I Stretched my Face out by Rubbing It Do I Need a Face Lift?

asked 9 months ago by john martinez in washington state
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 328 times
Tags: age 18-24, loose skin, options, rubbing

I am 24 years old and I had a terrible habit about a year ago of rubbing my face vigorously, I dont know why I did this but when I looked in the mirror after a couple weeks of doing this I was shocked and thought to myself that my life was over. My face now is signficately sagging off my bones and I look horrible. I wont show my face anymore to pretty much anyone. My life is completely ruined and I've gotten to the point where I don't even want to live anymore because of this.

10 answers to I Stretched my Face out by Rubbing It Do I Need a Face Lift?

No you don't need surgery.

Hello Mr. Martinez, Without seeing posted photos of your face, it is hard to comment on your complaints. At 24, facelifting isn't really an option for most. My concern is the amount of pain and desperation you seem to exhibit in your posting. My honest recommendation is that you seek professional psychological evaluation to make sure your perspective on your face is appropriate. Upwards of 20% of patients seeking cosmetic surgery have a problem known as Body... more

Manish H. Shah, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

I Stretched my Face out by Rubbing It Do I Need a Face Lift?

It's very unlikely that at 24 years aold any degree of rubbing permanently stretched your facial skin. Stop that behaviour and the skin should tighten up again. No face Lift for anyone 24 years old.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rubbing the Face and Facial Laxity

I am alarmed by your statement that you "don't even want to live anymore because of this". Addressing this feeling first is of greater importance than any cosmetic surgery. I would recommend seeing your primary care physician and hold off with any cosmetic intervention (inc. surgery) at this point.

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

Obsessive rubbing, Sagging skin, and Facelifts

Your question suggest you have a number of issues that you need to address and I think you need to start by prioritizing your problems and addressing them in that order. You have a habit of excessively rubbing your face and this is a symptom of COD (Chronic Obsessive Disease) which requires that care of a mental health professional. Similarly, your displeasure about your facial appearance and the level of your unhappiness is a sign of problems far greater and deeper than the... more

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

If you get surgery, what will prevent you from doing this again?

You need to see a psychiatrist to help you get to the problem. You might benefit from medication to help stabilize your brain to control the urge to rub your face. This is no different than people to pull out their hair or scratch themselves until their skin is raw. There is absolutely no value in having surgery until it is clear that the urge to rub the face is controlled.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Can rubbing really stretch facial skin and cause facelift

There is a relationship to 'face sleeping' and facial lines, though these will take many years to develop. It seems unlikely that rubbing the skin will cause laxity in your face and require a facelift by age 24. You are young and at your best, so get out and enjoy. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Sagging face

RELAX. You should definitely see some plastic surgeons for consultation. Your situation is unusual, but we plastic surgeons have great experience rejuvenating sagging faces. It is difficult to comment specifically upon your problem without any photos.

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

Stretched face at 24

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing your pictures – but it is very unlikely that rubbing the face can make it stretch. It is possible, especially if you have lost weight, that you face is looking less firm. It seems that you should seek help from a general medical doctor

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sagging face and facelift

It is unlikely at the age of 24 that you would need a Facelift. If you feel your face is sagging, consult with a Facial Plastic Surgeon and a plethora of surgical and non-surgical options can be discussed. All the best.