Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Consultations

Patients are encouraged to discuss their skin rejuvenation goals during their consultation. Questions about frequency of procedures and expected outcomes are important to ask when discussing non surgical methods of skin laxity treatment.

What is skin laxity?

Skin laxity refers to the loss of skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in sagging or drooping, and generally becomes apparent between the ages of 40 and 50. Collagen production typically decreases as we age, leading to signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging skin.

Reduction in skin laxity is most commonly observed around the jawline, neck, and under the eyes, giving a loose or wrinkled appearance.

What causes skin laxity?

Skin laxity is caused by various factors, including:

• Ageing: Reduced production of collagen and elastin over time.
• Weight Loss: Significant weight loss can leave behind excess skin.
• Sun Exposure: UV rays break down skin fibres.
• Smoking: Damages skin and reduces blood flow.
• Environmental Pollutants: Accelerate skin ageing.
• Diet: Poor nutrition contributes to skin laxity and quality.
• Hormonal Changes: Affect skin’s structural integrity.
• Genetics: Play a role in skin’s tendency to sag.
• Muscle Tone: Loss of muscle tone in the face, neck and jawline contributes to the appearance of loose or sagging skin
• Reduced Hyaluronic Acid: Decreases in skin moisture and volume contributes to sagging skin.

Environmental influences play the greatest role in alterations to the skin. However, collectively, all of these factors contribute to the loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

What are the benefits of non-surgical treatments for skin laxity?

Non-surgical treatments offer numerous benefits, helping to restore a firm appearance.

• Tightens the skin: Enhances skin firmness and reduces sagging.
• Improves texture: Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
• Boosts collagen production: Stimulates natural collagen, improving elasticity.
• Hydrates the skin: Enhances moisture retention for a more supple appearance.
• Reduces scars and pores: Improves the appearance of acne scars and minimises pore size.
• Non-invasive options: Many treatments require minimal downtime and discomfort.

Ultimately, these treatments effectively rejuvenate the skin, offering a firmer and smoother complexion.

How to choose the right skin tightening treatment

Choosing the right skin tightening treatment involves considering your specific skin concerns, the benefits you seek, and practical factors like acceptable downtime and the number of required sessions. Evaluating these elements will help ensure you select the most effective and convenient option for your needs.

What treatments can improve skin laxity?

Skin tightening treatments often include multiple treatment modalities to target different aspects of the condition. 

Collagen stimulating treatments 

These treatments, including injectables and topical products, boost collagen production to enhance skin elasticity and reduce sagging. These are best suited to those 

Exion Face

This treatment uses ultrasound skin tightening and radiofrequency heat energy to target deeper skin layers, stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.

EmFace

EmFace combines radiofrequency and high-intensity facial electrical stimulation to tighten skin and tone facial muscles. This dual approach enhances collagen and elastin production, as well as addressing loss of muscle tone, resulting in a lifted appearance.

RF needling

Exion Radiofrequency (RF) Needling is an innovative treatment that merges monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology with AI-controlled energy delivery and microneedling. This advanced approach allows for precise targeting of skin layers, promoting optimal collagen and elastin production.

The treatment is designed to tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin texture, and address issues such as thinning skin and acne scarring. By stimulating the deeper layers of the skin while simultaneously promoting surface renewal, Exion RF Needling offers comprehensive rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

Thread lifts 

A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure in which ‘threads’ or sutures are inserted into the skin of the face. These are usually temporary threads, made from products that help to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

The downtime is usually 1 week, with some possibility of swelling and bruising.

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing 

Laser skin tightening using the carbon dioxide laser involves resurfacing the skin to reduce wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation problems, and to tighten loose skin. It actually removes a layer of skin as well as heating the skin to tighten it. It is particularly effective around the eyes for skin tightening. It can be performed in fractional mode (small columns of laser energy are fired into the skin, leaving some untreated skin) which reduces healing times, or in non-fractional mode, which has greater downtime.

There is significant swelling, redness and scabbing, with a 2 week downtime to recover at home. We suggest having one session of this treatment.

The pain factor is minimal when performed under sedation. The treatment is extremely effective and works well around the eyes.

FAQs

What is the recommended treatment for skin tightening?

This will vary from client to client, depending on their needs. Most treatments have little downtime and over time the effect of the treatment increases as cells regenerate and produce more collagen and elastin.

Common skin tightening treatments performed at our clinic including RF needling, prescription collagen stimulating treatments, EmFace, Exion Face RF Ultrasound skin tightening and Co2 laser resurfacing.

Depending on the treatment, some may require more than one session. For example, injectable treatments are suggested to have 2 to 12 monthly sessions, depending on the area and product used, whereas Co2 laser resurfacing is suggested to have 1 session.

How long does skin lifting last?

The results are not permanent; however, they may produce some long-lasting changes or a decrease in the rate of skin ageing. You may likely need to have occasional maintenance appointments.

Is there any downtime required for skin tightening treatments?

Non-surgical skin tightening treatments typically involve minimal downtime and discomfort, with these treatments often requiring several sessions for optimal results. Co2 laser resurfacing has the most significant downtime of all the skin laxity treatments, with approximately 2 weeks of downtime.

Can you tighten loose saggy skin?

Yes, you can tighten loose, saggy skin through various non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes. In addition to the treatments mentioned on this page, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure with a high quality sunscreen, and using skincare products with retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can also help improve skin laxity.

By combining these treatments and healthy habits, you can effectively tighten loose, saggy skin. The degree to which you can tighten your skin will depend on the severity of your skin laxity.

How do you know if you have good skin laxity?

Good skin laxity means your skin can bounce back to its original shape after being stretched or pinched. To check your skin’s laxity, you can perform a simple test:

• Pinch Test: Gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand, cheek, or under the jawline.
• Observation: If your skin quickly returns to its original position, you have good skin laxity. If it takes time or remains slightly lifted, you might have reduced skin laxity.

Good skin laxity is often associated with youthful, firm skin. Undergoing treatments for skin tightening, as well as regular use of skincare products that promote collagen and elastin can help maintain or improve skin laxity.

Last updated October 2024