Sagging skin at 26 - what are my options? (Photo)

At 26, it’s not typical to see signs of facial aging like jowls, under-eye bags, and deep nasolabial folds — but genetics, skin quality, and facial fat distribution can make these issues appear early.
Let’s break it down:
Jowls & Nasolabial Folds:These are often caused not by “too much fat,” but by loss of mid-face volume and ligament laxity, which allow facial fat pads to descend. This can happen even at a young age due to genetics or weak skin support.
✔️ Options:
Mid-face or cheek fillers to restore volume and lift.
Energy-based skin tightening (Morpheus8, Ultherapy, Forma) to stimulate collagen.
In selected cases: Buccal fat pad reduction or subtle lower face contouring (e.g., micro-liposuction or AccuTite).
Under-Eye Bags:These could be due to fat herniation, hollowing, or poor lymphatic drainage.✔️ Options:
Tear trough filler (for mild cases).
Lower blepharoplasty (for fat repositioning or removal).
Skin tightening devices if skin is lax.
General Facial Fat & Skin Quality:Rather than removing fat, the aim is to reposition or support existing fat structures and stimulate collagen production.
✔️ A holistic approach combining subtle volume restoration, skin tightening, and lifestyle adjustments (hydration, sun protection, skincare) usually yields the best results.
Your concerns are completely valid — many patients in their 20s feel this way, and early, preventive treatments can make a significant difference.

To determine the most appropriate treatment plan, a physical examination is necessary. For the jowls, and deep nasolabial folds you’re concerned about after weight loss, **lower facelift** or **mini facelift** could be suitable options. A **lower facelift** addresses sagging in the jawline and neck area, providing a more youthful appearance. A **mini facelift** is a less invasive procedure that targets sagging in the mid and lower face, typically with a quicker recovery time. Both options can help tighten the skin and improve the appearance of the jowls and nasolabial folds. I would prefer to see the whole area around the eye in order to better comment on your lower eyeballs.

Genetically, your skin has a tendency toward sagging, particularly at the corners of your mouth, which are positioned in a downward direction. Although you are still young, there are two effective options to address this concern.
The first option is a deep temporal lifting procedure, which elevates the lower and midface in an upward direction, I perform this procedure opposite to gravity to effectively counteract its effects. The second option is a MACS facelift, which provides a natural and long-lasting lifting effect. If necessary, fat injection can also be performed to enhance volume in the under-eye area.
Additionally, in terms of facial proportions, your lower face is relatively smaller compared to your upper face. To achieve better balance and harmony, a chin implant is recommended.