Is it true that my face sags due to fat dissolving injections? Thorough explanation of causes and countermeasures!

Fat dissolving injections have attracted attention as an effective way to reduce facial fat, but some have heard concerns that the face will sag. This is caused by excess skin after fat is reduced.

However, not all people will experience sagging, and it may depend on the type of drug and the skin condition prior to the procedure. Here, we provide a professional explanation of the risks of facial sagging caused by fat-dissolving injections and the countermeasures to be taken to ensure a safe procedure.

 

What are fat dissolving injections? Characteristics of the treatment for the face

Fat dissolving injection is a procedure in which a special drug is injected into the area where fat is to be reduced and fat cells are destroyed and expelled from the body. The drug contains ingredients that break down fat cells, and the fat in the treated area is reduced naturally.

The most common areas applied to the face are the cheeks, chin, and face line. This procedure is especially popular for those who are concerned about facial roundness and double chins. Since fat can be reduced without incising the skin, there is little downtime and it is easy to undergo.

When injecting fat-dissolving injections into the face, the location of the injections and the amount of drug used are very important. As will be discussed in detail later, the fat layer of the face is thinner than other parts of the body, and injecting an excessive amount of drug may cause excess skin to sag. It is also recommended that the condition of the face be carefully diagnosed before the procedure, and if sagging is already present, it is recommended to combine the procedure with other lifting procedures. As fat is reduced, it is also essential to perform and care for the skin to maintain its elasticity.

Compared to liposuction and facial massage, fat dissolving injections have fewer risks and less downtime. Although liposuction has immediate and significant effects, it generally requires surgery and has a longer downtime. Facial massage, on the other hand, can be expected to temporarily improve skin swelling, but is not effective in fundamentally reducing fat. Fat dissolving injections are less burdensome on the body and can reduce facial fat sustainably, making it a procedure that balances ease of use and effectiveness.

 

Does fat dissolving injection really make your face sag? Risks and Mechanisms

While fat dissolving injections can be expected to slim facial lines by reducing fat cells, there is a risk of "sagging" on the other hand. The main cause of this sagging is skin laxity. When fat is rapidly reduced, the underlying skin loses its support, and sagging and wrinkles may appear. In particular, if the skin's elasticity has decreased with age, the skin's ability to return to its original state is weakened, increasing the risk of excess skin drooping.

Areas prone to sagging and its causes

Areas of the face that are particularly prone to sagging are the cheeks and chin area. These areas have a large accumulation of fat and are important areas that form the silhouette of the face, so excess skin is easily visible after fat dissolving injections. On a daily basis, the cheeks and chin are areas that are frequently moved when eating and talking, and the facial expression muscles lie beneath them.

These movements tend to cause the excess skin to pull when the skin is loose. As a result, as fat is reduced, sagging skin becomes more pronounced and may accentuate deep wrinkles and sagging lines called laugh lines or marionette lines.

One reason for sagging skin on the cheeks and chin is the lack of elasticity, or the ability of the skin to regain its original shape after facial fat loss. As we age, the components that maintain skin elasticity, such as collagen and elastin, decrease, and the skin's ability to regenerate itself declines. As a result, even if fat is reduced, the skin does not tighten, and sagging remains. In particular, when fat is rapidly reduced by fat melting injections, the skin's elasticity cannot keep up, and the risk of excess skin drooping increases.

Furthermore, sagging is not limited to specific areas of the face, but is also affected by the quality and firmness of the skin of the face as a whole. If the skin of the entire face is thin and lacks firmness and elasticity, the loss of fat may further reduce skin support and worsen overall sagging. In particular, if the skin is naturally dry or damaged by the external environment, the skin's ability to repair itself will be reduced and sagging will be more noticeable after fat dissolving injections.

Effects of frequency of injections and drug dosage

While fat-dissolving injections are effective in reducing facial fat, they can be excessive and carry various risks if the number of injections or the amount of drug used is incorrect. Particular attention should be paid when a large amount of drug is injected at one time. If the drug rapidly destroys fat cells and fat is reduced in a short period of time, the skin will not be able to adapt to the changes and sagging and wrinkles will become more noticeable. Although the skin has a certain amount of elasticity, it is limited in its ability to adapt to rapid changes, especially if it has lost elasticity due to aging, resulting in excess skin drooping.

The number of times the fat-dissolving injections are performed is also important. Too many times increases the risk of stretching the skin by performing the procedure again before the skin has fully recovered. The skin undergoes a natural contraction process in response to fat loss, but this contraction takes time. If fat is reduced again with inadequate recovery, the skin is more likely to become lax and appear out of shape, especially in the facial contours.

Of course, the effect of the drug depends on the area of the face. For example, the cheeks and chin area are areas of high fat accumulation, and large amounts of drugs tend to be injected for effect. However, because sagging is more visible in these areas, excess treatment should be carefully avoided. Conversely, the risk of sagging can be minimized by waiting for the skin to contract naturally while reducing fat over time with small amounts of agents.

In addition, the type of drug used is another influencing factor. Some drugs have a skin-tightening effect along with a fat-dissolving effect. Drugs with a tightening effect can prevent sagging after fat reduction, whereas drugs without a tightening effect will not tighten the skin even if fat is reduced, and sagging is likely to occur.

Who is suitable and unsuitable for facial fat dissolving injections?

Fat dissolving injections are suitable for those who want to reduce facial fat but avoid incisional surgery. The major advantage of this procedure is that it does not involve incisions and there is little downtime, so you can expect a smaller face without disrupting your daily life.

It is also suitable for those who want to achieve results in a short period of time. Since results are visible within a few weeks after the procedure, it is especially recommended for those who are short on time, such as those who wish to have their face contoured before a wedding or other event. Furthermore, it is also effective for those who have a lot of fat on their face and want to refresh the lines, especially on the chin and cheeks. The reduction of fat will give you a sharper facial line.

On the other hand, fat-dissolving injections may not be suitable for all people. First of all, those who are aging, have skin that is less elastic, or have skin that sags easily may be at risk of excess skin sagging due to fat-dissolving injections.

In such cases, it is better to consider other procedures such as lift-up procedures. In addition, for those who are already concerned about sagging of the face, fat dissolving injections may make sagging even more noticeable. If sagging is the main concern, sagging improvement procedures such as HIFU or thread lift are suitable.

Those with excessive expectations are also not suited for fat-dissolving injections; they do not expect dramatic results in a single treatment and are not suitable for those hoping for excessive fat reduction. It is important to choose the right treatment for you, along with appropriate expectations.

 

What measures are taken to prevent the face from sagging due to fat dissolving injections?

In order to avoid the risk of sagging caused by fat dissolving injections, it is important to take appropriate care after the procedure and combine it with other procedures. Here we will explain in detail the specific measures and procedures to prevent sagging of the face.

Effective anti-sagging care

Of particular importance in post-treatment care is care that supports skin tightening. To prevent the skin from sagging after fat reduction, it is effective to incorporate care that restores skin elasticity. For example, RF and ultrasound treatments can promote collagen production and skin tightening by warming the skin. These treatments can be combined with fat dissolving injections to prevent facial sagging and create even sharper facial lines.

Another effective form of self-care that can be performed at home is to use cosmetics rich in collagen and elastin-containing beauty ingredients. These ingredients enhance skin elasticity and serve to reduce sagging even after fat loss. Thorough moisturizing on a daily basis will help keep the skin firm. However, since short-term effects cannot be expected, it is necessary to take care of the skin on a daily basis.

Should I incorporate them after the procedure? Recommended Exercises

Exercising the facial muscles is another effective way to prevent sagging. To prevent skin from sagging when fat is reduced, it is recommended that daily exercises be performed to strengthen facial muscles and support a tightening effect.

For example, methods such as "facial yoga" and "lift-up massage" help strengthen facial muscles and maintain skin elasticity. In particular, consciously moving the cheek and jaw muscles can tighten facial lines and prevent sagging.

 

What if my face sags after fat dissolving injections? Aftercare and improvement methods

If sagging occurs after fat dissolving injections, it is possible to tighten facial lines and regain confidence again by adopting appropriate aftercare and improvement methods. Here, we will explain in detail the effective treatment methods and care for improving sagging.

Recommended Treatment 1｜Fiber Lift

A thread lift is a procedure in which thin medical threads are inserted into sagging areas of the face to physically lift the skin. The threads also have the effect of stimulating collagen production, which helps restore skin elasticity. The thread lift does not require incisions, and the procedure can be completed in a short time, resulting in little downtime. In addition, since the threads are naturally absorbed by the body, collagen production continues after the procedure, and the lifting effect lasts for a long time.

The thread lift is particularly effective for sagging lines and chin area, and can effectively improve excess skin caused by fat dissolving injections. After the procedure, a tightened facial line is restored, creating a natural, youthful appearance.

Recommended Treatment 2｜HIFU

HIFU is a procedure that tightens sagging tissue from the inside by irradiating ultrasonic waves deep into the skin. HIFU works directly on the fascia (SMAS layer) deep in the skin, making it extremely effective in lifting and achieving a lift without incisions. When sagging skin is noticeable after fat reduction by fat-dissolving injections, a natural tightening effect can be expected by using this HIFU in combination with fat reduction injections.

HIFU is effective for sagging lines, jowls, and even the neck. Over several months after the procedure, collagen production is stimulated and a gradual tightening effect appears, allowing the patient to enjoy the process of gradual skin lifting.

Aftercare you can do on a daily basis

In order to improve sagging, not only the treatment but also daily aftercare is important. Since the skin is in a very delicate state after fat dissolving injections, it is necessary to ensure adequate moisturizing care. Use serums and creams containing moisturizing ingredients for daily care. In particular, use skin care products containing ingredients with high moisturizing power, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide, to help the skin retain moisture and regain elasticity.

Face massage is also recommended to enhance the lifting effect. Light pressure is applied to promote lymphatic flow, preventing swelling and helping to tighten sagging areas. However, it is important to do so gently, as excessive massage may have the opposite effect.

Avoid excessive sun exposure immediately after the procedure and use appropriate skin care products. UV protection during the day is especially important, and applying sunscreen will protect the skin after the procedure and prevent sagging from worsening.

 

summary

Fat dissolving injections are an effective procedure to reduce facial fat, but there is a risk of sagging after the procedure. Particular attention should be paid if the skin is not firm or sagging in nature. However, the risk can be reduced by choosing a tightening agent or an appropriate procedure. Referring to the measures and points for choosing the right treatment introduced in this issue, find the right treatment for you and get your ideal facial line.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

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