Best way to lift and tighten skin without fillers? (Photo)

Question

Age: 30 Height: 5’5 Weight: 124lbs Best treatments for skin laxity and tightening? I feel like I have somewhat saggy cheeks which are causing very prominent nasolabial folds.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question about addressing skin laxity and tightening without the use of fillers. At 30, there are several non-surgical treatments that can help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of sagging and nasolabial folds:

Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy): This FDA-approved treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, resulting in a natural lift and tightening over time.

Radiofrequency Treatments: Procedures like Thermage or RF microneedling can effectively tighten skin by heating the deeper layers, encouraging collagen remodeling and skin tightening.

Laser Treatments: Non-ablative lasers, such as fractional lasers, can help improve skin texture and firmness by promoting collagen production.

Microneedling: This treatment involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness. It can be combined with radiofrequency for enhanced results.

Topical Treatments and Skincare: Using skincare products with active ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can support skin health and firmness over time.

Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration, can also contribute to overall skin health.

I recommend consulting with a dermatologist or a qualified aesthetic professional to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your skin type and concerns.

Best regards,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The components of our skin that provide elasticity (collagen and elastin) decrease in quantity and become disordered as we age. Energy-based skin tightening devices aim to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin while promoting re-organization and tightening of the collagen and elastin bundles in your skin. A number of technologies exist, delivering energy in slightly different ways and depths to the skin and soft tissue of your face and neck to create a tighter and more defined appearance. I've seen excellent results in my practice with Potenza as one of the best RF microneedling devices for improvement of skin tightening and texture, OligioX as one of the best RF devices with minimal downtime, and Ulthera as one of the best high-frequency ultrasound devices for tightening of deeper soft tissue.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy 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. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Carey Nease, MD · Answer

For someone your age I really like microneedling with radiofrequency energy. Virtue is my favorite but Morpheus is the most well know. You can treat your full face and neck and usually need a series of 3. It will help with skin texture as well as tightening. Good luck!

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

As an aesthetic physician with over 10 years of experience and more than 30 years in the medical field, I advise younger patients to be cautious with injectable dermal fillers. Although these fillers are reversible and temporary, they might not always be the best choice for lifting and tightening the skin. There is a risk they could alter your natural facial contours, diverging from your original appearance.

In my practice, I recommend the Ultraclear Laser treatment for individuals in their 30s seeking effective skin lifting and tightening. This is a fractional ablative laser that operates in a superficial mode, gently remodeling the skin while encouraging continuous collagen production. With minimal downtime, it helps maintain a youthful look that is both natural and enduring. My philosophy is that aesthetic treatments should enhance and preserve one's inherent beauty, ensuring that you look naturally youthful and vibrant. This method could be an excellent choice for achieving your aesthetic goals without altering your fundamental features.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears you are a good candidate for Morpheus8.  This treatment combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  The treatment is done in the office with three sessions recommended for optimal results.  See my website or a provider near you to learn more.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

Morpheus is just the thing!  It is radiofrequency energy inserted right into the subcutaneous layers of the skin up to 4 mm which is good for whole skin penetration without risking vascular energy.  The energy stimulates your own tissue to produce more collagen which fills in gaps and wrinkles.  It tightens the skin and causes muscle contraction as well.  There would be no problem lifting those cheeks and get rid of the prominant nasolabial folds or marionette lines.  Actually there is an additional option for whole face morpheus or even resurfacing but I think you would be a great candidate for morpheus.

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