What can I do to reduce the appearance of hollowing and sagging in the face? (photos)

Question

I am soon to be 30 years old, I have significant facial sagging since my mental breakdown in mid 2021. During that phase I was under a lot of personal stress and it caused me to be very distressed and depressed inwas unable to eat. This period of stress really took its toll on my face and caused facial hollowing. I have since returned to my normal weight and I am not in the stress anymore. However the fat which has returned is not in its original place and my face is now sagging and my eyes

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with the aftermath of your mental breakdown. It sounds like you're experiencing some physical changes in your face as a result of the stress you went through. It's important to prioritize your mental health and seek any necessary help or support to ensure that you continue to heal and recover.

Based on the pictures you provided, it looks like you have a good skin. In terms of your facial sagging, you may be a good candidate for facial liposuction, buccal fat removal and maybe a mid-face lift (here is a link to a patient of mine sho got hers in her 30’) but that would have to be evaluated during an « in person » consult.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question and photos. You may benefit from a combination of a facial fat transfer and RF microneedling to treat hollowing and sagging. With a fat transfer, your body’s own fat can be injected to restore volume to your midface to create a more supple contour. RF microneedling is ideal for treating lower-face sagging and jowl formation. This treatment uses a combination of microneedling and gentle radiofrequency heating to boost collagen production and refresh the skin from the inside out.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to review your treatment history, discuss your concerns with you, and determine the best course of action to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

1) Skincare with products and microneedling/PRP
2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors
3) Laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Moxi, Viva, CO2, Erbium, Halo) a few times per year
4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill
5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting
6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest

Best, Dr. Emer."

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It looks that contouring along the jawline, jowls, by means of liposuction would help. You may have some benefit of small amount of fat grafts over cheeks. In person consultation with a plastic surgeon with good reputation in facial rejuvenation would help. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Reversing early facial aging can be done with a multitude of treatments. One of them is value restoration, which is best done using temporary fillers.Facial aesthetics is an art form, and some providers do a better job than others when it comes to both making assessments and implicating various treatment options. There are multitude of treatments for facial volume restoration. In addition to Fillers treatment options include fat, grafting, and implants.
 I suggest having multiple in person, consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons in your community to get an assessment and better understanding of treatment options.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What can I do to reduce the appearance of hollowing and sagging in the face? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction, volume distribution

Answer: Liposuction, volume distribution

Answer: Signs of facial aging

Answer: Signs of facial aging

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can I do to reduce the appearance of hollowing and sagging in the face? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction, volume distribution

Answer: Liposuction, volume distribution

Answer: Signs of facial aging

Answer: Signs of facial aging

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.