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Sagging is the loss of firmness in our tissues. We observe it in the skin, but also in other soft tissues such as subcutaneous tissue and muscles, increasing over time. Sagging skin appears looser and softer, lacking support. Body sagging is part of the aging process of our tissues and involves alterations in connective tissue, with a decrease in collagen and elastin fibers.
Sagging does not appear the same in everyone, as it depends on our genetics on one hand, but also on external factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, or excessive sun exposure. A low-protein diet, certain medications, and lack of physical activity are also related to sagging.
There are special situations that can increase sagging, such as pregnancy or sudden weight changes. In these cases, stretch marks may also appear on the skin due to small breaks in elastin and collagen fibers, which can worsen the appearance of sagging skin.
Menopause is a key moment in the progression of sagging, as the hormonal changes associated with menopause reduce the production of type IV collagen.
Despite our healthy lifestyle habits, the appearance of sagging is inevitable, as it is part of the natural aging process of our tissues. However, there are aesthetic medicine treatments that can help keep sagging under control and firm the skin.
In all of these treatments, we aim to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce elastin and collagen in our tissues. Each of these treatments has its own application protocol, and depending on the affected area and its condition, one treatment may be recommended over another, or several treatments may even be combined.
A device that emits advanced radiofrequency, raising the tissue temperature while cooling the skin to prevent damage and discomfort. As a result of the temperature increase, the collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin contract, and the skin begins a gradual process of new collagen formation. Over time, the skin will appear younger, smoother, and more elastic. It is a key treatment for both the face and body to maintain smooth-looking skin. It is easy to perform on the face, relaxing, and not painful. It leaves no marks and allows you to continue your daily activities after each session. The number of sessions varies depending on the area being treated and the degree of sagging. Once the sessions are completed, maintenance is very simple, with 2 to 4 sessions per year.
Injecting CO2 into the tissue increases oxygen release and enhances vascularization, improving the quality of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is an essential ally in cases where sagging is associated with cellulite, achieving very good results when combined. Several sessions are required, varying depending on the area and the goals. The treatment may cause slight discomfort when the CO2 is injected, but it disappears within a few seconds. At Antiaging Group Barcelona, we use a device that heats the CO2, reducing the discomfort of the treatment.
Platelet Growth Factors is a treatment that is particularly effective for facial sagging. It works by releasing growth factors into the tissue, stimulating collagen production, and activating tissue regeneration mechanisms. These growth factors are obtained from the patient’s own blood after processing and removing the red portion. The yellow part, where the growth factors are concentrated, is injected into the face, neck, and décolleté with a very fine needle. Growth Factors and facial radiofrequency are two essential allies for the treatment and prevention of facial sagging.
The application of facial threads is one of the aesthetic medicine treatments that has evolved the most in recent years. The different types of threads and materials used allow them to not only exert their effect through mechanical action but also stimulate collagen production and tissue contraction, helping to increase firmness in the treated areas.
Mesotherapy is a technique for rejuvenating and toning the face, neck, décolleté, and hands through superficial injections of specific products designed to improve skin quality and overall appearance. In cases of sagging, we use compounds containing amino acids that contribute to the treatment of sagging in these areas.
Collagen stimulators are products indicated for cases of skin sagging. These include poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra®) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®). We use them for both facial and body treatments. Both products stimulate the body’s own collagen and are very effective options for moderate to advanced sagging. They can also be combined with other techniques, such as radiofrequency, to enhance results.
La Dra. Laura Salvador Miranda es socia fundadora de Antiaging Group Barcelona, con más de 25 años de experiencia en Medicina y Cirugía Estética. Licenciada en Medicina y Cirugía por la Universidad de Barcelona, se especializó en Cirugía General en el Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Desde 1999 se dedica exclusivamente a la Medicina Estética, liderando desde 2004 el grupo de Medicina Estética y dirigiendo el área de tratamientos láser avanzados desde 2006.
Actualmente es profesora del Máster de Medicina Estética y Bienestar del IFMiL (Universitat de Barcelona – COMB), participa activamente en investigaciones y publicaciones científicas, y es miembro de sociedades médicas como SEME, SELMQ, SETGRA y la Sección Colegial de Médicos de Estética del COMB.
La Dra. Camila Lovaisa es médico asistencial en Antiaging Group Barcelona, con un firme compromiso hacia el bienestar del paciente y en constante formación profesional. Licenciada en Medicina por la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, ha realizado un Máster en Medicina Clínica y actualmente cursa el Máster en Medicina Estética y del Bienestar de la Universitat de Barcelona.
Su trayectoria incluye experiencia en medicina interna prequirúrgica en el Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona y atención en urgencias médicas generales en Argentina. Además, ha realizado cursos especializados en soporte vital avanzado y talleres de emergencias con simulación avanzada, mostrando un interés permanente por actualizarse profesionalmente y ofrecer a sus pacientes los mejores tratamientos disponibles en Medicina Estética.
A healthy lifestyle can help delay the onset of sagging. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and sufficient protein provides your tissues with the nutrients they need. Nowadays, we also have the option of taking oral nutritional supplements to complement the diet with collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Regular physical exercise and maintaining a stable weight are also very important factors, along with moderating sun exposure and avoiding smoking.
In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, it is highly recommended to use firming cosmetics for both the face and body. Avoiding very hot showers or baths and finishing with cold water also helps maintain the health of our tissues.
In cases of more advanced sagging, we have surgical techniques that allow the removal of excess or ‘sagging’ tissue, providing a firmer appearance to the treated area. The most requested surgeries are the facial lift and mastopexy. A facial lift allows repositioning and tightening of facial tissues, giving the face a more youthful appearance. Mastopexy is performed in cases of sagging breasts and allows the breast tissue to be repositioned to its original location.
Lipectomies are surgeries that remove tissue from specific areas, such as the arms (brachioplasty) or the thighs (thigh lift or cruroplasty). In cases where the abdomen is treated, the surgical technique used is abdominoplasty, which not only removes excess abdominal tissue but also addresses rectus muscle diastasis and reshapes the waist.
