 Comments

Everyone wishes to have unblemished, smooth, glowing, and firm skin.  However, sometimes we don’t always get what we want.  Rather than firm skin and healthy-looking skin, some of us are left with sagging skin which can be caused by various lifestyle habits, pregnancy, illness, weight loss, etc.

Of course, saggy skin isn’t a cause for concern, so you shouldn’t panic.  Nevertheless, you need to seek a lasting solution fast as your self-confidence and appearance might be at stake.  

If you are concerned about sagging skin in certain areas of your body, here are some treatment options to consider.

Causes of sagging skin

Firm skin is like a rubber band; it can stretch and return to its original position.  When skin loses its firmness, it loses its ability to snap back into place.  The result?  Sagging skin. 

Like other skin conditions, sagging skin is usually the result of some factors.  These factors include:

1. Age

As you age, your skin loses elastin and collagen. Elastin gives skin elasticity.  It ensures that the skin remains firm and bounces back when stretched.  Collagen, on the other hand, consists of tightly-constructed fibers that contribute to the skin structure and firmness.  Diminishing elastin and collagen can result in sagging skin.

2. Weight loss

Weight lifting has many therapeutic benefits.  But did you know that carrying extra weight for a long time can affect the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin?  The damage to these proteins makes it difficult for the skin to return to its original shape.  If you hit the gym and lose a huge amount of weight, you may experience saggy skin. 

3. Illness

Some illnesses can result in sagging skin.  One such illness is a rare subcategory of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, synonymous with granulomatous slack skin.  Those with this condition experience a little slackening of skin on areas like the elbows and knees.

Treatment Options for Sagging Skin

Some people go through life less concerned about their sagging skin.  If you are very concerned about sagging skin on your jowls, chin, throat, upper arms, or stomach, there are some methods that can help reduce or eliminate them.  Here are a few of these methods:

1. Cosmetic Procedures

If you are experiencing moderate sagging on areas like the face, you may want to crank up your effort by considering cosmetic procedures like a facelift.

A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that helps improve the appearance of your face by realigning or removing skin, fat, and/ or muscle.  This procedure can be combined with a neck lift to eliminate sagging skin on the face or neck.

Cosmetic procedures like face or neck lifts are often carried out by qualified plastic surgeons.  If you’d like to undergo a facelift, we recommend visiting a reputable clinic headed by an experienced expert like Dr. Broc Pratt, board-certified plastic surgeon.  Ensure you speak to the plastic surgeon to discuss your goals.

2. Exercise

Do you have minor sagging and wish to turn the tides a little, there are some at-home options you can try on your face and body.  One of these options is exercise.

Saggy skin caused by slight weight loss or pregnancy can be tightened with exercise.  Any movement that improves muscle mass or toughens muscles can diminish the appearance of minor skin sagging.

Common exercises to consider are:

• Weight lifting or resistance training exercises
• Pilates
• Facial exercises

3. Skincare Products

Skin sags when collagen production wanes.  Since retinol helps boost collagen and promotes elasticity, it makes sense to purchase skin care products that contain this ingredient.  Individuals can use these products to improve elasticity around the eye region and on the face.  You can consider over-the-counter products and prescription medications.

Conclusion

Sagging skin isn’t life-threading.  In fact, some can be concealed with the right clothing.  However, it is important you get rid of those fat deposits to boost your confidence and appearance.  Cosmetic procedures remain one of the best and most effective ways to achieve a flexible skin.  You can also try exercises to reduce minor cases of sagging skin.