If you have lost firmness in your body, it may be due to a general lack of muscle tone, skin laxity, or excess skin and tissue. There are numerous causes for these conditions, but one thing is certain; people want to find a solution that works to restore firmness.
The obvious solution for a person who lacks muscle tone is to start, and maintain, a rigorous exercise routine. Building muscle can reduce excess skin by 'filling out' certain areas. But after a certain age, a pregnancy, or significant weight fluctuation, exercise (while still important) isn't a satisfactory solution. Doctors on Real Self have weighed in with their experience and opinions on what works to achieve body firming.
Body firming doctor tips
What is the best surgical method of body firming?
Lack of body firmness can be partly attributed to loose skin and tissue, caused by weight fluctuation. For a mother with stretched abdominal skin after pregnancy, or someone who has lost significant amounts of weight, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is the only procedure (surgical or non-surgical) that will address such problems and achieve the goal of a flat tummy and slimmer waistline.
Stretched skin is only one component of the abdominal problems after most women who have had multiple or even one pregnancy. The abdominal wall muscles always stretch during pregnancy to accommodate the enlarging uterus. Often, the muscles will not return to their pre-pregnancy state and remain in a stretched position which will not correct with any amount of exercise.This condition, known as a rectus diastasis (separation of the rectus, or six pack muscles) can only be corrected with surgery. The muscles are tightened with sutures to return them to their normal anatomic position which both flattens the tummy and brings in the waistline, adding significantly to the aesthetic result of this procedure (source: Sean A. Simon, MD). See More >>
Besides exercise, what is the best non-surgical method of body firming?
There are several devices on the market that are intended to perform body firming/skin tightening, with similar technology involved in each. Three popular platforms are Titan, Thermage, and Refirme.
Titan uses infrared light to tighten the skin, while Thermage uses unipolar radiofrequency energy, and Refirme uses infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency energy combined. The systems are similar that in all cases they produce results that fall short of a surgical result. They all work better in patients with minimal skin laxity and good skin quality. See the reviews on this site and gauge the satisfaction rate for yourself.
There is a fair amount of 'media hype' and company claims that one must sort through on the internet to find out about these systems. If you really want to know, or try such a treatment, finding a qualified practitioner that offers you realistic results will be your best bet.
The price will vary considerable depending on the region, but most doctors are going to suggest a series of treatments and perhaps a package price (source:John LoMonaco, MD). See more >>
Is there a cream, lotion, or other product that works for body firming?
There are products on the market that claim to provide body firming results. Belli Cosmetics claims that their Body Firming Serum is a "firming treatment for the arms, thighs, hips, abdomen and breasts that helps reduce slackening in the skin, improves skin tone, suppleness and appearance." Caudalie Firming Concentrate is said to be "an all-natural serum that improves the skin's elasticity and firmness for tighter, healthier skin."
Do you have experience with these products? Write a review!