Facial sagging/lower facial folds
As we age, our facial structure undergoes significant changes due to the natural processes of bone resorption, shifting fat pockets, muscle laxity, and skin thinning. These factors collectively contribute to the visible signs of facial ageing. Over time, the loss of structural support and volume leads to sagging skin, particularly in the lower face. This often manifests as pronounced folds, such as nasolabial lines running from the nose to the mouth and marionette lines that frame the corners of the mouth. These changes can give the face a tired or aged appearance, highlighting the importance of treatments that address these underlying causes to restore a youthful look.
DID YOU KNOW?
Facial sagging typically begins in the mid-to-late 30s as collagen production decreases by about 1% per year after the age of 27, leading to a gradual loss of skin elasticity and firmness.
What causes facial sagging/lower facial folds
Here are the main causes of facial sagging and the formation of lower facial folds:
Age-related collagen loss: As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity and firmness. This causes the skin to lose its youthful structure, contributing to sagging and the development of folds, such as nasolabial and marionette lines: Over time, the facial muscles weaken and loose tone, contributing to the descent of facial tissue. This can cause the formation of jowls and sagging along the jawline.
Facial fat shrinkage and redistribution: The natural redistribution of fat in the face causes a loss of volume in the upper face and a buildup of fat in the lower face. This shift can result in lower facial folds, including jowls and nasolabial folds.
Bone resorption the bone structure in the face begins to shrink, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, leading to further sagging of the skin and the formation of lines and folds.
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature ageing and sagging. UV damage also causes skin thinning, which makes sagging more noticeable.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep contribute to the breakdown of collagen and skin elasticity, making the skin more prone to sagging.
HOW TO TREAT
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
Improves the appearance of facial sagging and lower facial folds by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin. This tightens and lifts the skin, enhancing jawline definition and reducing sagging for a more youthful appearance. Best for those seeking a ‘no-needle’ approach.
Both Dermal fillers and Ellansé
Can restore lost volume and providing structural support. By injecting fillers into key areas like the jawline and cheeks, they lift the skin, enhance contours, and create a more youthful, firm appearance. Best for those who already have great good skin quality but have lost facial volume.
Polynucleotides
Are a regenerative injectable treatment stimulating collagen production and skin regeneration. These bio-stimulatory treatments enhance skin elasticity, tighten and firm the skin, promoting a more lifted and youthful contour over time. Best for those seeking treatment for increased skin laxity or to prep the skin prior to facial fillers.
Muscle-relaxing injections
Can be used to relax the muscles responsible for pulling the skin downward such as those that insert in to the jawline, chin and corners of mouth. This reduces the downward pull, lifting the lower face and smoothing the skin, resulting in a more defined and youthful appearance.
Our favourite product pairing for facial folds
With management of any age related change, taking steps to ensure optimum skin quality forms an essential foundation for any injectable or energy based treatments. Our teams favourite products to pair with treatment of facial sagging and formation of lower facial folds are:
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by combining retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, promoting cell turnover, enhancing skin texture, with added benefits of reducing pigmentation by diminishing dark spots for a more radiant, even complexion.
Revision Skincare’s 30% Vitamin C Lotion
Stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity making it ideal to support treatment of facial sagging . Its antioxidant-rich formula reduces sagging, brightens skin tone, and enhances firmness, promoting a smoother, more defined jawline and youthful appearance.
ZO Firming Serum
Improves facial sagging by stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin elasticity. Its potent blend of growth factors and peptides supports skin structure, reducing the appearance of laxity and providing a firmer, more lifted contour.
Smart Tone ZO SPF
Is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/ UVB rays. Its color-adapting technology blends seamlessly with various skin tones, offering a natural finish. The lightweight formula also contains antioxidants, enhancing skin protection from environmental damage while maintaining a smooth, even complexion.
