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How To Tighten Skin On The Face Without Surgery

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, structural proteins that keep the skin firm and provide elasticity for a youthful appearance, begins to decrease. This decrease in skin elasticity leads to higher skin laxity, emphasizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging jowls, and volume loss in the face and body. Sudden weight loss can also lead to the appearance of loose skin, leading many patients to wonder how to achieve firmer, tighter skin. It has been a commonly held belief that the only way to address sagging skin is to get a facelift or plastic surgery, but this could not be further from the truth. Many non-surgical procedures are available in the realm of cosmetic dermatology that tighten the skin on the face without the need for invasive treatments like plastic surgery. The best way to access non-surgical skin tightening is to schedule a consultation with an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who will develop a treatment plan to suit your needs and aesthetic goals.

Many non-invasive skin tightening procedures are available at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side New York City dermatology office. One of the primary benefits of non-surgical skin tightening is that the procedures can eliminate mild to moderate skin laxity and improve other signs of aging, all without the need for any downtime. Dr. Green will most frequently turn to cosmetic procedures such as Thermage radiofrequency energy laser treatment, radiofrequency Microneedling, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), or dermal fillers to tighten the skin, eliminate the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, and reduce additional signs of aging. These non-surgical procedures can be used on the face and body to penetrate the dermis to boost new collagen production, tightening the skin and creating an overall more youthful appearance. Dr. Green may also pair in-office treatments with recommendations for topical skincare products to use at home, such as creams, moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and sunscreen, to improve the longevity of treatment results. There is no need for cosmetic surgery when optimal results are available with non-surgical skin tightening treatment at Dr. Green’s office.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her New York City office for more than 25 years. Dr. Green is a master at many anti-aging treatments, including Thermage radiofrequency energy treatment, Microneedling, laser resurfacing, Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and much more, providing patients with full facial rejuvenation and an overall youthful appearance. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and Castle Connolly.

Non-surgical skin tightening treatment

As a result of the natural aging process, collagen and elastin production decrease, which causes the skin to lose its natural structure, resulting in sagging skin that emphasizes wrinkles, creases, and volume loss. Loose skin around the eyes can lead to “hooding,” which is when sagging skin above the eyes covers the upper eyelid, creating shadows and a tired appearance. High skin laxity and drooping fat pads in the mid and lower face can lead to the appearance of jowls along the jawline. Loss of skin elasticity can affect other areas of the body as well, from the back of the hands to the arms, legs, and abdomen. Luckily, there are many non-surgical skin tightening treatment options available at Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office for patients of all skin types, including Thermage radiofrequency energy treatment and RF Microneedling. Skin tightening procedures can also be paired with other cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, Botox, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, to address different skin conditions and signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss.

When it comes to skin tightening treatment options, each procedure differs in its mechanism of action but uses a similar principle. Typically, the skin tightening treatment will use either a mechanical method or laser energy to cause controlled damage to the tissue in the dermis – or inner layer of skin. The controlled injury triggers the body’s natural healing response, which causes collagen and elastin production to increase, tightening the skin and improving skin tone and texture. Most patients will require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results, but there is no downtime associated with non-surgical skin tightening treatments and very little risk of significant side effects.

What is the best skincare for loose skin on the face?

Topical skincare products are very useful in maintaining the results of non-surgical skin tightening treatment and can be used daily at home for continued anti-aging effects. Lotions, creams, and moisturizers on their own do not provide dramatic skin-tightening results, but Dr. Green will often recommend skincare products following a non-surgical skin-tightening procedure. With her line of proprietary skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green is well-versed in the most effective topical solutions for anti-aging effects. In addition to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to keep the skin clear and hydrated, Dr. Green will often suggest that patients try her 3-step anti-aging system, combining vitamin C to boost collagen production, essential antioxidant infusion to exfoliate the skin, and a powerful sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.

Radiofrequency Microneedling for skin laxity

One of the most effective treatment options for skin tightening is Microneedling paired with radiofrequency energy laser treatment. Microneedling is a procedure in which tiny surgical-grade needles are used to pierce the skin, penetrating the dermal layer of skin to cause micro-wounds at the treatment area. The controlled damage caused by the needles triggers the body’s natural healing response, which boosts collagen and elastin production and encourages skin cell turnover for tighter, smoother skin. When paired with radiofrequency energy laser treatment, Microneedling is even more effective at tightening the skin. Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling uses a specific device where the needles release RF energy into the wounds, furthering the controlled damage and enhancing the effect of the treatment. RF Microneedling can be used in different areas of the face, and the penetration depth can be adjusted depending on the area being treated. For the bony areas around the eye, a 2mm-depth needle is used with a 15-30 radiofrequency energy level, whereas for the face and neck, a 3mm-depth needle is used with a 25-40 radiofrequency energy level.

BM 42 year old before and after fillers juvederm lips and nasolabial MGWatermark

Dermal fillers for facial contouring

Dermal fillers are an excellent treatment to pair with non-surgical skin tightening, as fillers work to restore lost volume, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and contour the cheekbones and jawline for an overall more youthful appearance. Several different types of dermal fillers are available at Dr. Green’s dermatology office, but typically, she will turn to the Juvederm and Restylane families of hyaluronic acid fillers. No one member of the Juvederm or Restylane portfolio is inherently better than the other; rather, each serves a slightly different purpose with a unique formulation and particle size. To restore lost volume in the midface and augment the cheekbones, Dr. Green will turn to Restylane Lyft or Juvederm Voluma. For moderate to severe wrinkles in the lower face, such as smile lines, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines, Dr. Green will choose Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, or Juvederm Vollure, depending on the severity of the creases. For delicate areas, such as under-eye hollows or fine lines around the mouth, Dr. Green will choose a filler with smaller particle sizes, like Restylane Silk or Juvederm Volbella. Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk can also be used for subtle lip augmentation, whereas Juvederm Ultra Plus and Restylane Kysse will provide more dramatic lip enhancement results. When contouring the jawline and reducing the appearance of jowls, Dr. Green will turn to Juvederm Volux to achieve facial symmetry and a perfectly chiseled look.

Ultherapy vs. Thermage for skin tightening

Thermage radiofrequency energy laser treatment is often considered the Gold Standard when it comes to skin tightening treatments. FDA-approved for skin tightening on the face, neck, decolletage, and body, Thermage works via the emission of radiofrequency energy, which heats the inner layer of the skin, causing controlled thermal damage. Right away, the heat causes water molecules to separate from the fibrous collagen, leading to an immediate tightening of the skin. Over time, however, the skin tightening continues to improve as the thermal damage boosts the body’s natural collagen and elastin production for smoother, tighter skin. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the Thermage procedure, as the Thermage device is equipped with a cooling setting that keeps the surface of the skin from feeling too hot.

Ultherapy differs from Thermage in its method of action: where Thermage causes controlled damage to the skin via radiofrequency energy emissions, Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to heat the deep inner layers of skin. While Ultherapy can penetrate deeper layers of skin than Thermage, the Ultherapy treatment is ultimately much more uncomfortable during treatment than Thermage. Ultherapy can also have unwanted side effects, such as unintentional fat loss in the treatment area, which can alter facial proportions.

How to choose a dermatologist for non-surgical treatment

When seeking any cosmetic treatment, it is essential to choose an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Green is a master at creating individualized treatment plans to help each patient achieve their unique aesthetic goals. Dr. Green has many treatment options available for a wide range of skin conditions and concerns, including Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening, RF Microneedling to improve skin tone and texture, Botox for dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers to contour the face and combat volume loss, chemical peels, and more. Experienced in treating patients of all skin types and skin tones, Dr. Green is well-versed in choosing treatment options that are safe and effective.

Am I a good candidate for non-surgical skin tightening treatment?

A good candidate for non-surgical skin tightening treatment is any patient struggling with mild to moderate skin laxity who does not want to undergo plastic surgery. Non-surgical skin tightening procedures, such as Thermage and Microneedling, can provide patients with excellent results, all without the need for any recovery time. Patients undergoing non-surgical treatment should note that multiple treatment sessions may be required to achieve optimal results, and the effects of the treatment are not permanent. However, the procedure can be repeated on an annual basis to maintain the treatment results.

Microneedling w PRP DrGreen MGWatermark

Can facial skin be tightened without surgery?

For patients wondering if facial skin can be tightened without plastic surgery, the answer is yes! Any surgical procedure comes with significant downtime and a much higher risk of adverse events, including bleeding, scarring, infection, and prolonged pain. Many patients feel apprehensive about plastic surgery – and for good reason! Luckily, there are many non-surgical treatment options for tightening the skin that provide patients with smooth, firm, tight, evenly textured skin, including Thermage RF skin tightening treatment and RF microneedling.

What is the best face-tightening procedure without surgery?

The Gold Standard for non-surgical skin tightening is Thermage radiofrequency treatment. Thermage tightens the skin by emitting radiofrequency energy that heats the inner layer of the skin, causing controlled damage to the tissue and triggering the body’s production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. Patients can see an immediate skin tightening effect following each Thermage treatment session, and the results will continue to improve over time as collagen production increases.

How do you tighten loose skin on your face?

Many patients wonder how to tighten the skin on the face. The best first step to tighten loose skin on the face is to schedule a consultation appointment with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. During your consultation, you will discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Green, and she will examine the treatment area to determine the treatment plan that will best meet your needs. For some, you may require only one cosmetic procedure, such as Thermage, and for others, it will be best to combine treatments for full facial rejuvenation – it all depends on your specific goals. After your treatment plan has been developed, Dr. Green’s office will schedule you for the necessary procedures and provide any before and aftercare instructions.

How to tighten face skin naturally at home

The natural aging process can wreak havoc on the skin of the face, leading to increased skin laxity, age spots, the development of wrinkles and creases, and volume loss. The best way to deal with the signs of aging naturally is to take preventative measures to slow the aging process. The most important form of prevention is always to wear sunscreen when going outside during the day – even during the winter. The UV rays emitted from the sun are harmful to the skin, and sun damage can speed up the signs of aging. Patients can also help to slow signs of aging by exercising often, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Once the skin begins to sag, however, there is very little that can be done at home to tighten the skin. Instead, patients can seek out non-surgical treatment options, such as radiofrequency energy skin tightening.

How to tighten face skin instantly

Many non-surgical skin tightening treatment options have results that improve over time. However, the results of Thermage radiofrequency laser treatment can be seen immediately in addition to improving over time. When the radiofrequency energy is emitted and absorbed by the tissue, it is converted to heat energy, which causes the water molecules in the skin to separate from the fibrous collagen, leading to an immediate contraction of the skin. This means that patients will see skin tightening results instantly following the procedure. The procedure also boosts the body’s natural production of collagen, meaning that treatment results will continue to improve over time.

GS before After Thermage MGWatermark

How to tighten sagging skin on the face

The best way to tighten sagging skin on the face is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michele Green, who will recommend the treatment option that will be most effective for you. Typically, Dr. Green will turn to Thermage radiofrequency treatment, which is often considered the Gold Standard for skin tightening treatment. Thermage RF treatment causes the skin to tighten immediately, and the results continue to improve in the weeks after undergoing the procedure. Most patients will require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results, and the effects of the treatment, with proper skin care at home, last for up to 2 years.

How do you tighten pores on the face?

When it comes to tightening the pores on the face, Dr. Green recommends the use of MGSKINLABs’ own Pore Minimizing Cleanser for acne-prone skin. The topical cleanser combines the active ingredients salicylic acid and glycolic acid to clear the skin of excess oil and sebum and minimize the appearance of the pores for smooth, clear skin. Patients should start by gently applying the cleanser, rinsing it off once a day, and then increasing it to two or three times daily as needed.

How to lift sagging jowls

Patients often wonder how to get rid of jowls on the face. Jowls can form on the face when the fat pads and loose skin in the mid-face begin to droop, affecting the contour of the jawline. When jowls form, it can create a heavy appearance on the lower face, causing many patients to wonder how to reverse signs of jowls. Luckily, there are many non-surgical options available. If jowls are caused primarily by loose, sagging skin, Thermage can be used to tighten the skin along the jawline. For stubborn pockets of fat on the neck, Dr. Green may turn to CoolSculpting to destroy the fat cells in the area, creating a slimming effect. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm Volux, can also be used to contour the jawline, correct asymmetry, and lift sagging jowls.

How to fix sun-damaged skin on the face

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to the face, usually in the form of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone and texture. Sun damage can also emphasize the appearance of other signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. To address hyperpigmentation from sun damage, Dr. Green will often turn to non-surgical procedures, such as chemical peels, which exfoliate the top layer of skin, promoting skin cell turnover for clearer, brighter skin, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which heats the deep layers of skin with multiple wavelengths of light to tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and eliminate hyperpigmentation.

How to tighten face skin with exercise

Some influencers on TikTok will expound on the effectiveness of skin-tightening exercises, saying that if you suck in your cheeks 100 times per day, your skin will appear tighter and smoother. The idea is that by building muscle, your face will appear more contoured. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating that face exercises work to reduce the appearance of sagging skin. In fact, strengthening facial muscles does not have a direct effect on the structure and elasticity of the skin.

How to tighten skin on the chin

When it comes to tightening the skin on the chin and augmenting the jawline, Dr. Green will often turn to a combination of Thermage and dermal filler treatments. Thermage can easily be used on the chin and jawline to tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of jowls and sagging skin. Juvederm Volux, the newest hyaluronic acid filler member of the Juvederm family of dermal fillers, has become the first FDA-approved filler specifically for use on the chin and jawline, providing a smooth, symmetrical contour.

AL 49 yo female before and after Thermage MGWatermark

How to tighten under-eye skin naturally

As we age, wrinkles begin to form under and around the eyes. Sagging skin under the eyes can result in the appearance of dark circles, creating a tired and drooping look. The skin under the eyes is naturally more “crepey” and delicate than other areas of the face, necessitating a gentle treatment option. Dr. Green will most often turn to Thermage to tighten the skin under the eyes, using a smaller tip, which gently tightens the delicate skin.

How can I tighten the skin on my face naturally?

Many patients look for a non-surgical treatment option to tighten the skin on the face. Whether you are apprehensive about undergoing a surgical procedure or you are finding that at-home treatments, such as serums and creams, provide insufficient results, a non-surgical treatment plan may be the right choice for you. The best way to start skin tightening treatment is to schedule your initial consultation with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green.

How to get started with non-surgical skin tightening treatment today

The natural aging process can wreak havoc on the face and body as collagen and elastin production decreases, leading to loose, sagging skin. High skin laxity on the face can also emphasize other signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss, and contribute to the appearance of jowls along the jawline. Previously, many patients believed that the only way to fix high skin laxity was to go under the knife and have plastic surgery. However, there are many non-surgical treatment options to tighten the skin for full facial rejuvenation, including Thermage radiofrequency energy laser treatment and radiofrequency Microneedling. These treatment options and much more are available at Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including non-surgical skin tightening treatments. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding skin rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to incorporate the cosmetic procedures best suited to their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and Castle Connolly for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please contact us online to schedule a consultation today, or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about non-surgical skin tightening and pan-facial rejuvenation.

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