People who have experienced weight loss may be more aware of the fact that skin becomes saggy when fat is lost. However, weight loss is not the only trigger factor to losing volume on the cheeks. Aging also contributes to fat loss on the cheeks. Whenever fat tissue beneath the skin is lost, the overlying skin loses its shape and becomes saggy. Another cause for sagging is the loss of elastin and collagen deposits under the dermis. This happens equally in the skin on the face as well as any other part of the body where fat loss has happened.
Having a lifted face with perfect skin is everybody’s desire. Saggy skin is considered an indication of aging and isn’t aesthetically preferred. Various methods are available to help lift saggy skin and among the many options available, thread lift singapore or dermal fillers are popular treatment choices in Singapore. Let’s understand in detail the causes of sagging skin as well as which treatment option should be adopted and why.
Causes Of Saggy Skin
One fine quality of firm (tight) skin is that it can accommodate changes in the body such as weight gain. It can also shrink back into place when weight is lost. Sagging occurs when the skin loses its elastic characteristics.
Following factors cause the skin to sag more commonly:
Major Weight Loss
Being obese for many years causes the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin to deteriorate. Because of that, when the body loses weight it becomes difficult for the skin to contract and return to its original form. If the weight loss is more than 100 pounds then the amount of saggy skin is almost difficult to neglect.
Aging
Research suggests that aging skin starts to lose two of the most important proteins needed for youthful skin. These include elastin and collagen which are primarily produced by the body in the skin’s dermis.
Elastin And Collagen
The role of these two proteins is essential for healthier skin. The elastin, as the name suggests, gives your skin elasticity when your skin is stretched, elastin gives it the ability to go back to its normal form. On the other hand, collagen, primarily made by fibroblasts, helps to keep skin plump, firm and taught. It is made of tightly woven fibers which help to maintain the structure and firmness of the skin.
As we age, both of these proteins decline. They can deteriorate due to several external factors as well.
Exposure To UV Light
UV light is one of the reasons why we use SPF creams. If you know anything about the skin you know UV light is bad for it. Exposing your skin constantly to sunlight without the protection of sunblock can take its toll and speed up skin sagging.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Any kind of pollutant, even cigarette smoke can affect your skin texture and health. People who have poor nutrition, smoke, or drink excessively tend to have less youthful-looking skin as all of these factors can accelerate the process of skin aging. Lack of care in general health speeds up skin deterioration, resulting in saggy skin and wrinkle formation even in the twenties.
How Do Dermal Fillers Help To Lift Sagging Skin?
Dermal fillers or hyaluronic acid fillers are used to fill in facial cavities and skin folds to compensate for natural volume loss. During this procedure, a professional doctor will identify the areas that are sunken or will benefit from some additional volume. Once the areas are identified, the doctor injects fillers in strategic spots of the face to plump deep creases, smooth fine lines, and restores a more youthful look. The fillers act like an inflated cushion to improve projection and support, giving the illusion of a more lifted face.
Apart from filling in hollow and sunken areas of the face, they can also be applied to the nose, chin, and cheek for augmentation of facial contours. While enhancing the contours, additional volume at the cheek, brows may also result in a lifting effect, making one look more refreshed.
Different Types Of Dermal Filler Materials
The most commonly used dermal fillers brands in Singapore include:
- Restylane, Juverderm, Belotero, Teosyal (Hyaluronic Acid)
- Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxyapatite)
- Ellanse (Polycaprolactone)
- Sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic acid)
The Longevity Of Dermal Filler Results
Depending on the characteristics of the filler, most hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can last between 6 to 12 months.
Cost Of Dermal Fillers
This procedure can cost up to $600 to $1,600 depending upon the number of injections used, the brand of filler, and the expertise of your doctor
How Does Thread Lift Singapore Help To Lift Sagging Skin?
People especially women are growing increasingly fond of thread lift as it can help get you that face lifting effect without undergoing extensive surgery. Over the years, the technique has also been refined that has allowed people to get the most benefit out of this procedure.
Threads used in this technique have barbs that catch the skin and its fat layer when it is inserted. Light pulling action or gentle massages helps to suspend the skin upward or reposition soft tissues to recreate facial contours. These threads hold repositioned skin tissues in place which eventually makes the skin look lifted and tighter. Think of it as if your skin is hooked upward and then fixated in that position.
The procedure also helps stimulate new collagen production and remodeling so the lift effect is further enhanced.
Different Types Of Thread Lift
If you are looking for thread lift Singapore, then most people prefer PDO threads or Silhouette threads. These threads have been used for a long time and are safe for such procedures.
The difference in various thread lift techniques is primarily based on the types of threads that are used. The threads can differ based on the type of material used, their tensile strength, design, and the way these threads are introduced during the procedure.
The type of thread lift that you would need should be decided with help of a qualified professional and a doctor. Based on your skin condition and other factors, your needs can differ from others.
Different Thread Lift Materials
The threads that are commonly used in thread lift treatment in Singapore are PDO threads. The material used is similar to regular dissolvable sutures and is safe for your skin. Newer types of threads include PLLA or PCL threads, where the latter is used primarily for nose lifts.
The Longevity Of Thread Lift Results
The effects of thread lifts are not permanent and can last between 1 to 2 years depending on factors such as types of thread used, metabolism, skin laxity, how you use your facial muscles, and age.
Downtime After Thread Lift
After a thread lift procedure, there can be mild side effects like swelling or bruising that can resolve on their own between 5 to 7 days.
Cost Of Thread Lift
The cost for a thread lift procedure in Singapore can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of thread used, the brand, the number of threads used, and the expertise level of the doctor. However, if you are looking for an estimate, a face thread lift treatment in Singapore can cost from $1,000 to $5,000.
Dermal Fillers Vs. Thread Lift – Which Treatment Is Better Suited For You?
If you are looking to get a facelift but cannot decide between dermal fillers or thread lift, here are some comparisons that might help you make an informed decision
Longevity Of Results
Dermal fillers can last up to a year whereas; thread lifts can even last for up to 18 months. Therefore, thread lift is suggested for the longevity of results.
Downtime After Procedure
With fillers, you can immediately go back to your normal daily activities even if there is slight redness or bruising. However, thread lifts can have a downtime of 5 to 7 days which means fillers are a more ideal option if you are looking for a quick fix.
Ability To Lift The Sagging Skin
Dermal fillers are used in specific areas that need attention and require regular touch up. They can produce mild lifting results. Thread lifts, on the other hand, can provide more drastic lifting results given their ability to reposition the skin upwards. Hence, if you are looking for a more visibly lifting effect or have moderately sagging skin, thread lifts would be able to produce more satisfactory results.
Volume Restoration
If you are looking for better contouring and volume restoration, dermal fillers are your best bet. Thread lifts tighten and lift the whole face effectively, but it does not help with volumizing hollow areas of the faces. For volume restoration, experts recommend dermal fillers.
Thread Lifts And Dermal Fillers Together?
Yes, you can use both procedures together for a more youthful skin lift. An experienced aesthetic doctor would advise you to use both procedures together to help you sculpt the face shape you are looking for. Doctors can perform a thread lift first and then resolve any volume issues later with the help of fillers when the swelling from the first procedure has subsided.
Thread Lift Or Fillers For Sagging Skin? Speak To Your Doctor
Whichever procedure you decide to get, you should remember that the ultimate goal is the face shape you are looking for. We advise you not to compromise on the quality of care and the experience of your doctor. If you find the right aesthetician, he or she should be able to provide you with the best results keeping in mind your requirements. When it comes to face lifting procedures, safety should be your utmost priority.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
