Sagging skin refers to the loose skin as a result of ageing process.With age our skin tends to lose subcutaneous fat, collagen and elastin- the supportive connective tissue that makes it look firm, plump and youthful.Facial muscles also weaken with age eventually resulting in sagging skin.
Sagging skin is most commonly found on the neck, jawline, upper arms, thighs and stomach age.
Non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments can improve the tone and elasticity of saggy skin. They tend to be most effective if they’re combined with healthy lifestyle choices and routine skin care such as moisturiser, sunscreen and certain creams/ serums for maintainence. These procedures are done by a dermatologist and include:
1. Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency (RF) energy can be used to heat the skin and trigger collagen production. RF focuses on epidermal layers to achieve a firmer, smoother appearance. Face, neck, hands, and body can be treated. Benefits : Non invasive, safe for all skin types, little to no discomfort during procedure and requires no downtime. Results are seen gradually in few months.
2. Microneedling RF (MNRF)
Microneedling RF devices poke tiny holes into the skin and then deliver RF heat to the deep layers of the skin to stimulate skin tightening over time requiring few sessions (4-6). Post application of topical numbing cream procedure takes about 30 mins, well tolerated with minimal discomfort. Benefits : very minimal downtime with flushing reducing within 2 days. Side effects are mild - redness, edema and rarely scabs which heal in 4-5 days
3. LASERS
Fractional laser resurfacing uses laser energy to create micro-injuries, triggering the production of new collagen and tightening the skin. Benefits: Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and enhances skin tightness. Lasers may be associated with varying degrees of redness lasting for a few days to weeks depending on their energy settings.Treatment duration- typically requires multiple sessions and improvement is seen gradually.
4. Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers help restore loss of collagen. It can add volume back, lift sagging areas on the face and smoothens the wrinkles, based on the product used and the injection technique. fillers help to build the appearance of better bone structure in an aging face in order to support hanging tissues, thereby allowing a more pleasing conformation of the face. Procedure takes around 20-30 mins, with minimal to no downtime. Very little side effects like bruising/swelling which disappear in few days. Effects lasts for 1-2 years.Benefits: Immediate results, minimal downtime, and addresses volume loss. Quick, often completed in a single session.
5. Threadlifting
This technique, which entails is often used to firm up jowls or the brow region. The procedure involves making several small incisions with internal sutures to lift and re-suspend drooping or sagging tissues and shape the face. There are no incisions and the sutures are delivered via a small needle prick making the procedure less to non painful .Benefits : It is an in-office procedure that takes about 15 minutes and requires no downtime.Immediate results and stimulates natural collagen formation.
6. Ultrasound skin tightening HIFU
In this an ultrasound device is applied over a target area with a concentrated beam of energy to create heat in the dermis to stimulate collagen production. HIFU has an excellent safety profile. It is effective for older patients looking for a mini facelift without surgery and for younger patients who want to maintain their skin profile and prevent skin laxity as they age. Treatments take 30 to 90 minutes, Non invasive, with little to none downtime. Patients may experience temporary discomfort during the procedure. Side effects are minimal like temporary redness, bruising, and numbness. Results are seen within 2 to 3 months and can last up to a year.
7. Chemical peels
A chemical solution (which is usually medium depth or deep) is applied to the skin, causing exfoliation of the outer layer and stimulating the growth of new, tighter skin.Benefits: Improves skin tone, texture, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Disadvantages - prolonged recovery time , post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring makes it less suitable to skin types 4 to 6.