Sagging skin

Sagging skin is the result of a combination of factors that are more or less controllable. The main examples are:

• Rapid and/or significant weight changes: Rapid changes in weight cause skin cells to stretch and lose their original firmness. Pregnancy, in particular, can lead to considerable distension. In cases of significant weight loss, excess skin may remain permanently.
• Natural ageing: from the age of 25, the body’s production of collagen and elastin diminishes. These proteins are responsible for maintaining and firming the skin. Their reduction in the body therefore logically leads to tissue sagging. This phenomenon is accentuated by slower tissue regeneration, leading to a loss of skin density.
• Hormonal changes: Natural hormonal variations, particularly during menopause, tend to dry out skin tissue, accentuating sagging. Andropause creates similar effects in men.
• The sun: Prolonged exposure to the sun damages skin cells, which lose their suppleness and tone more rapidly over the years. The sun accelerates skin ageing, and its effects accumulate over the years, which is why sun protection is essential from childhood onwards.
• Genetics: in some people certain genetic predispositions are responsible for greater or premature ageing. Generally speaking, darker skin tones tend to suffer less from sagging than lighter ones.
• Tobacco consumption and lifestyle: Smoking interferes with collagen production and promotes skin dehydration. In addition, a poorly-balanced diet or a significant lack of sleep degrades cell regeneration capacity, and contributes to accentuating the body’s aging process.

How sagging skin be prevented?

A number of daily reflexes can help minimize skin drooping. Diet is probably the most influential factor, providing the nutrients needed to regenerate skin cells and slow down the natural ageing process. Vitamins C and E, zinc, amino acids and other elements also play an active role in collagen production.

A healthy diet also facilitates weight management and avoids rapid weight gain and loss. Inadequate hydration is also a key factor in the acceleration of skin ageing, which is why regular, appropriate skin care has a significant effect.

Medical and surgical treatments

• Medical treatments
  • CO2 laser This non-invasive technique reduces irregularities on the skin’s surface.
  • HIFU Improves skin texture by stimulating collagen production using the non-invasive method of focused ultrasound.
  • Radiesse treatment Radiesse is a volumizing product injected into the skin to stimulate collagen and fill wrinkles.
  • BodyTite – Morpheus8 This technology uses induced heat to improve skin quality without surgery.
  • Tensor threads They support sagging tissues and disappear naturally as they firm up.
• Surgical treatments
  • Face and neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin of the treated area. The scars caused by this procedure are generally concealed in areas such as the scalp, to maintain a natural result. Surgery requires more extensive follow-up and longer recovery times than medical methods, but the results are all the more impressive.
  • The mini-lift is also an option. Less complex and less invasive, it allows a shorter recovery time with very natural results.

All procedures are preceded by at least one consultation with a doctor, to determine your needs and expectations. The doctor takes into account your situation and your medical history to propose a personalized protocol, and to guarantee your safety. Follow-up continues until your recovery is complete, and up to a year after surgery. The Claris Clinic staff is at your service throughout your pre- and post-surgery care, to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the best possible support.

The cost of sagging skin procedures varies according to their complexity and the size of the area treated. Here are the approximate prices of the procedures offered at the Claris Clinic:

• Morpheus8® : from €315 to €415 / session
• HIFU: from €450 to €790
• CO2 laser: from €525 to €1,375
• Radesse treatment: from €450 to €695
• Tensor threads: from €950
• Facelift: Personalized quotation based on the planned procedure