Over the years, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, a natural aging process that is linked to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. This loss of support, known as sagging, can affect the face, neck, arms, abdomen and other parts of the body.
But advancing age is not the only factor in sagging. Other factors such as photoaging caused by solar radiation, smoking, pollution and poor eating habits also contribute to this loss of support.
“Genetic factors also influence a lot. Although the process begins around the age of 30, it is between the ages of 40 and 50 that sagging tends to become more visible and uncomfortable”, explains Maria Roberta Martins, plastic surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery – SBCP.
Although many people associate treatment for sagging with just plastic surgery, today there are several non-surgical techniques capable of alleviating the problem. According to experts, sagging can be treated with technologies that stimulate collagen, such as microfocused ultrasound and radiofrequency, for example.
“Those that have scientific proof are based on energy and cellular stimulation. Radiofrequency, microfocused ultrasound and injectable bio-stimulators are the main ones. They act on different layers of the skin, causing retraction of existing fibers and encouraging the formation of new ones”, explains Josué Montedonio, plastic surgeon member of SBCP.
What are the procedures like?
There are several procedure options that help to cause skin retraction:
- A radio frequency heats the deepest layers of the skin, stimulating the immediate contraction of fibers and the production of new
- O microfocused ultrasound generates hot spots in deeper planes, causing tissue retraction and stimulation of
- Already the injectable biostimulators function as a biological stimulus: its particles activate fibroblasts, promoting the gradual formation of collagen and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which improves the firmness and density of the skin over months.
“The treatments with the best results in mild to moderate cases are radiofrequency (traditional or microneedling), microfocused ultrasound and injectable collagen bio-stimulators, such as polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone. In some cases, microneedling can be associated with radiofrequency or fractional lasers to also improve the texture and quality of the skin”, adds Martins.
In addition to in-office procedures, lifestyle habits also make a difference. and antioxidants, adequate hydration and daily sun protection help preserve the skin’s structure.
Physical exercise is another important ally, as it tones the muscles and improves the appearance of body flaccidity.
“Although it is not possible to completely prevent the process, some habits help to slow it down and minimize its effects. Daily sun protection is essential, as ultraviolet radiation is the main factor in collagen degradation. Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in proteins and vitamins, avoiding restrictive diets and reducing the consumption of sugars and ultra-processed foods also make a difference”, concludes the plastic surgeon.
