Over time, skin can become saggy due to a natural decline in collagen and elastin, the proteins which give your complexion its elasticity and definition. As this production slows down, firmness and the skin’s capacity for ‘snapping back’ diminish, causing the sagging. Equally, other factors including rapid or significant weight loss, genetics and lifestyle elements such as smoking, dehydration or poor diet and sun exposure play their part.
Not only that but, unfortunately, the middle layer of your skin, the dermis, also becomes thinner with age, while fat reduces and lipids also decrease, leading to less plumpness and a dryer complexion. These effects can be particularly visible in the lower half of your face.
But the good news is that there are a number of things you can do to give your skin greater firmness and lift, without having to undergo surgery and needing the subsequent recovery time. So while this issue can seem annoying or unsightly, it doesn’t have to be permanent. In terms of things you can do yourself, these include regular exercise, daily moisturising, not smoking and losing weight gradually rather than dramatically.
You could also consider a non-surgical procedure to treat saggy skin. At A Little Enhancement, for example we offer the following, among others:
- Facial fillers
Facial fillers restore volume and lift, and are hugely popular with our clients thanks to the instant results. These injection-based treatments restore volume and shape and smooth the skin, while stimulating collagen production. Our policy at A Little Enhancement is to do multiple sessions using small quantities of dermal filler.
The process injects hyaluronic acid or a similar substance to add value and firmness via fine needles or cannulas. Treatment takes no longer than an hour, with results lasting up to 18 months.
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
This HIFU treatment lifts, tightens and rejuvenates the lower face and neck, again without surgery or even needles. The procedure uses ultrasonic energy beneath the skin to stimulate fresh elastin and collagen production. You’ll start to notice the difference a month or six weeks post-treatment, with the effects typically lasting two years or longer.
- Polynucleotides
This pioneering treatment may sound far-fetched! It uses DNA taken from trout and salmon sperm (yes, really) to treat fine lines and skin laxity. It’s especially popular around the sensitive eye area. Cells are encouraged to produce a number of good things, from fat, volume and collagen to hyaluronic acid, to give a tighter overall appearance that looks really natural. It may sound an odd one, but we’ve honestly seen some stunning results with this procedure.
- Profhilo®
Groundbreaking Profhilo® is one of our most popular offerings. (It’s also a firm celebrity favourite.) The minimally invasive process restores your complexion’s youthful glow, and gives it a discreet lift. You have two sessions, four weeks apart, followed by another every four to six months to retain that glow. Use it anywhere you feel your skin could do with some rebuilding.
- Radiesse
This is an injection-based treatment and an advanced dermal filler made with Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHa) microspheres in a smooth gel. It stimulates natural collagen production, while providing instant contouring and volume. Known for its long-lasting results, Radiesse is highly safe and effective.
- Radio frequency and microneedling/Intracel
Again this is a sought-after treatment, combining nearly 50 insulated needles to send radiofrequency energy straight into the skin. The minute, superficial wounds created stimulate fibroblasts to make new elastin and collagen, lifting the skin. Additionally, radiofrequency heat tightens and firms the deeper layers for further skin-lifting. What’s more, you’ll only be out of action for a couple of hours, while the procedure improves sagging, plus it’s suitable for all skin types.
Sagging Skin Solutions at Our Exeter Clinic
Our award-winning, nurse-led clinic at Winslade Park, Exeter, was founded in 2015 and offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments, including the ones mentioned above. We’ll always prioritise patient comfort, safety and satisfaction, and we’re less about transforming your appearance than simply making you look fresher. What’s more, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from initial consultation to aftercare.
Book your appointment today, and read more about our treatments. Call 01395 225224 or email info@alittleenhancement.com with any questions.