There are several topical, non-surgical, and surgical treatments available to tighten lax skin. Loose and excess skin results from natural aging because less collagen and elastin are produced over time, chronic sun exposure that prematurely damages collagen and elastin, pregnancy, or rapid, dramatic weight loss.
Topical and non-invasive treatments can target mild to moderate sagging skin. Surgical options are more suitable for severe cases. Choosing a treatment for lax skin depends on the target area and the severity of loose skin.
Non-invasive treatments:
Many skin care products have beneficial anti-aging ingredients that help prevent mild sagging skin. Products containing retinol can fade fine lines. It encourages faster cell turnover and collagen production for a youthful appearance. Hydration is also essential for skin to look plump and glowing. Hyaluronic Acid soaks up water to immediately plump the skin. Peptides also help to rejuvenate the skin.
SkinTyte uses infrared light technology. It heats the dermal layer of skin tissue to encourage collagen production. The treatment is suitable for the face, neck, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Usually, six sessions are needed over a few months for optimal results.
Ultratherapy uses ultrasound for skin tightening. This procedure also heats connective tissue to tighten it and increase collagen production. It can treat mild to moderate sagging in the jowls, neck, elbows, knees, and abdomen.
BodyTite, Thermage, Trusculpt, and ThermiTight are skin tightening treatments utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. RF energy is known for its ability to boost collagen production. It also heats the skin to tighten connective tissue. While they can all be used on different body parts, Thermage primarily targets laxity on the face.
Surgical alternatives are reserved for severely loose skin. One of the most popular procedures is a tummy tuck. Surgeons perform this operation on the abdomen. They remove excess skin, tighten the muscles, and contour the waist and stomach. The procedure is often combined with liposuction and requires a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Body and facelifts can target other body parts such as the cheeks and neck by surgically removing loose skin to tighten the skin. These are also operations that require board-certified plastic surgeons. These invasive techniques often require some form of general anesthetic, and the recovery time can range from weeks to months.
