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Facial Skin Tightening Options

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Question viewed 135,580 times
Tags: sagging, loose, skin laxity, tightening

I'm open to a face lift or facial plastic surgery but wanted more opinions on a variety of skin tightening options to tighten jowls and skin laxity in the face in general.

63 answers to Facial Skin Tightening Options

+6

Facelift Information

Ideally a patient should have a consultation in a plastic surgery practice that offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical options so that an appropriate, comprehensive and highly individualized treatment plan can be developed. Surgical or even non-surgical treatment of facial aging changes must be carefully individualized to match each patient's aesthetic needs and desires. In helping a patient to make decisions about plastic surgery for facial rejuvenation, I always examine... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
+5

Facelift and LiveFill

Most modern approaches to the face tighten and replace volume. The patient's own tissues placed into hollow areas give the longest lasting, most stable results. LiveFill and fat injection are two techniques that use the patient's own tissues to restore fullness to the face, and are often used in combination with facial tightening procedures.
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+5

Thermage:The Best Way to Tighten Sagging Facial Skin.

By far, the best way to tighten sagging facial skin without surgery or downtime is Thermage. Thermage uses radiowaves to tighten the collagen in the deep layers of the skin, and is very useful to clean up jowls and a loose jaw line. Thermage has been getting mixed reviews, and in fact on the REALSELF.COM website, only 35% of patients felt that Thermage was "worth it". However, do not let this discourage you from exploring this very useful technique. Dissatisfied Thermage... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+5

Facial rejuvenation options

How We Age The effects of gravity, sun exposure, intrinsic aging, and the stresses of daily life take their toll on our faces over time. On the surface, the skin accumulates sun damage, leading to age spots, blemishes, and fine lines. Deeper lines and creases develop as the skin loosens and sags. Beneath the skin, the support structures of the face (muscles, ligaments, etc.) loosen, and the soft tissues atrophy so that our face loses volume. This causes a constellation of age-related changes... more
Larry Fan, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+4

Limited alternatives to surgery, if surgery is indicated

I use the "onion" as a good analagy of how we are put together anatomically. The skin is the outer layer, followed by a layer of fat, and then, a strength layer, fat pads, and neres/muscles/blood supply. Procedures like chemial peels, laser, coblation, are great for tightening the skin, and reversing the signs of premature aging due to sun, cigarette smoke, and environmental oxidants, etc. This will do nothing for lifting the deeper layers that have descended over time as a result... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+4

The best way to look good is to treat the tissues below the skin.

Although the skin is sagging and the jowls look unsightly, the best way to correct these problems is to tighten the underlying structures. These structures include fat, muscle and fascia (strong connective tissue that holds it all together) in a structure called the SMAS (submusculoaponeurotic system). There are many different techniques to accomplish this but they all have several key points; 1- Lifting the SMAS to its original position makes for a more natural result. 2- Lifting the SMAS... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+4

Sagging face - consider fat grafting and surgery

Hello Ms Anne, Lots of great answers to your question here. I wanted to specifically also recommend the option of autologous fat grafting for sagging cheeks. As you have learned by now aging changes related to volume loss are best addressed by volume correction. The BEST way to tighten jowels? Vertical elevation with cranial suspension. Sorry but that is surgery!
Kamran Jafri, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

Tightening of Sagging Skin

The first evaluation and determination is the area and severity of the sagging facial skin. If full face is needed then a facelift (for primary improvement) or a Smartlift (for secondary cases) tighten the muscles and undermine the SMAS. For just the neck, a neck lift would be sufficient. For the eyes, a blepharoplasty may help. If a patient only needs mild improvement in volume, fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm would help. Procedures such as Thermage, contour... more
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+4

Tightening sagging facial skin

The answer, simply put, is a facelift. There's lots of hullabaloo about lasers and Thermage tightening the layers of the face, but in the absence of real controlled and peer-reviewed data (not provided by the manufacturers of the devices) and before and after photographs documenting any longterm results of these methods (and thousands of dollars/ multiple treatments later), the facelift is still the gold standard for lifting and tightening sagging facial skin and soft tissue. more
Jennifer Walden, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+4

The Essential Truths of Facial Rejuvenation

There are several essential truths that must be stated in order to fully answer this question completely. There is an old saying that states: "Small surgery, small results." With rare exception, this continues to ring true. This also applies to treatments in general. A patient and a procedure must match each other in two key ways: A patient's anatomy must be appropriate for the proposed surgery, because surgeries are based on anatomy. A patient's expectations must be... more
Richard W. Westreich, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

Fill the face with volume, tighten the skin with Fraxel repair

Sagging facial skin results from the loss of volume from the face, and the aging of the superficial skin. Traditionally surgeons correcting the problem pulled the sagging tissue and cut away the excess. You can tell who those patients are when you see them walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Park Avenue in Manhattan, and Collins Drive in Miami. Natural results can be obtained today by restoring volume to the face, and then by treating the face and neck with Fraxel repair. Fraxel... more
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

The most effective and best way to get rid of jowls is...

The most effective and best way to get rid of jowls is with surgery. My favored procedure is a mini face-lift called an S lift. This procedure involves incision lines that are hidden behind the ear and thus create no visible scarring. The downtime is shorter than a traditional face-lift (usually only 4 to 5 days), and the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. For those with less advanced jowl drooping (usually people in the forties), I perform an endoscopic face-lift... more
Andrew Jacono, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

A facelift is still the best way to tighten jowls and skin laxity in the face

The aging process is composed of not only skin relaxation but also displacement of the underlying tissues like muscle and fat as well as bony reabsorption. If you have minimal lines around the eyes or forehead Botox or other fillers will improve these issues. Deflation of the cheek area and jaw line may also be addressed with fillers. It all depends on your state in the aging process and your expectations post treatment. I would recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon who... more
Vivian Hernandez, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Well-rounded approach to skin tightening

With every patient that comes into my practice, it is important to evaluate three key components of aging: Skin Gravitational changes Volume loss If your problem is sun-spotted, wrinkled skin with mild laxity, then skin resurfacing with either laser or chemical peel should be considered. If the issue is gravity, then the answer is surgery to restore the skin & underlying structures to their former position. The aggressiveness of the facelift (from... more
Yael Halaas, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

The key to facial rejuvenation is first, proper analysis...

The key to facial rejuvenation is first, proper analysis of the problem, and then to design a treatment plan to provide the patient with a durable, safe result. The fundamental issue with jowling is that it makes the jawline look too square, and a youthful jawline is shaped more like a triangle. While some lasers can tighten the skin, and fillers can hide the jowls a bit, the underlying issue of relaxation of the skin AND the underlying tissues will not be durably addressed with these... more
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Treatment of the aging face and sagging skin

A facelift tightens aging facial skin but it doesn't improve the skin quality. Bad skin quality can ruin a good facelift result and should also be treated. Skin with lots of blemishes and wrinkles is bad quality skin and can usually be treated with skin care programs, chemical peels or laser therapy.
Daryl K. Hoffman, MD

Los Gatos Plastic Surgeon
+3

Choosing between different types of lifts and fillers...

Choosing between different types of lifts and fillers really depends on the quality of the skin, how far the individual is willing to go, what result they are looking for and how permanent they wish the result to be. Dermal fillers give an instant result for the typical wrinkles between the nose and the corners of your mouth, but needs repeating every 6 months. You can also get a neck and eyebrow lift with only Botox. Threadlifts are great for a moderate amount of excess skin, with not too... more
Barbara Jemec, MD

London Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face Lift, Mini Face Lift, The Palmer Celebrity Face Lift, Beverly Hills Face Lift

I know it's sounds tempting for a laser or similar treatment to tighten the Jowls and skin of the face but the reality with the current technology is as follows: Only cutting and removing skin with some version of a Face Lift is likely to tighten the skin more than a few mm's, with typical Face Lifts removing 2 inches or more excess skin. Lasers and other non Face Lift therapies would not be able to Cut, lift, trim and re-suture the SMAS layer Face Lifts can... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift vs non-invasive methods of skin tightening

I have experience with many forms of skin tightening.  Frequently they work to some extent.  The technology i favor the most is radio frequency (RF).  This will tighten tissue.  Having said this, it doesn't touch the ability of a face lift to change your appearance and give a more youthful look.   All the best, Tal Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift, Liposuction, Thermal Skin Tightening All Options For Facial Rejuvention

The question you pose is quite broad. There are many options for skin tightening including laser resurfacing, facelift surgery, thermal skin tightening, liposuction, and several others. Unfortunately one size does not fit all and meeting with a facial plastic surgeon who performs a myriad of different techniques will provide you with the best evaluation of your options.
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift and Tightening Options

That is a rather broad question. For the most part, facelifts address 3 main cosmetic areas: midfacial fat sagging, jowls, and excess neck skin. To best evaluate your surgical options, an in person consult would be indicated.
Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Non-Facelift Facial Skin Tightening

Depending on the extent of facial skin looseness and sagging, there is no substitute for a well performed Facelift. But - there are several options that may come close. The area of non-surgical skin tightening is the hottest area in Plastic Surgery and billions of dollars are spent on research, production and marketing of multiple devices which claim to accomplish this goal. All is based on the propensity of injured skin to shrink. The question is how can we get the maximal skin shrinkage... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Jowl Elevation and Skin Tightening: Facelift

As enticing as non-surgical elevation of jowls may sound, it has yet to become reality with any treatment other than Facelift. Treatments such as Thermage have made great promises with very mixed results and many dissatisfied patients. Likewise, although skin laxity can be improved with fractionated laser resurfacing, it will not reproduce the same result as Facelift. Given your description of skin laxity and jowls, I would recommend Facelift with concomitant fractionated CO2 laser... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face Lifts are the gold standard for facial skin tightening

There are some patients who will definitely benefit from a surgical facelift to address lax tissues and skin that accompanies aging. However, some patients with mild signs of aging and good skin elasticity may benefit from laser 'skin tightening' treatments alone, such as with ReFirme treatments of Titan treatments. Realize that these non surgical treatments deliver gradual reasults and that you should be patient with them. If you desire more immediate results, I would recommend you undergo... more
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facial Skin Tightening

Ms Anne The gold standard treatment for jowls and skin laxity was the face-lift. Now there are several other treatments that can give very good rejuvenative results with less invasive procedures, such as: Micro-liposuction of jowl fat Skin tightening with laser resurfacing Chemical peels Fractionated lasers Fillers to replace and lift soft tissue volume in the face I recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is comfortable with both... more
Daniel Reichner, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

Sometimes surgery isn't the answer

As we age, we need to address both the quality of the skin (thinning, looseness) and the loss of volume in the face that causes the skin and face (especially the cheeks and jowls) to droop. Is isn't that there is one best treatment, it's really a multi-pronged approach. It's usually a good idea that before considering surgical approaches you try some of the non-surgical treaetments. As we age, we lose volume in our faces and we can look hollow and saggy. Dermal fillers, like Restylane,... more
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Take a look at the Realself "Was it worth it?" survey

We are all interested in the least invasive methods of improving ourselves. Unfortunately there are many options which are confusing but it really depends on what you want to achieve. I like analogies and so I will explain. If you have an old house, putting on a new coat of paint and maybe resurfacing the walls will only do so much. Do you follow? Tearing down the walls and reubuiding them will certainly do alot more. On the way you may encounter plumbing problems you didn't anticipate which... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

There are many options

Like many on this forum have indicated,there are many factors that contribute to facial aging (intrinsic aging that occurs with time, sun exposure, smoking, gravity, etc.) Depending on your goals, there are different options for you, both operative and minimally invasive. It sounds like based on your desire to correct sagging cheeks and jowls, you would benefit greatly from a cheek lift (or as i term it, a mini facelift)- In this scenario, there is a small incision in front of your ear,... more
Vishal Kapoor, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Aging changes are multifactorial

I assume you are talking about changes that are occurring and noticeable to you as you age. In reality, the reason why any of us looka certain way at any point in time has to do simply with anatomy. it involves the bony skeleton, the muscle tone, the amount and distrbution of fat, the amount and quality of the skin. You and your surgeon have to separate out the factors that are affecting you. One factor may be dominant that another. For example the loss of fat in some who is young but losing... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

There may be more than a single option available to treat signs of facial aging. They may range from a traditional facelift to non-invasive treatments, such as Thermage. The option will depend in great part on how much 'sagging' is present. Fortunately, there are options. A consultation with a plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is your next step. It is amazing how many times I see patients that have thought about addressing signs of aging, have been... more
Steven S. Carp, MD

Akron Plastic Surgeon
+2

Still the best option is a well performed facelift. That...

Still the best option is a well performed facelift. That said, technology has caught us and there are non-surgical alternatives. If the amount of lax skin is not excessive, non-surgical approaches can work wonders. The Titan laser is the keystone and the best results are achieved by using different lasers together. Each offers something different and the cumulative result is far better that results for one laser alone. Additionally, fillers and Botox can be added to further enhance. more
Edmond A. Zingaro, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Several options for mild to moderate sagging facial skin

If the skin is excessively sagging, then a face lift is the most effective treatment. Should there be only a moderate amount of sagging, significant improvement has been achieved by some laser, plasma and radiofrequency devices such as: Fractional CO2 laser Rhytec’s Portrait thermal treatment Thermacool by Thermage
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+2

When facial skin begins to sag this is laxing of the...

When facial skin begins to sag this is laxing of the underlying muscle and facsial layer called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Additionally, fat above and below the platysma muscle in the neck must also be addressed. The best way to tighten sagging facial skin is to perform a full comprehensive facial rejuvenation, whereby the muscles and SMAS are made taut and fat is removed. Excess skin is trimmed without tension on the skin, to avoid the operated look or... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

What is the best way to tighten facial skin?

The treatment for sagging facial skin is determined by the extent and location of the sagging. My treatment of choice for the neck and jaw line is a minimal incision neck lift. For sagging upper eyelid skin, a blepharoplasty can correct everything in a one hour, painless procedure and painless recovery. If the lower lids are baggy and sagging a blepharoplasty can also correct the situation. If there is mild sagging, then a non-invasive treatment with Aluma radio frequency technology can... more
Fred Suess, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

How Do I Determine Which Procedure is Best to "Tighten" My Sagging Facial Skin?

The first thing to consider when evaluating the face is whether the skin has sagged or volume has been lost. Think of a grape becoming a raisin. The raisin's "skin" did not become saggy - it lost volume associated with water. As a person ages, it is common to lose facial fat, resulting in a loss of facial volume. This loss results in "sagging skin." One option is to restore this volume with an injectable filler material. There are many options for this, including... more
Adam D. Schaffner, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Skin tightening - I look like a Shar-pei... HELP!!!

In my opinion turning back the clock on sagging facial skin requires a multi-layered approach. Firstly, your skin needs to be tended to with a good exfoliant, a quality sunscreen (30 SPF or greater), and a good moisturizer. I like to use retinols on a daily basis with my patients. Next, photorejuvenation and possibly laser resurfacing needs to be considered to add more collagen to the deeper layers of the skin. This should help the skin portion of the aging problem. Facelifting is really the... more
Manish H. Shah, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ultherapy is excellent for skin tightening

Patients who want to avoid the downtime and risks of face lift surgery can get a significant improvement in skin tightening with Ultherapy. This technology targets the deep area below the skin which allows the skin to be lifted. Superficial lasers will tighten the skin and improve skin tone and texture but do not cause significant lifting. The best option for lifting is Ultherapy. For superficial skin tightening and small wrinkles, lasers such as CO2 and Fraxel can be excellent options. more
Joseph A. Eviatar, MD

Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

There are many different options for tightening the skin of the face, and the goal should be to

Give a well rested, natural look to our patients. Options range from non surgical approaches, including fillers, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing, to surgical options such as a mini-lift all the way to a traditional face lift. The best option for you can be reached in consultation with a skilled surgeon, who is familiar with both surgical and no surgical approaches to facial rejuvenation. In general, the more involved the procedure the longer the downtime after surgery to... more
Michael H. Rosenberg, MD

White Plains Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial skin tightening options

Certainly, a lifting procedure is a tried and true approach to this problem and everything else simply cannot offer the same degree of correction (despite often being costly in their own right). But other skin tightening procedures include facial resurfacing, volume augmentation with fat or fillers, and radiofrequency units. All of these modalities have some usefulness in facial rejuvenation.
Lawrence Kass, MD

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

There are a variety of laser or radio frequency-based treatments available for tightening of the skin on the face and neck.

There are a variety of laser or radio frequency-based treatments available for tightening of the skin on the face and neck.  As a general rule, the more aggressive the tightening desired, the longer the recovery time from the various treatments available.  For mild tightening, a fractionated type of laser resurfacing (often referred to as “non-ablative”) may be best suited.  For tightening deep to the skin, using a radio frequency-based device such as... more
Michael R. Macdonald, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Options in Facial Rejuvenation

There are very few known non-surgical skin tightening options that truly work. There are several radio frequency and ultrasonic types of non-surgical interventions including Ultherapy which helps with some skin tightening in the lower face and neck, but this is modest. One must understand that these non-surgical skin tightening techniques are not a substitute for a full facelift as they don’t remove skin. Perhaps in the next decade we will truly have effective non-surgical methods for... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Expect Minimal Improvement

Non-surgical skin tightening , when it does work, works best on patients who do not require much tightening of the skin. Thermage, traditional laser treatments such as Erbium, and ultrasonic devices are used. The results are usually minimal and are not always as long-lasting as either the patient or doctor may want.
George Sanders, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin tightening options -- not yet very good

Skin tightening technologies (whether it be radiofrequency, ultrasound, etc) have shown only modest results and are inconsistent. Often they require repeat treatments that can be costly and, often times, disappointing. Unfortunately, if you want a predictable, long lasting result, surgery is still the best option. Spending a few weeks properly recovering can lead to many years of a great result. It is more work for both the surgeon and the patient, but it is well worth it. more
Anand D. Patel, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin Tightening for Skin and Jowl Laxity

A variety of nonsurgical and surgical options exist for skin tightening; however, surgery in the form of a facelift or some variation of a facelift will have the greatest yield in improving significant jowl and skin laxity.  Nonsurgical options include radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasonic skin tightening, and laser resurfacing -- however, the degree of jowl / skin elevation will not be in the same league as surgery (in general).  Of the noninvasive tightening devices, the... more
Vishal Banthia, MD

San Jose Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial rejuvenation options

The options for facial rejuvenation depends on what the patient expects.  If the problems is lines in the skin, that is a facial resurfacing procedure.  You can think of this as sanding the skin and causing the skin to become thicker and to grow new skin.  If there is laxity of the overall skin and facial structures...that is a facial resuspension procedure.  This can include a face lift, a mini lift, a MACS lift, etc.  Now, if there is just minor laxity causing sligh more
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial skin tightening options

For the most part there is only one option for any significant facial skin tightening problems. That is some variation of a surgical facelift. Minor facial laxity can somtimes be disguised or made to look better with well placed fillers. Fraxel and even erbium lasers can give a minor degree of tightening and certainly improve facial skin texture. However if you have visible jowls , sagging tissues in the neck area, brow ptosis or sagging you will need some form of surgical correction.... more
Richard Galitz, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face Lifts

  The skin thighting options will vary  from  a non invasive procedures like Radiofrecuency  and Skin Care tratmints to a surgical procedures.  Analizing the case in and individual bases is imperative to best advice the patient.  Face  Lifts  procedures will provided the mos  benefit to and agin face and normally area perform with other procedures like blefaroplasties or Brow Lifts.     Than You
Alejandro J. Quiroz, M.D.

Mexico Plastic Surgeon
+1

Regarding facial skin tightening

It is interesting to read your question.  On one hand - the jowl area is an area that is best treated with facelift techniques.  These purpose of the facelift is to tighten not just the skin but the underlying muscle, fascia and fat layers.  More than skin tightening is usually required for relief of jowls.  On the other hand, even a well done facelift result is less than overwhelming if the skin has a dull, lax, sun damaged look.  To refresh the skin and... more
Douglas Stevens, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Options are limited and modest at best

A facelift is still the gold standard, and is about more than just skin tightening. It is also very much about achieving a natural look. However, modest skin tightening can be achieved by laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and radiofrequency procedures such as Accent and Thermage, especially if a series is performed. In addition a series of Scuptra injections will improve skin laxity by stimulating dermal collagen production and thickening in a very natural and gradual fashion. Ulthera is... more
Harrison C. Putman III, MD

Peoria Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial Skin tightening

There are a number of options for facial skin tightening and include both surgical and non-surgical treatments. The non-surgical treatment for tightening of your facial skin include either laser resurfacing or a chemical peel. However, some patients have enough excess skin where non-surgical skin tightening options simply cannot achieve enough. In those patients, a carefully designed and executed face lift can help restore your facial balance and youth. The key is to lift up and not back... more
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial tightening versus looking younger

Focus more on looking younger than looking tight. It all starts by focusing on how others perceive your age versus what you see in the mirror. There are very safe and effective ways to make you look younger without the unnatural tight look. Check out the video below for more info. Check out also the benefits of fat grafting to make you look younger. see video
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nothing tightens your face like a facelift

There is nothing that compares to a facelift in tightening the looseness and laxity you may have in your face. Thermage, Titan, and Threadlifts have been very disappointing and all there is that really works is a well done facelift.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial skin tightening

With aging many changes occur one of which is loose skin loss of elasticity. Once there is loose skin the only way to tighten skin is by surgery. CO2 Laser resurfacing will tighten the skin some. No other way compares to surgery. although there are many new technolgies available and CLAIM skin tightening like Fraxel, Thermage these are JUNK MEDICINE aimed at parting you from your money. Choose a board certified experienced PLASTIC SURGEON.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

There is no good way to significantly tighten skin withour removing it surgically

There is the possibilty of getting a small amount of "tightening" with a laser or chemical peel. This is for wrinkling and works well in the properly selected patient. Significant excesses of skin can only be removed by surgical excision. Too often I see patients who need formal removal (like a facelift) and tried Thermage or Fraxel with disappointing results and loss of quite a bit of money. The treatment has to fit the problem.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Non Surgical Skin Tightening Has It's Limitations

If your skin is in relatively good condition with good support you may be able to have some some non-surgical procedures. These include various forms of laser resurfacing, and fillers. Assess your particular situation carefully. If you have a noticeable amount of loose skin and it seems like the deeper tissues are starting to loose their support, the most appropriate treatment is to resupport and redrape the skin. The true and tried procedures such as a face lift or neck lift can correct... more
James H. Schmidt, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin tightening

There are a number of laser treatments available that can tighten jowels, and other loose skin on face, neck or other parts of body. There is no need for ansthesia, there is no down time, and the results are immediate and amazing.
H. Eliot Y. Ghatan, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Surgically Lift the Deeper Layers for Support, Then Resurface the Skin 6 weeks later

Prominent jowls, sagging cheek fat pads, and neck muscle bands, often accompany significant skin laxity. I would suggest surgically lifting these various layers, and supporting each layer with sutures. This can be done through a combination of endoscopic and open facelift techniques, depending on what is needed for the individual patient. By lifting the deeper layers endoscopically, and the more superficial layers with an open technique, the facial soft tissues are suspended as a unit,... more
Anurag Agarwal, MD

Naples Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin tightening: The real question is reliability

Hello, Lasers tighten but that tightening varies and will not approach that of a properly performed facelift. Then again some patients either do not want the facelift surgery as it is "real surgery" or are too young to benefit maximally by a real facelift. Tightening without a facelift operation is pretty good using a C02 laser, but this is on the higher end of lasers regarding recovery time. Then again it has a ten year track record and works. Phenol peels also tighten nicely but... more
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift and Fillers

Most people come in the office and say they want their jowls to "go away" and to be able to see their neck again. They then look in the mirror and push the skin from their cheeks up and out. Their next question is how do I accomplish this without surgery. It is best to think about the face like a grape and a raisin. When a grape is dehydrated, it looses volume and turns into a raisin. With the aging process, the face looses fat and volume, which leads to loose skin and wrinkles. If the... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saggin facial skin is often the result of deflation of...

Saggin facial skin is often the result of deflation of the face as well as weakening of the elastic properties of the skin. Really, the only way to treat this is by performing a facelift and perhaps augmenting this with fillers or autologous fat injections to compensate for the deflation of the soft tissues. A facelift should not tighten the skin. A facelift should reposition the deeper tissues of the face to provide rejuvenation. The skin should only be redraped to remove any excess that... more
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial rejuvenation - The best way is not the same way for everyone

When I see a patient for facial rejuvenation, I take the whole picture into account. We discuss more than just the options for tightening the skin but what are they trying to achieve. Do they want the best long term result, which would be a full face lift and a 2-4 week recovery and scars around the ears, or do they desire a minimal downtime, no scar rejuventation with moderate improvement? There is no doubt that a full face lift with elevation and tightening of the muscle and skin achieves... more
Christopher J. Ewart, MD

Augusta Plastic Surgeon
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Tighten and shape underlying structures to correct sagging skin

To solve this problem, you have to know what has caused it. Some factors are beyond your control, such as the genetics and the type/quality of skin you have inherited. Other things that cause skin to sag early or severely are:SmokingDry skinInjured skin (sun damage)Connective tissue diseasesAnything else that does not promote nourished, healthy skin. Here are some pointers: To treat sagging skin right, the underlying stuctures need to be tightened and shaped so that the skin has LONG-TERM... more
Ashkan Ghavami, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
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Listen to Dr. Sam Post describe the finer points of the...

Listen to Dr. Sam Post describe the finer points of the facelift, including its indications and evolution. see video
Sam Most, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

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