Sagging skin is a natural part of the aging process that most of us dread, and until recently, the only option to tighten it was going under the knife for a facelift. Fortunately, non-surgical options now exist that can help plump and tighten sagging skin without carrying the same risks and downtime as surgery.
There are a number of non-surgical skin tightening treatments available that can be quite effective. These treatments work by heating up the tissue deeper under the skin surface, which leads to collagen stimulation and resultant tightening of lax skin. Treatments include using lasers, radiofrequency, microneedling, ultrasound, energy, and radiofrequency energy. The devices all can be effective, with radiofrequency micro-needling resulting in the most consistent skin tightening. But don’t expect these treatments to be one-and-done solutions. Multiple treatments are required, and it can take 3 to 6 months to see the optimal results.
Radio Frequency or Ultrasound Skin Tightening Radio are favorites for those seeking non-surgical ways to tighten sagging skin. They contract and tighten collagen fibers and stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to skin tightening and firming. If the sagging is mild, three sessions once a month may be enough, while severe cases may require six sessions spaced within six months. Each session costs between $200 and $500, depending on the clinic and the RF device used. Thread lifts are another exciting development in skin tightening procedures, with results lasting between six months and a year. One or two sessions may be required, depending on the skin’s laxity.
Fillers involve injecting a gel-like substance onto the skin tissues to ‘fill up’ lost volume. Most are made from hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates the skin. Some cosmetologists also use polylactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite, which stimulates collagen production. Fillers are often used for lip and cheek fillers, with the results lasting for six months to one and a half years. This procedure costs between $500 and $1500, depending on the doctor, the filler used, and the amount of filler used.
While there are no miracles in a bottle, choosing retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. Products such as Olay Regenerist Cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra- Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream, and SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate are recommended.
In conclusion, while there are options out there to address sagging skin, none are one-and-done solutions. Non-surgical treatments require multiple sessions and can take months to see the optimal results. Fillers offer temporary improvement and need to be repeated periodically. Topical products may have some effect, but their impact is limited. It’s important to consult with a qualified dermatologist to determine the right procedure for your skin condition and expected outcome.
