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Some skincare issues are easier to solve than others. If you have a dark spot or redness, there are a number of lasers, for example, that can help alleviate these texture concerns. Numerous creams exists that can hydrate the driest of skin and effective ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid can help unclog pores and get acne under control. But successfully plumping and tightening sagging skin, a natural part of the aging process that occurs because of the breakdown of collagen and elastin over time, has always been considered a more difficult challenge. And up until fairly recently, the only way you could really tighten sagging skin is by going under the knife and getting a facelift.
If the thought of surgery terrifies you, you’re not alone. That’s why dermatologists are sharing non-surgical treatments that can actually help sagging skin without carrying the same risks and downtime as surgery. Here are their top picks for treatments.
Bring On The Heat
There are a number of non-surgical skin tightening treatments that are available and can be quite effective, according to Dr. Robin Evans, founder of Southern CT Dermatology and a clinical instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. These treatments are different, but abide by the same principal — they 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, and other laser like devices including radiofrequency, microneedling, ultrasound, energy, and radiofrequency energy,” Dr. Evans says. “The devices all can be effective with radiofrequency micro needling, resulting in the most consistent skin tightening.”
You shouldn’t expect these treatments to be one-and-done solutions though. “Multiple treatments are always required and best results are obtained with heating up the tissue to deeper levels, and at higher energy levels of tissue heat elicited,” Dr. Evans says. “All devices require some form of numbing to be done, in general topical anesthetics will be sufficient for most patients. These devices all will give the best results over time after the series of treatments requiring 3 to 6 months to see the optimal results. All of these devices also are most effective for mild to moderate skin laxity. For someone with more severe skin laxity, those individuals may be more disappointed with the results.”
Radiofrequency & Ultrasound
Radio Frequency or Ultrasound Skin Tightening Radio are a favorite for Cosmetic Doctor Laura Geigaite at Glow Bar London as they product waves that contract and tighten collagen fibers and stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to skin tightening and firming. “It is usually painless, but one may experience mild discomfort, redness, swelling, and skin sensitivity,” Geigaite says. “These effects wear off within a few hours. The number of sessions required varies, depending on the severity of the skin laxity. If the sagging is mild, I recommend three sessions; once a month. However, for severe cases, I do six sessions spaced within six months. Each session costs between $200 and $500, depending on the clinic and the RF device used. I advise you to look for clinics that offer package deals for the total number of sessions to save on costs. Also, consult a qualified dermatologist to determine if this procedure is right for you.”
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using a small needle to create tiny punctures on the skin, Geigaite says, which activates the natural healing process, resulting in collagen and elastin production. “These proteins help in tightening the skin, for a youthful look. Microneedling is generally well tolerated, but patients may experience hyperpigmentation, dryness, slight bruising, or hyperpigmentation, which subside after a few hours,” she says. “For optimal results, I recommend 3 to 6 sessions (every 2-4 weeks), depending on your skin condition and the expected outcome. Each session costs between $100 and $600 or more, depending on the clinic, the extent of the procedure, and the dermatologist's expertise. Always ask for a discount or a package offer for the total number of sessions.”
Thread Lifts
Another exciting development in skin tightening procedures is the use of thread lifts. “This procedure is performed with local anesthetic injected, and threads are placed with barbs that secure the tissue below and can physically lift the skin tissue with pulling and tying off and burying the threads beneath the skin surface so they are not visible,” Dr. Evans explains. “Results are instantaneous, and typically last six months to a year. One session or possibly two may be required. Like the devices noted above, this procedure works best for people with mild to moderate skin laxity. The procedure can be performed on persons with more severe laxity, but the results will likely not be as significant.”
Fillers
Fillers involve injecting a gel-like substance onto the skin tissues to 'fill up' lost volume, Geigaite explains. “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,” she says. “Most patients go for lip and cheek fillers, with the results lasting for six months to one and a half years. Dermal fillers are relatively safe, but some patients experience mild swelling, redness, and bruising for the first few hours. This procedure costs between $500 and $1500, depending on the doctor, the filler used, and the amount of filler used. Most patients only need one session, but some require multiple sessions. I recommend taking a four to six weeks break before getting another session of fillers.”
Also be aware that fillers aren’t a favorite to address sagging skin for many dermatologists and skin experts, especially if you have more obvious signs of sagging.
Topical Products
Finally, can you avoid a dermatologist’s office (and the expense) altogether and treat sagging skin with creams and serums? Apologies for bursting bubbles, but experts say there are serious limitations to what topical treatments can do for sagging skin.
“Topical products are best used for fine lines, skin tone, skin texture, moisturizing, but will not offer improvement in true skin laxity,” Dr. Evans says.
To support firmer skin though, choosing retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide is a good idea because, even though the results can be minimal, these products can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness, according to Geigaite. “I recommend Olay Regenerist Cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra- Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream, and SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate,” Geigaite says.
While there are no miracles in a bottle and even skin-tightening procedures can take several sessions to show results, there are options out there if you want to address sagging skin.
