What are the best methods to improve facial sagging?

Generally speaking, there is no single best method to improve facial sagging. Facial laxity may be caused by various factors such as aging, muscle relaxation, fat loss, malnutrition, or neuritis. It is recommended to visit a reputable medical facility and seek professional guidance from a doctor to improve the condition through treatments like ultrasound skin tightening, radiofrequency therapy, autologous fat transplantation, or medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

With advancing age, the skin naturally ages—cellular renewal slows down, and structural changes occur in the skin, leading to loose and sagging facial skin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excessive sun exposure are important preventive measures. Ultrasound skin tightening under medical supervision can help; this treatment uses focused ultrasound energy to penetrate deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration to tighten facial skin. The typical reference cost for ultrasound skin tightening ranges from 12,000 to 30,000 RMB per session. Results usually become visible within 20–30 days after treatment, although side effects such as redness and pain may occur.

2. Muscle Relaxation

Lack of facial muscle exercise may weaken muscle strength, causing the skin to lose underlying support and become saggy. Avoid maintaining the same facial expression for prolonged periods. Under a doctor’s advice, radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening can be performed. This technique delivers RF energy into deeper skin layers to stimulate the regeneration of collagen and elastic fibers, improving facial skin firmness. The typical reference cost for RF skin tightening ranges from 5,000 to 30,000 RMB per session. Improvement is generally noticeable within 7–14 days post-treatment, though possible side effects include skin tingling, discomfort, or infection.

3. Fat Loss

Excessive weight loss or malnutrition can lead to loss of facial fat, reducing structural support and resulting in sagging skin. A balanced diet should be maintained to avoid extreme dieting. Facial massage may also help promote blood circulation and fat cell regeneration. Under medical recommendation, autologous fat transfer can be considered—fat cells are harvested from another part of the body, processed, and then injected into the face to restore volume and enhance skin tightness. The typical reference cost for autologous fat transfer ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 RMB per session. Results usually appear within 15–30 days after the procedure, but potential complications include infection or hematoma.

4. Malnutrition

Long-term dietary imbalance and deficiency in essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition, reducing the synthesis of skin elastin and collagen. This may result in loss of facial skin elasticity and increased laxity, along with symptoms such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and dull complexion. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, vitamin AD softgel capsules, or compound amino acid oral solution.

5. Neuritis

Damaged facial nerves can cause neuritis, leading to facial muscle paralysis, loss of skin firmness, and sagging. Symptoms may include facial drooping, crooked mouth or eyes, and reduced facial expressions. Medical treatment under a doctor's direction may involve medications such as baclofen tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or prednisone tablets.

To prevent and improve facial sagging, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid holding the same facial expression for long periods, and regularly perform facial massage.