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Facial sagging as a result of sudden weight loss: How is it treated?

Ozempic face

An injectable drug to treat type 2 diabetes is at the top of the weight loss trend right now. This drug manages insulin levels while at the same time offering impressive weight loss results, while at the same time it works by increasing the metabolic rate and accelerating the burning of fat from fat cells. Generally, there has been a global craze with this injectable method of weight loss, however it is not for everyone. Such practices should be applied with great caution and only if there are appropriate indications. Because of this tendency and sudden weight loss, fat is also lost rapidly while relaxation occurs in the facial area at the same time.

Why does facial sagging occur after massive weight loss?

Sudden weight loss not only reduces the amount of fat in the face, but can also affect the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin. The presence of fat in the facial area is our “friend” as we grow older and a strong ally against antiaging, as it helps prevent the formation of deep wrinkles. When massive weight loss leads to fat loss in the facial area, the face immediately obtains a more tired, more “empty” look. But how is this dealt with? Below, plastic surgeon Dr. Maria Skolarikou suggests you the top treatments for restoring relaxation and replenishing volume in the face, after massive weight loss.

Treatment of facial sagging with fat grafting

Fat grafting is performed by transferring autologous fat from one area of ​​the body to another. This helps to restore the lost volume and consequently improve the “empty” appearance of the place where the fat is injected. Fat is collected by minimally invasive liposuction from areas of the body such as the abdomen or thighs, and then specially processed to make it suitable for injection into areas of the face that are experiencing volume loss. It is then placed with a special atraumatic cannula on areas of the face that show volume loss, restoring the skin’s youthful appearance, smoothing fine lines and filling wrinkles. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia, leaves no scars and incisions and does not cause any allergy, as it is performed by injecting the patient’s own autologous fat. It is worth noting that a part of the fat placed will be absorbed by the body. The percentage of fat that is finally absorbed usually amounts to 50%, while the rest will remain permanently in the area of ​​its application.

Face lift and fat grafting combined

In the event that extensive sagging of the facial skin is detected, more invasive plastic surgery techniques are indicated. The most widespread method for restoring sagging skin and replenishing volume in the facial area is the combination of face lift and fat grafting. The face lift procedure effectively treats the relaxation and sagging of tissues in the face and neck area by placing them to their original position and condition, highlighting their youthful appearance again. During the surgery, a lift of the internal facial tissues is carried out with suitable sutures above the cheekbone, restoring the sagging and loss of volume. When this operation is combined with fat grafting, i.e. transfer of fat from one part of the body to the face area, the restoration of volume and the youthful appearance of the skin is truly impressive.

Hyaluronic acid fillers

The restoration of sagging and loss of volume from the facial area is achieved with impressive results through hyaluronic acid fillers. The application of injectable hyaluronic acid fillers strategically restores volume and makes the skin look healthy, youthful and radiant, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers, when applied with Dr. Maria’s Skolarikou special technique, offers immediate treatment of sagging and replenishment of lost volume in areas of the face such as the cheeks, cheekbones, temples and also under the eyes. The face regains its lost glow, youth, freshness and firmness, without being altered, thanks to the doctor’s years of training and experience in the most modern anti-aging treatments.

Facial sagging: Restoration with HIFU treatment

HIFU treatment is a revolutionary method of treating facial sagging, which offers lifting results without the use of scalpel. This treatment utilizes the action of focused high-energy ultrasounds, which trigger neo-collagenogenesis, the increase of elastin and the reconstruction of the face. The use of ultrasound revolutionizes anti-aging technology by activating collagen production mechanisms. In this way, it strengthens the body’s natural regenerative properties to rebuild, tone and tighten the skin, restoring its youthful appearance.

Mesotherapy & skin boosters

Restoration of volume loss and facial sagging can be achieved by the application of injectable mesotherapy material. Injectable facial mesotherapy “awakens” the fibroblasts, deeply rejuvenates the skin, providing it with exactly the ingredients it needs to achieve cell renewal and skin regeneration. At the same time, the needle motions enhance the production of collagen and elastin by the fibroblasts from the very 1st session, while the collagen production continues with each subsequent session, working cumulatively. The action of mesotherapy can be skyrocketed, with the application of Skin Boosters. Skin Boosters are innovative ingredients that are injected into the skin, stimulating collagen production and enhancing the overall health and youthfulness of the skin. In addition to the natural glow, deep hydration, antiaging and firming action, these materials also work as fillers to restore fine wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, neck or décolleté.

Facial sagging: Treatment with microneedling

For the regeneration of the skin, the strengthening of collagen production and the tightening of the face, micro-acupuncture or otherwise microneedling with the Dermapen 4 device is an excellent, minimally invasive solution. With the use of a special device whose head has multiple tiny needles, valuable ingredients are applied to nourish and regenerate the skin such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids. At the same time, the treatment stimulates the production of new collagen, as the tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, activating the body’s wound-healing process, with the production of collagen and elastin by the fibroblasts. In this way, the tightening and regeneration of the skin of the face is achieved, which regains its youthful and radiant appearance.