Kiko Kono, M.D.
Profile
Graduated from Kawasaki Medical School. Worked as a dermatologist for about 20 years at core hospitals. After many years of experience and achievements, he became a cosmetic dermatologist. His practice style is to examine the skin thoroughly and pursue what is happening where on the skin and approach the problem. Her specialties include customized treatment, laser treatment, Botox, and skin growth injections. In her private life, she is a mother of two children.
As we age, our skin develops sagging and loss of firmness. Since these changes can significantly alter one’s facial appearance, many people hope to “delay skin aging as much as possible” or “see real improvement!” In this article, we’ll explain three main causes of sagging in detail and share our recommended treatments. This is a must-read for anyone new to treating sagging skin.
Check out the characteristics of aging skin!

As skin ages, changes tend to appear on the outer parts of the face, and the following changes can be observed.
- Hollows in the temples
- Hollows around the eyes
- Sagging lower eyelids
- Sagging or hollows in the cheeks
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines become deeper
- Sagging jawline
Such changes,It can drastically change the look of your faceI am sure you will.
In the following section, I will explain three specific causes of sagging skin and recommend three treatments.
Cause of Sagging 1: Loss of Skin Firmness and Elasticity

One of the causes of sagging is,The amount of collagen in the skin decreases with ageWhen collagen breaks down, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging. For this reason, at Yayoi Clinic, we recommend regular skincare tailored to your skin’s condition, as well as skin-nourishing injections to help maintain firmness and elasticity.
Cause of Sagging #2: Age-Related Decrease in Bone Mass and Fat, and Sagging

Bones and fat are,As we age, atrophy and lossAs we age, the skin and fat begin to sag due to gravity, leading to sagging and hollow cheeks. At Yayoi Clinic, we recommend “hyaluronic acid injections” performed by a physician to address these hollows, as this method helps restore balance and minimizes discomfort. Additionally, for sagging fat, we offer treatments such as “Thermagen” and “Volnuma,” which utilize radiofrequency technology to achieve a lifting effect while minimizing pain.
Cause of Sagging #3: Weakening of the Supporting Ligaments and SMAS

The third cause of sagging is,Weakening of the supporting ligaments and SMAS. The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) refers to the connective tissue that connects the facial skin and muscles to the underlying bone. The SMAS is the fascia that lies between the fat and muscle layers, alongside the supporting ligaments. These are,Due to the effects of aging and gravity, the skin stretches and becomes less elastic, causing fat to shift out of balance and sag, which leads to sagging.As a result, at Yayoi Clinic, we recommend HIFU treatment, which targets the SMAS directly to tighten the skin from the foundation up.
Combat Sagging with Yayoi Clinic’s Slow Aging Program

Sagging is caused by a combination of various factors. A daily skincare routine and regular treatments at a clinic can help combat sagging and slow down the aging process.
For solutions to sagging skin, visit YAYOI CLINIC
To age gracefully with healthy, beautiful skin, we recommend treatments to address sagging. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, please feel free to consult with Yayoi Clinic.
Aesthetic Dermatology, Cosmetic Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery, and Art Makeup in Hiroshima YAYOI CLINIC offers treatments for different skin, body, and facial concerns.
In order to offer a better option for everyone, we will assess each individual's skin condition and formulate a treatment plan that meets his or her needs, including treatment duration, budget, and acceptable downtime.
If you have any concerns, please come for a counseling session first.
Description of procedure] Hyaluronic acid
Approximate number of treatments
Hyaluronic acid: per treatment
Hyaluronidase: 1-2 times
*The number of treatments for each of these varies from person to person.
Cost]
Hyaluronic acid: 1 unit ¥79,800 (+ ¥22,000 for the procedure fee) *The number of units used depends on the individual.
Hyaluronidase:
One time ¥33,000
Other hospitals: 1 time ¥55,000
Adverse effects/risks
Very rare side effects of hyaluronic acid have been reported, including transient or irreversible blindness, induced stroke, as well as nodules, beaded nodules, allergic reactions, granulomas, herpes, lack of or decreased correction, misalignment, necrosis, numbness, pain, tumors, infection, angioedema, discoloration and hematomas.
Side effects of hyaluronidase have been reported to include needle marks, internal bleeding, and allergic reactions.
If you notice any of these symptoms or any other abnormalities, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Equipment used.
Fillers and hyaluronidase injections include drugs not approved in Japan and treatments that differ from their approved regulatory use.
The medicines and medical devices used for treatment were imported by private individuals based on the judgment of the doctors at our clinic. Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of concern for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
-Juviderm Vista® series: approved in Japan for "correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and furrows on the face
-Hyaluronidase: Approved by MFDS, Korea
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.
Description of treatment] Thermagen
Approximate number of treatments: 4 to 6 times per month *Depends on the treatment.
Cost] ¥21,780 - ¥249,000
Adverse effects/risks
The following complications may occur in rare cases after the procedure.
However, all of these can be improved with early treatment. If you experience any abnormalities, please consult our doctors as soon as possible.
*People who may be pregnant should always consult with their doctor in advance, as they may not be able to receive treatment.
Equipment used.
Thermagen treatments include procedures using domestically unapproved drugs or medical devices.
The medicines and medical devices used for treatment were imported by private individuals based on the judgment of the doctors at our clinic. Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of concern for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
There are no approved medical devices in Japan.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
Significant risks and side effects may not be evident.
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.
Description of treatment] Volnuma
The number of treatments is estimated to be: Every 1 time *Regular irradiation is necessary to maintain the effect.
Cost】¥55,000〜¥138,000
[Side effects/risks] Heat, erythema, edema, burns and blisters, numbness, paresthesia, whitening, internal bleeding, bruising, uneven skin surface, lumps, reactivation of herpes simplex, etc.
Equipment used.
Treatment of volnuemas involves the use of domestically unapproved drugs or medical devices.
The pharmaceuticals and medical devices used for treatment were imported from CLASSYS, a Korean company, under the judgment of our doctors.
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
As an unapproved medical device in Japan, significant risks and side effects may not have been identified.
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.
Description of treatment] Hyphenated
The number of treatments depends on the area to be treated, so please ask your doctor for details. Re-irradiation is possible if there is an interval of 6 months after treatment.
Cost] ¥68,600 - ¥98,000
Adverse effects/risks
Although it varies from person to person, irradiation is accompanied by pain.
In very rare cases, burns may occur in people with sensitive skin or depending on their physical condition. If symptoms should occur, please contact our clinic.
The irradiated area may become unevenly hardened, but it will blend in within 3 to 4 weeks.
Swelling, swelling, and redness may occur. Please refrain from strenuous sports, excessive alcohol consumption, and saunas while experiencing swelling and swelling. Also, please refrain from massages for a week and be careful of friction.
Dull aches and numbness like muscle pain may occur for about a month after irradiation, but will gradually subside.
Equipment used.
SuperHIFE treatments include procedures using domestically unapproved drugs or medical devices.
Drugs and medical equipment used for treatment have been purchased and processed under the judgment of the clinic's physicians.
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
Significant risks and side effects may not be evident.
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.