What is flaccidity?
Sagging is a natural process of the skin produced by the loss of collagen and elastin, which are the organic elements that provide elasticity, support and firmness to the dermis.
Loss of elasticity tends to occur especially in the buttocks, thighs, arms and inner legs.
As we age, we lose properties, muscle mass and the ability to generate collagen and elastin. For this reason, we sometimes see loose skin and, in older people, it is common to see it hanging. However, it is not only age that causes flaccidity, as younger people can also suffer from it.
Causes of flaccidity
Flaccidity can be cutaneous, muscular or mixed, which is the most common and combines the two previous ones. The most common causes of sagging are:
- Hormonal changes: women suffer the most from these changes, especially during menopause and pregnancy.
- Bad nutrition: a diet poor in protein does not protect the muscle mass, so that the skin’s support is lost. It is advisable to introduce antioxidant foods in the diet. Alcohol also has an influence.
- Lack of exercise: a sedentary lifestyle plays a major role in skin flaccidity, as it causes muscles to lose volume. However, it can be easily combated by being a more active person.
- Sun exposure: solar radiation damages the skin and makes it weaker. It is important not to be overexposed and to use sunscreen.
- Weight loss: losing a lot of weight in a short period of time prevents the skin tissues from adapting to the new figure, making it appear flabby and sagging.
How to combat flaccidity
Flaccidity cannot be combated with cosmetic treatments alone. Certain changes should also be incorporated into daily living habits, such as diet and some physical exercise.
In terms of appliances, the medical or surgical treatments that have proven to be effective in the fight against flaccidity try to promote or enhance the creation of elastin and collagen, are:
- Radiofrequency, like the Revicell Pro equipment, stimulates the creation of elastin and collagen, which improves circulation in the skin and tightens the skin.
- Injected mesotherapy. It serves to improve the wrinkle-free appearance of the neck and neckline.
- Tensile threads. It is a skin tightening treatment that consists of the temporary or permanent application of fine threads in the form of a net, through incisions in the skin.
The use of firming creams can help, as long as it is combined with other treatments and changes in dietary and physical habits.
Commitment to quality
This text on skin flaccidity has been written by professional editors and reviewed by Sisneo’s medical-aesthetic team. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following references:
- Leire Azcona (2006) «Reafirmantes faciales y coporales» en Farmacia Profesional vol. 20 no. 1: 54-57.
- Gallo JRB, Maschio-Signorini LB, Cabral CRB, de Campos Zuccari DAP, Nogueira ML, Bozola AR, Cury PM, Vidotto A. «Skin Protein Profile after Major Weight Loss and Its Role in Body Contouring Surgery» en Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Aug 19;7(8):e2339. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002339.
