Effective Sagging Skin Treatments Without Surgical Procedures

Nonsurgical procedures that tighten sagging skin are less invasive than tummy tucks or face lifts but can produce the same results. Sagging skin treatments that are not invasive also come with fewer complication risks. Moreover, recovery required is straightforward and it costs less than their invasive counterparts. Sagging skin treatments make use of new technologies.

Noninvasive Tightening Treatments: What are the Different Types?

Collagen and elastin are two proteins that give the skin elasticity and structure. Unfortunately, as a person gets older, the production of those proteins also slows down significantly. This results in the skin losing its elasticity. The skin can also get saggy because of several factors.

Some of the factors that can cause saggy skin include stress, pollution, and different facial muscle movements. Other factors that can also contribute to saggy skin and stretch marks include weight loss and pregnancy. Nonsurgical treatments target areas that are sagging and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

Radiofrequency (Thermage and Thermalift)

The first technology that banks on the idea of restoring or “waking up” collagen was Thermalift. This procedure makes use of a device that is designed to apply radio waves that are controlled to the areas that need tightening. This procedure is carried out without anesthesia. The procedure won’t also require any recovery time.

Thermage on the other hand will require several sessions before results are noticeable. Other kinds of radiofrequency therapies won’t need multiple sessions to achieve results. Most treatment options that make use of radiofrequency will take at least four months for results to effect completely.

Intense Pulsed Light (Velashape)

This treatment option makes use of a device that shrinks and targets fat cells. The handheld device sends infrared waves to the skin layers and breaks apart the fat deposits. This procedure won’t use anesthesia. To achieve dramatic and visible results, several treatment sessions are required.

Efficacy of Noninvasive Treatments

While the results provided by noninvasive treatments are not as dramatic as that of laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and surgery, several studies have indicated that they do help tighten sagging skin. Some of the studies include:

  • A 2017 study found out that radiofrequency-based methods to tighten the skin produced great results after five to eight treatment sessions. Most patients also reported high satisfaction rates.
  • A 2011 study found out that devices used to produce radiofrequency waves in order to tighten skin are both effective and safe.
  • Another study concluded that using radiofrequency is one of the most effective ways to manage and minimize facial wrinkles.
  • Another study done in 2015 revealed that radiofrequency treatments were able to produce significant results.

Surgical Alternatives

Understandably, surgical alternatives are more invasive procedures. Tummy tucks and face lifts for instance have been known and proven to provide very dramatic results. However, they would also require a very long recovery time. For those who want immediate and noticeable results, surgical treatment would be the best option.

Of course, surgical options also carry certain risks that their noninvasive alternatives don’t have. Nonsurgical methods won’t need any downtime while surgical options would require the complete opposite. The former also has no risks of complications and infections since surgery is not involved.

For those who are considering nonsurgical tightening alternatives over the surgical ones, it is recommended that you check with your dermatologist first so proper guidance and recommendations may be provided. You can also start doing your research so you can make an educated decision.

Bottom Line

Nonsurgical or noninvasive skin tightening options are considered low-risk alternatives to surgical options. Setting expectations that are realistic and choosing a licensed and trained provider are both important before deciding on the best procedure for you.

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