As we age or experience stress, we can see the results in loose, saggy skin. While loose skin is not a health concern, you may feel displeased with how it looks and want to see some improvement. The good news is that there are several options to choose from. This article goes over some of the most popular skin tightening options available as well as the pros and cons of each.

CREAMS AND LOTIONS

By far the most affordable, creams and lotions are a popular first step if you want to focus on tightening and lifting your skin. Since creams are affordable and widely available, this is a good choice if you want an option that is non-invasive and inexpensive. While creams and other products can be effective at reducing the appearance of loose skin, overall they are not a permanent solution. You may have to continuously repurchase a product to see the results you want, which can add up. If you have minor issues with loose skin these products can be helpful, but more stubborn areas will most likely require additional treatment.

MICRONEEDLING 

Microneedling is a more invasive option that can treat loose skin as well as other conditions like acne and wrinkles. This procedure involves using a roller device with tiny needles that prick the skin. Over several sessions, the microneedling tool works to get your skin to produce more collagen, which in turn reveals firmer, tighter skin. While it is effective, people most commonly choose microneedling for concerns on or around their face, and if you prefer a non-surgical option, this is not the best choice.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. If you have a significant amount of loose skin around your stomach, for example, surgical options like a “tummy tuck” or liposuction might best meet your needs. While surgical treatments are invasive, they typically provide more permanent and noticeable results when compared with creams or a more minimal solution like microneedling.

LASER AND RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENT

If you want a non-surgical option that doesn’t require getting stuck with needles or buying endless bottles of cream, laser and/or radiofrequency treatment is an excellent option. Radiofrequency works by applying a device that heats the layer of skin beneath, producing more collagen and tightening the targeted area. Laser treatment options send lasers into the skin for the same purpose without damaging the top layer. With either of these options, you can see results in as little as 3 to 5 treatments and in about only six months after your first session. For example, we offer TruSculpt ID to target and tone areas that do not respond to regular diet and exercise – including loose and saggy skin. A third option is intense pulsed light therapy, which targets conditions like wrinkles, stretch marks, and more without surgery. IPL is most often used on the face and neck.

Ascent Laser Aesthetics is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laser cosmetic procedures in Western Massachusetts. Learn more about our services or schedule a consultation online.