Saggy Face
As we age, the skin starts to lose its firmness due to the loss of two important proteins called collagen and elastin, the building blocks in the dermis that are responsible for keeping the skin firm, supple and youthful looking.
While elastin gives skin elasticity, providing firm skin with the ability to bounce back when stretched, collagen is that which helps to firm and tighten the skin.
Saggy skin can happen almost anywhere on the body in areas such as:
- cheeks
- upper arms and stomach
- eyelids, chin and jowls
SUCCESS CASES
*Due to MOH guidelines in Singapore, medical clinics cannot show before & after photos on their websites. However, we would be delighted to showcase our photographs and actual results during your in-clinic consultation with us.
Our Doctors
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Dr. SK Tan
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. SK Tan
Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
- MBBS
- Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
- Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Master of Business Administration
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).
Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. Ben Yim
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Ben Yim
Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.
- M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
- Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
- MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
- MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
- MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
- GDFM (NUS) 2019
Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botox, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening with Thermage FLX, Ulthera and fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.
As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botox and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.
Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.
Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Liz Lum YX
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Liz Lum YX
Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.
- MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
- Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.”
For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.
Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Ian Tan
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Ian Tan
Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.
- MBBS (Singapore)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- GDFM (Singapore)
- GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
- Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Accredited Family Physician
- Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
- Certificate Course in Andrology
Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.
A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Michelle Wong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Michelle Wong
Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
- MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
- Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botox and Fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.
Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.
In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Vivian Yong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Vivian Yong
Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.
- MBBS
- GDFM
Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.
Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Treatments
Treatments
Depending on the severity of laxity in skin, surgical procedures may not be required. Although results may not be as drastic, there are many options to consider that can help improve the appearance of sagging skin.
Topicals
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) creams, lotions and serums that contain ingredients such as retinol that’s been said to improve skin elasticity. Prescriptive retinoids such as tretinoin and retin-A, are suitable for boosting collagen production.
In-clinic Procedures
Facials
For those who do not wish to go under the knife, consider treatments like thread lift, the non-invasive face lift that uses absorbable silk protein threads and therapeutic serum infusions of hyaluronic acid and peptides, to give you the effects close to that of a face lift without any down time.
This non-invasive treatment helps to give the face a slight lift, intensely hydrate and plump the skin, in turn diminishing the appearance of fine lines to give you instantly lifted and firmer facial contours.
Types of Sagging Facial Skin
Types of Sagging Facial Skin
Sagging cheeks
When your cheeks lose its fullness, it is no longer plump and smooth (which are what gives the appearance of youthfulness) but have flattened instead. This is due to the weakening of the underlying muscles when elastin is damaged.
Saggy jowls
As you grow older, the skin from your cheeks down to your jawline loses much of its collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein that makes up the connective tissue in your body. Elastin is another connective tissue protein that lets your skin return to its normal shape even after being stretched. As these proteins are lost, the cheek skin surrounding your mouth also loses its firmness and tightness. Over time, gravity causes it to droop and sag on both sides of your mouth and chin.
Double chin
Double chin fat, also known as submental fat, can affect both men and women of all ages and weight. In fact, skinny people may also get double chin. This is because you accumulate double chin fat when metabolism slows down due to skin aging. Another reason why you may develop double chin or sagging neck skin is due to a loss of collagen. Loose under-chin and neck skin also cause the appearance of double chin. Genetics also play a part where Asians tend to have what’s called a “small” or receded chin. For treatments of double chin fat, you don’t have to resort to liposuction fat reduction surgery. It can be reduced or you can contour weak jawline or tighten loose, saggy skin under the chin through various non-invasive aesthetic options.
Downturned mouth corners
Your mouth starts to take on a downturned appearance when there is a volume loss, and loosening of the ligaments around the mouth. The muscle known as the Depressor Anguli Ori (DAO) that connects the corners of the mouth to your jaw bone, will result in a pull down on the sides of the mouth as it is primarily used for facial expressions such as frowning.
IDS Clinic seeks to help you achieve the firm, supple, and youthful-looking skin that you deserve.
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Our Clinic Locations
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Novena Specialist Center
8 Sinaran Drive, #05-09 to 10
Singapore 307470 -
International Building
360 Orchard Road
#02-02 International
Building, Singapore 238869
Do's & Don’ts
Do exercise more regularly
Saggy skin due to moderate weight loss or pregnancy can be improved through exercise. This is why any movement that builds muscle mass or tightens muscles can reduce the look of minor skin sagging. A sedentary lifestyle coupled with an unhealthy high-fat, high caloric diet will also result in an increased accumulation of fat – such as the worsening of double chin.
Don’t sleep on your side
Sleeping with your face pressed against a pillow every night can possibly cause sagging jowls. Try to sleep lying on your back as much as possible. If that’s difficult then try investing in a softer or memory foam type pillow.
Do protect your skin from UV damage
Daily exposure to the ultraviolet rays without any protection can lead to damage of skin’s elastin. This is why people who spend many hours sun tanning have older, more wrinkly and saggier skin. This damage unfortunately will only surface much later when you are older.
Don’t allow stress to get the better of you
Research suggests that there is a link between stress to shorter telomeres, a chromosome component and a protective casing at the end of a strand of DNA. Every time a cell divides, it loses bits of telomeres. Although enzyme telomerase will replenish it, chronic stress and cortisol exposure will eventually diminish your telomeres supply. When telomeres reduce, the cell will die and become prone to inflammation. This is how the aging process and its associated health risks begin.
Do watch your posture
Hunching and extended usage of your smartphone where you are constantly bending your head forward to stare down at your phone for long periods of time increase the gravitational pull on the jowl area, leaving you with a drooping jawline. On top of sagging skin, constant neck bending can also cause creasing above the clavicle.
Do invest in proper skincare early
It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. People start to show signs of aging from as early as their 20s. Know which products work best for you and be consistent in using them. As the saying goes, ‘there are no ugly women, only lazy ones’.
