Losing a significant amount of weight can be an amazing accomplishment, but it can also lead to some unwanted side effects like sagging skin on the face. As the fat pads in your face shrink, your skin has less structural support and can start to droop. While you can’t totally prevent changes to your facial appearance after weight loss, there are steps you can take to help minimize sagging and keep your face looking toned and lifted.
Why does the face sag after losing weight?
Several factors can contribute to facial sagging after losing weight:
- Loss of fat pads – Fat pads in the cheeks, around the eyes, chin, and along the jawline provide structural support for facial skin and keep it smooth and plump. As you lose weight, these fat pads shrink.
- Loss of collagen and elastin – Collagen and elastin fibers give skin its strength and elasticity. As we age, production of these fibers declines. Weight loss can accelerate this decline.
- Gravity – The facial tissues and skin become looser after fat loss and are more susceptible to drooping and sagging from gravity’s effects.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, sun damage, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies can all impact collagen levels and contribute to sagging.
How to prevent face sagging after weight loss
While sagging skin due to weight loss is largely irreversible without surgery, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize and prevent excessive drooping:
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Keep your skin plump and supple by applying a rich moisturizer to your face and neck at least twice daily. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. Drinking plenty of water is equally important for hydration.
Use retinoids
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives like tretinoin and retinol) increase collagen production and cell turnover. Using over-the-counter retinol creams/serums can improve skin thickness and elasticity.
Protect from sun damage
UV exposure is one of the main culprits behind premature aging and collagen breakdown. Be diligent about applying broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to prevent further sun damage and skin laxity.
Quit smoking
Smoking restricts blood vessels and lowers oxygen supply to the skin. Quitting can help improve skin tone and slow collagen degradation.
Stay hydrated
Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to keep your skin cells plump and functioning optimally. Dehydration leads to fine lines and sagging.
Choose anti-aging topicals
Look for products containing antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea, coenzyme Q10) to neutralize free radicals and peptides to stimulate collagen. Growth factors like niacinamide and epidermal growth factor (EGF) also help tighten skin.
Consider facial exercises
Similar to working out your body, exercises for the facial muscles can tone and strengthen skin to counteract drooping. Focus on lifting motions to target sag-prone areas like cheeks, jowls, and neck.
Get enough protein
Aim for at least 50-60 grams of protein daily from foods like eggs, fish, beans, yogurt, and lean meat. Protein provides amino acids that are essential for natural collagen production.
Use vitamin C skincare
Vitamin C has been shown to increase collagen production and inhibit enzymes that break down collagen. Look for serums or creams with at least 10% vitamin C.
Eat collagen-boosting foods
Berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, soy, avocados and beans are rich sources of the vitamins/minerals needed for collagen formation.
Have facials done regularly
Facials provide a deep cleansing, massage, toning, and hydrating treatments to improve circulation, drainage, and skin quality. Regular facials (every 4-6 weeks) will help tighten skin.
Try ultrasound or radiofrequency
These non-invasive devices emit high frequency vibrations or radiowaves to heat the deep dermal layer and stimulate new collagen. A series of treatments can tighten sagging areas.
Ask about injectables
Dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid or Radiesse can replace lost facial volume in the cheeks, chin, temples, etc. Neuromodulators like Botox relax muscles and soften lines/wrinkles.
Consider surgery if needed
For severe facial skin sagging, plastic surgery procedures like face/neck lifts, brow lifts, facelifts, or neck liposuction may be options to remove excess tissue and tighten skin.
Daily care tips
Incorporating these best practices into your daily skincare routine can help maintain a tighter, more lifted facial appearance after weight loss:
- Cleanse face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to refresh skin
- Apply hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing when skin is still damp
- Follow with a Vitamin C antioxidant serum before moisturizer
- Use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning
- At night, use a retinol cream or serum to boost collagen
- Massage face for 5-10 minutes to boost circulation
- Sleep on your back to avoid sleep lines and wrinkles
- Change pillowcases frequently to avoid dirt/oil buildup
- Stay hydrated and eat skin-nourishing foods rich in antioxidants
Home treatments for sagging skin
These DIY remedies can also help tighten and tone loose facial skin:
Egg white mask
Egg whites are rich in skin-firming proteins. Whip 1 egg white until frothy and apply to clean face and neck. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Aloe vera
The enzymes in aloe vera aid collagen production. Apply pure aloe gel daily or create a tightening mask using 2 tablespoons aloe gel, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Apple cider vinegar
ACV contains alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin and tighten pores. Mix 1 tablespoon ACV with 1 tablespoon water and use a cotton pad to apply to skin, rinsing after 1 minute.
Honey mask
Honey is a natural humectant that hydrates skin. Create a tightening mask with 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon milk, and 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric. Leave on skin for 20 minutes before washing off.
Cold spoon massage
Place metal spoons in the freezer until chilled. Gently glide the rounded back of the spoon across the skin to constrict blood vessels and temporarily tighten saggy areas.
Facial exercises
Perform exercises like cheek lifts, mouth stretches, and humming to engage your facial muscles. Do these in front of a mirror for 5-10 minutes daily.
Lifestyle changes for firmer skin
Adopting healthier long-term habits can also improve skin’s tone and resilience:
- Follow a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with plenty of antioxidant foods
- Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
- Manage stress levels with yoga, meditation, or journaling
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation and collagen production
- Humidify indoor air to prevent moisture loss
- Take collagen supplements to increase collagen stores
Professional treatments
For more dramatic results, you may want to consider professional anti-aging skin treatments from a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, such as:
- Ultherapy – Uses focused ultrasound to lift and tighten skin.
- Thermage – Radiofrequency heat treatment to stimulate collagen.
- Laser skin resurfacing – Removes outer layers of skin to improve texture.
- Chemical peels – Glycolic or salicylic acid peels exfoliate and renew skin.
- Microdermabrasion – Gently “sands” away dead skin for smoothing and tightening.
- PRP injections – Injects patient’s own plasma to stimulate collagen growth.
- Dermal fillers – Hyaluronic acid injections to replace lost facial volume.
- Thread lifts – Temporary suture threads give a subtle lift to sagging skin.
- Face/neck lift surgery – Permanently removes excess, sagging skin.
Conclusion
While losing weight can sometimes leave you with looser, sagging facial skin, the benefits to your health make it very worthwhile. Being diligent about sunscreen use, staying hydrated, applying topical treatments, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent and minimize sagging. For more dramatic improvements, professional anti-aging treatments and procedures may be an option. With some patience and TLC, your skin will gradually adapt and tighten up over time.