Sagging Skin

If your skin has begun to sag over time and you want to regain a smoother, more youthful appearance, our board-certified providers at Skin Care Doctors have various non-surgical options to tighten and rejuvenate your skin.

What Is Sagging Skin?

Sagging skin refers to skin that has lost its elasticity and firmness, causing it to droop or hang down. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness. This can result in sagging skin on various parts of the body, such as the face, neck, arms, and stomach. Weight loss can also lead to sagging skin, as the skin may not have enough time to adjust to the new body shape.

Who Gets Sagging Skin?

Sagging skin can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults as the skin loses elasticity with age. However, because other factors related to lifestyle habits can contribute to sagging skin, it can affect people of all ages. Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time or have undergone bariatric surgery may be more likely to experience sagging skin due to the rapid changes in their body size. People with a genetic predisposition to skin laxity may also be more prone to sagging skin.

What Causes Sagging Skin?

Aging

Our skin naturally loses elasticity as we age, and collagen and elastin production decreases. This can cause the skin to lose its firmness and sag.

Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, leading to skin that sags and wrinkles.

Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss or significant fluctuations in weight can cause the skin to lose elasticity and sag, as it may not have enough time to adjust to the new body shape.

Genetics

Some people may be predisposed to sagging skin due to their genetics. If your family has a history of sagging skin, you may be more likely to experience it.

Smoking

Smoking can cause damage to the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature aging and skin that sags.

Poor Nutrition

A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, can lead to decreased collagen production, contributing to sagging skin.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins can damage the skin and contribute to sagging.

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormone levels – such as those that occur during pregnancy, while using birth control, or during menopause – can also contribute to sagging skin.

Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available to help reduce the appearance of sagging skin. The most appropriate treatment depends on the location and severity of the sagging skin and your overall health and skin type. Some common treatments include:

Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure, and eating a balanced diet

Using over-the-counter or prescription creams containing retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, peptides, and other ingredients to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin
Restoring volume to the face and reducing the appearance of sagging skin with injectable treatments such as BOTOX and dermal fillers
Stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin with non-surgical devices, such as laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and microneedling
Lifting and tightening sagging skin and removing excess skin with surgical procedures performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

Is Sagging Skin Bringing You Down?

Our board-certified providers at Skin Care Doctors know that sagging skin can be tough to treat at home. We offer a variety of non-surgical treatments to revitalize your skin, giving back several years so that you can feel rejuvenated. Contact our office today to discuss the ideal treatment option for your needs.