Around the age of 35 and 40, most people notice skin laxity or loosening. As people age, they lose collagen networks, elastin fibres, and hyaluronic acid – a molecule that helps the skin retain moisture. Pregnancy and weight loss, especially if its significant or rapid weight loss, can also loosen the skin by stretching skin molecules or altering its structure. Other factors such as excessive sun exposure can also damage collagen and elastin, resulting in premature ageing of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
How to Tighten Loose Skin?
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in your body. Maintaining sufficient collagen levels sufficient is vital for your health and appearance. Therefore, in order to tighten loose skin, the focus should be on building your own natural collagen.
Dr Thean from Ensoul Body Medical Clinic shared that in the past, to get rid of saggy, loose skin may involve surgery like facelifts and tummy tucks. However, thanks to the advancement of science, there are multiple of non-invasive options available in today’s world. Here are 5 types of non-invasive skin tightening options you may consider.
#1 Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
Also known as RF Microneedling, this non-surgical treatment has become an increasingly popular modality for treating loose and saggy skin, especially around the double chin and neck region.
In order to rejuvenate the skin from the inside, RF energy is delivered deep into the skin using microneedles. This procedure causes a repair process that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to tighter skin. Apart from tightening the skin, it can also treat other skin issues such as scarring and stretch marks.
#2 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU is an FDA approved treatment in Singapore that uses ultrasound technology to precisely penetrate different depths of the skin, delivering focused beams of 60°C to 70°C degrees Celsius without damaging the skin. In addition to lifting the face, these focused beams stimulate collagen production in the skin for a firming and toning effect.
#3 Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency skin tightening uses a device to apply controlled radio waves to the target area of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Studies have shown that by rising the skin’s temperature and keeping it there for at least 3 minutes, it can trigger the release of heat-shock proteins, resulting in new collagen and increased elasticity. Making the skin look rejuvenated and firmer.
#4 Skin Tightening with Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis has become an increasingly popular treatment to safely remove unwanted fatty tissue without surgery. SculpSure’s clinical study conducted in 2006 showed that apart from melting fat cells, patients also experienced improved skin tightening. As it is also a laser treatment, collagen and elastin is stimulated from deep within the dermal layer of the skin which results in a smoother and tighter skin.
#5 Microwave Treatment for Skin Tightening
The patented Onda Coolwaves™ uses special microwave energy to target localised fat cells while tightening and contouring the skin. Studies have shown that the longer wavelengths penetrate deeper, and the energy produced by the microwaves can cause immediate shrinkage or contraction of the collagen in the dermis.
Additionally, the Coolwaves system stimulates cellular metabolism. Besides removing fat, this treatment also stimulates the production of new collagen in the connective tissue surrounding fat deposits by stimulating physiological metabolism. As a result, you achieve a contoured appearance as well as tauter, smoother, more youthful skin.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
