My face is saggy from smoking and weight loss. Is 24 too young for a facelift? (Photos)

Question

I’m 24, with severe skin laxity from years of smoking and having an eating disorder which caused me to lose A LOT of weight really fast. My body is fine, but my face is so saggy I hate going out in public, it breaks my heart. I’m tapering off of smoking, but the damage is done. Is there anyway to save my face besides a face lift??? It makes me so depressed :(

Liann Casey, MD · Answer

Hi there! The face lift surgery is also known by its more medical name, "rhytidectomy." The name means "wrinkle removal." The goals of surgery are to remove signs of aging such as wrinkles, jowls, and visible sagging. I do not think you would benefit greatly from a face lift surgery as you do not exhibit these aging hallmarks. However, if skin quality is your concern, there are many non-surgical treatments to improve skin quality. After smoking cessation, the least invasive would be to start a daily skincare regimen with peptides and actives that stimulate collagen and elastin production. Wear sunscreen daily. Procedures that cause controlled injury to the skin can help stimulate regeneration and thickening, such as microneedling, Morpheus8, and laser treatments. I would stay away from fillers as you look like you have very nice volume. You are young and healthy and full of life- get out of the house and enjoy it! With sunscreen on!!!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. You may benefit from non surgical procedures. I would recommend radio-frequency based skin tightening along with autologous fat grafting. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. I recommend starting with filler rather than jumping straight to a facelift, especially at 24. Significant weight loss and smoking can create a saggy or hollow look, but in someone your age, this is usually due to volume loss rather than true structural sagging that requires surgery. Strategic use of hyaluronic acid fillers—sometimes combined with skin-quality treatments—can restore support, improve facial contours, and create a more lifted appearance without the invasiveness, cost, or long-term commitment of a facelift. I hope this helps and best of luck!

My face is saggy from smoking and weight loss. Is 24 too young for a facelift? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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