As we grow old, the production of elastin and collagen—proteins that help the skin remain firm, smooth, and plump —slows down, causing sagging facial skin. If you’re concerned by skin laxity, non-invasive skin tightening treatments could temporarily slow the aging process and achieve a smoother, firmer, younger look with minimal downtime.
Benefits of Non-invasive Skin Tightening
• Firms mild to moderately loose facial skin without scars or surgery
• Minimal downtime is required
• Minimal risk of adverse side effects when conducted by a licensed cosmetic doctor
• Treatments could be done in an aesthetic clinic, usually in an hour or under
• Results could last up to 1 year
Do I Qualify for Non-invasive Skin Tightening?
Non-invasive skin tightening is best suited for people worried about mild to moderate sagging skin and who don’t need the more dramatic skin removal and lifting possible via cosmetic surgery.
While there are very limited important side effects included in non-invasive skin tightening, it might not be suitable for pregnant patients, have particular medical conditions, or take some medications.
The greatest way to know if non-invasive skin tightening is suitable for you is by consulting a skilled cosmetic doctor. They’ve gone through extensive training in non-invasive cosmetic treatments and could assist you in choosing the greatest option for your goals needs.
Non-Invasive skin tightening Procedures
Ultherapy
Ultherapy utilizes concentrated ultrasound energy that heats skin at certain locations and depths (up to 5 millimeters deep) to stimulate collagen production and assist the skin in becoming firmer. Treatments are provided through a handheld device, which sends the ultrasound energy through the surface of the skin. Ultrasound technology has been utilized in medicine for decades, and ultrasound skin tightening includes a great safety profile. It’s effective for older people searching for a minor facelift with no surgery and for younger ones who wish to keep their skin profile and stop skin laxity as they get old.
The FDA approves Ultherapy to lift and tighten the brow line, neck, chest, and chin. For facial therapies, Ultherapy enhances the muscle fascia, which is the main muscle addressed in regular facelift treatments. It is also a great non-surgical way to deal with mild to moderate submental fullness (double chin).
Thermage
Thermage is a procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) radiation to heat the skin and stimulate collagen formation.
The energy is delivered by a particular handpiece, which warms the tissue beneath the skin and stimulates the body’s normal collagen regeneration. Thermage can tighten not just closer to the skin’s surface (for greater tightening and smoothing) but also deeper underneath thicker skin (for body contouring).
RF, unlike ultrasound, concentrates on the epidermal layers to provide a firmer, smoother look. Thermage, like ultrasound treatments, can smooth and tighten the skin in elderly individuals while also delaying the necessity for a surgical lift in younger people.
Treatment Time
Ultherapy treatments are usually less time-consuming than Thermage treatments. Because of the cooling that must occur on the epidermis, one treatment for the entire face and neck normally lasts roughly 60 minutes. In contrast, an equivalent Thermage session may take closer to 90 minutes.
Recovery and Side Effects
Both treatments are non-invasive and do not require any recovery time. Discoloration, swelling, and soreness of the skin are typical Ultherapy and Thermage side effects, which will go away on their own in a few days without treatment.
Results
The speed with which the techniques produce results varies substantially. Ultherapy’s ultimate effects are usually visible within two to three months of treatment. However, Thermage’s outcomes might take up to 6 months.
Patients should be aware that neither Ultherapy nor Thermage provides long-term results. However, clients can pick to have maintenance (“touch up”) therapy sessions to retain their effects for the long term.