We all age differently, but no matter your genetics, you will start to notice wrinkles and loose, sagging skin at some point in your life. This can be due to things such as pregnancy and weight loss, but for most, it comes down to reduced production of collagen and elastin — the essential proteins that promote plump, firm skin.
While there are numerous procedures meant to treat skin laxity, non-surgical skin tightening has risen to the top. With the ability to temporarily address loose skin by promoting the production of collagen and elastin, it allows clients to improve their appearance without the downtime of surgery. The question is which non-invasive treatment for loose skin is the best.
Understanding How Non-invasive Skin Tightening Works
The exact mechanism of action for rejuvenation will vary based on the treatment selected. However, these procedures generally work by delivering targeted energy to the deeper layers of the skin. The goal is for this energy to trigger the production of collagen and elastin.
This means that the results of the treatment are not instantly visible. Instead, they gradually build as the body boosts your natural protein production. While it can be difficult to wait to see results, this does mean that the look is more natural than what can be delivered via surgery or even with most injectables.
Best Options for Non-Surgical Skin Tightening
There is no one option that is best for everyone. Your surgeon can guide you in your choice.
Ultimately, the best non-invasive skin tightening treatment will depend on your needs and the condition of your skin. Working with a qualified plastic surgeon will make it easier to determine which treatment is right for you. However, there are certain options that stand out amongst the rest.
Dynamic Variable Depth Radio Frequency (DVD RF)
This treatment is a form of microneedling that is designed to both deliver topical treatments deeper into the skin and tighten the skin. Columns of radiofrequency energy are delivered to the targeted tissues through the microneedles. This triggers a healing response in the skin that encourages newer, younger cells to develop while also stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Due to the use of needles, there is some downtime needed, but it is minimal. Additionally, it is known to improve the overall appearance of the skin, not just its firmness, addressing lines, wrinkles, pore size and even scarring.
Fractional CO2
This form of non-invasive skin tightening uses lasers rather than microneedles to deliver energy to the skin. With Fractional CO2, the laser scatters light beam energy to make it easier to reach the deeper layers of the skin while also getting an even spread. Unlike microneedling, this is suited to treating a large surface area, such as the chest.
Clients typically need some downtime for the skin to lessen its reddened appearance. Most are fully healed in 7 days or less.
Thermage™
This non-invasive skin-tightening treatment uses radiofrequency energy, much like DVD RF. However, it does not rely on the use of microneedling. This means that for some clients, it might be the more comfortable choice. Additionally, it can be used most anywhere on the body since it is able to treat larger surface areas.
If you are interested in addressing skin laxity without surgery, speak to your plastic surgeon about non-invasive options.
Serving the Orange County and Los Angeles area since 1980, Facial Aesthetic Concepts is an award winning cosmetic surgery center with experienced facial plastic and plastic surgeons who are exclusively trained in facial, breast and body plastic surgery. Facial plastic surgery which includes a facelift, microlifts, browlift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and otoplasty, as well as “mommy make-overs” and breast enhancement are some of the core competencies of their surgical team.
