How to Treat Facial Sagging at Every Age: From Botox to Facelift Surgery

 How to Treat Facial Sagging at Every Age:

From Botox to Facelift Surgery

As we age, changes in facial contours and a loss of skin elasticity are natural parts of the aging process. Facial sagging does not occur suddenly but progresses gradually over time, making it important to choose management options that match your current condition.

In this article, we will briefly summarize management options for each stage of facial sagging.

Stage 1 : Botox and Fillers

When early signs of aging begin to appear, the most noticeable changes are wrinkles and volume loss. Many people look in the mirror and think, My crow’s feet seem deeper than before, or My cheeks look slightly sunken.

At this stage, Botox and fillers are often among the first options to consider. Botox helps soften dynamic wrinkles that develop with facial expressions, such as those on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Fillers help restore volume in areas such as the under-eyes, cheeks, and nasolabial folds.

These treatments are relatively simple and involve minimal recovery time, but their effects are temporary and they have limited ability to physically lift sagging tissues.

Stage 2: EBD Lifting

As skin elasticity decreases and facial contours begin to soften, EBD lifting treatments may be considered. There are more treatment devices available than many people realize.

Ultrasound-based devices such as Ultherapy and Shurink deliver energy to deeper layers of the skin and are commonly used to improve skin firmness.

Popular radiofrequency devices include Thermage and Oligio. These treatments stimulate collagen regeneration within the skin, helping it become firmer and tighter.

Laser-based devices such as Titanium may help improve skin elasticity and refine facial contours.

More recently, microwave-based treatments such as ONDA have gained popularity. They generate heat by targeting water molecules within the skin, which may contribute to lifting effects.

These treatments can stimulate collagen regeneration, helping improve skin firmness and lifting effects.

Stage 3: Thread Lift

Thread lift is a procedure that physically lifts sagging tissues using medical-grade threads. Two commonly used thread materials are PDO and PLLA.

PDO threads are the most widely used absorbable threads. They are relatively flexible and generally involve less procedural burden, although their longevity tends to be shorter.

PLLA threads are known to stimulate collagen production more actively. They typically last longer than PDO threads and are often thicker, providing stronger support.

They are often used to improve sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines, and are frequently combined with Botox or energy-based lifting treatments.

Stage 4 : Mini Facelift

When thread lifting alone is not sufficient, a mini facelift may be considered.

Examples include Butterfly Lifting and MACS Lifting.

Butterfly Lifting uses minimal incisions hidden within the hairline to improve midface sagging, while MACS Lifting involves an incision in front of the ear to more effectively lift the mid and lower face. The most suitable option depends on the degree of sagging and the desired level of improvement.

These procedures focus on specific areas rather than the entire face, generally involving smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period than a full facelift.

Stage 5 : Facelift

For more advanced aging changes, a facelift is often considered the most comprehensive option.

A facelift addresses not only the skin but also the SMAS layer, helping improve sagging tissues while providing some of the longest-lasting lifting effects.

However, because it is a more extensive procedure that requires recovery time, careful consultation is essential before making a decision.

The Key to Anti-Aging Is Consistent Care

One point that specialists consistently emphasize is that while aging cannot be completely prevented, it can be slowed down. In fact, individuals who consistently maintain their appearance with treatments such as Botox, fillers, and EBD lifting from a younger age may not always require thread lifting or facelift surgery later in life.

Therefore, anti-aging should be approached not only as a way to reverse existing sagging, but also as a strategy to maintain current results and slow the aging process.

Because facial aging progresses differently for each individual, accurately understanding your skin condition and degree of aging is the most important first step. Choosing an appropriate treatment through thorough consultation can be the beginning of a more satisfying anti-aging journey.