Between the effects of natural aging, poor lifestyle habits, and genetics, you may notice that you have saggy cheeks. But what causes saggy cheeks? Extreme weight loss can also contribute to sagging skin on your face, specifically your cheeks, as that’s where a lot of the fat is stored on your face.
What Causes Saggy Cheeks?
As we age, the shape of our face turns from a triangle pointing downward to a triangle pointing upward. This is due to the sagging from your cheeks as it can completely change the shape of your face. Below you will find the most common causes of saggy cheeks and what you can do to treat it.
Natural or Advanced Aging:
As you age, your collagen and elastin levels begin to decrease, starting as early as your mid-20s. Collagen and elastin are what keep your skin firm and give it elasticity. In addition to natural aging, certain lifestyle habits can also decrease both of these helpful skin boosters. Things like excessive sun exposure, smoking, excessive drinking, poor nutrition, and air pollution can all contribute to the advanced decline of collagen and elastin. Taking care of yourself and supplementing your skincare routine with products that target the signs of aging can help.
Weight Loss:
Weight gain inevitably stretches out certain areas of your skin due to the increase in fat tissue. This can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, making it difficult for your skin to bounce back once you’ve lost a significant amount of weight. Losing weight slowly can help with this but may not prevent you from having sagging cheek skin entirely.
Pregnancy:
Just like with weight loss, pregnancy can cause sagging cheeks. This is due to a variety of factors, including weight gain and water retention. In addition to gaining some weight during pregnancy, many women retain a lot of water in areas like their ankles and face.
Prevention Measures for Sagging Skin
While genetics and the effects of natural aging will play a part in the way your skin ages, there are preventative steps that can help keep your skin looking and feeling firm.
- Hydrate: It is recommended that adults get at least eight to ten glasses of water each day. Staying hydrated can help keep your skin supple and smooth.
- SPF: Be sure to apply sunscreen each morning, no matter what. Sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 will protect your skin from the negative effects of the sun.
- No Smoking: One of the biggest lifestyle habits that wreaks havoc on your skin is smoking. Smoking is also bad for your overall health, so quit as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Saggy Cheeks
Sagging skin, especially on your face, can make you look older and reduce your self-esteem. Sagging skin is generally not something you can fix at home as it will require cosmetic intervention. A cheek lift is a great way to address the issue. A cheek lift Beverly Hills is a minimally invasive procedure that can address sagging cheeks and enhance your overall appearance. The procedure is often referred to as a mini-cheek lift because of the way that it enhances your entire face.
A cheek lift is a fairly quick procedure that involves four steps. The surgeon will make a small incision under your eye and then lift your cheek pad. The eye muscle is then tightened and anchored into a new placement. Lastly, LiveFill is injected into your target areas. The results will last over a decade so long as you maintain your weight and there are no other drastic changes.
Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills
If you notice that your skin is sagging on your cheeks and are considering treatment, contact Dr. Brent and his team of expert professionals. Dr. Brent Moelleken is a well-known cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including cheek lifts. He is one of the most highly trained surgeons in the country and received his training at Harvard, Yale, and UCLA. He has also been selected as one of Vogue Magazine’s “Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in America.” Contact Dr. Brent’s office today for a consultation!
