32 The Green, Firs Court
Hardingstone, Northampton, NN4 6TB

Skin Laxity

Loose skin is a common symptom of the natural ageing process. As we go through life, there is a natural breakdown of collagen and elastic fibres in the skin, which means that the skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and looser.

This is due to a number of factors, including the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give skin its strength and elasticity. This lack of natural elasticity and loss of tissue volume under the skin means that the skin is less well supported and loses its firmness.

Other factors that can contribute to loose skin include sun exposure and smoking, which tend to accelerate the lessening of firm skin by causing more rapid breakdown of collagen/elastin.

Preventing skin laxity

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent or reduce loose skin, including:

  • Protect your skin from the sun: Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing, so it’s important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t smoke: Smoking damages collagen and elastin, which can lead to premature skin ageing.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Rapid weight loss or gain can stretch the skin, leading to loose skin. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight gradually can help to reduce your risk of loose skin.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
  • Use moisturiser: Moisturising the skin helps to keep your it well-hydrated and can superficially help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin laxity in the face causes a tired appearance and emphasises the jowl area, the neck, eyelids and eye bags in particular. Other areas of the body can also be affected by the same process.

Treatments to Consider:

Traditionally, if you were concerned about loose skin, you would have to consider cosmetic procedures. Surgical options such as a facelift, neck lift, or body contouring are invasive surgery which remove excess skin to lift and tighten for a more youthful appearance. This is drastic, costly and involves a certain amount of risk.

Fortunately there are now a range of advanced non-surgical treatments which can be highly beneficial in promoting skin tightening or enhancing volume in order to lift the features of the face. The non-surgical approach is safer for the patient with faster recovery and less cost commitment.

Collagen stimulation treatments

Our favoured approach to skin tightening works to stimulate natural renewal mechanisms, including contraction of fibrous bands in the skin, as well as directly stimulating the production of new collagen.

  • Ultherapy ultrasound treatment – Ultherapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of new collagen. The ultrasound energy is delivered to the deep layers of the skin, where it causes controlled heating. This heating triggers the body’s natural healing process, which results in the production of new collagen. Over time, this can lead to a tightening and lifting of the skin.
  • TIXEL thermal fractional rejuvenation – Tixel is a non-surgical skin treatment that uses micro-thermal controlled ablation to improve the appearance of the skin. It is a minimally invasive treatment that can be used to tighten, rejuvenate, and resurface the skin. Treatment works by creating tiny, controlled wounds in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process and results in the production of new collagen and elastin.

Both of these develop gradual results with tightening and lifting of the skin occurring over time for an appearance that is refreshed and natural. Effects are long-lasting. For an even fuller result these approaches can be combined with other treatments like dermal filler injections for best results or to tackle specific areas of concern.

Other treatments

Other options to consider for improving the appearance of loose skin include:

It is important to talk to your doctor about your options and decide what is right for you.

Interesting fact:

Research has shown that volume loss from the cheek area can occur rapidly after periods of stress (for example bereavement, divorce, redundancy or illness).