Facial Sagging

Many of us feel that as we age our faces will inevitably sag. There are tales abound about what actions cause our skin to sag faster, and many of them are untrue. Here are some common myths and truths about skin sagging.

1. Running makes your face sag
   This claim is false. Skin sags because of two age-related reasons: loss of collagen and loss of facial fat. Collagen gives your skin its elasticity while facial fat fills out your face, making the skin firmer. While your whole body does bounce up and down while you jog the jostling is not strong enough to damage your collagen.
   
   The more likely culprit? Increased UV exposure. Being outdoors for long periods of time breaks down collagen, so slather on a good sunscreen before you head out for a jog in the sunshine.


2. Sleeping on your stomach makes your face sag
   This idea is mostly false. Your sleeping position won’t actually cause your face to sag, but it can cause sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles refer to those fine creases you spot in the mirror every morning, and are the result of your pillow tugging at your delicate facial skin. Young skin is fresh and highly elastic, so it easily bounces back. Older skin is less resilient, and those lines can settle. If you notice your sleep wrinkles are becoming permanent wrinkles try sleeping on your back and talk to your plastic surgeon about treatment options.


3. Weight loss makes your skin sag
   Unfortunately, this one is true. When you gain weight your skin stretches to compensate, but when you lose weight your skin doesn’t necessarily shrink back to the way it was. As we age our skin loses its elasticity, so it doesn’t bounce back as readily as it did when you were younger.


4. There are products that can fight skin sagging
   Luckily this one is true. You can get regain the firm skin of youth using products like Botox, which blocks nerve impulses in facial muscles so they don't contract. This reduces animation lines, which tend to appear around the eyes and on the forehead. Topical products such as Retin A and Cellex C can be used to regenerate collagen and elastin in your skin. For more information on the skin treatments available, or to book a consultation appointment, contact Peterson MD today at 250.868.9099 and visit petersonmd.com.