Lifting without a scalpel or how to firm and lift sagging cheeks
As we age, gravity unfortunately finds one of its favourite victims - the contours of our face. The features that used to look fresh and firm are gradually fading and the cheeks are beginning to sag. So-called "bulldog cheeks" or deeper nasolabial folds appear, which often add years to our faces.
The good news is that you can do something about it. Not only modern aesthetic medicine, but also thoughtful home care now offers a range of effective ways to firm, lift and restore a youthful appearance to your cheeks. A scalpel is far from necessary - regularity, patience and proper care are often enough.
Let's see what really works.
When gravity wins: why does our face lose its contours?
At first glance, it may seem like it's just loose skin, but there's actually much more to it. As we age, our faces undergo a silent but relentless transformation:
- Loss of collagen and elastin - the skin loses elasticity, becomes thinner and less "in shape".
- Loss of fat in the face - Fat pads that used to add volume to the cheeks shrink or shift downward.
- Weakening of ligaments and muscles - the skin does not have sufficient "support".
- Changes in bone structure - The jaw and cheekbones reshape slightly with age, which affects the shape of the face.
In other words: it's not a single cause, it's a domino effect. And that is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every face ages a little differently - genetics, lifestyle and grooming play a huge role.
A power that costs nothing: Facial yoga and massage
If you're looking for the most non-invasive and affordable way, look to the increasingly popular facial gymnastics, called face yoga a regular massages. On our face, we have over 40 muscles and just like the ones on the body, the facial ones need regular training!
Key tips and exercises for firming your cheeks:
- "Oh" and a smile: Make an "O" shape with your mouth and cover your lips completely with your teeth. Then, with your teeth hidden, smile broadly. Alternate these positions 6-10 times. This exercise strengthens the muscles around the cheekbones.
- "Fish Face." Suck your cheeks in, make a fish-like grimace and hold it for 5 seconds. Repeat. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the jaw and cheeks.
- Balloon: Fill one cheek with air and transfer the air from one side to the other as if you had mouthwash in your mouth. Practice for 1 minute. Improves blood circulation and muscle tone.
- Lifting massage: When applying a cream or serum, always make strokes against the direction of gravity. Use light pressure techniques, leading from the jaw and corners of the mouth upwards to the temples and cheekbones. Don't be afraid to use aids such as a stone Gua Sha or rollerthat can multiply the effect of the massage.
For facial yoga and massage to really have an effect, regularity is really important. Spend at least 5-10 minutes a day consistently doing facial yoga and massage. The results won't appear overnight, but with consistent care you will gradually see a change in the firmness of your contours.
Cosmetic support: the right ingredients
When dealing with sagging contours, reach for cosmetics that actively firms and moisturises. So look for products with these heroes:
- Hyaluronic acid: Provides deep hydration and a temporary shutdown effect.
- Collagen and elastin (or their boosters): These proteins are the building blocks of firm skin. Creams with peptides or retinol promote their natural production.
- Coenzyme Q10: A powerful antioxidant that energizes the skin and helps protect it from external influences.
- Retinol (vitamin A): Promotes collagen production, improves skin texture
- Niacinamide: Soothes and firms the skin
Apply firming serums and creams at the same time as a gentle massage to maximise the absorption of active ingredients while stimulating the muscles.
Lifting treatments: when you need something extra
In aesthetic dermatology, there are many ways to firm the contours of the face and restore a youthful appearance - from gentle, non-invasive methods to long-term surgical procedures. Each has its own benefits and duration of effect.
Injectable fillers are a quick and very popular solution. The doctor injects hyaluronic acid (or other filler material) into the cheekbones or jawline to replenish lost volume and tighten the skin. The result is visible immediately and lasts for about 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filling used.
Another option is thread lift, also known as duplexes. Fine absorbable threads with tiny hooks are introduced into the subcutaneous tissue to mechanically lift the tissue and at the same time trigger the production of new collagen. The effect is natural and usually lasts 1 to 2 years.
If you prefer a treatment without injections, you can opt for a non-invasive lift using HIFU technology. This modern method uses focused ultrasound to heat the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous structures. This results in their firming and collagen activation. The result develops gradually over the course of 2-3 months and it will endure more than a year.
It also acts very naturally plasma therapy (PRP)which uses your own growth factor-rich blood plasma. These promote cell renewal, improve skin quality and stimulate collagen production. The result is healthier, firmer and brighter skin with long-lasting effects.
And if the sagging of the skin is already more pronounced, there are mini facelift or classic surgical lifting. These treatments can return firm contours and youthful proportions to the face with an effect that lasts many years.
Final Tip: Every skin and face is different. That's why it's always best to consult a professional who can help you choose a method that suits your needs, your expectations, and your skin condition.
Small changes, big effect: how lifestyle affects your skin
When you say "facelift", most people think of various aesthetic procedures. But the truth is that the path to firmer, more youthful skin often starts with the simplest of everyday habits.
Start by saying goodbye to cigarettes - nicotine significantly slows skin regeneration and breaks down collagen, the substance that keeps skin firm and elastic. A diet rich in protein also plays an important role, because it is from protein that the body "builds" collagen.
A little trick with a big effect - try sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your side for long periods of time puts pressure on your face, which can accentuate asymmetries and deepen wrinkles over time. It's also worth keeping your weight stable - frequent fluctuations stretch the skin and impair its firmness.
Don't forget to exercise and drink plenty of fluids. Well-circulated and hydrated skin is better oxygenated, more supple and looks fresher. By the way, hydration isn't just about water - you need the aforementioned vitamin C for collagen production, as well as zinc and copper.
And finally, the most important thing: without daily SPF protection, it won't work. Even the most expensive serums or treatments become meaningless if we expose our skin to the sun every day without protection. UV rays break down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, supple and youthful. And what's the best part? This "silent destroyer" is easy to prevent - just apply sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy. cream with SPF 30 to 50. It's the simplest anti-aging step you can take for your skin.