Dr. Roberta Vasconcelos - Berg
What is it?
Sagging and loss of elasticity in the face are common phenomena associated with the aging process. As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity. Additionally, subcutaneous fat, which gives the skin a youthful and full appearance, tends to decrease and redistribute, leading to a more sagging and drooping appearance. External factors such as sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and stress can also accelerate this process, further deteriorating the quality of the skin. These changes result in wrinkles, fine lines, and an overall loss of youthful and defined facial contour.
From what age should we start treatments?
The best time to initiate treatment is when the first signs of sagging begin, around the age of 35. At this stage, the treatment focuses more on prevention, allowing the patient to age gracefully and elegantly.
However, it is possible to improve skin elasticity at any stage of life. The important thing is to tailor the treatments to each patient and adjust expectations of results according to the degree of existing sagging.
How do the treatments work?
There are many possible treatments aimed at increasing the skin’s collagen production, thus improving elasticity and reducing sagging. Some of them can be combined on the same day or used on different days, alternately, according to the needs of each skin.
Aesthetic treatments such as Sculptra, Radiesse, and focused ultrasound (Ulthera) are some of the most effective procedures to combat facial sagging. These techniques are used to improve skin texture, increase collagen production, and offer a younger and firmer appearance to the face.
What treatments can be done?
- Sculptra: It is a collagen biostimulator made from poly-L-lactic acid. Sculptra is injected deep into the dermis, where it stimulates collagen production over time, resulting in a gradual increase in facial volume and a reduction in skin sagging.
- Radiesse: This is another biostimulator containing calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres in a gelatinous base. When injected, it not only provides an immediate filling effect but also promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
- HarmoniCa: This is also an injectable product that combines hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite. This combination allows not only filling and smoothing facial lines and grooves but also stimulating collagen production in the skin. The presence of calcium hydroxyapatite acts as a biostimulator, promoting collagen regeneration, which improves skin firmness and elasticity over time.
- Profhilo and Skinboosters: This is a bio-stimulation treatment based on hyaluronic acid with a special composition. Unlike traditional fillers, these treatments aim not to add volume to the treated areas but mainly to stimulate the skin. After being injected, it distributes evenly in the cutaneous tissue, acting on skin cells to improve their quality and texture. This treatment is effective in revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin, resulting in improved glow, hydration, and fine lines.
- Focused Micro Ultrasound (Ultherapy™): This procedure uses ultrasound energy to reach the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production without the need for surgery. The treatment is known for its non-invasive lifting effect.
- Micro-needling with radiofrequency (Genius, Lutronic™): This is an advanced technology that combines micro-needling with radiofrequency to offer face and body rejuvenation treatments. This system uses fine needles that penetrate the skin at controlled depths while emitting radiofrequency energy directly into the deeper layers of the cutaneous tissue. This combination promotes collagen coagulation and intensive stimulation of new collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in firmer, smoother, and rejuvenated skin. Genius is especially effective for treating skin sagging, wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores, automatically adjusting to safely and efficiently treat various skin types and conditions. The treatment is customized for each patient, with precise adjustments of depth and energy, maximizing results while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
For which cases is it indicated?
These treatments are ideal for people who have a face with loss of elasticity, which can be typically noticed by excess skin in the facial contour area or near the chin (“bulldog”).
Which regions can be treated?
Various regions of the face can be treated, depending on the patient’s needs and the type of treatment chosen.
To find out the best treatment for your case, be sure to undergo a personalized medical evaluation.