Saggy loose skin is frustrating. It not only affects appearance but also impacts our self-confidence. Certainly, there are several reasons which can result in developing loose skin. For example, if you are suffering obesity and trying to lose weight in a shorter period it can result in saggy and drooping skin that hangs on the body. Ageing is the other most common cause of getting saggy skin, certain medical conditions and pregnancy may also be the causes.
There are different ways including non-invasive and invasive treatments that can improve the tone and elasticity of saggy skin. Here are a few affordable, low-cost treatment options that actually work.
Ultrasound Technology
Ultrasound therapy–commercially known as Ultherapy is the non-invasive treatment cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lifting the skin. Ultrasound therapy has gained popularity during the past decade, especially if you have a turkey neck, wrinkled chin and forehead it will smooth away the lines and wrinkles.[1]
The dermis of the skin contains most of the skin’s specialized cells and structures. After 20 years of age, the collagen synthesis decreases each year. In women, after menopause, the decreased estrogen level leaves the skin drier, thinner, and not as taut as before. Production of the new collagen protein in the dermis makes the skin tighter again.
The procedure starts by cleansing your skin thoroughly. Next, an ultrasound gel is applied and the smooth handpiece is placed on your skin. The focused ultrasound energy is delivered to pre-planned depths within the tissue below the surface of your skin to stimulate collagen growth. The procedure lasts up to 30 to 90 minutes.
The risks associated with treatment are slight redness, swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch.
With 1 treatment, you will get results within 2 to 6 months. You may get more benefit from having additional treatments. The effects of the treatment can last up to a year.
LASER therapy
LASER therapy is a non-invasive and not very painful procedure. There are different types of LASER Therapy treatments available that can boost collagen production and improve overall skin tone. You can see the best results after multiple treatments. It is beneficial especially for firming the upper arms and stomach, as well as other areas of the body. LASER delivers controlled energy to the upper layers of the skin thus, removing the surface layers of the facial skin. Based on the mechanism of action, this treatment is effective for wrinkles and fine lines with a slight tightening effect.
The heat metabolises older collagen within your skin, making way for new fibres that are more compact and organised, resulting in fewer wrinkles. We can get the best results by using multiple modality protocols. You may need 3 to 5 treatments to get results, which gradually appear between 2 and 6 months after the last treatment.[2]
Microneedling
Microneedling also known as collagen induction therapy uses small needles to prick the skin. During the procedure, your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The doctor will move the tool evenly across your skin. About an hour before your treatment, your doctor will use a topical anaesthetic to reduce the chances of pain. The actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes. Following the actual procedure, a serum or calming treatment is applied. The procedure can take about two hours and you may need at least four procedures or more for the ideal results.[3]
This minimally invasive treatment can be carried out at home using a derma roller. Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores. You can experience minor skin irritation and redness for a few days. You can get results within two weeks. If you are suffering active skin infections, skin cancer or unusually prone to developing keloid scars microneedling is not for you.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is another nonsurgical and noninvasive skin tightening treatment option that stimulates protein production in your skin’s deeper layers and makes it firmer.[4]
During treatment, an RF skin tightening machine will send alternating currents from the electrode to your tissue. The heat produced during the procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production. The procedure is slightly painful, but results last for two to three years.
You may notice immediate skin tightening after treatment. Some people may require multiple treatments to get ideal results.
Getting professional help is important before choosing any treatment. You should consult your physician and pick the best treatment for your skin.
REFERENCES
- Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. “How Ultrasound Skin Tightening Can Firm, Lift Your Face.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 18 April 2020. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-ultrasound-skin-tightening-can-firm-lift-your-face/.
- AMA Regenerative Medicine & Skincare”Laser Skin Tightening – How to Tighten Skin.” AMA Regenerative Medicine & Skincare. Accessed 18 April 2020. https://www.amaskincare.com/services/laser-skin-tightening/.
- Almanza, Aubrey. “This Is What Microneedling Really Does to Your Face.” The Healthy. Accessed 18 April 2020. https://www.thehealthy.com/beauty/anti-aging/microneedling-benefits/.
- Mattia, Daniel. “Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: Does It Work and Is It Safe.” Derm Collective. Accessed 18 April 2020. https://dermcollective.com/radio-frequency-skin-tightening/.
