What Causes Loose Skin on the Face?

Loose skin on the face often develops as collagen and elastin levels gradually decline, making it harder for the skin to maintain the firmness and resilience it once had. Aging is a major contributor, but sun exposure, genetics, weight changes, and everyday lifestyle factors can also affect skin elasticity and lead to facial skin laxity. Over time, these changes may become noticeable as softer facial contours, fine lines, or sagging facial skin around the cheeks, jawline, and other areas. 

At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Metairie, LA, serving New Orleans, Dr. Michelle Eagan offers ThermiSmooth® nonsurgical skin tightening for individuals who want to address mild to moderate laxity without surgery. This treatment uses controlled radiofrequency energy to encourage new collagen and elastin production, gradually supporting firmer, smoother-looking skin. 

Why does skin sag as you age? 

One of the biggest reasons the face begins to look less firm over time is collagen loss. Collagen provides structural support, while elastin helps the skin stretch and return to its original position. As the natural supply of these proteins decreases, the skin can become thinner, less resilient, and more prone to wrinkles or laxity. Years of sun exposure can further contribute to these changes by affecting the skin's supportive structure. Genetics also influence when age-related changes become noticeable and how quickly they progress. 

What other factors can contribute to facial skin laxity? 

Aging is not the only reason facial contours can begin to change. Significant weight loss may leave the skin with less underlying volume, particularly when it does not contract afterward. Repeated sun exposure, smoking, and other environmental influences may also contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin over time. 

For those exploring how to tighten loose skin on the face, Dr. Eagan can evaluate the amount of laxity and overall skin quality to determine whether a nonsurgical approach may be appropriate. Nonsurgical skin tightening is generally intended for mild to moderate laxity rather than more significant sagging that may require a surgical procedure. 

Can loose facial skin be tightened without surgery? 

For certain degrees of laxity, radiofrequency skin tightening can provide a noninvasive way to support firmer-looking skin. ThermiSmooth delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat targeted tissue, stimulating the body's natural production of collagen and elastin. As these proteins develop, the skin may gradually appear smoother, tighter, and more refreshed. 

New Orleans Plastic Surgery offers this option for people interested in improving laxity without incisions, scarring, or a surgical recovery period. Because collagen production takes time, improvements continue to develop gradually rather than appearing all at once. 

How long does nonsurgical skin tightening last? 

Results from ThermiSmooth can be long-lasting, although the treatment cannot stop the natural aging process or prevent future changes in collagen. The longevity of results can vary based on factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle, sun exposure, and the degree of laxity being treated. 

Some individuals may need multiple sessions to reach their cosmetic goals, while maintenance treatments may be recommended over time to help preserve or enhance the outcome. Consistent sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits can also help support the skin after treatment. 

Restore firmer facial contours with a nonsurgical approach 

Changes in facial firmness can make your appearance feel different even when you still feel youthful and energetic. If loose skin, softer contours, or reduced elasticity are becoming more noticeable, Dr. Michelle Eagan at New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Metairie, LA can discuss whether ThermiSmooth may fit your goals. Schedule a consultation to explore nonsurgical skin tightening and find out whether radiofrequency treatment can help support smoother, firmer, more refreshed-looking facial skin.