Sagging Skin

Skin is made up of three layers . The visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis acts as a protective barrier. Underneath that is the elastin and collagen-rich tissue called the dermis. The subcutaneous layer below that is the fat layer, with a web of collagen fibers running through it. Aging, weight fluctuations, and sun exposure contribute to the break down of the elastic tissue and collagen in these three layers. This causes the skin to sag, and wrinkles, jowls and “bags” form. Naturally, treatments that work on just the surface can't do anything to restore the collagen or elastic tissue in the under-layer, or the deep dermis of your skin. Fortunately, there are noninvasive treatments that can help many patients postpone invasive surgical tightening of the skin. The physicians at MDLSVI have worked with multiple technologies to assess their safety and effectiveness, and have published and lectured on the subject extensively. Treatment falls into two main categories. Noninvasive tightening of the skin through laser and radiofrequency treatments such as the Thermage (TM) procedure can be very helpful. Volume restoration with fillers such as Restylane™ and Perlane™, Juvederm™, and Radiesse™ can help lift sagging areas of the face.