What Is Skin Tightening Treatment, And How Long Does It Last?

If wrinkles and sagging skin bother you and you’re looking to tighten your skin, your options range from non-invasive treatments to surgical procedures. As with any procedure, each has its pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

However, remember that there is no one-off miracle treatment. Your skin has spent years developing these wrinkles and skin laxity, so it will take a little bit of time to reduce them.

What is skin tightening treatment?

As the name suggests, skin tightening treatments address loose skin and improve its firmness. These treatments work by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep our skin looking young. 

Collagen provides the skin’s structure, while elastin gives it flexibility. Our body produces less of both as we age, and the existing proteins break down faster. This decline results in a loss of skin firmness, which is why we get wrinkles, sagging, and hollow areas.

The best skin tightening treatments

The best skin tightening treatment is one that’s right for your skin. Each of us has different treatment needs based on our skin type, desired level of tightening, and treatment tolerance. A consultation with our doctors will determine the right treatment plan for you.

But for the sake of information, these are the skin-tightening procedures dermatologists use.

Non-surgical skin tightening treatment

Non-invasive procedures

If you prefer non-surgical skin-tightening treatments, the following noninvasive procedures are for you. They all use controlled heat to tighten the skin but differ in the skin layer they target.

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. This procedure is more commonly known by its acronym HIFU. It penetrates the skin’s deeper layers–as deep as the second layers under the facial muscle–where collagen production takes place to stimulate collagen regeneration and tissue tightening. A popular HIFU treatment targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, the same layer addressed in a surgical facelift. At ENRICH, we use one of the high-performance HIFU devices called the Ultraformer III.

• Radiofrequency (RF). RF procedures can also penetrate deep layers of the skin but not as deep as HIFU. These are best if you are just starting to show signs of ageing. Some common examples are Venus Freeze and TruSculpt ID for the body and ThermiTight for the face.

• Laser therapy. Laser treatments target the topmost layer of the dermis and the epidermis (outer layer). It’s best for addressing wrinkles. Piqo Rejuvenation and Genesis are two popular no-downtime laser treatments for skin tightening.

Minimal to medium downtime procedures

If needles don’t bother you that much and you want immediate effect, these skin-tightening procedures with minimal to medium downtime are for you.

• The Secret. This procedure combines radiofrequency with microneedling. The tiny needles create micro-injuries, stimulating collagen production, while the radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin for added tightening.

• Dermal treatments. While primarily used to restore volume loss, certain dermal treatments can also improve skin tone and texture. Filling in lines and wrinkles can create a smoother, more lifted appearance.

• Wrinkle-reducing treatments. Often used to address dynamic wrinkles, these treatments can also indirectly tighten the skin. By relaxing facial muscles, they reduce the appearance of lines, allowing the skin to appear firmer and more lifted.

• Thread lifts. This procedure uses thin, barbed threads beneath the skin to lift and reposition sagging tissue. Compared to non-invasive options, thread lifts provide a more immediate lifting effect.

• Suture lifts. Similar to thread lifts but using surgical sutures, suture lifts offer a more pronounced lifting effect. This procedure is suitable for individuals with more significant skin laxity and is often combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments.

• The Portrait. Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration (PSR) uses energised nitrogen gas to revitalise the skin. Unlike other treatments that remove skin cells or stimulate collagen production, PSR triggers the growth of new skin cells. This process helps to improve wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and texture.

Surgical skin tightening treatment

We do not offer this procedure at ENRICH, but a facelift is an option–albiet expensive–if you prefer more dramatic and long-lasting results. This surgical skin-tightening procedure involves repositioning the underlying facial tissues and removing excess skin.

During the procedure, your surgeon makes incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and behind the ears. They then lift and tighten the underlying tissues and muscles, remove excess skin, and redrape the remaining skin for a more youthful contour.

How much skin gets tightened?

The amount of skin tightening you can achieve depends on several factors. First, consider the procedure itself. Generally, the deeper the treatment, the more downtime it requires and the more significant the results.

Another crucial factor is your skin’s laxity. If you have mild skin sagging, non-invasive treatments might be sufficient. However, if your skin laxity is more pronounced, you may need a more aggressive approach, like a surgical facelift.

Lastly, your skin type, age, ethnicity, gender, and lifestyle can influence treatment outcomes. 

How long does skin tightening treatment last?

The longevity of your skin tightening results depends on several factors. But typically:

• Non-invasive treatments provide results lasting from six months to a year
• Minimally invasive procedures can offer improvements for about two years
• Surgical procedures can deliver results that last several years

But then again, your skin quality, lifestyle, and overall health influence how long your results will last.

What are the side effects of skin tightening treatments?

While skin-tightening treatments are generally safe and effective, side effects can occur, although they are rare. These often depend on the specific procedure and the skill of the dermatologist. That’s why we always recommend choosing a certified dermatologist for your treatments.

Some common side effects of non-invasive treatments are temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treated area. These side effects usually subside within a few days.

Procedures like microneedling and thread lifts may cause bruising, crusting, and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Panadol can usually manage any pain.

Facelifts and other surgical skin-tightening procedures carry more risks. While rare, potential side effects include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and asymmetry. 

Skin tightening treatment at ENRICH

We have a range of skin-tightening treatments for different needs and budgets. Schedule a consultation with us today.