Which nonsurgical procedures other than filler would help me achieve a tighter, lifted look? (photos)

A mini facelift can help raise the cheeks and tighten the lower face and neck. Unfortunately no other techniques to tighten skin are as effective.

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. As we age, collagen breaks down, resulting in loss of skin strength and elasticity. For tissue tightening, Ultherapy is ideal for the lower face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Morpheus8 to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. CO2 laser resurfacing can be effective for tightening and lifting the skin. CO2 lasers heat the dermal layers of the skin, causing controlled damage that stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that provides skin structure and elasticity, leading to tighter and firmer skin. The procedure removes damaged skin cells from the outer layer, which improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and can also help with pigmentation issues. By stimulating new collagen production, CO2 laser resurfacing helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness over time. The tightening effect becomes more noticeable as the new collagen forms and the skin remodels over several months. By addressing skin texture and tone, CO2 laser resurfacing can enhance the overall appearance of the skin, giving a more youthful look. I hope this helps and best of luck!

I would recommend microneedling and botox. Microneedling will encourage collagen production which will bring natural volume to your face and help restore the fat loss. Microneedling also does a great job at tightening and lifting the skin while being non-invasive. Botox will further encourage this lifting and tightening without adding unnatural volume. If you feel like you need much more of a lift, you could go for the PDO threads face lift, but I would start with microneedling and botox.

Microneedling with Botox
Microneedling is a popular choice to boost collagen production, which helps restore natural volume and tightens skin without adding bulk. It promotes a smoother and firmer texture, while Botox can further enhance the lifting effect, giving a subtle yet noticeable lift.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing can also offer a significant tightening effect by stimulating collagen deep within the skin layers. As new collagen forms over the following months, you'll see a more lifted appearance and improved skin elasticity. This option is great for achieving smoother, more youthful skin with lasting firmness.

Ultherapy
Ultherapy, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment, targets deeper skin layers for a natural lift, especially effective on areas like the lower face, neck, and jawline. Results develop gradually as collagen builds, with a lifted, youthful look becoming more visible over time. This treatment can be combined with other skin-tightening options, like CO2 laser or Morpheus8, to enhance results.

Each of these treatments focuses on collagen stimulation to achieve a natural lift, helping to improve skin tone, texture, and firmness without adding excessive volume. Talk to your provider about which combination might work best to reach your goals and bring out a lifted, more defined look.