Like a fine wine, there are many aspects of life that get better with age. We’re less stressed financially. We’ve built friendships that truly matter. We’ve gained a tremendous amount of wisdom from overcoming life’s ups and downs.
And yet, there’s one thing that almost inevitably goes south as we get older: Our skin.
In our mid-thirties or so, we begin to lose the elasticity that once kept our faces firm and tight. As collagen production slows, the skin thins and starts to droop, which is when we begin to notice the annoying signs of aging: Crow’s feet, marionette lines, saggy jowls, and the dreaded “11s” that make us look like we’re frowning all the time. Before we know it, we’re looking for ways to turn back the clock and achieve the contoured (and happier) look of our younger years.
There are quite a few options available to tighten skin, but the more invasive options are not for everyone. For example, surgery is a possibility, but there are good reasons why some might want to avoid it: Other health issues, the downtime needed, or even just the cost. Dermal fillers and Neurotoxins like BOTOX work beautifully, but typically need to be repeated every 4 months—plus, some people are a little squeamish when it comes to needles.
Luckily, there are non-invasive anti-aging treatments that tighten skin—i.e. no surgery, and no injections. They stimulate collagen and elastin without needles, and don’t require downtime. Even better? Depending on which device is used, results can last up to two years. If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and scowling at sagging skin, it’s worth it to look into this cutting-edge option.
The top 3 non-surgical treatments that tighten skin
1. Thermage
Sagging skin in the cheeks, jawline, forehead and around the eyes is no match for Thermage. Using a hand-held device, dermatologists target trouble areas with radiofrequency technology that heats collagen fibers deep within the skin. While existing collagen becomes engaged, new collagen fibers also begin to develop, making the skin appear tighter immediately!
And because collagen is also needed for firmer skin on the body, Thermage treatment works on the stomach, legs, buttocks, and arms. So say goodbye to batwings and wrinkly knees. Even cellulite (aka cottage cheese) thighs become smoother and tighter after one session.
Thermage is totally pain free and doesn’t even require anesthesia. Yes, it involves heat, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel a burning sensation. At the same time the device is heating the inner layers of skin, it also cools the skin’s surface. This protects the epidermis (outer layer of skin) while also keeping you comfortable.
The whole process can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the size of the area being treated, and patients are able to resume normal activities right away. After that, collagen production continues to increase for months, resulting in visibly contoured, firmer skin within two to six months after treatment—which can last up to a year or two. How great is that? There’s a reason more than 2 million people worldwide have turned to Thermage to tighten skin without surgery.
2. Cutera Titan
Cutera Titan is another promising non-invasive anti-aging treatment. It’s an infrared laser that works by heating the water deep in the dermis (the middle layer of skin between the epidermis and the hypodermis). This causes collagen in the skin to tighten while also promoting new collagen and elastin growth. Infrared technology works similarly to radiofrequency, but provides a more uniform distribution of energy when heating the deep dermis. This is beneficial for treating larger areas such as the jowls and neck, and can also address sagging skin after weight loss and pregnancy.
A Titan facial session usually takes about an hour. Some improvement in skin texture and tightness is noticeable after one treatment, but a second treatment is usually recommended after 4 weeks for even more impressive results. Like Thermage, most Titan patients’ skin continues to, well, tighten, for 3-6 months.
3. Venus Freeze
Despite having a name that suggests an icy experience, this anti-aging treatment operates on heat—in fact, many patients compare it to a hot stone massage. It’s called “Freeze” because it freezes you in time (or even better, lets you hit rewind). The device combines multi-polar radiofrequency and pulsed magnetic fields to produce a dense and uniform heat matrix. What does this do? It causes microscopic heat damage to the underlying layers of skin, where collagen and elastin are found. Bonus: Since fat cells are found here too, it also reduces the volume of fat cells, resulting in the reduced appearance of cellulite.
To repair that damage the treatment caused, our amazing bodies begin to produce more collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter, firmer, smoother skin. The most popular areas patients choose to tighten skin are the face, neck, arms, abdomen and thighs.
The average Venus Freeze treatment only lasts around 30 minutes. To experience the most impressive results, 6-8 treatments scheduled one week apart are recommended.
The best ways to prevent sagging skin at home
Even if you’re loving your younger, firmer face after skin-tightening treatment, you’ll want to implement some good practices for stretching your results out as long as possible.
Stay out of the sun, or slather on sunscreen
One of the biggest reasons our skin starts to sag is because of UV exposure. The sun’s rays damage collagen and elastic fibres, and produce harmful free radicals that accelerate collagen and elastin breakdown. To keep the sun from robbing your beautiful skin, it’s best to avoid basking in the sun like you did when you were younger. If you must get out for some vitamin D, wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and a sunhat.
Drink lots of water
That voluminous, youthful skin will only stay that way if you’re well hydrated. When skin cells are well-hydrated, they literally plump up like balloons, creating a firmer surface. And because the skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds water, it’s essential to have enough water in your system to let the skin do its job. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day, and check regularly to see if your urine is pale yellow and almost clear. If it’s darker, you need to drink more.
Talk to your dermatologist about skin firming products
There are a ton of creams, serums, and moisturizers on the market; it’s hard to know what works and what could actually be a waste of money (or worse, be harmful to your skin). Your dermatologist will recommend products clinically proven to tighten skin to help you reach your specific aesthetic goals. In general, the best skin tightening products will contain:
- Peptides. These are short amino acid chains that signal your skin to produce more collagen.
- Hyaluronic acid: As discussed above, it draws moisture and plumps the skin for a firmer, smoother overall appearance.
- Vitamin A, also called retinol. When applied to the skin, it can improve the shape of skin’s elastin and possibly even build elastin.
It’s possible to tighten skin without surgery at Forefront
As you age, your confidence should be improving—not going downhill. Say goodbye to self-consciousness and start loving who you see in the mirror. Our skin experts would love to discuss all the skin tightening options we have to make you feel your very best.
