What Type of Plastic Surgery Can Be Done for Sagging Skin?

There are several types of plastic surgery that can be done for sagging skin. Skin tightening techniques are usually determined by a doctor and his patient on a case-by-case basis. With all medical procedures, there are risks with the benefits of each procedure. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your expectations to find out which procedures have benefits that outweigh the risks.

Dermal Fillers

• Dermal fillers are very popular as an out-patient procedure. Patients tend to try fillers first to avoid invasive surgery. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane can soften shadowing and wrinkles on your face. They have the ability to make jowls and cheek folds much less noticeable, but do not reverse them completely.

  Dermal fillers work to restore volume to the cheeks or other areas of the face to lessen the appearance of problem areas on the skin. The procedure is also not permanent, and may have to be re-done every 3 to 5 years.

Skin Tightening Devices & Machines

• Some patients prefer skin-tightening devices or machines that tighten the skin. Machines like TITAN, which uses infrared light to tighten the skin, or Thermage, which uses unipolar radio-frequency, have very positive results by stimulating the body to produce collagen, which then smooths and tightens skin naturally.

  There is no down-time with this method, but it also is not a one-time shot. Be prepared to do a series of treatments for optimal results.

Laser Skin Tightening & Resurfacing

• Laser skin tightening and resurfacing is a very effective way to tighten the skin and help with discoloration. Like TITAN and Thermage, laser skin tightening uses infrared and radioactive heat to radiate deep into the lower levels of the dermis. The heat causes soft tissues of the lower levels of skin to coagulate, which helps them appear to be more plump and youthful in appearance. It also helps to reduce the appearance of both deep wrinkles and fine lines. While the skin is heated, it is cooled at the same time to make sure the skin does not burn.

  Laser skin tightening has the added bonus of stimulating the body to produce collagen in treated areas, which gives patients immediate satisfaction of seeing softer and more youthful skin.

  This procedure is also done in a series.

Facelift/Rhytidectomy

• If you and your doctor deem that your skin would do better with something beyond a non-invasive procedure, then many options will be available for you to choose from. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, will give you a refreshed and more youthful appearance both in the face and neck.

  In a traditional facelift, the incision is usually done in the hairline at the temple, down to the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. Sometimes fat may be redistributed from the jowls and neck. Underlying tissue is pulled back and deeper layers of muscles are lifted.

  Skin is put over the lifted muscles. The excess will be trimmed away. Sutures and other skin adhesives close the incisions, which if they heal properly, will not be noticeable after full recovery. Full recovery can be expected 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.

Panniculectomy

• For sagging skin throughout the body, your doctor may recommend a panniculectomy, which removes excess skin and fat from the body. Many people who have lost a massive amount of weight prefer this, because during the process, doctors are able to re-contour the body, especially the mid-section.

  Doing this surgery, the incision can be made from the sternum to the pubic bone or horizontally, around the pubic area where excess fat can be removed.

  Average time for recovery for this procedure is between 4 to 6 weeks