Have you noticed that after the age of 25, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear on your face in the mirror? Your skin is no longer as firm and smooth as before, and it even begins to show signs of sagging? These phenomena of facial skin sagging and aging are inevitable challenges as we age. Whether it’s natural aging, environmental pollution, or poor lifestyle habits, all these factors accelerate this process. Why does our skin become saggy over time? What methods can help us combat this natural phenomenon?
Free Consultation!Introduction
Skin sagging is an unavoidable phenomenon in the aging process. When people pass the age of 25, the synthesis of collagen in the skin gradually cannot keep up with its loss. Coupled with the effects of environmental pollution and improper use of cosmetics, the collagen content in the dermis layer decreases day by day, leading to facial skin sagging.
Collagen is like the skin’s universal glue, maintaining its firmness and elasticity. But as we age, the loss of collagen outpaces replenishment, and just like a rubber band losing its elasticity, the skin begins to sag, and fine lines and pores gradually appear like cracks in the ground.
Additionally, the ligaments and the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) in the face also begin to deteriorate over time. These once strong fiber structures, like bodyguards, supported our facial contours. However, as time goes by, they lose their original strength, causing facial tissues to sag, making the cheeks and jawline appear wider.
Moreover, facial bones also change with age. As the support framework of the face, bones gradually to Facial Skin Sagging.
Causes
Protein Reduction
The dermis layer of the skin contains two key proteins: collagen and elastin fibers. These proteins maintain the skin’s fullness and firmness. However, starting at age 25, the production speed of these proteins gradually cannot keep up with the speed of their loss, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and the degradation of fibers between cells.
Decreased Support
Fat and muscles are the main supporting structures of the skin. With aging, weight loss, uneven nutrition, and lack of exercise, subcutaneous fat is lost, and muscles become lax, causing the skin to lose support and appear saggy.
Other Factors
- Gravity: Over time, gravity causes the skin and subcutaneous tissues to sag.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic factors can also influence the rate of skin aging.
- Mental Stress: Prolonged mental stress accelerates skin aging.
- Photoaging and Oxidation: The photoaging effects of UV rays and the oxidative action of excess free radicals in the body destroy healthy skin cells, causing the skin to “age prematurely.”
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Smoking destroys collagen in the skin, reducing skin elasticity. Frequent late nights also accelerate the skin aging process.
- Excessive Weight Loss: Blind weight loss, especially through dieting or medication and exercise, leads to the rapid loss of subcutaneous fat, causing the skin to lose support, become saggy, less elastic, and increase wrinkles.
Symptoms
The areas of skin sagging can start to appear on the face and body, manifested as slightly saggy and loose skin. Common areas include the jawline, neck, shoulder blades, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Treatment Options
Aging is not an overnight phenomenon but a slow and silent process that quietly begins in our twenties. Many people mistakenly believe that aging is only a matter of old age. In reality, it is more like a long marathon. From puberty, factors such as hormone levels, gene expression, and metabolism begin to play important roles in this “aging movie.”
Although aging is a natural process, and choosing to go with the flow is certainly acceptable, modern technology provides us with many options to delay aging. People of different ages can choose different anti-aging methods to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
AI Beauty Clinic in London, UK, offers a series of non-surgical and non-invasive skin tightening treatments, such as genuine Ulthera, Thermage FLX, Sofwave, Fotona 4D Pro, and laser or radiofrequency therapy. These methods stimulate collagen regeneration to effectively improve skin aging and sagging. In addition, techniques such as water-light injection, autologous serum injection, Profhilo five-point lifting injection, hyaluronic acid filling, and Botox wrinkle removal can also help restore youthful skin.
With the gradual regeneration of collagen, the skin will become smoother and firmer, and the overall appearance will look younger. Through combined treatments and regular courses, the natural collagen reserves of the skin can be better replenished, achieving lasting anti-aging effects.
A. MERZ ULTHERAPY – Face
What is ULTHERAPY:
MERZ ULTHERAPY®is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment. It enables high-intensity ultrasound to precisely focus to the SMAS layer, stimulate the self-renewal mechanism of skin tissue, and result in a series of rejuvenation effects such as tightening, increased elasticity, lifting, wrinkle reduction, whitening, and pigmentation. Apart from regaining a youthful look, the technology also helps you to reduce fat deposits. For example, one single MERZ ULTHERAPY® treatment not only helps you to restore a younger skin but also helps you to get rid of the double chin and create well-defined face contours.
How does MERZ ULTHERAPY® work:
ULTHERAPY® uses precise ultrasonic energy to go 4.5mm, 3.0mm and/or 1.5mm skin deep, triggering cellular friction to generate high heating energy at pinpointed thermal focal points. The heat generated at these focal points will stimulate tissue self-renewal mechanism, collagen regrowth, and an increase in collagen fibre and elastic fibre. Provide instant reverse of ageing signs.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Suggest treatment plan based on client’s condition and expectation.
2. Anesthetic: Apply Anesthetic externally. Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Draw markings on the face to define treatment areas. Adjust treatment parameters based on the client’s signs of aging on the face.
4. During treatment: Perform the MERZ ULTHERAPY treatment. Focus on the areas of the double chin and the jawline.
5. Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask + QDEL Phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.
6. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1.5-2 hr
Who is it for:
- People who have unobvious jawline due to ageing.
- People who have unobvious jawline due to their drooping skin.
- People who have double chin or multiple chin;
- People who have experienced disappointing results from dermal filler treatment and want to stimulate the regeneration of collagen to solve the root problem.
- People who want to receive long term treatment for anti-ageing and improving their jawlines.
- People who do not rush into immediate results and are looking for long term treatment with sufficient financial support.
B. Thermage FLX
What is Thermage:
Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to heat the dermis. The tissue at the localised dermis area will be damaged and hence its self-healing process will be stimulated. The healing process promotes the formation and remodelling of collagens, which will tighten, smoothen, and lift the skin, resulting in re-contouring and slowing down the ageing process. Similar to Ultherapy, Thermage delivers a significant face tightening result , helping to firm our skin, lift the facial contour, and create a more defined jawline.
How does it work:
Thermage is a radiofrequency treatment. The patented applicator will contact your skin and deliver the accurately set radiofrequency to the dermis and heat it up to 55℃ – 62℃. The high temperature will stimulate the self-healing mechanism. A large amount of collagen in the dermis will be regenerated, resulting in an instant firming effect on the face.
Procedure:
- Face-to-face consultation: Customise a Thermage treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
- Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Draw areas on the face to define treatment areas. Confirm the package of the new tip of the applicator has not been opened.
- During treatment: Proceed with the customised plan to perform Thermage to tighten the skin and remove wrinkles.
- Post-treatment repair: QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.
- Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 1.5-2 hrs
Who is it for:
1. People who have unobvious jawline due to ageing.
2. People who have unobvious jawline due to their drooping skin.
3. People who have experienced disappointing results from dermal filler treatment and want to stimulate the regeneration of collagen to solve the root problem.
4. People who want to receive long term treatment for anti-ageing and improving their jawlines.
5. People who do not rush into immediate results and are looking for long term treatment with sufficient financial support.
C. Sofwave
What is Sofwave :
Sofwave has accumulated over 100,000 clinical cases with excellent results, known as the “all-round king in the field of anti-aging.” It is the only device on the market using SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology, which can handle fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck without invasive operations. It is also the world’s only innovative 3D ultrasound technology (Intense Ultrasound Beam Technology, abbreviated as IUB technology). Using seven high-energy, parallel, low-scatter ultrasound beams, it concentrates energy into the dermis layer to regenerate collagen and elastin, solving fine lines and wrinkles, and lifting eyebrows and sagging jaw and neck tissues in one session.
How does it work:
Sofwave’s cylindrical ultrasound beam raises the dermis layer temperature to about 60-70 degrees Celsius to tighten collagen and fibrin. During the healing process of dermal tissue damage, it promotes the generation of new collagen and elastin, thereby reducing fine lines and improving wrinkles, making the skin tighter. Meanwhile, the probe’s cooling system maintains a low temperature on the epidermis to avoid thermal damage.
Procedure:
- Consultation: Develop a treatment plan based on individual conditions and needs.
- Pre-Treatment Preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment area, apply topical anesthetic if necessary.
- In-Treatment: Treat the selected areas, adjusting treatment parameters according to the aging symptoms of the seeker.
- Post-Treatment Repair: Use medical-grade repair masks and QDEL phototherapy masks for repair.
- Post-Treatment Care Instructions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
- People who have unobvious jawline due to ageing.
- People who have unobvious jawline due to their drooping skin.
- People who have experienced disappointing results from dermal filler treatment and want to stimulate the regeneration of collagen to solve the root problem.
- People who want to receive long term treatment for anti-ageing and improving their jawlines.
- People who do not rush into immediate results and are looking for long term treatment with sufficient financial support.
D. Facial Contouring Injection with Botulinum toxin
What is facial contouring injection with Botulinum toxin:
The facial contouring injection treatment is performed by injecting botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid at the lower jaw area. It results in slimming down the face and creating a more defined jawline. Our facial muscles are mostly striated muscles that have contraction function. Botulinum toxin in the Botox solution can block the signal communication between nerves and muscles and hence paralyses and shrinks the overused muscles. If the injection takes place in the centre of a muscle, the muscle will contract and pull to its both ends. If the injection takes place on the bottom of a muscle, the muscle will contract and pull upwards. In contrast, if the injection takes place on the top of a muscle, the muscle will contract and pull downwards. This is the basic principle of how botulinum toxin is used for creating a desired facial appearance.
How does it work:
The facial contouring treatment by botulinum toxin is to inject the solution in the facial muscles at multiple locations. The injection locations are carefully selected based on the nature of botulinum toxin and the dynamic of muscular contraction. By relaxing certain locations of muscles, the facial muscular contraction will change accordingly and results in pulling the skin in the desired direction for a lifting effect. Botulinum toxin can tighten the lower face by relaxing the depressor platysma muscle, lift the lower jaw, and thereby creating the V-line face contour.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Doctor evaluates the face condition and provides professional advice on whether or not a facial contouring injection treatment is suitable.
2. Pre-treatment preparation: Local anaesthetic. Clean and disinfect the injection areas. Confirm the injection solution.
3. Facial contouring Injection: Inject botulinum toxin solution into the lower jaw area.
4. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 30 mins
Who is it for:
- People who want to add definition to their face; People who have hollow facial features;
- People who have unobvious jawline due to big chewing muscles;
- People who have unobvious jawline due to weak platysma muscle and drooping skin on their neck;
- People who want to instantly build their defined jawline;
- People who want to tighten their facial skin and get rid of their chubby face;
E. Thread lift
What is thread lift:
Thread lift is currently the most effective face lifting technique. By embedding threads to the dermis layer, which lifts the face according to the direction and interval of the threads, it stimulates the skin, and further activates fibroblasts to produce collagen. Thread lift restores skin’s lifting ability, preventing it from sagging.
How does it work:
Thread lift can effectively improve the drooping skin at the jawline by tightening skin and reducing fat deposition along the jawline. The resulting jawline will become sharper and help contour the overall face.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Develop a unique treatment plan based on the client’s condition and desired results.
2. Apply anesthetic: Apply anesthetic externally. Clean and disinfect the areas to be embedded with threads.
3. Pre-treatment: Fully understand the treatment plan. Check the quality and quantity of the threads.
4. During treatment: Proceed with the treatment plan to embed threads.
5. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
- People who want to add definition to their face; People who have hollow facial features;
- People who have excessive fat at their lower jaw and want to tighten their lower jaw;
- People who have shown loose, drooping skin at their cheeks;
- People who want to instantly build their defined jawline;
- People who do not receive satisfied result from dermal filler treatment alone;
F. FOTONA 4D PRO
What is FOTONA 4D PRO:
FOTONA 4D PRO is the new-generation non-invasive anti-aging laser system for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment. The system integrates the four patented technologies: SMOOTHLIFTIN, FRAC3, PIANO and SUPERFICIAL to work on partial layers treatment and multi-dimensional anti-aging solution, while simultaneously targeting different skin imperfections. It can treat four major signs of ageing including contour, skin tone, skin texture and tissue volume in a safe and efficient way. FOTONA 4D PRO helps to restore a more youthful, more defined and rejuvenating appearance.
How does it work:
FOTONA 4D PRO is a dual-wavelength laser system integrated with SMOOTHLIFTIN, FRAC3, PIANO and SUPERFICIAL technologies. The four technologies deliver four different anti-aging results at the corresponding skin layers tackling different skin problems. By adopting a combination of the technologies during the treatment, a comprehensive facial rejuvenation solution can be achieved. The results you can obtain from the treatment are fat reduction at deep skin, lifted skin, improved skin texture, multi-dimensional anti-aging, firmed skin, smoothened wrinkles, and brighter skin tone.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of scientific tools.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Customise unique treatment plan based on client’s condition and desired results.
3. PATCH TEST: Perform a patch test 24 hrs prior to the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal reaction is shown.
4. Apply anaesthetics: Apply anaesthetics externally. Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
5. Pre-treatment preparation: Draw treatment areas to define the treatment areas. Confirm the package of the new tip of the applicator has not been opened.
6. During treatment: Proceed with the scheduled treatment plan with flexibility to adjust the laser energy and depth.
7. Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask and QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.
8. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 30-45 mins
Who is it for:
- People who start to see weaken jawlines and want to slow down the ageing;
- People who have unobvious jawline due to their drooping skin.
- People who have experienced disappointing results from dermal filler treatment and want to stimulate the regeneration of collagen to solve the root problem.
- People who want to improve their jawlines but do not rush to instant results.
Effective anti-aging strategies should focus on early prevention rather than waiting until signs of aging are obvious before intervening. At Ai Beauty Clinic, we offer free expert consultation services to provide professional skin assessments and tailor long-term anti-aging plans based on your specific skin condition. Our goal is to help you effectively delay the skin aging process and maintain a youthful appearance.
Schedule a Free Consultation!Improve facial skin sagging and aging by choosing AI Beauty Clinic, where we provide the most professional and safe medical aesthetic services.
Ai Beauty Clinic is a CQC accredited clinic based in London, and also is strongly supported by Cynosure(the owner of Ulthreapy) and Cynosure (the owner of PicoSure).
With rich experience of treating clients of various conditions, led by a famous British medical chief trainer, practiced by doctors and nurses who are GMC/NMC-registered and worked in NHS national hospitals, Ai Beauty provides certified and safe medical beauty treatments.
Ai Beauty always puts safety first. Not only are all medical staff insured by independent medical policy, each client who comes to Ai Beauty Clinic is also insured by £5 millions medical insurance. This full insurance coverage allows clients to have a concern-free treatment experience.
Ai Beauty Clinic has served over 15,000 clients from all around the world, been covered by some famous media such as European Times and CW Television, and established trust and an excellent reputation among them.