Gravitational Ptosis

These changes are not just about appearance. They affect how you feel about yourself, your confidence, and your desire to see in the mirror the person you feel like on the inside. Unfortunately, gravitational ptosis is unavoidable, but modern cosmetology offers effective, safe, and—most importantly—non-surgical methods to treat it and prevent it in advance.

What Is Gravitational Ptosis?

Gravitational ptosis is not just age-related skin “sagging.” It’s a condition in which facial tissues gradually shift downward under the force of gravity. This process involves not only the skin but also the subcutaneous fat layers and the muscular framework. As a result, the contours and shape of the face begin to change.

Key signs include:

• drooping of the eyebrows and upper eyelids;
• formation of pronounced nasolabial folds;
• downturned corners of the mouth;
• loss of facial contour definition;
• sagging of the skin and subcutaneous tissues in the chin and neck area (jowls, double chin).

Why Does Gravitational Ptosis Occur? The main cause is the natural aging process. As we age, collagen and elastin production slows down, and the muscles and ligaments that support facial tissues weaken. The skin loses its firmness, and fat pads shift downward.

Other contributing factors may include:

• genetics (individual facial structure);
• weight loss or sudden fluctuations in body weight;
• dehydrated skin and insufficient skincare;
• poor posture and incorrect sleeping positions.

Important: Ptosis is not a life sentence. Modern aesthetic medicine offers many methods to slow down this process and restore defined facial features—without compromising your natural appearance.

Degrees of Ptosis

Gravitational ptosis doesn’t appear suddenly — it develops gradually, with each stage showing its own characteristic signs. It’s important to recognize the changes early, as correction at the initial stages yields the best results.

Stage 1 — Initial (Mild Ptosis)

Signs of the early stage may appear between the ages of 30 and 65:

• nasolabial folds start to become slightly visible;
• corners of the mouth begin to droop slightly;
• mild sagging of the skin appears in the cheek area;
• the jawline is still defined, but not as sharp as before.

At this stage, ptosis may seem almost unnoticeable, but it’s the perfect time for preventive treatments—such as hardware-based cosmetology, injections, or facial muscle strengthening.

Stage 2 — Moderate (Noticeable Ptosis)

Signs of the second stage typically appear after the age of 40:

• nasolabial folds become clearly visible;
• corners of the mouth are noticeably downturned;
• cheeks begin to sag (forming “jowls”);
• the facial contour loses its definition;
• a double chin may start to appear.

This stage is already visible to the naked eye and gives the face a tired, “exhausted” appearance. At this point, more intensive treatments are recommended, such as SMAS lifting, vector lifting, and comprehensive rejuvenation programs.

Stage 3 — Pronounced (Severe Ptosis)

This condition of the skin and underlying tissues is typically observed in individuals aged 50 and older:

• deep nasolabial folds;
• skin creases along the sides of the nose;
• significant sagging of the cheeks with prominent jowls;
• noticeably distorted contour of the chin and neck;
• drooping eyelids and overhanging brows;
• a double chin often forms.

This stage of ptosis significantly alters facial appearance and adds years to one’s look. Correcting it requires a comprehensive, professional approach.

Assessing the degree of ptosis is essential for choosing the right rejuvenation strategy. At our clinic, a cosmetic doctor will help determine the level of changes and select the optimal restoration and lifting program.

How to Eliminate Facial Ptosis

Is it possible to “fight” gravitational ptosis? Yes — thanks to modern aesthetic medicine, non-surgical facial contouring with long-lasting results is now achievable. Two popular procedures actively used to correct gravitational ptosis at the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv are Radiesse vector lifting and SMAS lifting with the Ultraformer MPT device.

Radiesse Vector Lifting

Vector lifting is an injectable procedure that combines the effect of immediate volume with long-term biostimulation. The Radiesse filler, based on calcium hydroxyapatite, doesn’t just “fill” the tissues — it stimulates the body’s own collagen production, helping to reduce skin ptosis and restore firmness and elasticity.

How Radiesse Vector Lifting Works

Radiesse is a collagen stimulator that is injected by a doctor into key points of the face following special vector lines. The product distributes evenly and stays in place until it is fully metabolized by the body. As a result, a natural lifting effect is achieved with no visible signs of intervention, and the results last for 12–15 months.

Benefits of Radiesse Vector Lifting:

• lifts tissues and strengthens the facial muscle framework;
• improves skin quality;
• requires no downtime or recovery.

This procedure is ideal for stages 1–2 of ptosis and for the prevention of age-related skin changes.

SMAS Lifting with Ultraformer MPT

This is a hardware-based ultrasound technique that targets the deep layers of the face — all the way down to the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), which is typically only treated during surgical facelifts.

How SMAS Lifting with Ultraformer MPT Works:

Focused ultrasound penetrates the skin at a precise depth and gently stimulates tissue contraction and new collagen production. The face gradually becomes firmer, sagging is reduced, and facial contours improve. This procedure is recognized as a non-surgical alternative to surgical facial contouring — with no incisions or scars.

Benefits of SMAS Lifting with Ultraformer MPT:

• no injections or incisions;
• visible changes within 1–2 months;
• long-lasting results.

Ultraformer MPT SMAS lifting is suitable even for pronounced ptosis (stages 2–3). It’s an ideal option for those who aren’t ready for surgery but want noticeable results.

Both techniques — SMAS lifting and Radiesse vector lifting — can be combined with other rejuvenation and contouring procedures. This approach delivers a powerful yet natural result.

Gravitational facial ptosis is not a problem you simply have to accept. Modern cosmetology can help restore a defined facial contour — and with it, your confidence and self-love. If you’re noticing the first signs of aging or have been searching for an effective solution for a while, now is the time to act. Book a consultation with a cosmetic doctor at the LeoDerm Clinic today to receive a personalized care and correction plan. Reclaim a youthful appearance without surgery — our specialists will select the most suitable method based on your goals, skin type, and age-related needs.