Skin Tightening is a cosmetic procedure where the primary goal is to keep the skin elastic, decrease its sagging, and produce more collagen that can give the skin a youthful and revitalized look.

Collagen and elastin are two different types of proteins that you have from birth and that your skin is full of. These are responsible for skin elasticity, strength, and structure of the skin. With age, the production of these proteins reduces, and the skin becomes less elastic and wrinkles start to show on the body.

Skin tightening treatments are meant to control these adverse aging effects while at the same time stimulating collagen production and reinforcing skin resilience.

Types

The 2 main types of treatments are:

1) Clinical Treatment

Radiofrequency:

This can include thermalift, thermage, and exilis. The RF devices send low-frequency electromagnetic waves that create heat which travels inside the skin to produce new skin cells. This procedure aims to regenerate and improve the skin, decrease in fine lines, and wrinkles.
Thermage can be carried out in one session, but some individuals prefer to take multiple sessions. Depending on the sessions you take, either one or multiple, it may take up to 4 months to show the full effects.

Ultrasound therapy:

A non-invasive procedure where ultrasound energy is utilized to heat the target skin cells that stimulate the production of collagen. As a result, the area around the neck and face is tightened.

Radiofrequency microneedling:

makes use of radio frequency energy and microneedles that will give the skin a smooth texture and tone.

Thread lift:

This is also a minimal invasive procedure where soluble threads are inserted into the skin. The threads ensure a raising effect which in turn tightens and lifts sagging, and wrinkles on the skin.

2) Home Treatment

This can vary depending on the recommendation of the doctor who after examination of the face or body part and the extent of the condition may suggest ultrasound therapy. For the face, Thermalift, and Exilis are preferred options. Vela shape is more preferred for larger body parts.

Why Should You Go for Skin Tightening Procedure?

When you age, collagen and elastin-the two important proteins for bone and skin development to keep your skin smooth, firm, and glowing-slow down, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles on the face, neck, and other parts of the body. If your sagging skin is bothering you, then non-surgical skin tightening is a good option to temporarily stop this process to bring back a smoother, firmer, and more rejuvenating look with less or no downtime.

Side-effects

Negative effects can include:

Redness
Soreness
Bruising
Swelling

Benefits of Skin Tightening Treatment

Facial, neck, or body skin is tightened mildly to fairly without the need for surgery or that may lead to scars.
Numerous therapies are able to provide a ‘lifting’ effect.
The downtime is very less.
The perils of adverse signs or symptoms are very less when carried out by a qualified healthcare provider.
Results are long lasting and can last up to a year.

Drawbacks with Skin Tightening Treatment

It may take a month or more after cosmetic surgery to show the results.
The need for multiple sessions may be required in achieving the desired goals.
Can be less effective on more advanced skin sagging like stretched skin that may follow immediately after pregnancy or with a loss in weight.